Tuesday Beauty Tips!! The Best Drugstore Alternatives to Pricey Cosmetics

High-quality cosmetics don’t have to come from a department store. These days you can find some of the best makeup at your local drugstore. However, quality can be hit-or-miss so the secret is to know which items are worth purchasing. Here are a few low-priced finds that are as good as their high-end counterparts:

Magical Mascara

L’Oreal’s Double Extend mascara ($11 at Target). The two-sided tube contains both mascara and primer, which dramatically enhances both the length and volume of lashes. Tip: Apply primer, wait a few seconds, and follow with mascara before the primer dries. Complete one eye before starting the other.

Superb Skincare

Department store skincare can run into the hundreds of dollars for a simple moisturizer! However, studies have shown that pricey products are often not worth the cost. For basic cleaning and moisturizing, you can’t do better than Cetaphil cleanser and Olay Complete moisturizer ($12 and $9). Cetaphil is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skins and Olay is oil-free and contains SPF to help prevent wrinkles from sun exposure. Fun fact: The majority of visible signs of aging are a result of environmental, not genetic, factors, so make sure you wear always sunscreen!

Fabulous Foundation

L’Oreal True Match foundation ($9) is awesome!!  It has a light coverage too. And, with 24 different shades in three undertones (cool, warm, and neutral), you’re sure to find a perfect match for your skin. Tip: Apply foundation with your fingertips and then follow by buffing your skin with a powder brush for a flawless finish.

Hot Haircare

Daily shampooing can strip hair of natural oils, but to keep those oils from building up and making your hair look flat and limp between washings, look to a dry shampoo. Salon versions can cost more than $30.....try the new FreshStart from TRESemmé which costs a mere $6. The spray powder absorbs oils and odors, keeping your tresses looking fresh and clean. Tip: Spray your roots in sections and allow the product to sit for a full two minutes before brushing out.