I’ll admit that I sometimes fall victim to the hype of the newest beauty booty on the market that promises to revolutionize the way I look/feel/apply my makeup. $28 lip gloss ? Tried it. Mascara that cost 4x the drugstore price ? I was faithful to it for a couple years before finally realizing that the results weren’t actually 4x better than its cheaper counterpart.
Whether you’re like me and have fallen into the habit of buying a few overpriced beauty products just because you’re used to them, or you’re looking to trim your beauty budget, there are a few products that I simply can’t live without that cost way less than their department store counterparts. Not only do they cost less, but they actually perform better.
Nix your played out products in favor of these cheap beauty products that will streamline your morning routine. Check them out in the slideshow.
More Beauty Ideas:
Refresh Your Beauty Booty on a Budget
Mascara
If you like Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara ($23)...
Try this instead: Avon Mega Effects Mascara ($8)
You don't have to be a makeup artist to rock one of the tricks of the trade. Avon Mega Effects Mascara ($8) shook up the beauty world with its innovative Wonderbrush, a malleable tool that makes it easy to coat each lash on the top and bottom and achieve length, volume, and dramatic color. Genius!
Lip Gloss
If you like Stila Lip Glaze ($22)
Try this instead: NYC Liquid Lipshine ($4.68)
Longevity is key when it comes to lip gloss, which is what makes NYC Liquid Lipshine ($4.68) so appealing. Available in a slew of shades that range from clear to peach, this moisturizing gloss leaves lips soft and saturated with intense color.
Highlighting Pearls/Blush
If you like Guerlain Météorites Illuminating Powder Pearls ($62)
Try this instead: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends ($11.99)
Swirl a powder brush into Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends ($11.99) to achieve the ultimate glow. This multipurpose highlighter is far more than a blush; it lights up your complexion with a hint of shimmer and its natural finish.
All-In-One Salve
If you like L'Occitane 100 percent Pure Shea Butter ($39)
Try this instead: Smith's Rosebud Salve ($6)
If you don't know about it yet, make this the year you familiarize yourself with Smith's Rosebud Salve ($6). Sure, it's a lip balm, but it works overtime to moisturize dry spots, soothe rashes, alleviate itchy skin, and calm irritation. The faint rose fragrance and vintage-inspired packaging make it extra special.
Makeup Remover Wipes
If you like philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleansing Cloths ($15)
Try this instead: Boots No 7 Beautiful Skin Quick Thinking Wipes ($6.99)
Makeup doesn't just remove itself, but you can make the whole ordeal easier by investing in Boots No 7 Beautiful Skin Quick Thinking Wipes ($6.99). Swipe these moist cloths over the face to remove even stubborn waterproof mascara. The formula includes calming fennel and witch hazel, which refresh and leave skin soft and smooth.
Tinted Moisturizer With SPF
If you like NARS 'Pure Radiant' Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($45)...
Try this instead: Organic wear® 100% Natural Origin Work It! Marathonista Tinted Moisturizer™ SPF 40 ($7.49)
Add one more keeper of a resolution to your short list: Wear sunscreen. With the Organic wear® 100% Natural Origin Work It! Marathonista Tinted Moisturizer™ SPF 40 ($7.49) in your arsenal, you get sun protection, light coverage with a hint of tint, and intensive moisture in one package.