This summer, whether you are stocking your house for yourself and guests, stocking your beach house rental or traveling, there are so many amazing drugstore finds that will keep you well-stocked for the season, and they will do so without breaking the bank. I have selected a few of my favorite drugstore beauty brands that I routinely pick up when I am wandering down the beauty aisles of my local drugstores.
John Frieda Haircare (Available from Ulta, Walmart, Walgreens, Amazon, Target andBed Bath & Beyond): John Frieda is, without question, one of my favorite drugstore haircare brands. They have so many amazing products from shampoos and conditioners to extraordinary styling products. Their Frizz-Ease range is perfect for fighting frizz and taming unruly tresses, but they have affordable products for all types of hair that are well-worth trying.
Goody Hair Accessories (Available from Walmart, Walgreens, Amazon, Target and Bed Bath & Beyond): During the summer months I usually wear a ponytail to keep my long hair off of my face, particularly when I am out and about. I also seem to misplace, lose or give away so many hair ties– therefore stocking up on affordable hair accessories is an absolute must for me. Goody is affordable and their products are high quality, and if you lose a few hair ties you won't be upset.
Queen Helene (Available from Walmart, Amazon, Walgreens, Sally Beauty, Swanson Vitamins, Beauty Encounter and Bed, Bath & Beyond): Queen Helene has so many healthy skincare and body care options that are effective, affordable and a pleasure to use. I used their Mint Julep Masque as a teenager, and love it as much today as I did then. Their nourishing Cocoa Butter and Coconut Oil are perfect multi-tasking products to hydrate and treat dry skin during the hot months of summer.
Bioré (Available from Ulta, Amazon, Target, Walgreens, Walmart and Bed, Bath & Beyond): If you are finding that the hot weather is causing you to breakout, then Bioré has a wide range of products to fight blemishes, and their masks and cleansers are especially effective.
Whether you want a compact razor system for traveling, or a small facial hair removal device, these two products easily stow away in your travel bag, and they are both quite affordable!
Zim's Max-Freeze Crack Creme (Available from Walmart, Amazon and Walgreens): If you have thick, dry, cracked skin– hello calloused feet– then Zim's has a wonderful range of products to soften, heal and moisturize feet, elbows and cuticles. They also have a muscle and joint formula that is perfect for post-workout sore muscles.
CeraVe Moistuizers and Moisturizing Sunscreens (Available from Ulta, Amazon, Target, Walgreens and Walmart): CeraVe, which is a fragrance-free brand developed with dermatologists, is a perfect choice for people who have sensitive skin, and who avoid fragrances in their skincare products. Their lotions and creams a very moisturizing, and their sunscreens are quite effective. Additionally, when my skin becomes reactive and irritated because of the products that I am testing, I routinely reach for CeraVe to provide moisture without further irritating my skin.
Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Lotion and Body Butter (Available from Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Walmart, Walgreens and Amazon): Vaseline's Cocoa Radiant collection, which is quite moisturizing, contains Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter and numerous oils that help heal dry skin while leaving it with a healthy glow. The Cocoa Butter scent is utterly delectable, and all of my guests agree since this jar and bottle– which have been kept in my guest bathroom– are nearly empty!
Live Clean Body Lotions and Body Oil (Available from Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Amazon and Walmart): Live Clean makes a wonderful range of body care products that are cruelty-free, and that are free of parabens, sulfates and other harmful chemicals. Their body lotions and multi-purpose oil are very moisturizing and leave the skin soft, smooth and supple.
Jason Tea Tree Oil (Available from Target, Walgreens, Amazon, Bed, Bath & Beyond and Walmart): Jason makes so many amazing natural bath and body products, and their body washes are family favorites. Lately I have been loving their Tea Tree Oil to spot treat a couple of heat-induced pimples that have surfaced, and it is natural and ultra-effective.
Curel Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer (Available from Target, Amazon, Walmart, and Walgreens): This moisturizer is activated by damp freshly-showered skin, and it is so effective and fuss-free that it is perfect for people who often forget to apply lotion. It is by far my husbands favorite lotion, and in fact the only one that he uses daily. It is unscented, very moisturizing and it is phthalate-free, Sulfate-free, fluoride-free, dye-free and aluminum-free.
Sally Hansen Nail Polishes (Available from Ulta, Target, Walmart, Walgreens and Amazon): During the hot Los Angeles summers, I often forgo makeup because I prefer a less-is-more approach when it is hot outside. However, I do like to have a nice pedicure and Sally Hansen's chip resistant polishes are among my very favorite. They are affordable, come in a huge range of colors and are easy to find in local drugstores.
No-Ad Sunscreens (Available from Amazon, Walgreens, Walmart and Target): No-Ad makes a wide range of effective sunscreens, and their Sport SPF 50 stick is a water-resistant formula worth having if you are exercising outdoors this summer. It can be used on the face and body, and the formula is lightweight and leaves behind no white residue.
Ocean Potion Sunscreens (Available from Amazon and Walmart): Ocean Potion makes a wide range of effective sunscreens, and their Dab-On Spotstick SPF 50 applies clear with a matte finish, and was conceived for hard-to-reach areas and is also perfect for for the nose, ears, neck, scalp, hands and collar bone.
Bull Frog Sunscreens (Available from Walmart and Amazon): Bull Frog, which has long been a go-to brand for surfers, also has a wonderful Quik Stik for Land Sport. It is perfect for hiking, jogging or doing any sort of outdoor adventures on the land. The formula is sweat resistant for 80 minutes, and it goes on clear. It is portable, easy to use and perfect for the face, hairline, nose, ears and scalp.
Overall Assessment: These are some of my favorite drugstore products to have on hand this summer, and not only does my family use them, but so too do my guests. What are your favorite drugstore products this summer?
It's hard to believe that it is already time to start thinking about back-to-school shopping! I wanted to share a few fab finds from the drugstore beauty aisles that will are worth having. From clean skin and hair to sparkling pearly whites– here are some great affordable staples to stock your bathroom for the upcoming school year.
Bioré Pore Penetrating Charcoal Bar ($6.49-$7.99 for 3.77 oz. from Ulta, Target, Walgreens, Drugstores and Mass Retailers): The Bioré Pore Penetrating Charcoal Bar effectively draws out dirt and oil to help clean congested pores. This bar is infused with jojoba beads and peppermint, and it gently exfoliates the skin, and and leaves it tingling, clean and smooth.
Bioré Skincare Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser($6.49-$6.99 for 6.77 oz. from Target, Ulta & Walgreens): This charcoal-based cleanser deeply cleanses the skin without stripping it or causing any irritation. Skin is left soft, smooth and clear.I like to let it sit on the skin for a little while before messaging it in order to really lift impurities.
According to Bioré,
Not only does this mask draw out an unbelievable amount of pore congestion, but it leaves the skin deeply cleansed and tingly! Soft and smooth skin is revealed quickly and efficiently.
Oil-Free
Dermatologist Tested
Gentle enough for everyday use
Suggested use: For optimal results use daily. Wet face. Pump cleanser into hands, gently work into a foam. Massage over entire face. Rinse thoroughly. For external use only. Avoid eye contact. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water. Keep out of reach of children.
Bioré Self Heating One Minute Mask ($6.99-$7.99 for 4 Single Packets 0.25 oz. each from Target, Ulta& Walgreens): This thermal 1-minute mask warms to help unclog pores, and it draws out dirt and oil very effectively. It has a wonderful menthol aroma that imparts a cooling sensation on the skin.
According to Bioré,
Heats on contact with water to open pores and draw out pore-clogging dirt and oil, then cools leaving skin tingly smooth and refreshed.
Oil-Free
Dermatologist Tested
How To Use: Before using, please read cautions and usage instructions. For best results, use on clean face.
WET FACE. Leave face wet – the Bioré® Self Heating One Minute Mask is activated by water.
APPLY MASK. Dry hands, open single-use packet, dispense contents into hand and apply mask to face. You may add a little water to your fingers to help spread the mask and activate warming.
MASSAGE for about 1 minute. As you massage, the mask will heat up. For more heating action or for your preferred consistency, massage in a little water. The mask does not dry/harden.
RINSE. After one minute has passed, thoroughly rinse with water to remove the mask.
Recommended Usage: May use up to 2-3 times/week. For external use only. Avoid eye contact. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water. Keep out of reach of children.
Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar ($3.19-$12.99 for 2-14 bar packs from Target, Walgreens and Bed, Bath & Beyond): If you have sensitive skin, then you likely seek a gentle soap that will neither strip, nor dry out your skin, and this bar definitely delivers. Furthermore, this bar leaves skin soft, smooth and not in the least bit taut.
According to Dove,
This Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar brings you classic Dove cleansers and ¼ moisturising cream in an unscented, hypoallergenic bar that’s gentle enough for sensitive skin. Suitable for daily use, it helps protect skin’s natural moisture and can be used on your hands, body or face. Get the gentle skin care for sensitive skin that you deserve – try Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar. Ingredients: Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate, Stearic Acid, Sodium Tallowate Or Sodium Palmitate, Lauric Acid, Sodium Isethionate, Water, Sodium Stearate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoate Or Sodium Palm Kernelate, Sodium Chloride, Tetrasodium Edta, Tetrasodium Etidronate, Maltol, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891).
Dove Pink Beauty Bar ($2.99-$12.99 for 2-14 bar packs from Target, Walgreens and Bed, Bath & Beyond): This creamy soap contains ¼ moisturizing cream to help make skin soft, smooth and hydrated. It doesn't strip skin in the least, nor does it leave it taut.
According to Dove,
Dove Beauty Bars are specially formulated to deliver skin natural nourishment, helping your skin to keep its natural moisture during cleansing. Dove Pink Beauty Bar contains our ultra-mild cleansers, which don’t strip skin of moisture like a regular soap bar can. It’s mild enough to be used on your face, body and hands – the perfect addition to your daily skin cleansing routine.
Dove Gentle Exfoliating Beauty Bar ($2.99-$12.99 for 2-14 bar packs from Target, Walgreens and Bed, Bath & Beyond): I am a huge fan of exfoliating soaps that are gentle, effective and do not strip the skin. This bar effectively exfoliates dead skin cells, but leaves the skin soft, smooth and never in the least bit stripped.
According to Dove, Dove Gentle Exfoliating Beauty Bar combines our signature mild cleansers with ¼ moisturizing cream to cleanse and nourish your skin. And it also provides you with gentle exfoliation, washing away dirt and dead skin to leave your skin feeling beautiful and revitalized. Suitable for regular use on hands, body and face, Dove Gentle Exfoliating Beauty Bar leaves skin feeling soft and smooth – every day.
Our light foaming body wash gently cleanses your skin, leaving it feeling refreshed. But light doesn’t mean any less indulgent (quite the opposite): the instant lather is fragranced with warm vanilla and shea butter, wrapping you in a cloud of comfort.
Created with the same cleansing care as every Dove Go Fresh body wash, this green tea and cucumber body wash nourishes skin as it cleanses, leaving behind a fresh, uplifting scent. Enriched with our NutriumMoisture™ technology, it delivers skin natural nourishment to help keep skin feeling moisturized, while nourishing deeply* to help support skin’s moisture barrier.
Dove Intensive Repair Shampoo ($3.49-6.49 for 12-25.4 oz. from Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond and Walgreens): I often have problems using a great many drugstore shampoos and conditioners because they are often far too fragrant for my taste, and far too stripping for my curly hair, but I am pleased to note that I experience neither of these deal-breakers from this shampoo. It has a light aroma that is neither cloying, nor unpleasant, and it cleans my hair without any stripping. I can't say that I am aware of it penetrating my strands or deeply nourishing my hair, but it definitely leaves it smoother and more manageable.
According to Dove,
Dove Intensive Repair Shampoo & Conditioner formulated with Nutri-Keratin Repair Actives, help your hair to recover from damage in two different ways. The formulas repair signs of surface damage, making your hair look and feel smoother and stronger against breakage. It also penetrates the strands to provide hair nourishment deep inside, making your hair look healthier, time after time.
Dove Intensive Repair Conditioner ($3.49-6.49 for 12-25.4 oz. from Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond and Walgreens): Like its companion shampoo, this conditioner has a light and pleasant fragrance that is neither cloying, nor unpleasant. It does a nice job moisturizing my hair, it fights frizz and leaves my hair manageable and soft.
According to Dove,
We know that damaged hair care should go beyond removing the outward signs of damage, which is why this Dove conditioner is formulated to nourish and help restore the hair inside as well. Formulated with Keratin Repair Actives, Dove Intensive Repair Conditioner repairs the signs of damage to the hair surface and, with continued use, penetrates the hair strands to progressively nourish, making hair stronger against breakage, beautiful and visibly healthier with every wash.
Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Healing Moisture Lotion ($3.49-8.99 for 10-32 oz. from Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond and Walgreens): This fragrance-free lotion is rich, creamy and very moisturizing. It sinks into the skin quickly, leaves behind no greasy residue, and it's tough on dry patches. Skin is left soft, smooth, supple and very hydrated. It is a perfect if you have dry skin.
According to Vaseline,
When you have very dry, rough, irritated skin you need something that will moisturize to help it heal fast. With our Advanced Repair Unscented lotion, we’ve combined healing micro-droplets of Vaseline® Jelly and our highest levels of moisturizing glycerin. The result is a rich yet quick-absorbing formula that gives you intense moisturization as well as a soothing scent. This lotion will give you immediate relief and moisturization, resulting in healing your dry skin.
Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Lotion ($5.84-$8.49 for 10-32 oz. from Target, Walmart, Amazon, Bed, Bath & Beyond and Walgreens): This is a rich cocoa butter infused lotion that is lightweight, fast absorbing and delectably scented. The warm and creamy cocoa butter scent is heavenly, but it sits close to the skin and isn't in the least bit overpowering. It adds serious moisture to dry skin, and leaves skin very soft.
According to Vaseline,
We believe healthy skin starts with deep-healing moisture. In our Intensive Care™ Cocoa Radiant™ Lotion, we’ve combined healing micro-droplets of Vaseline® Jelly, powerful moisturizers, and pure cocoa butter, in a rich, fast-absorbing formula. The result is a lotion that moisturizes to help heal dry and dull-looking skin, bringing out its natural glow.
Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Soothe Lotion ($5.84-$8.49 for 10-32 oz.from Target, Walgreens and Bed, Bath & Beyond): Lightweight and fast absorbing, this classic lotion has a refreshing light, green scent that is perfect for the warm months of the year. It leaves parched skin soft and moisturized in no time at all.
According to Vaseline,
When you have very dry, rough, irritated skin you need something that will moisturize to help it heal fast. With our Advanced Repair Unscented lotion, we’ve combined healing micro-droplets of Vaseline® Jelly and our highest levels of moisturizing glycerin. The result is a rich yet quick-absorbing formula that gives you intense moisturization as well as a soothing scent. This lotion will give you immediate relief and moisturization, resulting in healing your dry skin.
Vaseline Petroleum Jelly ($3.49 for 7.5 oz. from Walgreens and Target): While vaseline has so many uses, and is a great multi-tasker to have on hand, I tend to use it around my hair line when I color treat my hair. It prevents the hair color from migrating onto your skin, which also protects sensitive skin from hair color, and it is easy to clean up.
According to Vaseline,
Vaseline Jelly is the original wonder jelly. It works by creating a sealing barrier between cells, which locks in moisture and speeds up your skin’s natural recovery from dryness, helping it heal from within.* Its occlusive function also allows it to protect dry, cracked skin and minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. Our jelly is triple-purified to be 100% pure.
CloSYS Alcohol-Free Oral Health Rinse Unflavored ($11.99-$13.49 for 32 oz. from Walgreens, Walmart and Amazon): If you like to pre-cleanse your mouth and teeth before brushing, these alcohol-free rinses are absolutely fantastic. I simply swish them around in my mouth after flossing and before brushing, and what a difference it makes. My teeth are left very clean and my mouth feels refreshed.
According to CloSYS,
CloSYS Original Unflavored Rinse with Flavor Control and new pre-flavored Gentle Mint Rinse contain Cloralstan, a powerful yet gentle patented ingredient that kills 99.9% of the bacteria that cause bad breath, dissolve unwanted compounds, and reduce harmful bacteria in your mouth for a noticeably cleaner and fresher mouth.
Unflavored Rinse Ingredients: Water, Stabilized Chlorine Dioxide, Trisodium Phosphate, Citric Acid. Flavor Dropper Ingredients: Natural Mineral Oil and Natural Peppermint.
CloSYS Fluoride Toothpaste ($10.79 from 7 oz. from Walgreens, Walmart and Amazon): I have sensitive teeth, and find this toothpaste to be both effective and gentle. It comes with or without fluoride, and it is free of sulfates.
According to CloSYS,
CloSYS contains mild polishing agents that help whiten teeth and remove tough stains, while being one of the least abrasive toothpastes available (Relative Dentin Abrasivity score=53). CloSYS protects the enamel and won't harm expensive dental work or irritate sensitive mouths. CloSYS is one of the few toothpastes available that does not contain sulfates, which have been linked to allergies, mouth ulcers and canker sores.
CloSYS Fresh Breath Spray ($2.49 for 0.25 oz. from Walgreens): This refreshing mint flavored breath spray is sugar-free, it comes in a non-aerosol spray and is small enough to carry in your purse. It is perfect to use between meals when you don't have a convenient place to brush your teeth.
According to CloSYS,
Our mint flavored oral spray is perfect to use when it is not convenient to brush, floss or rinse. It quickly refreshes and cleans your mouth and breath anytime and anywhere.
Back to School shopping can be very expensive, and for those going off, or returning, to college these expenses can become rather daunting. Between the continual tuition hikes, the stratospheric cost of books, the mandatory health insurance (at least at my university), the exorbitant rents, and the high cost of food– most students have very little discretionary income left to buy incidentals.
Given that I teach at a big university, I spend a lot of time with undergraduate and graduate students, and many of them tell me about their living conditions in the dorms, sorority houses, and in off-campus housing. Trust me when I tell you, that I am continually shocked by some of the goings on that they have to deal with while trying to get an undergraduate or advanced degree. They often live 6 or more deep in a 3 bedroom apartment sharing a single bathroom in order to be able to afford the high cost of housing. Given that so many have communal bathrooms and tight quarters, there is a natural tendency to end up sharing some beauty products (whether willingly or unwillingly). Therefore, in addition to selecting affordable makeup and body care products, I also sought out a few affordable, and larger sized, grooming products that could be left in the bathroom and shared amongst the roommates.
With Fall Semester less than a month away, and Fall Quarter less than two months away, many college and university students are already beginning to shop for the new academic year. Here are a few drugstore picks to start out the new school year without breaking the budget.
SOHO Disney Makeup Bags ($7.99-$11.99 at Walgreens): LONDON SOHO NEW YORK makes all sorts of super cute and affordable makeup bags, makeup brushes and makeup sponges that are embellished with Disney favorites. These are great for storing your makeup and other things that you don't want to leave in the bathroom, or share for sanitary reasons. They can easily be stowed in your room and will keep all of your daily go-to items at your fingertips.
This summer, LONDON SOHO NEW YORK® teamed up with Walgreens to offer another dreamy Disney collection of cosmetic bags – this time featuring Ariel, Mulan and Pocahontas. Available exclusively at Walgreens, the Dare to Dream collection contains six new cosmetic bags that will keep you styled like a Disney Princess on your next adventure!
This imaginative line including a weekender, organizer, clutch and round top purse kit is inspired by the ambitious spirits of these inspiring leading ladies. Known for durable, long-lasting and on-trend cosmetic bags, this latest collection blends these courageous characters and functional design to dare you to dream like a Disney Princess.
SOHO Disney Belle Enchanted Eyes 3 Piece Brush Set ($12.99 at Walgreens): This three piece brush set is all you really need to apply your daily eye makeup. The brushes are good quality, easy to use, highly effective, and they don't shed.
Belle Enchanted Eyes Brush Set includes:
Medium Fluff Brush – Short round shape creates depth and detail.
Large Fluff Brush – Soft, fluffy bristles allow shadow to glide across eyelids with ease.
Flat Angled Liner Brush – Angled shape creates flawless lines and can be used with powder, gel or cream liner.
Material: Nylon bristles
SOHO Spellbound Beauty Sponge ($9.99 at Walgreens): Its unique shape works well with both liquid and cream foundations. The pointed end is perfectly suited for small spaces like the inner corner of eyes and nose, and the wide base is intended for all-over blending.
Material: Non-latex sponge
NYC New York Color HD Waterproof Automatic Eyeliner (Reviewed here. $2.00 each from Target, Walmart and CVS): These beautifully pigmented eyeliners are creamy and tug free, but once they set they are long-lasting and budge-proof. They are gorgeous and affordable, and well worth having.
HD Automatic Eyeliner makes your dream eye look easy and speedy. This skinny pencil just twists up to reveal a perfect point that makes applying color a breeze. At the other end is a brilliant pro-style blending tool for customising your look.
Top to Bottom: Turquoise, Navy Blue, Black and Dark Brown
Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Single in Nutty ($0.99 from Drugstore.com and Walgreens): This is such a pretty golden taupe, and it has a lovely creamy texture that effortlessly glides across the lids and it deposits color evenly. For this price you can buy one for your roommate so that she doesn't use yours!
High-pigmentation and pearl-density create a unique, satiny texture that lasts and lasts. A versatile collection of classic and trend shades can be easily worn alone or playfully combined for a variety of looks.
Ingredients: Dimethicone, Talc, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Magnesium Stearate, Nylon-12, Caprylyl Glycol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Glycerin, Boron Nitride, Polyethylene, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, May Contain (+/-): Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)
COVERGIRL Intensify Me! Liquid Liner (Reviewed here. $8.99 from ULTA and Drugstore.com): This is one of my favorite liquid liners these days because the uniquely shaped paddle allows for the finest lines when turned on end, and because the flat side effortlessly achieves a bold and thick cat eye.
Get the control of a pencil with the intensity of a liquid eyeliner for beautifully defined eyes every time with CoverGirl's Intensify Me! Liquid Liner. Their paddle-shaped tip gives you two looks in one - thick and dramatic or thin and elegant. The intense black formula glides on smoothly and dries quickly for instant drama.
Note the difference in thickness between the flat side and the thin edge.
Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Foundation with Comfort Serum ($6.99-$7.99 for 1 oz. from Target, ULTA, Walgreens and Drugstore.com): This is my new favorite drugstore foundation because it offers light to medium coverage with a very natural finish. My skin looks and feels hydrated, smooth and glowing. Rimmel claims that it is "party-proof, transfer-proof and leaves you with flawless looking skin around the clock" and lasts 24 hours, and I agree with all of these claims, except that I can't verify the 24 hour wear-time because of my unwillingness to sleep in my makeup.
Lasting Finish 25 Hour Full Coverage, our first long wear foundation with comfort serum for feel good, flawless skin that stays put morning to night. Stay-true makeup applies smoothly and evenly, concealing dark circles and imperfections. Leaves skin looking flawless all day long. Transfer resistant for up to 25 hours. New skin-friendly comfort serum for instant hydration, lightweight and extra comfortable wear all day. Vitamin E helps provide additional skin barrier from free radicals.
Rimmel Keep Calm Lip Balms (Reviewed here. $2.50 for 0.13 oz. from Amazon and Walmart): These are fun, whimsical and very moisturizing lip balms that leave lips soft and supple. Of the three shades that I have, only Keep Calm and Party offers any real color payoff. They offer sheer washes of color, and therefore no mirror is needed for application.
According to Rimmel London, their Keep Balm Lip Balms are moisturizing with a "touch of fun and flirty colors."
Claims:
• Enriched formula with moisturizing oils that calm, soften and protect lips for hours
• Instantly increases lip moisture by 22%*
(*Clinical study: Percent change from untreated bare lips)
Keep Calm and Shop is a peachy nude shade in the tube, but it actually appears quite clear when it is applied to the lips.
Keep Calm and Play (Rose Blush) appears to be an orate coral shade in the tube, and it is a very sheer pinky coral on me
Keep Calm and Party (Violet Blush) is a purple-kissed berry with more pigmentation and color pay off than the other two shades.
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color ($4.99 each from ULTA, Amazon, Walgreens and Target) Left to Right: Leapin' Lilac (380), Plummet (422) and Cherry Fast (421). I am completely obsessed with these gorgeous polishes. One coat for full opaque coverage in gorgeous colors, and for less than $5.00 each! I have worn them for over a week on my fingers and toes without any chipping, so it is safe to say that they are definitely well worth having.
Leapin' Lilac is a gorgeous lavender
Plummet is a deep and rich royal purple
Cherry Fast is bright mid-tone blue-based pink
Nail color covers in just one coat, brilliantly. The Perfectionist Brush contours to any nail, so color always glides on precisely, quickly, flawlessly. And, the exclusive Flexiglass Complex combines beautiful, brilliant shine and super-strong wear. So simple, so Sally.
Ingredients: Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Triphenyl Phosphate, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Isopropyl Alcohol, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Trimethyl Pentanyl Diisobutyrate, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Benzophenone-1, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Ethyl Tosylamide, Dimethicone, Aluminum Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Silica, Tin Oxide. May Contain: Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Aluminum Powder (CI 77000), FD&C Yellow No. 5 Aluminum Lake (CI 19140), FD&C Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake (CI 42090), D&C Red No. 6 Barium Lake (CI 15850), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), D&C Red No. 7 Calcium Lake (CI 15850), D&C Red No. 34 Calcium Lake (CI 15880), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163), D&C Yellow No. 11 (CI 47000), D&C Black No. 2 (CI 77266).
BIC Simply Soleil Click Razor ($7.00 from ULTA and Amazon): The BIC Simply Soleil Click Razor offers a very close shave, and the soothing cocoa butter moisture strip leaves legs silky smooth and hydrated! This is a wonderful razor at a very affordable price.
BIC is announcing the launch of the newest addition to its Soleil® line of women’s razors, BIC® Simply Soleil Click™. The product is BIC’s newest razor for women, offering a disposable handle and six 3-blade cartridges.
The functionality of Simply Soleil Click gives women a simplified shaving experience, offering the convenience of replaceable cartridges at the value of a disposable razor.
Each Simply Soleil Click cartridge features a soothing moisture strip that is 2.5 times larger than the average BIC razor moisture strip, which pampers skin and leaves legs silky after each shave.
BIC Simply Soleil Click offers:
One (1) new, brightly-colored disposable handle and six disposable cartridges in each package (refills not sold separately)
Three (3) blades for a flawlessly smooth shave
A soothing moisture strip with cocoa butter
OGX Healing + Vitamin E Collection: If you have dry, color treated, or curly hair, then this is a great collection to try. The shampoo is non-stripping and gentle on even the driest hair. The conditioner is deeply nourishing and hydrating, and it leaves hair soft, silky and shiny. The penetrating oil combats frizz swiftly and efficiently, and it smells delicious!
Bursting with healing, nutrient-rich ingredients, OGX introduces its new Healing + Vitamin E collection, developed to repair damaged hair and restore vitality. Known for its healing and reparative properties, Vitamin E smoothes the surface of the hair, combating frizz and mending split-ends, while reducing the risk of future breakage. Penetrating deep into each strand, it hydrates the hair, increasing its strength and elasticity. Highly nourishing, it also helps to reverse damage caused by heat tools and daily styling.
Give your hair its daily dose of vitamins with this nutrient-packed shampoo. Its moisturizing formula blend penetrates strands to help increase strength and elasticity, while healing Vitamin E smooths from root to tip.
OGX Healing + Vitamin E Conditioner leaves my hair hydrated, manageable, detangled and frizz-free. I can even get a comb through my curly hair after using this conditioner!
Lower your risk for breakage and dullness with this conditioner that will leave your locks looking smooth and healthy.
This concentrated infusion of Vitamin E helps heal brittle, damaged hair with just a few drops. Evenly distribute one drop to give hair nourishment and to prevent breakage
Bodycology Moroccan Sunset Moisturizing Body Wash ($3.99 for 16 oz. from Target): This is a non-stripping moisturizing cleanser that leaves the skin soft and thoroughly cleansed. It has a warm fruity floral scent that makes the whole bathroom smell great.
The sensual fragrance of sweet passionfruit and blooming hibiscus flowers leave you feeling exotic and inspired. Our ultra moisturizing body wash is formulated with Shea Butter & Vitamin E to keep skin feeling hydrated and irresistably smooth.
Piper's Perfumery Fragrance Mists ($4.48 for 8.3 oz. from Walmart): Available in a wide variety of fruity and floral scents, these light body fragrances are affordable and large enough to share with your housemates.
Vaseline Intensive Care Spray Moisturizer in Aloe Soothe ($5.84-$8.40 for 6.5 oz. from Drugstore.com, Amazon, Walgreens and Target): I have to confess that I am rather obsessed with this moisturizer, in part because it has a delectable fresh green scent that is very refreshing. It is a fast absorbing and ultra moisturizing lotion that sprays out as a foam, and it leaves skin soft, supple, hydrated and luminous. It is actually quite concentrated– so be mindful that a little goes a long way.
Features:
Moisturizes and absorbs in seconds to help heal dry skin
LA LOOKS Mega Mega Hold ($2.69-$2.99 from Walgreens, Drugstore.com and Amazon): If you are looking for a strong holding gel that won't flake or leave your hair feeling hard and unnatural, then this is a good bet at a great price. It feels lightweight and non-sticky, but keeps hair right where you want it.
Get a grip!... on ultimate hold and control with L.A. Looks mega mega hold gel. It lets you shape, spike, mold or slick your hard-to-hold hair into the style that will get you noticed. Made with TriActive Hold ingredients for absolute fixation, absolute resistance and absolute durability that will last all day long. This is one gel that won't flake-out on you, and it is alcohol free, lightweight and non-sticky for a smooth finish. Safe for color treated hair.
LA LOOKS Volumizing Mousse(Walgreens, Amazon): This mousse offers flexible hold without leaving hair greasy or weighed down. Hair remains soft and touchable without looking or feeling as though it is loaded with styling products.
Want to turn up the volume on your locks, but don’t want that crunchy feeling? LA Looks volumizing Mousse bodifies hair with lightweight hold and shine that doesn’t weight your hair down. Amp up your locks with soft and touchable finish that lasts all day.
LA LOOKS Define & Shine ($2.69- from Walgreens and Drugstore.com): This styling gel boasts a humidity-resistant formula the offers frizz control while it smooths the tresses and leaves behind a lovely shine. This is a great gel for curly hair and hair prone to frizz.
Love the shine of a serum but need the hold of a gel? This advanced formula coats and seals the hair cuticle to tame frizz while offering humidity-resistant resins that help smooth hair and Micro-Crystalline shine enhancers to deliver a luminous shine.
Overall Assessment: Great products at affordable prices are imperative for most college students, and these are but a few that will let you do some pampering without breaking your budget.
What are your favorite drugstore budget-friendly finds?
