This year, our editors have spent extra time combing through the beauty aisles of our favorite drugstores to bring you thoughtful picks that give you all the self-care bang while maximizing your precious bucks.
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: the key to naturally defined, full-looking brows is an ultra-skinny pencil. This Maybelline pencil is a perfect dupe for the cult-favorite Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz, which rings in at $23. Pro tip: once you’ve filled in your brows with thin, hair-like strokes, blend using the spoolie at the other end of the pencil for a full, natural finish.
$7.99
The Brow Glue by NYX Professional Makeup
For those of you with naturally full (#blessed)—albeit unruly—brows, and the rest of us who have spent years rehabbing our brows from the overplucked Y2K era, this one’s for you. “Brow lamination” is the latest craze sweeping Instagram, and there are few different ways to achieve the look, ranging from pricey salon treatments to the old-school “soap” trick. Luckily, NYX has created a much less expensive—and less messy—one-step product to achieve that coveted “laminated” look. The ultra-strong-hold gel locks feathered brows into place for 16 hours.
$8
If you’re brow-obsessed, you’ve probably heard of Glossier’s cult-favorite Boy Brow pomade. It has earned a passionate following for creating full, even borderline “bushy,” yet somehow effortlessly tamed brows (a.k.a. #browgoals). Well, here’s a tip: Wow Brow by e.l.f. comes pretty “elfing” close to mimicking the exact same effect with its buildable, fiber-infused wax-gel formula. For that reason, this elf has earned a permanent place on our shelf.
$4
RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum
If these uncertain times have led you to cut out costly beauty services like lash extensions, you’re not alone. That said, there’s no time like the present to start nurturing your natural lashes with a conditioning serum that promotes growth. While this product is on the pricier side as far as drugstore buys go, it’s still far less expensive than other formulas out there—and it actually works. Just ask our editor who started seeing results after just four weeks of applying the serum nightly.
$49.99
Looks Book Palette in Maverick, by Revlon
There’s always a new trend in neutral eyeshadow looks. The latest is a combination of warmer shades ranging from pale gold to deep burgundy that mimic a fiery sunset (insert fire emoji here). This palette by Revlon is not only right on trend, but it gives excellent color payoff.
$7 – $10 (depending on the store)
Jumbo Eye Pencil in Cottage Cheese by NYC Professional Makeup
One of our editors learned this trick in high school and has continued making it part of her daily makeup routine ever since. Smudge a thick pencil in a shimmery white shade into the inner corners of the eyes for a brighter, more wide-awake look. It’s a small move that makes a major impact. If white is too much contrast for you, try a shade that more closely matches your skin tone, like Yogurt, Sparkle Nude, Iced Mocha or French Fries.
$4.50
Rose Quartz Facial Roller by Sonia Kashuk
We’ve tried A LOT of skincare gadgets, and the only one we continually reach for is our rose quartz facial roller. These babies originated centuries ago, and they’ve stood the test of time for a reason. Rolling the stones over the face in an upward and outward motion promotes lymphatic drainage (we know, we know…ew). The result: a refreshed, de-puffed appearance. Use the larger stone on cheeks and forehead and the smaller stone around the eye area. Pro tip: for extra oomph, keep the roller in your fridge and use it after applying serums for deeper absorption.
One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer by Revlon
After months of letting her hair do its natural thing, it was time for one of our editors to venture back into heat styling. Late one night she stumbled upon this so-called “miracle styler,” and based on its thousands of 5-star reviews and impressive before-and-after photos, she took a chance and added to cart. To say we were skeptical about this one is an understatement, but we’re converts after seeing her 10-minute blowout with salon-worthy results.
$45.99
