Let me preface this by saying that $20 does not mean the same thing in Canada as it does in the US. Don't go checking the exchange rate now -- it's just different, even on days where our dollar is actually higher. Realistically, I'd say $25 dollars is more applicable, but I did manage to fit everything on this list under $20 without resorting to minis, DIYs, drug store or value packs -- not that I don't adore all of those things! But in terms of full-sized, regularly available, ready-to-go products, here are ten that fit the price range that I've repurchased.
Indian Aztec Healing Clay $9 -- this is your one-stop solution for all skin problems -- add apple cider vinegar for an extra kick.
Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm $13 -- Pricey for a lip balm, but the best I've tried.
Murad Acne Clearing Treatment $18 -- I use this as an all-over treatment when my skin starts sassing me.
Clinique High Impact Mascara $19.50 -- I don't even know why I bother with anything else. This is hands-down the best mascara I've ever used, and I regret straying from it every single time.
MAC Lipstick $19 -- there's a reason this product is so cult; you get an incredible range of colours, so you're sure to find something you like, and the formulas all come in different finishes with varying levels of hydration.
Inglot Blush $19 -- these are even cheaper if you get just the pan from the Freedom System, but a full-size blush still fits within $20!
OPI Nail Polish $9 -- one of the most famous nail brands in the world for a reason; the formula is unbelievable, the brush is so incredibly easy to maneuver, and you're guaranteed to find a colour that works for you.
Hakuhodo J5523 brush $19 -- it's cheaper, softer and washes up better than the MAC 217. If not for the fact that I had already purchased three when I discovered this, I would have switched over completely.
Pai Muslin Cloth $5 -- screw the Clarisonic, just get 10 of these. Seriously.
Klorane Dry Shampoo $16.99 -- this smells so clean and does such an incredible job that I could go a week without washing my hair (if I were so inclined).
I need to try the Clinique mascara! And I've been wanting to try the Klorane dry shampoo but it's not available here. That's really too bad.
ReplyDeleteSeriously the clinique mascara works even on my ultra wimpy lashes. Get it get it get it
DeleteI LOVE that dry shampoo! I've tried a whole bunch of others and now I really know, this is it, this is my hg dry shampoo.
ReplyDeleteGreat list. Man, it sucks you guys get the short end of the stick in terms of pricing in Canada. I commiserate only because NYC-area pricing is also crazy nuts although I still think less nuts than your pricing over there.
For sure it's my hg for dry shampoo, there's nothing like it! I've had actual shampoos make my hair feel less clean.
DeleteOmg if you ever come to Toronto 1) call me 2) set foot in a sephora and prepare for sticker shock
Definitely love how Mac lipstick are under $20, just means I can buy more, right? Also Im very intrigued by the Indian Aztec Healing Cream :)
ReplyDeletewww.recalcitrantgirl.com
Its the most amazing clay mask! And there are so many ways you can make it your own
DeleteGotta get that Klorane Dry Shampoo for Marky for sure. Seriously good hair products from that brand. And I don't have an Ingot Blush-that's insane, right?
ReplyDeleteWHAT. HOW DO YOU NOT HAVE AN INGLOT BLUSH.
DeleteDefinitely Nuxe! Its the best and its lasts a long time so I haven't really loathed the price! Also I am dying to get hold of some new brushes I was hoping to ravage a Hakuhodo counter at Tokyo (if I am there soon enough)
ReplyDeleteTheConscienceFund
Hakuhodo brushes are SO worth the price! They're not nearly as expensive as branded brushes and they're much better quality!
DeleteI totally agree about Clinique High Impact (that and Lash Doubling are my faves) and I've been so pleasantly surprised with the Inglot blushes I picked up this year. I need to try Reve de Miel too! xo
ReplyDelete-Jen
www.vibrantbeautyblog.com
I actually haven't tried lash doubling! I also want to bottom lash, it reminds me of lash discovery from Maybelline (I think? It's been discontinued so long I can't remember) and that was the only one that would fit under my eyelid
DeleteYasssss, another lover of High Impact! Didn't know Pai did muslins until I saw them at Whole Foods the other day. Might return and pick one up once my muslin gets too gross. I love OPI for their brushes, but their colour selection (to me) is shite. If OPI did Essie colours, I'd be in heaven (ESSIE, Y UR BRUSHES SO SMALL????)
ReplyDeleteThey sell them at while foods?!?! I've been ordering online! I don't even know what the colour range for Essie is since their brushes are so minuscule.
DeleteTotally agree with you that 20$ in Canada and US is really not the same.. Especially for beauty products! I must hunt down Pai muslin cloth *need one!!*
ReplyDeleteApparently they sell them at whole foods! I also get mine from Beauty Bay --they will actually change your life.
DeleteThere's a whole foods here in Toronto????? Why do I not know this....
ReplyDeleteYes!!! Just north of Avenue and bloor :-)
Deletewait whatts? the hakuhodo is actually cheaper than MAC? i've mostly avoided anything hakuhodo 'cause i just assumed all the brush prices were ridic..
ReplyDeleteDefinitely not! There are a few lines within the brand, and while some brushes are pricier they definitely have more affordable ones!
DeleteOkay now I'm definitely interested in Pai. I've been reading up so much about it, it's definitely a brand I want to try out this year. :)
ReplyDeleteCompletely agree about Nuxe. :)
i want that hakuhodo brush!! Need to get it one of these days (though i'm avoiding shopping for the moment after the last few weeks!)
ReplyDelete