Frugalista Beauty:
Best Drugstore Buys for $20 & Under
Beauty snobs of the world unite: We refuse to go without our vitamin-infused mascara that comes in the chic gold tube…or our favorite $60 concealer that fakes flawlessness…or that miraculous deep conditioner that costs more than our dinner but gives us magazine cover hair. Trust me, I’m one of you. To be sure, many of us are finicky, brand-loyal and downright elitist when it comes to our beauty arsenal, and with good reason. Most of us have tried product after product before finding the one that transforms us into our most magnificent version of ourselves, and aren’t too willing to give up any of our magic potions. Far be it from me to pressure you to give up any semblance of everyday luxury, but, in the wake of our current economic downturn, I can’t help but wonder, Wouldn’t it be great to find a few substitutes of equal fabulousness that cost so much less that it’s nearly ridiculous?
If it’s been awhile since you’ve prowled the beauty section of your local drugstore, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by many more brands and product choices, colors that rival the upscale lines, and skin care formulas that are not only affordable and effective, but are actually preferred by some of the top dermatologists over the luxury stuff. Among the best, most consistently performance-driven brands are Olay, L’Oreal and Neutrogena, but there are standout products in just about every other line as well.
Here are some of my favorite drugstore finds, each one stiff competition for it’s higher priced counterparts. Each will set you back $20 or less, and, if that’s not incentive enough to do some down-market exploring, keep in mind that many (though not all) of the larger, national chains do accept returns on beauty items. What have you got to lose, besides a few of those zeros on your Visa bill?
All Products Available At Drugstores Nationwide Unless Noted
Makeup
Face:
Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets, $5.29
CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Foundation, $13.99
L’Oreal True Match Line: Powder, Liquid Makeup and Powder Blush, $10.95 each
Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation, $9.49
Rimmel Natural Bronzer, $5.49
Sonia Kashuk Only At Target: Concealer Stick and Beautifying Blush, $7.99 each
Eyes:
CoverGirl Lash Exact Mascara, $7.49
L’Oreal Voluminous Original Volume Mascara, $7.50
L’Oreal FeatherLash Water-Resistant Mascara, $7.95
Maybelline Lash Discovery Waterproof, $6.99
Neutrogena Skin Soothing Eye Tints, $9.49
Revlon ColorStay 12 Hour Shadow Quad, $6.99
Rimmel Colour Rush Shadow Trio, $5.49
L’Oreal HIP Eye Liner Pencil, $7.99
Lips:
L’Oreal Colour Juice Lip Gloss, $7.95
L’Oreal HIP Brilliant Shine Lip Gloss, $9.50
Neutrogena MoistureShine Lipstick, $9.49
Revlon ColorStay Sheer Overtime LipColor, $10.99
Wet & Wild Lip Liner Pencil, $1.49
Skin Care
Almay Hypo-Allergenic Eye Makeup Remover Pads, Non-Oily, $4.99
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, $11.49
Eucerin Redness Relief Soothing Cleanser, $8.99
L’Oreal Skin Genesis Deep Purifying Foaming Cream Cleanser, $7.99
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Blemish Anti-Wrinkle Cleanser, $7.49
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream, Night Formula, $13.99
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Eye Cream, $12.99
Olay Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum, $18.99
Olay Smooth Skin Exfoliating Scrub with Gentle Microbeads, $8.50
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum, $19.99
Hair
Burt’s Bees More Moisture Raspberry & Brazil Nut Shampoo & Conditioner, $7.79 each
Clairol Nice’N Easy Colorseal Weekly Conditioning Gloss, $3.99
Dove Flexible Hold Hairspray, $4.29
Finesse Touchable Curls Defining Mousse, $3.19
Garnier Fructis Weightless Leave-In Anti-Frizz Serum Sleek & Shine, $5.99
John Frieda Collection Luminous Color Glaze, $9.99
John Frieda Sheer Blonde Crystal Clear Shape & Shimmer Hairspray, $5.99
L’Oreal Vive Pro Smooth Intense Shampoo and Conditioner, $4.99 each
L’Oreal Vive Pro Smooth Gloss Anti-Frizz Cream, $4.99
Neutrogena Triple Moisture Cream Lather Shampoo, $5.99
Redken All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner, $13.00 each; www.drugstore.com
Pantene Pro-V Restoratives Time Renewal Shampoo, $6
Pantene Pro-V Restoratives Frizz Control Conditioner, $6
Bath & Body
Aquaphor Healing Treatment, $14.99
Boots No. 7 Fabulously Firming Body Cream, $12.99; Target
Burt’s Bees Thoroughly Therapeutic Hand Crème, Honey & Grapeseed Oil, $9.99
Giovanni Cool Mint Lemon Salt Scrub with Crushed Mint Leaves, $13.99; www.drugstore.com
Nivea Crème, $7.49
Neutrogena Body Oil, $10.49
Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer, $7.99
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