Splurge vs. Save: Best Summer Beauty Buys

From drugstore favourites, to luxury serums, these items are exactly what we’re adding to our carts and our beauty routines this summer.
We get that not everyone can drop their paycheque on Sephora sale day. So, we’ve rounded up the tried and true products we’ve tested, love and keep using over and over. Read on to learn what’s worth splurging on and what affordable buys you should snatch up, no matter your budget.

The Ordinary

1 / 10

Save: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

This under $7 serum helps me win my daily battle with adult acne. Used twice a day before moisturizer, it has helped reduce redness of my acne flare ups and given me more confidence in my complexion. — Jenny P., digital strategist.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, $6

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Shoppers Drug Mart

2 / 10

Save: CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream

I’ve tried so many high-end moisturizers, and had breakouts almost every time. I’ve finally started using this CeraVe product and am loving how soft it feels on my skin — and no breakouts! Also, it was developed with dermatologists, so it feels like I’m doing something good for my skin. — Sonia S., social producer

CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, $25

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SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense Serum

Dermstore

3 / 10

Splurge: SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense Serum

This product is my go-to for dealing with blemishes. I use it as a spot treatment (since it’s so freakin’ expensive). I put it on at the first sight of a new pimple starting under the surface of my skin, and by the next morning, it’s significantly reduced or totally gone! Magic. — Sonia S., social producer

SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense Serum, $110

Glossier

4 / 10

Save: Glossier Cloud Paint

Easy application and blends in so well, gives off a natural looking glow for summer. — Sunita H., community manager

Glossier Cloud Paint, $22

Anastasia Beverly Hills Norvina Pro Pigment Palette

Sephora

5 / 10

Splurge: Anastasia Beverly Hills Norvina Pro Pigment Palette

Everyone needs at least one good eyeshadow palette in their life. Whether it's a neutral everyday look, or a colourful, intense one, the possibilities are endless with this palette! — Tracey M., digital producer

Anastasia Beverly Hills Norvina Pro Pigment Palette, $79

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Lash Bloom Conditioner and Enhancer Serum

Lashes By Design

6 / 10

Splurge: Lash Bloom Conditioner and Enhancer Serum

I took my fake lashes off after a year of getting lash extensions and I looked like a naked mole rat. This serum literally made my lashes look freakishly long after a month and I swear by it. — Alexa K., social media manager

Lash Bloom Conditioner and Enhancer Serum, $75

L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation

Walmart

7 / 10

Save: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation

Just as good as high-end foundations, lasts all day, and gives a nice glow to the skin! — Brittany P., social marketing strategist

L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation, $16

Dermstore

8 / 10

Save: Avene Gentle Toning Lotion

I used to spend some serious cash on toner, thinking anything with a $50+ price tag had to be better. Not here, folks! I added this toner to my regular routine morning and night and my pores got smaller (ahhhh!) and my skin texture is like velvet. Slow clap for an affordable product. — Darcy M.

Avene Gentle Toning Lotion, $20

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Sephora

9 / 10

Splurge: Ouia Treatment Masque

Admittedly I've been neglecting my strands in quarantine as I've been wearing ponies all day that leave some serious breakage. I've added this new product to my routine and have seen a difference.Hot tip: I work this treatment through my strands before a sweat session, and wash it out after. #HairHack. — Darcy M.

Ouia Treatment Masque, $42

Kiehl's

10 / 10

Splurge: Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Eye-Opening Serum

This product typically targets an older consumer but because my Asian eyes have developed folds in my thirties, I have to use this to prevent further drooping. Depressing, I know. — Chloe T., editor

Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Eye-Opening Serum, $63

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