Ever been to Toronto or planning to or wondering what to ask your
friend/cousin to bring back from TO?
As a makeup addict and shopaholic, I have found Toronto a great
place to shop for, though definitely not as best as its neighbour – NYC [sigh!]
So this is a shopping guide based on my experience of shopping for
makeup & beauty stuff here and hope it’s useful for you!
Some superb Canadian makeup brands:
1.
Bite Beauty – Yes, this superb lipstick brand
is from Toronto –so 3 cheers! http://bitebeauty.com/blog/sample-page/
2.
Cargo cosmetics - http://www.cargocosmetics.com/ Never tried anything yet.
3.
Vasanti Cosmetics: www.vasanticosmetics.com/ca - Never tried any of their products
but everything looks tempting!
4.
Annabelle and sister company Marcelle - www.marcelle.com
http://www.annabelle.ca
I love Annabelle’s twist up crayons and Marcelle BB and CC creams.
Drugstore Shopping
1.
Shoppers Drug Mart : I don’t know if its fair
to categorize Shoppers as a drugstore as it carries high end makeup as well.
They have a specialized Beauty boutique in select locations.
For the budget conscious, they carry Essence Cosmetics which is an
awesome and fun brand.
What I
like: Lots of stores, friendly sales staff and if you’ve signed up for
their Optimum card, you get coupons every Friday
What I
don’t like: They can be pricier than other stores.
Details on brands and locations: https://www1.shoppersdrugmart.ca/en/Home
Online store: www.murale.ca
[high end boutique]
2.
Rexall: This is also a popular drugstore and
carries NYX and recently Wet n Wild [though usually never the latest offerings
from these brands! L]
What I
like: They are usually faster in carrying the latest products; I found
NYC lip crayons, Revlon balm stains launched 1st here . Also for
some products, they can be cheaper than Shoppers
No online
store
Website: http://www.rexall.ca/
3.
Walmart: Well, I don’t think they need intro.
Curiously, I find that Walmarts in Toronto are kind of messier and carry lesser
product variety than Walmarts in places like Kitchener.
What I like: Sometimes they have good deals. Depending on which
store you go to, you can find Milani, Wet n Wild etc. Don’t expect any high end
brands.
What I don’t like: Counters are usually messy; products are often
left used. Very few staff to support and help.
Details: www.walmart.ca
4.
Real Canadian Super store and Zehr’s : I love
these stores cos they have nice displays which are better maintained that
Walmart. They carry Milani, Wet n wild and I have seen new ELF palettes
sometimes.
What I Like: Better selection and well maintained stores
What I don’t like: Nothing much except that I wish they had more drugstore
brand range similar to US stores.
5.
Target: In Canada, Target doesn’t show in full
potential – I must admit I am a bit disappointed with them; there was such an
expectation and hype of Target bringing some new goodies with it.
What I
Like: You can buy Sonia Kashuk and Pixi here. Sonia Kashuk lippies are
great; I have never tried Pixi yet.
What I don’t
like: It’s a bit disappointing to visit Target after watching all
those Youtube haul videos where they show case the amazing stuff available at
Target US.
6.
Winners: These are a set of retail stores –
similar to Marshalls; they sometimes have ELF and some other cosmetics.
Not a favourite as displays are usually messy and weirdly priced.
Website: https://www.winners.ca/en/index.asp
7.
Marshalls: These stores are part of TJMAXX
group but I am not sure if they are as good as their parent stores.
I have not found many brand offerings here; they carry ELF and
some other stuff. I go there if I need to find a cute top.
Department stores:
1.
Sears: Again, no need of intro. They carry
high end brands like Clarins, Clinique and usually have some or other
promotions running.
Again, don’t expect brand availability like their US stores.
However, I never find their sales staff available in most of the
stores I have been to in GTA area.
Online store: http://www.sears.ca/
2.
Hudson’s Bay: They have a history in Canada
and is the oldest in NA. I also find their stores excellent from an ambience
and brand selections view.
They carry MAC along with other high end brands. They also have
Fashion Fair – a line for women of color and Illamasqua.
3.
Holt Renfrew: This is a luxury department
store; I have never been to one, may visit soon.
They carry Laura Mercier and I have read somewhere that Lime Crime
is also available there.
Website : http://www.holtrenfrew.com/
Speciality stores and others:
1.
Sephora: Again, no need for intro. I love em!
Its like going to a wonderland
Website: http://www.sephora.com/
2.
Claire’s and Icing: These are a set of retail
stores targeted for Teens. But nothing to stop us from shopping.
I like their brushes and eyeshadow sets.
3.
Sally Beauty Supply: Mostly targeted for
business buyers but they carry lots of interesting stuff like Palladio, Femme
Couture & Sally girl.
They usually have deals and if you get a beauty card, you get good
discounts
Website: http://www.sallybeauty.com/
4.
Lush: No need for intro, they have amazing
bath and beauty products. I especially like the Eaton centre one, the staff is
so warm and friendly
Website: www.lush.ca
5.
Yves Rocher: It is a French beauty brand and
they have a good store at Eaton Centre. However I prefer buying online as I
find more deals and offers.
6.
Forever21: I like their lipsticks and face
wipes. This is not for the serious buyer, but for the fun-seeking ones.
Also if you’re on a budget you might like trying out their products
7.
H&M: They have some cosmetics but it
differs from store to store. Not a fan of this, but if you are looking for fun
products, why not!
8.
Victoria’s Secret: The lingerie brand has some
amazing cosmetics; they don’t need any additional ads, just look at their
models!
I got a highlighter from their Eaton Centre store and I am
sooooooooo in loveeee.. A lipstick costs $14 [MAC costs $15] so they are
definitely not a drugstore brand!
Malls:
1.
Eaton Centre -> Busy, crowded always but I
love shopping at this iconic place. Stores- MAC [not a great store, staff kinda
snooty], The Body Shop etc.
2.
Fairview Mall -> More peaceful; has Face
shop, L’Occitane –so well worth a visit
3.
Pacific Mall -> Again crowded. I found this
kinda confusing on my 1st visit. Reputed to have some great Korean
stores
4.
Scarborough Centre -> I found this mall
kind of dingy.
5.
Dufferin Mall -> Okay Dokey but if you are
visiting Toronto, don’t waste time going here!
6.
Square One, Mississauga -> Awesome mall;
wear a pair of nice walking shoes cos it goes on and on… Lots of stores so a
great place for full day shopping
Makeup Artist shopping:
I am adding some links below for store. I have visited only the KW
Magic store. The staff was nice but I find that its easier to do a one-stop
shopping during IMATS.
Some great online stores:
1.
www.nailpolishcanada.com - Love, love, love… I got Lime Crime from
there recently; superb customer service and FREE SHIPPING!!!!
2.
www.well.ca –
a really great online store; I make at least one purchase per month. Only complaint is
that they don’t send any coupons or offers…
3.
www.iherb.com
– This is a US based store but they carry lots of interesting stuff
4.
www.urbanoutfitters.com
– A Great store to check out…lots of brands and options!
This is a living list- let me know of brands and stores you love!
