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I know that a lot of the beauty products I feature around here can get a little pricy (sorry!) so I really do try to test as many drugstore products as humanly possible. A lot end up being duds that I end up tossing… but then there are the gems that really stand out. Everything in this post falls into that category of really awesome. Like, really awesome… in some cases, actually better than their fancy counterparts! Let’s dive in.
On the skincare front, I can’t get enough of Biore’s Baking Soda Cleanser. Biore has long been one of my drugstore faves when it comes to skincare… and baking soda is one of the best ingredients when you want to exfoliate and detox. (Pro tip – if you’ve been using too much dry shampoo, mix a little baking soda in with your favorite clarifying shampoo to give your scalp the ultimate deep clean.) This cleanser foams up and does a really nice job exfoliating which is so necessary this time of year… my skin gets so dry! Also on the skincare front: Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Wipes (so amazing after the gym and they’ll take makeup off at night in a pinch) and an old rediscovery… Ponds Cold Cream. You might remember that I spent a few days with them in December (more on that to come) and they gave us this. I had forgotten how soothing and amazing it is (and how effective it is at taking off the most stubborn eye makeup).
Next up is hair. I am fussy about what hair products I will use, especially when looking for a clarifying shampoo as a lot of them can be way too drying to the point where your hair actually squeaks. There is such a thing as too clean! I love this one from Herbal Essences. It gets hair super clean, without the squeak. The conditioner that accompanies it is also very good, and the white strawberry scent is heavenly. The combination is really great pre-blowout as it leaves your hair soft but very clean (the recipe for a long-lasting blowout).
That brings us to makeup. I have always been a big fan of drugstore mascaras. I try all the fancy ones too, and to be honest, the biggest difference is usually in the packaging… not the actual product. Mascara is really all about the brush and the mass brands tend do do a better job innovating here. When I shot my videos with L’Oreal a few months back, they sent me home with this mascara and I quickly became obsessed with it. While the two step process takes an extra minute or two, the results are amazing and super dramatic. Big, bold lashes… lashes are the only time I don’t want my makeup to look natural! On a surprising note, this Covergirl eyeshadow palette is actually insane. I say surprising simply because the color payoff isn’t usually there with most drugstore eyeshadows… but these are rich + creamy (the formula feels a lot like Stila to be honest). Full coverage, stays on all day. I’m hooked and want to buy the other colors now. For a really potent effect, dip the brush in water and apply the shadows wet.
Three more things: I’ve been wearing this long wear lipstick a lot in outfit posts recently, and I love that it stays on all day (or all night – I also wore it to a black tie a few weekends ago and didn’t have to reapply my lipstick once). And then there is Blake Lively’s red lip (because who doesn’t want to be Blake), and this awesome little contouring palette (I love that the shades of highlighter + bronzer are pre-matched to complement each other)
I second that mascara and lipstick!
xo, Irina Bond | BondGirlGlam.com
I love long wear lipstick but I always have so much trouble getting it off – even with makeup remover! What do you use?
Haha I am probably a bad person to ask, even after I wash my face I still wake up with red lips the next day. I usually use eye makeup remover and use my cleansing oil on my lips but I still end up looking like a clown the next day. Worth it though to have it stay on all night, I guess it just depends upon your priorities 😉 x
I love Herbal Essences Naked shampoo + conditioner – they smell amazing! I want to try the new Biore Baking Soda line as well. Thanks for sharing! — SC at http://www.samanthachic.com
I bought the Covergirl roses compact on your recommendation( I had to go to several stores) and I love it. I’m a huge fan of MAC shadow . I think they are superior for depth of color, variety of shades and are long wearing. (My friend who is a TV producer swears they look the best on camera)Anyway, for the price, this Covergirl palette is great. I have green eyes, so the colors are perfect for me. I’m a newish convert to Ulta( I still go to Sephora too), but I love that you can get a good selection of high and low-end products. I think you are right about the drug store mascara( I like the Loreal voluminous ) and you can’t beat the price. Sometimes it doesn’t pay to pay!
I did get a sample of the Tarte lights, camera, lashes though recently and I really like it. Great brush!
I love that one too!! (And agree regarding your thoughts on MAC – they have the best shade selection and they stay on all day!) So happy that you love the Covergirl palette as much as I do 🙂
I really want that Covergirl palette, it looks so pretty!
xo, Liz
http://lipstickandconfetti.com
Love a good drugstore find! I’m using the Ponds night time cream and I’m really happy with it.
amandakatherine.com
Love seeing your drugstore beauty suggestions! That Biore wash is on my try list! I love long wear mascaras as well!
Laura | Laura Aime Vous
L’Oreal mascaras are a holy grail item for me. I wore DiorShow for years and loved it, but on whim went back to the L’Oreal Voluminous forumla I’d worn as a poor college student and realized they were virtually identical. And I often find Voluminous on sale at Target for $5, so it’s just a no-brainer. A primer is always nice, so I’m going to try out Superstar on my next Target run!
I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels this way! I used Benefit and Dior mascaras for years when I was younger… I even went so far to once splurge on a YSL one (mostly because the gold tube was so amazing). And then I spent a few years working for P&G. My old boss had worked on the Covergirl brand and explained to me the technology they put into their brush research, and how much better the formula had tested vs. the department stores. From there I was a dedicated Covergirl Lash Blast girl for years and years. But more recently, I’ve been loving L’Oreal! I’m obsessed with their Mamba Lash (the one with the neon yellow cap) but now I’m hooked on Superstar. You will have to let me know how you like it. I really love it.