Inexpensive beauty products that work as well or better than designer retail brands

There is something magical about walking into a cosmetic store like Sephora. It’s very exciting to imagine the endless possibilities of what you can create with all the bold make-up colors and products that catch your eye as you stroll through each aisle of shiny black and white décor. It is very easy to rack up a high bill at the make-up counter. There are numerous high-end beauty products I believe in spending money on, however there are some items you can find at your local drug store* for under $10. Here are some of my favorite beauty products I use nearly every day that are inexpensive and work just as well or better than the designer retail brands.

1. Carmex Moisturizing Lip Balm – $1.69. I’ll admit I am addicted to Carmex lip balm. I’ve been using this product for nearly twenty years and I’ve never found another lip balm or lip gloss that soothes dry lips as well. I use it as a base under other lipsticks and glosses. I also make sure to apply before bed. It’s the one beauty product that is always in my purse.

 2. Maybelline Cover Stick Corrector/ Concealer –$6.49 vs. designer brand concealers like NARS’ concealer stick which retails for up to $23. After years of experimenting with various make-up brands, Maybelline’s concealer seems to be the best and does not irritate the skin like some other brands.

 3. Olay 4-in-1 daily facial cloths (Sensitive Skin) (box of 33 cloths) – $7.99 These cloths are great to use to remove eye make-up as well. I’ve been using them for years.

 4. Johnson’s Baby Oil (14oz) – $3.99 As we all know, there are countless moisturizers for all parts of your body that can range from being inexpensive to hundreds of dollars. Johnson’s Baby Oil is one of my favorite beauty products and is such a great value. I’ve used Johnson’s Baby Oil since I was a child. Baby oil is great to apply all over your body right after a shower when your skin is still damp as it helps to lock in moisture into your skin.

 5. Beauty cosmetic sponge wedges – pack of 32 – $3.49. vs. Sephora’s Sponge Wedge Wheel for that sells for $6.00 for only 6 wedges.

 6. False eye lashes (strip) – $4.99 vs. M·A·C Cosmetics eyelashes (strip) $16.00 – The drug store lashes look terrific on and are just as easy to apply as the M·A·C ones.

 7. Essie nail color/polish – $8.00 vs. M·A·C Cosmetics nail polish for $16 or designer brands like Dior that cost around $24 per bottle. I’ve tried all three and Essie is just as good as the designer nail polishes. Essie is used by many nail salons. Essie nail polish is available in an excellent selection colors and textures.

 8. Sunscreen – Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sun Block Lotion – $9.99 vs. Clinique Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Body Cream $23. I like Neutrogena’s sunscreens because they are easy to apply as they are not greasy.

 9. Aloe Vera Gel – $5.99 Aloe Vera is a good option to use after a shower if you don’t have baby oil. There is something about this product that soothes the skin. It can also be used after being in the sun as it cools the skin. Other retail brands can cost up to $30 for basically the same thing (a moisturizer with Aloe Vera as a main ingredient).

10. Garnier Fructis Style Curl Sculpting Cream – Gel – $4.49 A reasonably priced styling product that actually works at holding in curls.

*Drug store prices are based on Walgreens.com 7/28/13