Budget Beauty Products You’ll Love (or maybe you already do)

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It always feels like a win when I can find budget beauty products that I really love. Not only is it a savings, but it makes it easy to pick up a new supply when you can order it from Amazon or pick it up at your local drugstore or even grocery store. There are some products I prefer to splurge a little on, like my hair products and some of my face products (I do love my Oribe and Clarins). But there are some substitutions I’m willing to make when I like the results. Sometimes you think “Why should I spend more?”. Maybe you already use some of these but if not, give them a try. Here’s a list of 12 lesser-priced and easily accessible beauty products (from head to toes) that I think you’ll love.

Amazing Budget Beauty Products…

Cricket Tunnel Hair Brush – I love this brush and have been using one of these for decades. I think I’m only on my second one. Gentle on your hair, works great for styling and blowdrying. Perfect shape to use as an all purpose brush and I love it. I’ll probably use one of these forever. Don’t tell them but I’d pay more for this brush if I had to.

Tweezerman Mini Slant Tweezers – As a true “menopausal brunette“, I’m sad to say a good pair of tweezers is one item I won’t be without. These are the best tweezers! I don’t know exactly what makes them so different from other ones I’ve tried but these stay sharp and precise. They are perfectly aligned and work on the tiniest of hairs. If you don’t have at least one pair, get them. I keep one in my travel bag and one at my vanity. I highly recommend getting ones with a cute pattern, as well. It makes them easy to spot in your bag or drawer and makes it less likely that someone (like your husband) will accidentally borrow them forever.

Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara – I am reminded of America’s Next Top Model whenever I say the name of this mascara but I love this one. I’ve used Estee Lauder and Clinique mascara before but I love this Cover Girl mascara. It’s a bargain compared to some other choices. And when you run out, you don’t have to make a trip to the mall, just pop in to your corner drugstore. It works great. No clumps, lengthens and volumizes. I use the non-waterproof version.

Almay Bright Eyes Liner and Highlighter Duo – Talk about making it simple. When you don’t have a lot of time or you like to keep your make-up simple, nothing beats this pencil. Personally, I love a pencil because it lasts so long. And because you can sharpen it, it feels a little more hygienic to me. It’s a nice dark brown to use as a liner and the Shell highlighter color is the perfect shade for me. Simple and budget friendly, I love it.

Thayer’s Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner – Who doesn’t love a good toner? I always use it after washing my face and ok, there have been times when I’m too exhausted to wash my face and I’ve just used this. I previously used a Clarins toner but this is much more economical and I really like it. It’s a big bottle and lasts a very long time. This is a budget substitution I’m thrilled to make.

Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm – I tend to prefer some pricier brands for regular lipstick but I keep one of these tinted lip balms in my purse and one by the back door. When I go out to walk the dog I put it on or apply when I’m out running errands. It’s a little bit nicer than using a plain chapstick, it adds a hint of pretty color and shine. It’s so much quicker to apply than a regular lipstick, no mirror needed! Personally, I love the Red Dahlia but I have the Hibiscus, too. A great way to keep your lips hydrated all Winter long. You’ll love it.

Body

Advanced Clinicals Coconut Oil Moisturizing Cream – This is a great body lotion. I haven’t had any issues with dry skin this winter. Thick and creamy with a soft coconut scent, it’s a winner. It says you can use it on your face and hair but I have always used it as a body lotion and love it. It’s very highly reviewed, as well. I used to love another drugstore lotion from GoldBond, the CoQ10 restoring version but they seemed to have changed it (why do they do this?) and I haven’t found it recently when I’ve looked.

Dove Sensitive Skin Bar Soap – Talk about a budget basic, right? But, I love this soap. We started using it when my kids were babies on the recommendation from our pediatrician and we’ve never stopped using it. Leaves skin soft, smooth and hydrated and it’s gentle. Why mess with a good thing? Sure, every once in a while I will treat myself to an essential oil bar of soap from Eden’s Garden but it is quite a price jump. I can’t justify using it all the time when this great Dove soap is around for much less.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen – Neutrogena makes a lot of fantastic products and their sunscreen is no exception. Broad spectrum protection and a non-greasy feel, I use it everywhere when I’m out in the sun. The best sunscreen I’ve tried and I trust it.

Hands and Nails

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream – This hand cream has been around a while and has quite the following. People swear by it and it’s a hand lotion I return to again and again. I may try a pricier substitute as a treat or if I receive some as a gift but this hand cream from Neutrogena is a standard and it’s easy to see why people love it so much when you’ve tried it. I keep it near my kitchen sink to use often. You only need a tiny bit and your hands feel so soft and moisturized.

Essie Nail Polish – It’s hard to pass by the Essie nail polish at the drugstore without taking a peek. My collection of Essie is a little too big I’m sure. But it’s popular for a reason. It’s high quality nail polish at a great price and the colors are gorgeous. For a dark polish my favorite is Carry On. It’s the perfect dark shade in my opinion. Often I will keep my fingernails a more sheer/natural shade and for that I love Mademoiselle or Ballet Slippers. But have you tried their new Treat Love & Color line? If your nails need strengthening and you want a little color as well, try this line. Sheers to You is great for subtle color. And it really lasts. What’s your favorite Essie color?

CND Essential Solar Oil – I have always tended to have dry cuticles and nails. Years ago, someone recommended this oil to me and I’ve been using it ever since. Sometimes I keep it by my bed and use every night. I need to start doing that again for the Winter. Not only does it soften and moisturize your cuticles but it really seems to strengthen my nails, as well. It’s a great product. Made from almond, jojoba and other oils it’s a budget beauty product that really works.

If I’ve left off one of your favorite budget beauty products let me know! I always like a good recommendation.