Drugstore Junkie Part II
Every now and then it’s perfectly ok to splurge on products like a luxury fragrance or that sublime foundation you’ve been coveting, but most of us can’t realistically sustain exorbitant makeup spending habits. It never hurts to break your standard beauty regimen for the more affordable drugstore versions of your favorite must-haves. The only thing better than falling in love with a great new product is falling hard for a total bargain. Don’t let the affordability fool you—the shelves at your neighborhood drugstore (or even grocery store) are packed with beauty products that are on-par with their higher priced counterparts. And because they’re easy on your wallet, these cheap-chic steals allow for guilt-free experimentation and why-not-try-it impulse buys.
Now, don’t get me wrong; I’m not saying to abandon your beloved Sephora or department store cosmetics counter; the trick is to make concessions where you can in your beauty bag. Seems like everyone could use a few extra bucks here and there, so it’s just plain smart to explore what worthwhile products your local drugstore offers. Whether your bank account is dwindling slowly (read: quickly) or you’re holding out for payday, drugstores are your saving grace with a plethora of high-performing, low-cost beautifying products. The mass-market brands have come a long way and nearly all of them have some seriously high-quality products in their ranks.
To help you navigate all the budget beauty out there, we’ve compiled an extensive list of our favorite cheapie picks for hair, skin, and makeup. Scrounge up the loose change in your sofa cushions or skip that morning latte and you’ll be good to go. Rich colors, sumptuous textures, delicate scents — they’re all here, they’re all well priced, and they’re all you need to feel gorgeous on any budget. Read on for a handy guide in helping you make some beautifully economic decisions.
HAIR
Batiste Dry Shampoo, $8
PSSSSST! Instant Dry Shampoo, $5.99
Sally Hershberger Shagg Layer Spray, $12.99
Mark Hill Miracoilicious 2 Minute Intensive Treatment, $11.99
Creme Of Nature Strength & Shine Leave-In Conditioner, $5.26
Clairol Nice ‘n Easy Perfect 10 Hair Color, $13.99
Herbal Essences Smooth Collection Shampoo, $3.97
Clairol Nice ‘n Easy Permanent Haircolor Root Touch-Up, $6.99
SKIN
Aura Cacia Natural Skin Care Grapeseed Oil, $4.99
Aquaphor Healing Ointment, $5.99
Yes to Blueberries Age Refresh Smoothing Daily Cleanser, $8.99
Burt’s Bees Fragrance Free Body Lotion, $7.99
Shea Moisture Argan Oil & Raw Shea Hand & Body Scrub, $10.29
Alba Botanica Good & Clean Pore Purifying Mini Peel, $8.99
Essie Cuticle Oil, $8.39
Eucerin Redness Relief Soothing Night Creme, $14.49
Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Miracle Dry Oil for Hair, Body & Face, $5
Neutrogena Ultra-Gentle Hydrating Cleanser, $8.49
Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment $6.99
Eos Shave Cream $3.99
L’Oreal Skin Expertise Collagen Moisture Filler Day/Night Cream, $11.49
Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub, $5.27
Boots Expert Instant Matte, $5.99
Lemon Drop Smooth Sphere Lip Balm with SPF 15 by EOS, $3.49
MAKEUP
L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara, $8.95
NYX Extra Creamy Lipstick, $4.00
e.l.f. Essential Eyelid Primer, $1.00
Bourjois Little Round Pot Blush, $11.00
Maybelline New York Baby Lips Moisturizing Lip Balm, $2.97
Sonia Kashuk Velvety Matte Lip Crayon, $7.59
e.l.f. Studio Eyebrow Kit, $3.00
Sonia Kashuk Star-Studded Seven-Piece Brush Set, $24.99
Essie Sleek Stick Stickers, $9.99
Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye-Makeup Remover, $5.99
Neutrogena Crease Proof Eyeshadow, $8.99
Sonia Kashuk Eye Quads, $12.99
Kiss 4-Way Ultra Shiner Nail Shaper, $1.69
Written by: Genevieve LeFranc