Where to Shop for Makeup and Beauty in Toronto!

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 neighbor – 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.comhttp://www.annabelle.caI 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/HomeOnline 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 1^st here . Also for some products, they can be cheaper than ShoppersNo online storeWebsite: 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 storesWhat 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 favorite 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.https://www.marshallscanada.ca/en/index.asp
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.Online store: http://www.thebay.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/thebay
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 wonderlandWebsite: 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.http://www.icing.com/icing/ca/http://www.claires.com/store/ca/index.jsp?locale=en_CA&flag=CA
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 discountsWebsite: http://www.sallybeauty.com/
4.   Lush: No need for intro, they have amazing bath and beauty products. I especially like the Eaton center one, the staff is so warm and friendlyWebsite: 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.Website: http://www.yvesrocher.ca/control/main/
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 productsWebsite: http://canada.forever21.com/Product/Main.aspx?BR=F21
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!Website: http://www.hm.com/ca/subdepartment/LADIES?Nr=4294966132
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!Website: http://www.victoriassecret.com/beauty
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 1^st 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.
http://www.kwmagic.com/ http://www.blurmakeuproom.com/http://store.malabar.net/Make-up-Beauty-Make-up/http://www.hiscott.ca/plus/list.php?tid=48http://www.candyscostumeshoponline.com/http://www.alchemycenter.com/makeupartstudio/store.html
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. 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 stuff4.   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! Follow me on Twitter @ladydevzz