I am a self confessed product snob. The products I rave the most about, and the products I most enthusiastically recommend to readers and friends, tend to be higher end department store finds. But that does not mean I'm above loving a great drugstore product. So without further adieu, my favorite bargain beauty finds!
Johnson and Johnson Cucumber Melon Baby Lotion, $4.29 at Drugstores.
A classic for a reason. Perfectly hydrating, quick to absorb, and unlike the stronger lotion in the pink bottle, this lotion leaves behind a light cucumber smell. Because you may want skin as soft as a baby, but you don't necessarily want to smell like one.
Revlon Color Stay Eyeliner Pencil, $6.49 at Drugstores.
Lasts just as long as my favorite by Chanel, this eyeliner blends easily and won't smudge even after a long day. My favorite color is the charcoal, which works great for smoky eye.
Crest Spin Brush Pro Clean, $8.49 at Drugstores.
Yes, this is a beauty product. I bought this on a whim one day, and I kid you not, person after person stopped to tell me how great my smile looked. And so much cheaper than a waterpik.
Nivea Kiss of Flavor Cherry Tinted Lip Balm, $2.49 at Drugstores.
Perfectly moisturizing, with just a hint of color. I have tubes of this stored everywhere!
Clean and Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets, $4.76 at Drugstores.
The BEST BEST BEST for mopping up oil spills. The pricier brands have nothing on these. A must for oily skin and people in warmer climates. No more caking on the powder throughout the day!
Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Sensitive Skin Creme, $10.49.
This is my backup creme for when I run out of my Natura Bisse favorites and can't make it to the department store. Rich and moisturizing without being too heavy, this leaves my face feeling nice and soft without spending a fortune!
So what are your drugstore faves? What products do you find are not worth spending the extra cash for the department store version?
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Most of my stuff comes from the drugstore, but the only product I buy religiously is Maybeline Great Lash Mascara (the one in the pink and green tube) in Blackest Black. I've tried others, but always come back to this basic.
we LOVE LOVE that cucumber melon lotion in our house!
Cetaphil face wash – it's really gentle and takes off my eye makeup easily. I also love almost everything Eucerin makes – the SPF 30 face lotion, the SPF 15 body lotion, and the calming creme for settling down my dry, itchy skin in the middle of winter.
I've also switched over to using Revlon products over the last year and really like some of them (the Beyond Natural mascara and eyeliner and the Colorstay sheer lipliner and eyeshadows).
I refuse to buy department store mascara because my lashes are so long that I go through a tube (is that what you call a mascara thing?) every two weeks. CoverGirl Lash Exact is where it's at. $8.
I swear by those Clean & Clear oil absorbing sheets, and fully intend on carrying my pack with me when we head South next month. What's crazy (and awesome), too, is how long they last. I've had my current pack for what feels like years. (It's not, though, I promise.)
(Also: I totally want to try that lip balm.)
L'Oreal HIP (high intensity pigments) jelly balms. I like Ripe and Delectable.
I also love Lash Blash mascara by Cover Girl, my only complaint is I don't feel like it lasts very long.
I love Maybelline Full & Soft mascara. I've tried department store mascaras, but I always go back to this one. I also recommend the Patene "texturizing" line of styling products for short hair. Both the sculpting wax and the pomade are fabulous, and so much cheaper than salon brands. Finally, I've been very please with Purpose face wash. It's very gentle and it removes my makeup completely.
My absolute favorite drugstore find is Physicians Formula Cover Tox Ten Wrinkle Therapy Face Powder in Translucent Light. I keep it in my purse for touch ups. It never looks cakey and doesn't emphasize fine lines. I am 42 and have the dreaded t-zone area.
I swear by Neutrogena Fresh Foaming facial cleanser. Believe me when I say I've tried close to every cleanser at all price points. It's about $7.
I also love the Revlon Color Stay eyeliner pencils you mentioned. I buy them when they're half off and stash them everwhere – car, purse, work. I like the black-brown color.
I thought of something else I love! My favorite eyeshadows are the Revlon Color Stay quads, and the Loreal quads. They have some good color palettes and the quality is really great. I recently ordered a big set of Smash Box eyeshadows from Sephora and they don't compare to my drugstore favorites!