Sunday, May 6, 2012

10 fabulous drugstore finds under $20


I'm sure the name of the blog is a dead giveaway -- I love prestige makeup, the high-quality stuff. However, that doesn't mean I snub the cheap stuff. After all, I love a bargain! It takes a lot of trial and error to find the best products at the drugstore. Here are some of my discoveries (top photo, from left):

1. L'Oreal True Match Naturale blush (color shown Sugar Plum 490). This loose-powder blush has rich pigments, so use sparingly. I hate having to swipe on layer upon layer of blush to see the color, so this is perfect. It comes with a brush right on it, which is nice, but I prefer to use a smaller blush brush with this or a fan brush. It stays amazingly well throughout the day. $12.49 at Target.

2. L'Oreal Infallible lip gloss (color shown Undeniable Mauve 515). This full-color gloss looks like a lipstick with shine. It stays almost like a stain, which I love, but when it begins to wear off, it will feel dry and a little sticky. But, up until that point, it's a wonder product. Like the L'Oreal blush, the color is impeccable. $8.49 at Target.

3. Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer (color shown Rhubarab). If you love Burt's Bees lip balm, you'll love the lip shimmer. I actually wore this at my wedding! It looks like a softer lipstick, with gorgeous color and a soft, hydrating feel. It doesn't have long wear, so keep it in your purse, but overall it's probably one of my favorite lip products for day-to-day or dress-up. I love the colors Watermelon and Rhubarb. $4.99 at Target.

4. Pixi Eye Bright Liner. Once you use this, it's hard to live without. I use this nude-colored liner to line my water line and instantly look more awake. It opens the eye, brightens, and brings out your eye color. It seems like such a small thing, but it truly makes a huge difference. $17.00 at Target.

5. Eco Tools brushes (brush shown Bronzer Brush $9.99). The Eco Tools brushes are soft and pretty and there's really not much else to say. I don't like the idea of dropping $30+ on a brush, so if I can get the job done with a $10 one instead, then I am totally on board. Brush kits range from $7.99 to $15.99 at Target.

6. Cover Girl Cheekers (shown in True Plum 185). I've used Cheekers ever since I can remember, when my mom would give me makeup she didn't use to play with as a kid. Now, they're my go-to if I want to try a new shade (I was using a coral shade but decided to try a plum look) or if I'm strapped for cash. They're super affordable and they last extremely well, especially for the price. Note: the e.l.f. professional bronzing brush fits perfectly with these. $4.49 at Walgreens.

7. Cover Girl mascaras in general --Lash Perfection, Nature Luxe, Lash Blast. These three mascaras I have tried by Cover Girl have surprised me. Lash Blast 24 hours can be difficult to take off (try olive oil), but it looks like a million bucks. The other two have a more natural look but don't flake off and are insanely cheap. About $5-8 at WalMart.

8. Physician's Formula. I've loved everything I've tried by these guys lately! Their Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Powders smell lovely like roses and add a nice glow to your face. The Multi-Colored Pressed Powder in Translucent  is perfect to swipe over my Garnier BB Cream to mattify my face and blend. Their concealer doesn't clog my pores, so if you've got blemishes to hide, here's one that can actually do the trick without irritating them further. I really want to try out their mood-boosting blushes next.

9. e.l.f. Professional Brushes (white brushes above, showing eye shadow brush, bronzing brush, brow comb & brush, and total face brush). I bought these about a year ago, when they were on sale for about $1 each at Target, just on whim since they were so darn cheap! Now, they go for around $3 at Target, and I have to say, these are a great buy.

10. Studio Tools Crease Makeup Brush. Oh my goodness, I needed a crease brush and came across this at Target for $2. It perfectly blends color into the crease and helps create a smooth, effortless smokey eye. It works wonderfully and is dirt cheap. It's a steal.

Drugstores are interesting places. When it comes to cosmetics and skin care, they have a range of crappy to snappy, but it's worth digging through to find the hidden gems. Maybe the next drugstore post will be on cleansing wipes since there are sooo many (Yes To, Burt's Bees, Neutrogena, Pond's, Simple, etc.). Thanks for reading! Comment and let me know what you're fave drugstore picks are!

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