Under $100: Best Fashion and Beauty Buys For May

Cool Carryall

If you haven’t already picked up a straw bag, the time is now. It’s a chic way to embrace a trend, while still making sure that the shape and size of the bag make sense for your life. This small option has a detachable lining and is perfect for your next date night or brunch get-together. - Alexandra Donaldson, fashion & beauty editor

Straw Bag, $33, hm.com.

Ear Candy

Take a break from your hoops and switch to these simple, yet edgy, drop earrings. Whether you are a minimalist who loves basics or in search of the perfect accessory to complement an outfit for a special occasion, this super versatile rose gold pair is sure to take you from day to night. - Samara Abells, fashion & beauty intern

Design Lab Lord & Taylor Round and Oval Cut Out Earrings, $16, thebay.com.
 

Shirt Tales

When it comes to spring’s heavy hitters the shirt dress will go the distance in your wardrobe. Sure, there are a multitude of dress trends but every season we find ourselves re-falling in love with the belted shirtdress. We adore this one from Japanese retailer, Uniqlo. - Julia McEwen, fashion and beauty director 

Cotton striped long sleeve shirt dress, $50, uniqlo.com/ca.
 

Save Face

AmorePacific is a brand where I’ve loved everything I’ve tried (shoutout to the eye gel), so when I saw this cushion compact offering, I knew I needed to try it. It offers buildable coverage that feels super light, while maintaining that fresh-faced look I’m always after. It’s probably thanks to bamboo sap and green tea which offers hydration and antioxidant protection. - AD

AmorePacific CC Cushion, $78, holtrenfrew.com.
 

Six-Sided

It took me a while, but I’m finally on board the basket bag train. What I love most about this bag, aside from its unique shape, is that it’s not too bulky compared to similar products. Adding a fresh pop of colour to any outfit for spring, this distinctive crossbody purse serves as a great everyday bag. Dare to be different? - SA

Hexagonal Crossbody Bag, $46, zara.com.

Easy On The Eyes

I’ve been on the hunt for a natural-looking mascara that offers length pretty much forever. So when Glossier recently announced its new Lash Slick, a mascara that basically gives you lash extensions, I was very interested. Though I won't say this tube will replace lash extensions, I can say I was pleasantly surprised by how little it smudged, and how feathered my lashes looked. - AD

Glossier Lash Slick, $20, glossier.com.

Flawless Face

Is your face in need of a little pick-me-up? If you’re like me and prone to dry skin, hydrating face masks are key. In just 15 minutes, this super affordable pick transforms skin to feel firm and refreshed. Give yourself a little “me” time—you deserve it! - SA

Garnier Skinactive Moisture Bomb Mask Sachet,$3.50, amazon.ca.

Colour Pop

This summer, my goal is to add a bit more colour to my wardrobe. It’s easier said than done if, like me, your closet is a sea of denim, black and white. I’ll ease my way into it with one of my favourite hues, green, on a simple accessory. Plus, these will look great with my favourite denim and a white t-shirt. - AD

Suede Slides With Bow, $40, zara.com.

Moisture Surge

Is your skin dry? Like, Sahara Desert dry? I hope not because mine is and it's the worst. No amount of humidity can get it looking dewy and plump so I rely heavily on my beauty products, especially skin care, to transform my parched visage into something that resembles hydrated. I’ve been using Olay’s latest cleanser and I’m hooked. It feels like I’m cleansing with a moisturizer, which I love because it gives a rich, creamy lather. My skin never feels tight after, plus it smells incredible. -JM

Olay Cleansing Infusion in Crushed Ginger, $13, londondrugs.com.
 

Tied Up

A flattering striped dress is often hard to find. Enhance your figure—and confidence—by adding a tied belt cinched at the waist to disrupt the pattern. I'll wear this sleeveless flowy dress on its own or layered with a cropped jacket to transform the spring look. Comfortable and chic? Check! -SA

Bow Wrap Dress, $50, mango.com.

Subtle Sparkle

While statement-making jewelry is fun it’s not always suitable for everyday. For something you can wear 24/7 look for low-key pieces, however that doesn’t mean it's destined to look boring. We love delicate yet whimsical shapes such as stars and moons. This piece is light, pretty and would lend itself to being teamed up with other baubles, either subtle or bold. -JM

Noelle gold lariat necklace, $22, tobi.com.

All-In-One

If you’re going to pick up one makeup brush, make it this mega multi-tasker from Artis. It’s a great complexion tool and can be used with liquids, creams and powders as well as foundation, bronzers and blushes. Basically, it’s your one stop shop for a flawless face. - AD

Artis Elite Mirror Oval 7 brush, $88, sephora.ca.

Extra, Extra

Another season means another reason to purchase a new pair of shoes. It’s no secret that we on the Canadian Living style team are borderline obsessed with mules. These ones from Le Chateau are found in a beautiful navy satin complete with orange, pink and coral beading depicting an octopus. Unexpected? Yes. Incredible? Absolutely! -JM

Satin beaded octopus mule, $50, lechateau.com.

Nature Calls

Struggling to find a signature scent that’s not too fruity, sweet, or overpowering? We’ve got you covered. Maison Louis Marie’s roll-on perfume oil combines a dominant sandalwood and cedarwood scent with cinnamon, nutmeg and vetiver to produce an earthy fragrance that will be sure to trigger a ton of compliments. The perfume is super concentrated—a roll on your wrist at the beginning of the day is all you need! - SA

Maison Louis Marie No. 4 Bois de Balincourt Perfume Oil, $85, rooneyshop.com.

Glow On Girl

Last July famed green makeup brand, RMS, came out with an illuminating quad called Luminizer X. Canadian makeup artist and founder Rose-Marie Swift called one of these glowy shades “Champagne Rosé” and the internet couldn’t seem to get over its magical filter-like effect. I can’t say I tried it the first time around but the hype is real, and from what I've been reading, I believe iy. As soon as it’s back in stock (apparently any day now) I’m going to try it. The price tag is steep but I’ve tried every other colour of RMS Luminizers and each one has lasted for about a year. WORTH IT. - JM

RMS Champagne Rosé Luminizer, $47.50, thedetoxmarket.com.