Thoughtful Choices at Shoppers Drug Mart: Cruelty-Free, Chemical Free Green Beauty

In an effort to preserve our planet, many consumers are turning to green beauty products that are safer for our families and better for the environment. 

Shoppers Drug Mart offers a wide variety of Thoughtful Choices that are cruelty-free and formulated without: Parabens, Pthalates, SLS, SLES, Triclosan, Formaldehyde Agents and other harmful ingredients. These products are also made with recycled packaging.

Here are a few great brands that have made Shoppers Drug Mart's Thoughtful Choices list. 

 CLEANSING 

The Lise Watier Soothing Rose Petal Gel Toner ($31) is one of my favorites! The moisturizing formula eliminates traces of makeup, dirt, sweat, oil and impurities so skin appears smooth and radiant. Toning should be one of the most important steps in your skincare routine if you want a glowing complexion.

To keep your skin clear, clean and healthy, try Carbon Theory’s Breakout Facial Cleansing Bar ($12.99). This cleanser is lab-formulated for acne prone skin with charcoal and tea tree to draw out impurities and excess oil.

Another great product that helps keep blemishes at bay is the Clarins Clear-Out Targeted Blemish Control Lotion ($22). This milky liquid reminds me of the popular Mario Bedescu Drying Lotion. Apply the treatment directly to the blemish to dry it out and purify the skin with minimal scaring. 

Boscia makes fabulous skincare products and I love their Purifying Gel Cleanser ($45). Unlike many natural cleansers, this one provides a rich, milky, hydrating lather that deep cleans and purifies. It leaves my skin feeling silky and conditioned with no residue. 

MOISTURIZER 

In this category I’ll start with the Pacifica Glow Baby Booster Serum ($23). This vegan formula contains concentrated Vitamin C, Kakadu Plum and Glycolic Acid that brightens clogged dry skin. It has a mild scent and feels lightweight and supple. I use it before applying moisturizer and it works well as a makeup primer.

The Burt’s Bees Anti-Wrinkle Cream ($32.99) is 99% natural. The formula is infused with a long list of Botanicals, Vitamin E and Bakuchiol - a natural retinol alternative that stimulates cell turnover, smooths fine lines, diminishes wrinkles and improves skin tone and texture. The rich formula is very hydrating and leaves skin bouncy and incredibly supple.

The After Dark Natural Peptide Sleeping Cream ($45) is a cruelty-free, anti-pollution, skin transforming overnight treatment that is completely free of harmful ingredients. There is a long list of natural botanicals, fruit extracts and butters that lift, firm, smooth and rejuvenate the skin while you get your beauty rest. It may also help even skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots. The texture is quite rich and it has a naturally derived fragrance.

BODY CARE 

The Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Body Lotion ($33.99) targets dryness, breakouts and aging skin by speeding up cell turn-over and improving texture and tone. It helps firm loose skin around the knees while a blend of Squalane and Cocoa Butter smooths rough elbows and dry patches. The cream does not have much of a scent and the formula is lightweight and non-greasy which is perfect for summer.

If you haven’t made the switch to a natural deodorant, you should. Tom’s ($8.49) is a popular brand known for its aluminum and paraben free formula. It works for up to 24 hours and is gentle on sensitive skin. 

HAIR

I’ve seen the Monday Collection at Shoppers before, but this was my first time trying it. The Colour Protect Shampoo ($9.99) is sulfate and paraben free with a nourishing pH balanced formula that revives colour treated hair. I don’t dye my hair but I appreciate a great smelling shampoo that cleanses and refreshes my scalp without drying out my ends.

MAKEUP AND BEAUTY

*Evio Lip Serum ($22) – Packed with the healing power of hemp, peppermint and omega oils. This soothing serum keeps lips soft and supple by sealing in moisture and repairing the skin’s natural barrier. It also provides a cool refreshing sensation. A portion of the proceeds are donated to help women experiencing domestic violence. 

*Marcelle Talc-Free Quintet Eyeshadow ($16.99) – Spiced Cider 

*Quo Setting Powder Brush ($32) – Soft, luxurious vegan bristles that are perfect for pressed and loose powder. 

*Covergirl Last Blast Clean Mascara ($15.49) – Formulated without parabens, sulfates, talc and mineral oil. 

*Quo 50% Plant Based Blending Sponge ($12) 

*Quo Evergreen Plant-Based Nail Polish ($12.49) 

*Butter London Signature Glass Nail File ($16) 

*Quo Facial Razors 3 Pack ($9) – Removes peach fuzz. 

 You can find all of these eco-friendly beauty products at Shoppers Drug Mart and shoppersdrugmart.ca

Mary Kay Supreme Hydrating Lipsticks: Review and Swatches

The weather is finally starting to warm up here in Toronto so it’s time to head outdoors and break out you best and brightest lip colors. 

Mary Kay’s Supreme Hydrating Lipsticks will accentuate your pout with lush layers of conditioning Sunflower Oil and Vitamin E.

These bold pigments glide on buttery smooth and provide supple long-lasting moisture. The color is easy to apply and the versatile shades compliment all skin tones. 

The formula is juicy, semi-glossy, buildable and lightweight. Apply 1-2 layers for soft, sheer coverage or add more for an opaque finish.

I’ve been wearing these since the beginning of spring and although they do transfer (like most lipstick), they make my lips look plump and healthy. You can even wear them when your skin is dry and chapped because they moisturize and soothe like a balm.

My go-to shades are Casual Rose, Fuchsia Dream and Boho Plum – the deepest, most vivid hues. The lipsticks retail for $21 each at marykay.ca 

If you want beautiful blush to go with your gorgeous new lippies, check out the NEW Limited-Edition Gel Cream Blushes – available in 4 shades. 

These dewy, luminous pigments provide a fun pop of sheer subtle color that blends effortlessly to create a natural flush.

Because the formula is hydrating, there is absolutely no chalkiness and the color is quite buildable. 

The shades range from light to deep. Blushing Pink is great for fair skin tones while Simply Rose, Dewy Peach and Berry Happy (my personal fave), compliment all complexions.