Let's be honest, buying makeup is expensive! As much as I love high-end cosmetics, I'd still like to save a few bucks. So this entry is dedicated to my absolute favorite drugstore products (in no particular order). Many of my price quotes are from Walmart because they have the lowest prices. If you're buying in bulk, head to an actual drugstore because they usually have BOGO offers which makes the cost cheaper than Walmart.
1. Max Factor Lash Perfection Waterproof Mascara, $6.99 at Walmart.
It lengthens. It curls and holds a curl. It's volumizing. It does it all! I have really stubborn lashes that point straight down and this is the best mascara I've used. I only use waterproof formulas because I need that extra wax to hold my curl. I've tried BeneFit Bad Gal, Imju fiberwig, Fresh Supernova, Maybelline Great Lash, Maybelline Define-a-Lash, Cover Girl Lash Blast, and so on in regular and waterproof. However, none of them compare to this Max Factor mascara. And the reason I'm so fond of this mascara is because it gives me the same results as DiorShow in waterproof. DiorShow is an excellent mascara and lives up to hype everyone says about it. But at $24 a tube, that's just out of my budget! For a fraction of the cost, I get fantastic results with Max Factor. Note: I've never seen Max Factor anywhere else besides Walmart and Ulta. I don't think CVS, Walgreens, or Target carries it.
2. Nivea Creme, 13.5 oz. tub $7.99 at Walmart.
I use this as my night time moisturizer. It's a bit thick, but it works wonders. I used to get dry patches all the time, but not anymore! I don't think it's oil-free, so if you have acne prone skin, you might stray away. I haven't broken out from it since I started using it a few months ago. The reason I started using this is because of Creme de la Mer. For those who don't know, Creme de la Mer is an extremely expensive department store moisturizer, eye cream, and lotion in one product. The myth is that Nivea and CDM have the exact same main ingredients except one. That one ingredient is what actually makes CDM, CDM. I think it's some kind of seaweed or algae. I've read on several forums that after trying or switching to Nivea, people stopped breaking out. They believe that the seaweed/algae is what made them breakout since the rest of the ingredients are the same. They also say the two share the same texture, scent, thickness, etc. Basically, if they did a blind test, they wouldn't be able to tell which is which. I've never tried CDM and at $125 per 1 oz. jar, I never will! This is definitely the best beauty dupe and bargain!
3. Aquafina Hydrating Facial Spray 6 fl oz. $3.99 at Walmart.
Yes, Aquafina like the bottled water has a skincare line. This is only available at Walmart and Duane Reade. I think this is a pretty good alternative to MAC Fix+, Evian Mineral Spray, and shu uemura Facial Mists. It's water enriched with aloe, jojoba oil, and vitamins. It's not made from their bottled water which is just tap by the way, as is Dasani. I use this in the same way I'd use Fix+. I use it to apply my mineral foundation wet and foil any eyeshadows. I also use it to set my makeup or as a refresher. I know some people think to just use water from the faucet, but tap water is harsh. People think their face wash dries out their skin and it may, but it also depends on the water you use too. I'm pretty sure if you washed your face with Evian, you'd see a difference. The thing I really like about this spray, is the sprayer itself. Although Fix+ has a the cooler looking bottle, you can't control the amount you spray. It's just like one predetermined amount per spray and it's not continuous. Aquafina let's me control the amount depending on how much pressure I put on the dispenser and it can be continuous. I want to try their toner too.
4. Milani Mineral Blush in Luminous, $5.49 at CVS.
The original formula has actually been discontinued, but they brought it back in mineral form. I know you've heard it before, but it really is a pretty darn good dupe of NARS Orgasm! It's practically identical in color. I love the golden shimmer in it. It's so subtle and really gives you that 'glow.' It seems like a universal flattering shade. I'm also loving the fact that it's mineral now. It really can't get any better. At $5.49 compared to $26, it's a steal! I can't find a pic online, but I'll edit this post with a picture later. I'm writing this in bed...hehe
5. Generic Uncoated Aspirin, $1-$5 at any drugstore.
Uncoated aspirin? What? Yes! I use it for an aspirin mask! I sprinkle 4 aspirin tablets with water just so they break up and become grainy. I add a little honey to make a paste and spread it all over my face. I let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes and wash it off. It helps with acne but I primarily use it as an exfoliator! Ohhh, how it makes your skin glow! It will feel soft and smooth. It reduces black & white heads and the size of your pores! I've definitely noticed a significant difference in my skin with the mask. I do it 1 to 2 times a week. If you are prone to acne, try it! I also use it as spot treatment for acne because it contains salicylic acid. Most over-the-counter acne treatments contain salicylic acid.
These are drugstore staples for me! Tell me about your favorite drugstore products!
Image Credits: Drugstore.com, Walgreens.com, Nivea.com, AquafinaSkincare.com
1. Max Factor Lash Perfection Waterproof Mascara, $6.99 at Walmart.
2. Nivea Creme, 13.5 oz. tub $7.99 at Walmart.
I use this as my night time moisturizer. It's a bit thick, but it works wonders. I used to get dry patches all the time, but not anymore! I don't think it's oil-free, so if you have acne prone skin, you might stray away. I haven't broken out from it since I started using it a few months ago. The reason I started using this is because of Creme de la Mer. For those who don't know, Creme de la Mer is an extremely expensive department store moisturizer, eye cream, and lotion in one product. The myth is that Nivea and CDM have the exact same main ingredients except one. That one ingredient is what actually makes CDM, CDM. I think it's some kind of seaweed or algae. I've read on several forums that after trying or switching to Nivea, people stopped breaking out. They believe that the seaweed/algae is what made them breakout since the rest of the ingredients are the same. They also say the two share the same texture, scent, thickness, etc. Basically, if they did a blind test, they wouldn't be able to tell which is which. I've never tried CDM and at $125 per 1 oz. jar, I never will! This is definitely the best beauty dupe and bargain!
3. Aquafina Hydrating Facial Spray 6 fl oz. $3.99 at Walmart.
Yes, Aquafina like the bottled water has a skincare line. This is only available at Walmart and Duane Reade. I think this is a pretty good alternative to MAC Fix+, Evian Mineral Spray, and shu uemura Facial Mists. It's water enriched with aloe, jojoba oil, and vitamins. It's not made from their bottled water which is just tap by the way, as is Dasani. I use this in the same way I'd use Fix+. I use it to apply my mineral foundation wet and foil any eyeshadows. I also use it to set my makeup or as a refresher. I know some people think to just use water from the faucet, but tap water is harsh. People think their face wash dries out their skin and it may, but it also depends on the water you use too. I'm pretty sure if you washed your face with Evian, you'd see a difference. The thing I really like about this spray, is the sprayer itself. Although Fix+ has a the cooler looking bottle, you can't control the amount you spray. It's just like one predetermined amount per spray and it's not continuous. Aquafina let's me control the amount depending on how much pressure I put on the dispenser and it can be continuous. I want to try their toner too.
4. Milani Mineral Blush in Luminous, $5.49 at CVS.
The original formula has actually been discontinued, but they brought it back in mineral form. I know you've heard it before, but it really is a pretty darn good dupe of NARS Orgasm! It's practically identical in color. I love the golden shimmer in it. It's so subtle and really gives you that 'glow.' It seems like a universal flattering shade. I'm also loving the fact that it's mineral now. It really can't get any better. At $5.49 compared to $26, it's a steal! I can't find a pic online, but I'll edit this post with a picture later. I'm writing this in bed...hehe
5. Generic Uncoated Aspirin, $1-$5 at any drugstore.
Uncoated aspirin? What? Yes! I use it for an aspirin mask! I sprinkle 4 aspirin tablets with water just so they break up and become grainy. I add a little honey to make a paste and spread it all over my face. I let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes and wash it off. It helps with acne but I primarily use it as an exfoliator! Ohhh, how it makes your skin glow! It will feel soft and smooth. It reduces black & white heads and the size of your pores! I've definitely noticed a significant difference in my skin with the mask. I do it 1 to 2 times a week. If you are prone to acne, try it! I also use it as spot treatment for acne because it contains salicylic acid. Most over-the-counter acne treatments contain salicylic acid.
These are drugstore staples for me! Tell me about your favorite drugstore products!
Image Credits: Drugstore.com, Walgreens.com, Nivea.com, AquafinaSkincare.com
Ohhh great post...i use that nivea cream too! i loveeeee revlon colorstay liquid liner in blackest black, my fav!
this was seriously an awesome post!!! i totally agree about lash perfection. i have been telling myself not to get it so that i could give other mascaras a chance but yea i'm really thinking i need to revert back to that one! lol and i'm really curious about these other products you've posted. that nivea cream sounds great but i have really oily skin =(
makeupbyrenren: Nivea Creme is such a great product! I'll have to try that Revlon eyeliner. I like Maybelline's Ultra Liner too :)
xteeener: Thanks! I LOVE Lash Perfection! I know you use Lash Blast, which is also pretty decent except the brush is just so freakin big! Nivea works so well for me! They have like a little 99cents tin at Walgreens, you should try it and seen how it works with you.
Ah feck to hell!!!! That's what i forgot to buy today NIVEA!!!! ARRGH!!!
I love Nivea Creme! I use it at night as well and when I wake up my skin looks soooo good! I bought the travel size one from Longs when winter started and I just finished the last bit yesterday. I'm definitely getting the full size next time. My skin loves this stuff...
hello! just started reading your blog. this was a really great post. i'll have to try some of these products. thanks for the info =).
just stumbled across your blog. i love this post and will definitely have to check out some of the things on your list!