By Jenny Rapson | Leave A Comment
It’s been documented that even in times of economic depression, cosmetics sales do not go down. This was true during the Great Depression, when cosmetics sales rose 25%, and after September 11th, 2001, when lipstick sales actually doubled for awhile. This trend was even noted by the New York Times which reported that in late 2008 with the economy declining, lipstick retailers were, well, licking their lips in anticipation of good sales.
So, the economy being what it is, maybe you can’t go out and splurge on yourself and buy those $250 boots you wanted, but you CAN pamper yourself with some great beauty bargains. Spend just a little, and get something that makes you look and feel great! My favorite beauty brand is Mary Kay, so I’ll share with you some of my favorite inexpensive items from their line. They have over 90 items that are $10 or less.
- Lash-lengthening mascara $10- I love this formula! It’s light, doesn’t clump, and leaves my lashes looking fabulous! I wear it every day.

- Mineral eye colors $6.50 – these little eyeshadows stay on FOREVER and a little goes a long way so they last you a long time, too! The mineral colors are super-concentrated and will get your eyes noticed.
- Acne Treatment Gel $7 – since I unfortunately didn’t leave zits behind with my teen years, this stuff is a lifesaver for me!

- Mineral cheek colors $10 – like the eyeshadows, these concentrated blushes go on and stay on! No need to touch up throughout the day and again, they will last you a long time.
- Mint Bliss Energizing lotion for legs & feet $10 – this lotion is a great pick-me-up and its soothing at the same time. Perfect for tired feet at the end of the day, or when you need a little pep in your step to start it off. (And I love the name!)

- Satin Lips Lip Balm $9.50 – take it from this lip balm addict, this is the Queen of All Lip Balms. It’s a real treat for your lips and also stays on FOREVER. Definitely a luxury I can’t live without!
Those are some of my favorite budget-conscious beauty products. What are yours?
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Jenny Rapson is the editor of Blissful Style and a serious Mary Kay junkie (though not a dealer). When not obsessing over what eye colors to apply, you can find her blogging about life as a mom over at Mommin’ It Up!
ABOUT Jenny Rapson
Jenny Rapson is a SAHM of two great kids. She loves fashion, is a makeup junkie, and can be found b{read more}



I absolutely love Cover Girl’s mascaras, especially Lash Blast. Plus, you can usually find them at Wal-Mart in two-packs for way cheap!
Rimmel’s foundation primer is fantastic, although it’s tinted so it might be a bit too dark for fair-skinned types.
Sally Beauty can be a wonderful resource; they have a $5 dupe for a $14 gel eyeliner, brush wipes for $7, and a ton of other goodies. It’s hit or miss though; some of the products are kind of eh, some are awesome.
One of my favorite budget buys was actually on eBay. I bought a set of 24 NYX Pearl Mania pigments for about $30 shipped! They look tiny but each little vial can fill a 5 gram jar and, as with most pigments, a little can go a long way!
I JUST posted on this very thing . . . gotta have my Mary Kay . . . http://thecuppajo.blogspot.com/2009/01/thrifty-thursday-sticking-with-my-mk.html.
Thanks!