Anyone who knows me knows I love luxurious items, whether it be skin care, makeup, accessories or clothing. It’s beyond the pretty packaging; high-quality items tend to last longer and are made with better materials and ingredients. However, these items tend to come with a less than wallet-friendly price tag. You know what I’m talking about; the “Should I buy this obnoxiously priced facial oil (that actually works) or eat this week?”
Answer: Go eat! Food is delicious. You need food to stay alive. Buy the oil, or whatever item, later.
That being said, the drugstore has some standout items. Below are my current favorite drugstore products. These items rival high-end products at a price tag that won’t make your bank account weep. Splurge on something else; save on these products!
Carmex Original Lip Balm. I have tried a ridiculous number of lip balms, spanning all price ranges. However, I had a difficult time finding a lip balm that actually resolved the issue of dry lips, while soothing irritation and preventing chapped lips in the future. I used Carmex all the time in my clarinet playing days. (I was a Mozart playing machine, people!). Anyone who has played an instrument, knows the havoc a mouthpiece can wreck on your lips. My lips are sensitive. They often get irritated when I’ve accidentally gotten a strong skin care product on my lip and at that point, other lip balms tend to make the irritation worse. Then, I remembered Carmex back in 2016. I haven’t looked back. Carmex contains salicylic acid, which has a small enough molecular structure that is able to penetrate all skin layers, causing the pore to exfoliate from within. When my lip gets irritated, Carmex quickly heals the irritation, while moisturizing my lips and protecting them from the elements. No need for a $25 lip balm here.
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara in Clear. I have lost track of how many times I have repurchased this product. I only have one purpose for this clear mascara: my eyebrows. It’s a little absurd to me that high-end companies will charge $20+ for clear gel. It’s just gel. I brush the gel through my brows BEFORE putting on any brow powder or pomade. It sheers those products out, making them look soft, natural and easier to work with. The gel never gets hard or crunchy on the brows and keeps the hairs in place. Tip: Apply gel before any other product to keep the gel cleaner in the tube.
L’oreal Colour Riche Lipliner in Beyond Pink. Out of all my lip liners, this is my favorite, mainly because of the color. It’s a soft, muted, pink-nude that works very well with warm nude lipsticks and lip glosses. It doesn’t give the mouth the dreaded, harsh 90’s lip line. It simply accentuates the shape of the lips, while providing subtle definition. The formula is creamy and slightly tacky, so it’s comfortable to wear on its own; no painfully dry lips here. Soft, subtle and pretty. What’s not to like?
Maybelline, Fit Me Concealer. I’m currently on my third tube of this concealer. Over the years, I keep coming back to it, and for good reason. This concealer comes in an array of shades, it’s thin in texture, lightweight, easy to blend and doesn’t look artificial on the skin. My philosophy is that no one should be able to tell that I have any type of concealer or foundation on my skin. My skin should just look good. This fits the bill. I use the shade #20 Sand mixed with the NARS Radiant Creamy concealer to brighten underneath the eyes. This is now a permanent fixture in my makeup arsenal.
L’oreal Million Lashes Mascara (Waterproof). This is my favorite mascara to use on my lower lashes, mainly because the formula doesn’t flake or smudge. Also, the brush is a plastic wand, with bristles that catch each lash, without making a mess. I rarely wear waterproof mascara on my upper lash line, but when I do, I reach for this. This mascara is more lengthening than volumizing, which I prefer, and gives my lashes a nice, flared out effect.
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water. For the last two years, I’ve religiously used the Simple Micellar Water. Don’t get me wrong, that is a very good product. Very good. I would still recommend it. However, the Garnier version is slightly better at removing waterproof eye makeup. For those who are not familiar with micellar waters, let me explain. Micellar waters have “micelles” which are tiny balls of oil, suspended in soft water. It gently removes makeup and residue from your skin, cleansing it. Simply apply to a cotton ball and sweep over your face. Some people use this as their cleaner, but I would not recommend this. When left on the skin, it can actually dry your skin out. It’s also not going to provide a deep enough clean after you’ve been in the grimy world all day. However, this is an excellent makeup remover, before you apply your facial cleanser. The Garnier water is gentle, yet effective. I have accidentally gotten this in my eyes, and I didn’t scream in pain, “My eyes, my eeeeeyes!”; I barely felt anything at all. Win!
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Face Wash. This is THE skin care product I cannot be without. I repeat: I CANNOT be without this face wash. Now I have to give a disclaimer; this face wash is strong, so if you have sensitive and/or dry skin stay far, far way. Yes, this product is not sulfate free and it’s a foaming cleanser, so it is can will be drying. However, this is the ONLY face wash that keeps my skin clear. I have oily, acne prone skin that is not sensitive. I have tried countless face washes that were all natural, sulfate-free, etc. and none of them worked, regardless of any skin care that was applied after. If it works, it works, okay?! Sometimes, that all natural stuff ain’t cuttin’ it! It gets my skin squeaky clean, allowing my toners, serums and other skin care products to work more effectively. There is something about the 2% salicylic acid in this formulation that works wonders for me. Love it. Never giving it up. Ever.
*Note: I have the Target version currently. Doesn’t matter, it’s the same thing!
It is satisfying not having to spend a fortune for a good product. Have you tried any of these products? What are your drugstore must-haves?
- Alana
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