Move over BB, we’re into CC now.

We admit that to anyone but beauty enthusiasts, this sentence must sound like gibberish, but long-time readers will know that we love a product that multitasks. Short for ‘Complexion Corrector,’ the Almay CC Cream is packed with complexion improving ingredients, while conveniently providing coverage with one product. Unlike its predecessor BB, CC can be thought of as more of a skincare product, rather than a makeup one. Almay’s brand new Smart Shade CC Cream does the trick without having to spend a fortune on multiple products.

Wear alone for a light summer cover up nad you've got this season's minimal trend covered. —Anya Georgijevic

$16.95 at London Drugs and Shoppers Drug Mart.

We’re suckers for luxe creams in pretty packaging, but sometimes, it’s those cheap and cheerful drugstore buys that work the biggest miracles.

Chapped lips be gone. Our kit is never without a pot of good old-fashioned Vaseline.

Essence Cosmetics is another makeup kit staple. The colours are gorgeous, with nothing over $3.99. Bargain.

When we can’t be bothered to wash our hair, Klorane's dry shampoo (or a chic cashmere beenie) works wonders.

Another mane miracle, is the restorative conditioning mask from Live Clean’s argan oil collection.

And for winter worn hands, few things beat Burt’s Bees hand salve.

—Athena Tsavliris

Because beauty doesn’t have to cost a pretty penny, we’re spilling the deets on our best-loved drugstore products. Trust us: They are as affordable as they are awesome

Simple Skin Care
A staple since our teen years, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser ($9.19) is still the best sensitive-skin cleanser we’ve ever come across.

Hold It
The gold standard of hairspray, find me a stylist that doesn’t swear by L'Oréal Elnett Satin Hairspray ($11.99).

Back to Basics
Why spend a fortune on artisan lip balms when good old Vaseline ($1.99) will do? No girl should be without it.

Quick Change Artist
We change our polish as often as our pants (yes, daily) so there’s no point in shelling out on expensive lacquers. Sally Hansen’s Complete Salon Manicure Nail Polish ($6.99) is five-steps-in-one. Save on time and cash.

Simple Soap
Beautifully packaged hand-milled soaps belong
among our delicates. To keep us squeaky clean, we choose the ever-so-lovely Dove ($1.99 for a 2 pack). —Athena Tsavliris

All products available at Shoppers Drug Mart, www.shoppersdrugmart.ca

Our childhood discomfort in the dental chair has been replaced by slick offices with personal TVs and spa-like facilities—but it all starts with the daily brush.

Just in time for Earth Day we tested a sustainable, compostable, biodegradable dental line, Clean Idea. Designed in Vancouver and made from veggies like potatoes, corn, tapioca and wheat, the children's toothbrush ($3.99) has soft bristles and a handle designed especially for small hands, while the kid's ecoflosser is topped with a Mr. Molar cartoon.

We'll get over our headgear one day.

For national retailers, click here.

There are creams that belong in a safe they’re so luxe, but we’ll stick with our trusty drugstore favourites. Herewith, five products no girl should be without:

Nothing in our kit serves as many uses as Vaseline. Tame bushy brows, add luster to lashes and moisten chapped lips with the best balm money can buy. At Shopppers Drug Mart, www.shoppersdrugmart.ca

For an instant glow, we massage a few drops of The Aromatherapist Rosehip Oil ($29.99) into our cheeks. Whole Foods Market, 87 Avenue Rd., Toronto, 416-944-0500, www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/toronto

We survived the teenage years thanks to Clearasil (from $10) and to this day, it’s still our choice for pesky pimples. At Shopppers Drug Mart, www.shoppersdrugmart.ca

When we’re pressed for time, Revlon’s quick dry coat ($6.15) helps us make a smudge free dash. At Well.ca

For silky soft skin, we love Burt’s Bees natural moisturizing body lotions (from $12.99). Whole Foods Market, 87 Avenue Rd., Toronto, 416-944-0500, www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/toronto

—AT

The smell of barbecues, campfires and sunscreen tantalizes our senses and affirms that summer is here. And so does the stench of most bug sprays.

This year, we’re keeping the bugs at bay with Buzz Away, a DEET-free insect repellent with cedarwood, citronella, peppermint, eucalyptus and lemongrass. Although you have to apply it more frequently than other repellents, the smell is subtle and more fresh than fierce and the convenient 60 ml bottle ($10.25) is easy to tote around.

Cottage country, here we come.

$10.25 at Well.ca