HCD Blog

We all know that when it comes to our health it’s never worth compromising on quality — but does that mean you have to invest in every single beauty product? It can be hard to maintain a consistent regimen when every bottle and beauty product starts to add up.

Our team is the first to understand the value of quality so we went straight to the source and asked about their high-end must-haves and over-the-counter faves. They shared when they refuse to skimp on quality, and when they trust the drugstore version. Here’s what we learned:

Makeup

High-End:

• Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow $65
  • “My absolute must-have. I love this makeup primer. I add it to my foundation for a subtle luminous effect but it also blends perfectly with my tinted SPF for days when I don’t feel like wearing makeup.” – Hollander
• Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat  $50
  • “Luxurious gold wand, provides a luminous glow, and it’s easy to blend. My favourite highlighter!” -- Ameei
• NARS The Multiple $50
  • “I love this product in “orgasm” and keep one in my purse to add a touch of highlight and colour to my lips, cheeks and eyes on the go. It’s amazing!” -- Sherry
• Latisse $200
  • “It’s a little bottle of magic! It lengthens and fills in my brows and lashes, and last several months. My lids are very sensitive to artificial lashes and glues so this is the perfect solution!” – Monika
• Yves Saint Laurent Lip Oil $40
  • “YSL is my favourite of the lip oils I have tried. The texture is silky and hydrating, and they smell amazing. The colours are subtle and provide a touch that lasts.” -- Dr. Humphrey
• Tom Ford Lipstick $72
  • “Ultra luxurious lipstick with a creamy finish. The colour collection is amazing and the product feels smooth and hydrating.” - Catherine

Over the Counter:

• Avene SPF 50 Tinted Compact $30
  • “It’s super convenient in a compact — I apply it like a sunscreen!” – Cat
• Maybelline Dream Lumi Highlighting Concealer $15
  • “A great concealer. Light weight but good coverage, blends nicely and doesn’t crease throughout the day.” -- Ameei
• L’oreal Double Extend Tube Mascara $15
  • “I have super sensitive eyes and using any eye make-up remover causes redness and irritation. This mascara washes off with warm water and leaves absolutely no raccoon eyes behind!” -- Arya
• Pillow Plump clear lip gloss, Soap and Glory $18
  • “Hydrating, lip plumping gloss that actually makes my lips appear fuller. One of the few plumping glosses that actually are effective!” -- Natalie

Skin/Haircare

High-End:

• SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF $175
  • “I apply it daily before sunscreen, as added protection from the sun. It’s light, easily absorbed by my skin, and doesn’t cause my skin to breakout.” -- Janet
• Aesop’s Rejuvenate Body Balm $126
  • “It not only combats the effects of dryness but also makes you smell and feel like you’re at the spa. I love applying it after the shower.” – Anita
• Colorscience Sunforgettables SPF50 $83
  • “I love this because it’s an all-mineral sunscreen that provides total protection in one convenient, on-the-go application. It can be used alone or over makeup.” -- Jessica M
• Bumble and Bumble Brownish Hair Powder $49.50
  • “It’s an amazing dry shampoo and I use it to give my fine hair a thicker texture for style. It’s my absolute must-have!” – Amy
• Olaplex Hair Perfector $60
  • “I love this product because it protects, strengthens and tames my fine wavy hair. The best part – it smells great and actually works.” - Trish

Over the Counter:

• Jamieson Vitamin E Oil $14
  • “I love using this vitamin E oil on my lips, especially in the cold winter months. It has a nice, thick, luxe feeling — no lipstick required!” – Trish
• Simple Kind to Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes $9.99
  • “They are the most gentle wipes I have used – great to pack when travelling.” – Amy
• Jergens Touch of Sun $13
  • “I use the Jergen Touch of Sun for fair skin. I like that it blends well, doesn’t leave any streaks and builds colour gradually. The result is very natural – it’s one of my go-tos in the summer.” – Dr. Humphrey
• Avene Thermal Spring Water $12
  • “I love this hydrating spray... I use it twice during my morning routine! I use it with my HA5 to allow for more hydration, and I also use it after my mineral makeup up as a setting spray for a dewy look.” -- Meghan
• Reversa Skin Smoothing Body Lotion $27
  • “It helps to hydrate and smooth rough skin. It can be particularly effective for backs of the arms and rough patches on the elbows and knees.” -- Dr. Beleznay

Tools

High-End

• Clarisonic $300
  • “I love this gentle, yet thorough electric cleansing system. This micro-massage exfoliates making my skin feel more soft and clean.” – Meghan
• Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Toothbrush $235
  • “It keeps my smile pearly white and my dental check-ups a breeze! Plus it’s a sleek and sexy look on the countertop and when travelling.” -- Arya

The best place to start, when thinking about beauty, is your skin. Learn more about the products our team recommends for your daily routine — at any price point — visit us in person, and shop our in-clinic boutique.