I have a confession to make. I’m a little bit of a beauty junkie and while we’re being honest I’m also a beauty product snob. I already confessed to being a quality girl, and while I don’t believe that quality always means expensive, the old adage you get what you pay for often rings true. Being a single mom I wasn’t always able to afford high end or designer duds, but I loved treating myself to a nice new lipstick, silky face wash or luxurious lotion.

In the grand scheme of things, name brand/designer beauty products were more expensive than drugstore brands but not outrageously so, and if I was buying one nice treat I could indulge a little in this area. However, I do have five drugstore brands that I swear by!

Neutrogena moisture stick-I love lipsticks. I have a collection that would shock most because of my minimalist personality. Most are MAC, some are Bobbi Brown and I have a few tubes of Chanel, but I recently discovered this little gem and I have to say it’s my favorite for lips right now. This stick is the perfect blend of color and moisture. It goes on like a lip balm and deposits the perfect amount of tint to your lip. I love this stick for work because you can apply it mirror free. Absolute perfection for under $10.00

http://www.neutrogena.com/product/moisturesmooth+color+stick.do

Nivea Soft Moisturizing cream-this luxurious body crème is great for winter months. It has a wonderful consistency and softens all your bits just right. It also comes in a cute little portable container and a little goes a long way. This has been in my beauty arsenal for a while now. I love it more than La Mer…well, almost.

http://www.niveausa.com/products/NIVEA-Soft

Maybelline Studio Master Precise eyeliner– I envy women who can draw on a perfect cat eye with liquid eyeliner. I have seen some do it with one hand! I am not that woman. Mine usually looks more like it was drawn by a toddler using an Etch a Sketch. This liquid pen glides on so perfectly that even those who are challenged in the “draw a straight line” category like I am can effortlessly glide it across their upper lid. I do use two hands though.

http://www.maybelline.com/products/eye-makeup/eye-liner/eye-studio-master-precise-ink-pen-eyeliner.aspx

Ponds Original Fresh Wet Cleansing Wipes– I have used Neutrogena wipes for about two years now but recently switched to these babies. My daughter introduced me to Ponds. They are the perfect consistency and can be used as an actual face wash instead of just a makeup remover. I love these little pop up cloths. They are genius and even cheaper than the Neutrogena ones! Major score.

http://www.ponds.us/product/detail/95880/original-fresh-makeup-removal-towelettes

Crest 3D White Luxe-I get the most compliments on my smile. My teeth aren’t naturally perfect though. I had braces as an adult and bleached them about 15 years ago. I don’t shy away from sharing this when people ask me about my teeth being so white. I really think almost everyone should look into professional bleaching. It is a great investment. However, as upkeep I really credit this toothpaste with keeping my smile super bright. I drink coffee and red wine regularly and this keeps my pearly whites vibrant!

http://crest.com/en-us/products/crest-3d-white-luxe-glamorous-white-toothpaste

Last confession…my absolute favorite makeup staple is mascara. I would have it on my list of deserted island must-haves just in case there is a reflective pool somewhere. I can do without any other makeup staple but mascara is my numero uno. That being said I am serious about my mascara and while I have found some really good drugstore brands I haven’t been able to find one that trumps my favorite, Dior Iconic Show Iconic. Nevertheless, I am always on the hunt so feel free to let me know if you have a drugstore brand that you love!

http://www.dior.com/beauty/en_us/fragrance-beauty/makeup/eyes/mascaras/length-and-curl/pr-mscrlenghtcurl-y0696100-highdefinitionlashcurlermascara.html

 

 

Until Next Post,