There’s nothing like discovering a beauty cheapie that delivers on its promises (and in some cases, exceeds expectations). It’s like finding a gem hidden among the aisles of your favorite drug store—a secret that no one else knows about. Lucky for you, we’re not keeping these secrets to ourselves. Read on for the drug store beauty buys that our editorial staff swears by.
Pssst! Lip scrub is the secret to a perfect lipstick application, and this one comes in a non-messy lipstick-size tube—because you never know when you’ll need to give your lips a spa treatment.
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Red Dahlia
That Burt, he’s done it again. It’s the best of both worlds in one convenient tube: a moisturizing balm with a tint just strong enough to give your lips the perfect shade of red for a “done, but I didn’t try too hard” look.
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You know those weird bumps you get on the back of your arms that no one thinks are cute? This rich, moisturizing cream’s secret ingredient is salicylic acid (hence the “SA” in the name), and it banishes the bumps.
Austin – Uncommon Objects
Cleansing and Makeup Remover
For those of you interested in shifting to a more natural beauty routine, this makeup-removing cleanser works just as well as the chemical-laden stuff, naturally.
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Our younger staffers (and not-so-young—adult acne is real, people) swear by this stuff. Packed with the most bacteria-killing benzoyl peroxide you can get without a prescription, you can apply this gel under your makeup and it will literally zap that bump as the day goes on.
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Acne Spot Treatment
If you’re looking for something a little more high-tech to banish the spots, look no further than this (pretty groundbreaking) gadget. It combines the same red- and blue-light technology your derm and esthetician use, in the palm of your hand.
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Faking a natural looking glow can be a tall order. This palette gives a lit-from-within effect that rivals much pricier brands.
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Instant Age Rewind Concealer
Even though the bags under your eyes are designer, you would still prefer that they hit the road. The sponge-y applicator on this creamy concealer sends ‘em packing in one swipe.
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If airbrushed perfection is what you’re going for, this is the ticket. The whipped consistency is super-blendable and floats over pores and fine lines, giving you a flawless finish that competes with brands that cost four times the price.
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We’re going to let you in on a little secret: price means absolutely nothing when it comes to mascara. So stop paying $30 a pop every time you need a fresh tube! This formula pumps up even the wimpiest of lashes without the hefty price. We’re talking major volume, all-day wear, and insane length.
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Eyeliner Pencil
This eyeliner only smudges when you want it to. The creamy formula goes on smooth and stays put, yet also manages to smudge beautifully for a smoky effect.
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Pomade Crayon
The unique texture of this chubby pencil allows you to fill in your brows for a full look and also keeps them in place all day in one easy stroke.
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Golden Goddess
Stop shelling out for the latest nude eye palette. This one creates the same soft, blendable effect with the only four shades you really need (or actually use).
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You know when you go to the gym and you throw your hair up in a ponytail for an hour while you work out, only to find a heinous crease in it one you take it back down? The horror. The coil design of these ponytail holders prevents creases, thus saving your ‘do. Genius.
Austin – Uncommon Objects
Plus Keratin
One of our editors can’t stop singing the praises of this leave-in treatment. It works wonders on her thick, color-treated mane that goes well past her shoulders. We’re talking hair that’s stronger, shinier, more moisturized, and easier to style.
Austin – Uncommon Objects
