Photo: Allure
Does dropping serious money for cosmetics really deliver a better beauty product? Maybe not. After road-testing a handful of budget options, I’m convinced that sometimes dime store make-up is just as good as higher-priced lines. Following are a few penny pinching beauty items and the comparable higher-priced option.
Almay Wake-Up Hydrating Makeup (Mineral), $13
It’s a mineral powder that delivers a cool, icy feel when it first touches the skin, due to a hydrating formula packed with cucumber, green tea and aloe vera. Great light-moderate coverage without looking dry or too powdery. Layers well over sunscreen for a radiant natural day look.
Compare to BareMinerals at $26
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Compact Makeup, SPF 55 (Cream), $11
Said to have the highest amount of sunscreen available in any makeup on the market, I just had to try this. It’s creamy texture sinks right into skin delivering moderate, but buildable coverage; perfect for evening out skin tone. Finish is hydrating and dewy. Great choice for everyday makeup.
Compare to Sheisedo Sun Protection Stick Foundation, $27
Roc Retinol Correxion Eye Cream, $18
This has an arsenal of ingredients for all your under eye problems. It claims to visibly reduce: wrinkles, crow’s feet, dark circles and puffiness. I’ve long given up hope that a cream will actually reverse my wrinkles, but I’m hopeful that they will keep new ones at bay. What I like is that the Roc formula is non-irritating, hydrating and relatively inexpensive. Works as well as any $100 eye cream that I’ve tried. Won the Allure Editor’s Award.
Compare to Clinique All About Eyes, $29
CoverGirl Lash Perfection Mascara, $6
Solid choice for building long lashes with volume. No clumping, no smudging and washes right off at the end of the day. More natural looking than the CoverGirl Voluminous line. The black brown is my go-to for day.
Compare to Lancome Definicils High Definition Mascara, $26
Aquaphor, $7 tube
Everyone knows about Aquaphor, but it really comes in handy this time of year. Put aside your pricey foot creams and lip balms and reach for a $7 tube of this wonder gel. Here’s how it’s been saving my skin:
- Heals skin irritations from trying so many random products.
- How did my feet get so crazy dry? Slather this on at night, put on socks and awake to baby-soft, pampered heels.
- Rub on cuticles and lips every day to keep them from cracking from winter winds and cold air.
Compare to Bliss Foot Patrol, $18
Other Great Products to Try:
Neutrogena Lip Sheers, $9 vs. Tarte Natural Lip Sheer, $16
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends Bronzer, $12 vs. Smashbox Fusion SoftLights, $30
Physicians Formula Matte Collection Quad Eyeshadow in Canyon, $6 vs. Sephora Collection Matte Madness, $24
What’s your favorite drugstore or grocery store beauty make-up? How do you save money on cosmetics?
xLaura
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