I used to work at a cosmetics counter at shoppers drug mart (closest thing we have to an Ulta in Canada). We used to get free products to try all the time, here are the ones I got to try and actually liked !
Sections
6
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Serums
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Moisturizers
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Lip products
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Complexion makeup
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Suncare
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Miscellaneous
Serums
Serums are normally before moisturizers and after cleansing
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It's expensive but I got it for free and used it like liquid gold. A lot of clarins stuff felt overhyped and the whole plant ingredient storyline felt silly but this product was just really good. I enjoyed the light texture version of this too for su...
Double Serum - Best Anti-Aging & Anti-Wrinkle Serum | CLARINS®
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My favourite for sensitive skin. Calming, super hydrating, best used on slightly damp skin. Let dry before layering other products
Insanely pricy BUT that being said it’s three serums in one so one application and it saves you from buying 1-2 serums. Can be a bit sensitizing for people with super sensitive skin so might be best layered over a plain lightweight moisturizer to sta...
A solid choice if you like a dropper bottle and a bit of a scent. I personally prefer the Vichy Mineral 89 but this one is also great, but I would be careful around the eyes
Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum with Hyaluronic Acid - La Roche-Posay
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We love niacinamide and this one is really great for hyperpigmentation and evening skin tone!
Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum With Melasyl™ + Niacinamide
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A solid choice for evening skin tone
Vichy LiftActiv B3 Serum for Dark Spots
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Vitamin c is great for brightening, but best for daytime because it’s ideally not to be used with retinol
Vitamin C12 Serum for Anti-Aging | La Roche-Posay
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Retinol AND vitamin b3?! Yes please!! Perfect night serum combo to use with a plain moisturizer or one with hyaluronic acid
Retinol B3 Pure Retinol Serum for Anti-Aging l La Roche Posay
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SO GOOD. Exfoliates gently and brightens, opaque bottle
15% Vitamin C + PHA Serum - neostrata
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PHA is a great exfoliant that’s super gentle
Bionic Face Serum - neostrata
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A good serum, the Avene line is good for sensitive skin
Hydrance BOOST Concentrated Hydrating Serum - Avène USA
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Amazing choice since it’s multiple actives in one
OLAY Super Serum | 5 Benefits in 1
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Same great serum but in a formula optimized for night time
Super Serum Night Repair - OLAY
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Amazing for travel because the capsules have such a tiny footprint and the amount contained in the capsule is perfect for the entire face and a little extra
The best for travel because of how potable the little capsules are and the amount within is perfect for the whole face and a bit extra
Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules Radiance Renewal Serum
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The best for travel because of how potable the little capsules are and the amount within is perfect for the whole face and a bit extra. If you can find these at Costco go for it !!
Ceramide Serum Capsules - Elizabeth Arden
Moisturizers
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A solid choice but I do recommend touching up with sunscreen throughout the day
Olay Super Cream SPF 30, Lightweight Face
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Such a simple formula and texture but it just works
Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil: hydrating lip oil with a gloss effect | Dior US
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It’s not as good as the Dior, but you can buy like so many of them for the price of the Dior one so it’s probably worth it, it’s not bad at all, great texture. It just has a minty scent versus the cherry coke of the Dior. Feels a bit less luxe and th...
Glow Reviver Lip Oil | e.l.f. Cosmetics
Complexion makeup
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The gold standard for long wear and events- ask for a sample or to try the new formula to make sure it works for you !
Double Wear Stay-in-Place Longwear Matte Foundation
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Solid choice - goes well with the foundation (be very wary because some foundations are water or silicone based so you want to make sure your concealer isn’t the other one or they might separate or cause the makeup to split). I like sticking with the...
