Shoppers Drug Mart 2019 Spring/Summer Collection

This summer I’ve planned a few exciting trips and when the weather warms up, I will be hosting fun patio parties complete with delicious cocktails, great food, fun games and classic movies.

When my friends come over I usually put together cute gift bags loaded with products they will actually use, and this year Shoppers has a great selection of beauty essentials the girls will love!

After the winter we’ve had, I know I’m not the only one who needs a good nail treatment and a fresh coat of polish. Quo by Orly has a variety of cruelty-free, vegan formulas in trendy seasonal shades.

Neutral nails are very popular right now but I prefer bright hues like Dessert Rose – a beautiful pink coral. The Lacquers are creamy, shiny and saturated for superb coverage and durability.

The CC Creme ($12.00) infused with hyaluronic acid has a white tint that brightens yellowing nail beds damaged by improper care, false nail application and frequent manicures. Tough Cookie ($12.00) prevents breakage and promotes strong, healthy growth. When you’re ready to polish again, use the Bonder ($12.00) for durable manis and pedis. It works like double-sided sticky tape with a rubberized formula that improves color adhesion and prolongs wear.

Quo has also released a few travel-friendly eye shadow palettes in sandy summer tones and cool neutrals. The Limited-Edition Desert Rose and Desert Sun Compacts ($18.00 ea) contain 4 simple shades that range from bronze, soft gold, champagne and a pop of yellow or green for contrast. These are handy for creating quick looks but make sure to use primer to enhance pigmentation and wear. A few of the powders can also be used as highlighter.

If you prefer more vibrancy, L’Oreal’s La Petite Palettes ($11.96 ea) are well coordinated. The shadows are bold and smooth with fabulous color payoff and a nice mix of shimmer and matte. Maximalist has a gorgeous range of warm sunset hues that are perfect for date night while Stylist is cool and smokey with a brilliant pop of royal blue.

To help you prep, prime, moisturize and apply makeup like a pro, Shoppers offers a great selection of affordable beauty tools and skincare.

Pixi’s On-The Glow Multi-Use Moisturizer ($24.00) will be a staple in my summer tote. The portable balm can be used on the face, lips, body and hair to nourish and revitalize on-the-go. The formula is enriched with Vitamin D2, antioxidants, ginseng and glycolic acid to renew and soften.

If it’s time for a new makeup sponge (or you’re just too lazy to deep clean your current Beauty Blender), why not give this cute cactus a try?! For just $10 you get 2 small pieces designed with lots of angles and edges that get into hard to reach areas and blend foundation, concealer and powder with ease. Wetting the sponge softens and plumps the material for a smoother finish.

If you prefer to apply makeup with a brush, Quo's Limited-Edition Luxe Buffing Tool ($15.00) is great for contouring and blending liquid formulas without streaks. The bristles are firm yet soft and the large rounded surface gets the job done in half the time.

Don’t forget to lock-in your makeup with a good setting spray, especially when the weather is hot and humid. I’ve been using Prime and Fine by Catrice to minimize pores, moisturize and prolong wear. The liquid isn’t sticky but it does leave behind a supple film and the spray is quite forceful. Make sure to hold the bottle at least 30 cm away if you don’t want your face drenched.

The Cream Lip Stain ($10.00) in soft milky pink is actually quite bright once applied. I don’t know if I can pull off this color but I’m certainly going to try. The consistency is very rich and hydrating with a voluptuous full coverage finish.

Lately I’ve been favoring liquid highlighters because the effect is more natural and when blotted evenly with my beauty blender, I can achieve a seamless finish that catches the light. Nude by Nature’s Beach Glow Highlighter ($21.00) illuminates with a dewy sheen enriched with vitamin C and antioxidants for a little extra protection. The pigment is versatile and buildable (I also use it on my arms and shoulders) plus the radiant gold makes every skin tone look fresh and healthy.

Speaking of protection, don’t forget to stock-up on sunscreen this summer. As the climate heats up and daylight hours are extended, the UV index will also rise. Vichy’s Ideal Soleil Ultra-Fluid Tinted Lotion ($29.00) with SPF 60 effectively shields from UVA/UVB rays with a 100% mineral filter.

I decided to test the tinted sunscreen because the flesh tone pigment usually overshadows white residue. In this case I still notice a light grey film but when blended well and covered with makeup, it is less noticeable. The texture is lightweight and very liquid-y so it spreads easily and a little goes a long way. The non-greasy formula is safe for sensitive skin with 80 minutes of water and sweat resistance. (also available at vichy.ca)

My friends and I love a good face mask so when I host my next spa day/girl’s night, I’ll stock-up on a variety of rejuvenating treatments like the antioxidant rich Oh K Turmeric Sheet Mask ($5.99), Life Brand’s Purifying Bubble Mask ($4.99) or Masque Bar’s Rose Gold Foil Sheet ($3.99) for a blast of hydration.

Next time you’re browsing the aisles at Shoppers, make sure to check out some of these great products and get ready for some fun in the sun!