When you consider that Chanel nail polish sells for $27, Tom Ford lip gloss for $45, and La Mer cleanser for $75, it’s pretty clear: Beauty doesn’t come cheap.
Don’t dismiss drugstore beauty products, though. Did you know that many popular high-end cosmetics and skin-care lines are made in the same facilities as your favorite drugstore options and often share identical ingredients? If you’ve forgotten your makeup bag and need to restock on the fly, you'll find these effective cosmetics all in one place. Beauty doesn’t need to cost a bundle!
Nail Polish
Essie and OPI are the brands most used at nail salons, and you'll find these two quality lines at the drugstore for around $8. The color selection has variety and the polishes go on easy. For convenient removal, try nail polish remover pads like the acetone-free ones by La Fresh.
Mascara
The rule of thumb is to throw away your mascara after four months, and with prices under $20, you won’t feel reluctant tossing your mascara. Professionals swear by classic Maybelline Great Lash Mascara. For completely clump-free lashes, try CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara, and for lashes that look like extensions, try L’Oreal Paris Voluminous False Fiber Lashes.
Chapstick and Lipgloss
For winter-ridden dry lips, good old Aquaphor or Vaseline can’t be beat. Layer them over your lipstick for high shine. Burt’s Bees now makes lip balms that come in a variety of tints and flavors. If you prefer gloss, tryL’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Le Gloss, InStyle’s pick for best gloss of 2013. The Nude Touch shade is known to flatter all skin types.
Makeup Remover
For travel, skin wipes trump bottled cleansers. They’re lightweight and won’t spill in your Dopp kit. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes or Almay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover Pads get rid of makeup efficiently without leaving an oily residue.
Skin Cleanser
Drugstores sell some of the best cleansers on the market. Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser and Aveeno Brightening Cleanser are gentle for sensitive skin. Queen Helene Face Masque is also a cult favorite, and it's a steal at just $4. Use it once a week on your entire face or just apply it overnight to a pesky zit.
Moisturizers and Lotions
For body, Nivea Skin Firming Lotion visibly firms and tightens skin, and the fresh scent is good enough to skip perfume. You also can’t go wrong with old standbys such as Eucerin, Lubriderm or Palmers for soft skin. When it comes to skin care, expensive doesn’t necessarily mean best. Budget-friendly CoverGirl CG Smoothers BB Cream Tinted Moisturizer has SPF, doesn’t look caked on, and has a subtle tint (so you can skip the bronzer).Olay Complete Defense Daily UV Moisturizer SPF 30 Sensitive Skin has 97 percent protection from UV rays and is hydrating, lightweight and oil-free.
