The Best Beauty Items to Buy at Dollarama

Dollarama has some of the best beauty items available at their stores, and the best thing is - they cost you a fraction of what you would pay elsewhere for the exact same items!

I’m hesitant to buy certain things at the dollar store, such as most food, baby items, and things that go on my skin (such as beauty items). Perhaps I’m overly cautious, but I just can’t be sure of the safety of some products.

My exception to this has always been name brand items. However, recently I learned that some name brand items sold at Dollarama were actually manufactured in places other than Canada or the United States. For example, Colgate toothpaste, which is usually manufactured in Canada, was being sold at Dollarama, and it was manufactured in Mexico.

It’s important to check labels when purchasing items that will be consumed or used on your body. We need to be careful and know exactly what we are buying. With that caution to check manufacturing countries, I bring you my list of…

The best beauty items to buy at Dollarama

E.L.F. Cosmetic Brushes

These brushes are wonderful quality, and retail for at least double if you buy them elsewhere. Cosmetic brushes should be replaced every 6 months or so, so it’s a great idea to stock up when you see these at the dollar store!

Goody Ouchless Hair Brushes

This exact same brush is at Walmart right now for over $10. At Dollarama, it’s $3. We have this brush and love it! My daughter has very thick hair, and it truly helps to get the knots out, without too much pulling.

Loofah and Poufs

These can be found in 3 packs for just $1. They are smaller then the ones you get at a place like Shoppers Drug Mart, but work just as well. They do tend to unravel after a few months, but you should be replacing them regularly anyway, for hygienic reasons.

Cosmetic Sponges/Wedges

The cosmetic sponges and wedges are great for spreading foundation, or applying anything to your skin. Big bags of the wedges can be found, ranging from $1-$1.50.

Hair Elastics/Clips & Headbands

You can expect to find name brand elastics and hair supplies at Dollarama as well (Goody brand is often found). These are great quality and a very good buy.

Maybelline Mascara

If you’re looking for mascara, name brand varieties, such as Maybelline, are available at Dollarama from time to time (they sell out quickly). You can expect to pay much less then at any other store! The cost is usually under $2 for one tube of mascara.

Sally Hansen Nail Polish

There are always a variety of nail polishes available at the dollar store. Be cautious when using dollar store nail polishes (remember, your fingers often come into contact with your mouth) - try to only stick with name brands. Sally Hansen and NYC nail polishes are regularly found for $1.

credit

Covergirl Pressed Powder & Foundation

I did some research and it seems that sometimes when a name brand product, such as Covergirl, releases a new year’s line of powders, the last year’s line can wind up at dollar stores. This makes for a great deal if you’re in the right place at the right time. The liquid foundation is regularly available at Dollarama.

L’Oreal Lipstick

Many different name brands of lipsticks and glosses, such as L’Oreal, can be found at Dollarama. These range in cost, but generally you can expect to pay less then $2 each.

Almay Eye Shadow

A pressed pack of Almay eye shadow costs only $3. At Walmart, the same pack can cost around $5 for the exact same thing!

It may be surprising to see so many name brand items at Dollarama, but they’re there (here’s how they get those name brand items). It’s important to keep your eyes open and pounce when you see a brand that you love, as it may not be there very long. Also, remember to check the expiry date and manufacturing location.

It’s also important to consider coupons before making a dollar store purchase. Sometimes using a coupon at a big box store can save you even more then purchasing from the dollar store.

Of course, Dollarama also has many, many different glass jars and empty plastic travel kits to make your own homemade beauty items. In many cases, this is a safer and healthier option – and done right, can be quite inexpensive! I will be sharing some of my favourite homemade dollar store DIY beauty products soon.

What is your favourite dollar store beauty item?