Decorative cosmetics for makeup. Close up.
Those of you who have been following my blog know that I’ve been in the beauty industry since the discovery of the mud bath. During that time, I’ve answered hundreds of questions about makeup and skin care products, what to look for, best brands, where to buy them, and how much to spend.
In a recent conversation with a girlfriend about makeup and skin care products, she looked over and said, “I don’t want generalized information and multiple options. I don’t have time for that. Just tell me what you use. But stay out of Nordstrom. I’m not paying to put Mrs. Lauder’s grandson through college.”
No problem.
When you’re working in high-end retail, especially as a buyer and sales trainer, cosmetics companies want you to sell their products. This makes them wonderfully generous. You get lots and lots of free products to try, which can distort your definition of “expensive.”
I got very used to $175 night creams, $40 mascaras, $150 collagen serums, and $28 lip pencils. When you get it for free, or at wildly reduced prices, why not? But then I left the industry. Boom. Those days were over. Now I was paying full retail. OMG. Who pays these prices?? When Hubs pointed out that I could buy a new car for my monthly moisturizer payments, I knew something had to be done. And so the quest began.
How do I find Nordstrom products at Walgreen’s? Do they even exist? Can products work when they’re sold in hard plastic bubbles and tacked up along a wall next to the baby wipes and jock itch spray? And was I supposed to ask that 12-year-old, Proactive-needing gum chewer in the Walgreen’s apron for advice on what product will plump the wrinkles around my lips or what foundation works best on 58-year-old skin? Being an unabashed beauty product junkie who just lost her free suppliers, I was determined to find out.
A few years later, with many, many mistakes, returns (Rite Aid hates me), and giveaways to my thrilled DIL, my bathroom is now beautifully stocked with cheap versions of the products I’ve loved forever. Much to my delight, these work as well, or sometimes better, than their expensive counterparts. I have a personal “Best Of” list, and I’m going to share it with you, my readers. Because I’m generous like that. And because I love you.
Note: No compensation was provided by any of these companies. We’ve never talked, and they have no idea this post exists.
Best of (Cheap) Beauty, 2015:
Best Daytime Mascara: L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara. This has been my go-to mascara for 20 years. Even when working in the industry, this was the one I used. Great volume, no clumps. Every time I tried something new, I went back to it, apologizing for straying like a cheating wife asking for forgiveness. $10
Best Dramatic Mascara: Rimmel Retro Glam Mascara. With two quick coats, this stuff gets your lashes out to there. Think Twiggy in the 60s. (Those of you under 40, Google her. Eyelashes for days.) $6
Best Foundation: L’Oreal Visible Lift Blur Foundation. Comes in a tube, and works like a hot damn. Beautiful slip, easy to apply, and actually does “blur” the lines around my eyes and mouth. And it looks like skin. Most drugstore foundations are chalky or too “pink.” Your face should not be the color of suntanned Pepto-Bismal. But this stuff is beautiful. $12
Best Pressed Powder: Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Translucent Powder. When it’s time to “powder your nose,” you’ll love this one. Sheer, matte, non-powdery finish that kills the shine instantly. Especially good at the end of the day, when your makeup is looking like you’ve had it on since 6:30 a.m., but you don’t have the time (or the inclination) to do it over. $10
Best Nude Eyeshadow: Maybelline Nude Beach Eyeshadow. Gorgeous true nude, with a slight shimmer. Fabulous worn either alone, or as a base with any other eyeshadows. Love, love, love this one. I wear it every day, with or without mascara. $3
Best Eyeliner: Maybelline Stiletto Liquid Eyeliner. Line your eyes like a rock star. Quick, easy, stays on until you take it off. $6
Best Eye Pencils: Almay Amazing Lasting 16-Hour Eyeliner. Glides on, so no pulling of thin eye area (At 50+, you don’t want to pull on something that isn’t going to go back). Stays on all day. Beautiful, soft colors. $7
Best Blusher: Maybelline Master Glaze Glisten Blush Stick. I love “Just Pinched” pink. These little guys are fun. One swipe on your cheeks, blend with your fingers, and you’ve got a creamy glow for hours. Toss in your purse for quick touch-ups. $9
Best Lip Stains: Hard Candy “All Glossed Up” Lip Stains. These adorable chubby crayons are sheerer, softer, and a little sexier than traditional lipsticks. The stain lasts for hours, and touch-ups are just a quick swipe. $5
Best “Nude” Lip Pencil: L’Oreal Infallible 6-Hour Lip Pencil, in Pink. Truly nude lip pencils only work for Gwyneth Paltrow. The rest of us look dead. Healthy lips aren’t beige. This soft, neutral pink looks natural and healthy, better defined, and works with any lip color. And you’ll never have that horrid VPL (visible panty line) created from dark or brightly colored lip pencils. $6
Best Daily Moisturizer: Aveeno SPF 15. It’s really difficult to find a moisturizer with sunscreen that isn’t tacky to the touch, leaves an odd sheen to your skin, and totally goops up your makeup. This lightweight moisturizer softens and smooths, with a sunscreen that leaves no sticky residue. Perfect. $17 (And for the uber-frugal, Walmart sells an “Equate” version of this that’s exactly the same, for $8. We won’t tell.)
Best Night Cream: Garnier Ultra Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream. The Mac Daddy of the list. Love. This. Product. It feels like its $150+ cousins, with gorgeous slip and yummy feel. It has all the “good stuff” that expensive anti-aging creams boast about, and deeply moisturizes without feeling heavy. This is my best find ever. $15
This is totally me. So thank you. More than anything I’m just not as comfortable in the fancy-schmancy make up stores.
Glad to be of service, Carla! Some items need to be high-end, but not all of them! :)
I am a long time user of Voluminous mascara – love it! And I use L’Oreal skin care products which I totally love. Great list.
Sharon, I’m with you! L’Oreal blows Oil of Olay out of the water. :)
Your list is saving unknowing women all over the world a lot of $$$. Been using many of them for a few years now. Just discovered Neutrogena Hydro Boost water gel. Do you know this is what my aging skin has needed. I don’t wear a lot of makeup other than mascara and lip stain while working. This product is comparable to the twin made by Clinique and at least twice the price.
Barb, Neutrogena makes some great products. And anytime I can find a good product at half the price, I’m in! :)
THANK-YOU!!!
Haralee, You’re welcome, my friend! :)
got the mascara down too, for more years than I’d like to remember. I like L’ Oreal eyeliner pencil, as well. I use a lot of witch hazel and coconut oil for the rest of my beauty regime. Ok, you have seen me, so you know those might not be the best choice, but I’m just lazy
Cate, we don’t call it “lazy.” We call it “efficient”! :)
Just the list I needed Vikki! I pinned it besides sharing it so I can take it to the store with me. I’m going on a shopping spree! Thanks so much for preparing this list.
Rena, ooooh, I love shopping sprees! Have fun! :)
I’m a big fan of the L’Oreal mascara! It’s better than it’s expensive sister, by Dior!
I agree, Jennifer! I keep trying others, and I keep going back to what works! :)
Something we have in common…working with cosmetics in a past life! I worked for Lancome for a few years, which is L’oreal. The only thing I still buy at the $$ counter is their eyebrow pencil, and now their clear eyebrow gel, also. My eyebrows have disappeared and keeping them from disappearing during the day requires serious stamina and diligence!
Aside from that I buy my daily products at CVS, and sometimes from Sephora online. Great list!
b
Thanks, Barbara! While I love an afternoon in the Nordstrom Cosmetic Department, I just can’t whip out my wallet at those prices! :)
Love this, Vikki! Thanks for sharing your insights! I always feel like such a sucker at the department store cosmetic counter.
You’re welcome, Roxanne! My trial and error are happy to help! :)
Thanks, Vikki! However, I’m not so sure a certain boutique will like this list. But now being retired, it’s a godsend!
You’re welcome, Ms. Keren! And we just won’t speak of this again… :)
THANK YOU Ma’am!
Ive struggled for years to find good skincare and makeup for my seriously dry and sensitive skin. The days of having a natural “dewy” look ended for me just after having offspring #3. Finally found a good skincare products (Paula’s Choice) but still looking for something to replace my Lancome Renegie Lift. Ill give your suggestion a try… if I can get the right color :) Who knew Medium Beige could be interpreted into so may different shades.
Thanks again!!!!!!!!!
Susan, you’re funny! Yes, “Medium Beige” appears to be somewhat subjective. Thankfully, Rite Aid takes cosmetic returns, with no questions, since they don’t offer testers. (Make sure you have the receipt, because without it, they automatically deduct half, in case you got it on sale and aren’t telling them). :)
I sometimes wish I were more experimental with cosmetic products. It’s taken me so long to find the things I like, I’m hesitant to venture forth and buy something new… deal or no deal. Thanks! Brenda
You’re welcome, Brenda! Maybe try one at a time, if you’re unsure. Who knows, you might find something you love! (And Rite Aid takes returns). :)
Thank you!! I’m definitely printing this list and am going to try all the products…especially the foundation, I have struggled with finding a decent one forEVER.
You’re welcome, Gigi! Hope I helped! :)
I love the L’Oreal mascara! Thanks so much for all your suggestions!!
You’re welcome, Roshni! Love seeing you here on Laugh Lines! :)
Wonderful information. Thank you so much!
You’re welcome, Pamela! :)
Rimmel is one of my favorite products! I used to buy their mascara until I found a L’Oreal that I liked better. But I love that you have them on the list; I always check out their stuff!
I agree, Shay! Rimmel is FUN!
I have been on the hunt for a new nude eyeshadow, so I am going to try this suggestion. I am also really curious to the Garnier night creme. I printed this whole list for my next shopping trip ! Thanks
My pleasure, Carissa! I’m a product ninja. I try them all, but I’m pretty firm in what I expect they should do, so drugstores became the ultimate challenge. Every once in a while, I strike gold! :)
This is perfect. I have a teenage daughter and I struggle on what make up to get for her as our tastes are so different. I don’t wear foundation or lip liners so I always get a bit lost! Thanks so much.
Love this information! I agree L’oreal voluminous mascara is GREAT! Very well written, I enjoy your blog!
Great tips! I will have to check out the nude eyeshadow from Maybelline – that is a HUGE makeup staple for me!