So I'm certainly a sucker for any kind of new beauty product. Space NK can smell me a mile off and somehow the sales assistant manage to sell me just about anything.
I am fairly loyal to a product that I believe has what it takes. I have recently been failing trying to cut down on buying bags upon bags of high-end makeup and skincare and am trying to 'shop' my current collection (other than window shopping this really is the worst kind of shopping there is).
For days I need a quick fix, I've been heading over to the drug store (or ordering my favourite products online which aren't available in the UK).
Here are some of my drugstore favourites which will always have a place in my heart and my bathroom.
1. Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque
I buy this in bulk every time I'm in America and it never fails. It dries out everything on your face and leaves your skin feeling facial-fresh.
(For those of you based in Europe, eBay has them for around 3GBP).
2. Bioderma
What drugstore list would be complete without this?
A bottle of Bioderma comes everywhere with me. I have jumbo sized, travel sized, middle-of-the-road sized. I just love it. Perfect to freshen up your face on the plane, remove heavy makeup at 4am when you're dying to get into bed or use to touch up a too-thick liquid liner.
3. Milani Eye Tech Liquid Eye Liner
Speaking of eye liner, this one surpasses everything I've tried; Tom Ford, Mac, Armani, Nars, Chanel, you name it. This little bad boy costs about $3.50 and can be found in drugstores throughout the US. It practically lines your eyes for you and comes in the blackest black because it's never fun to go over your good work.
4. Tangle Teezer
I always have a Tangle Teezer on hand. I'm one of those people who like to brush my hair when it's wet and go (regardless if this rips your hair out). This is the most gentle way of brushing matted, knotted, wet or fed-up hair. It cuts down on brushing time, fits in your handbag and won't break the bank; take note Mason & Pearson.
5. Ardell Demi Wispies Lashes
These are by far the best false lashes I've ever used. Not a drag queen in sight. They will give you length and volume without looking like an extra from TOWIE.
I still can't apply them for the life of me but I'm sure when I master the technique I'll be throwing these on night after night.
6 & 7 - Nivea Touch of Sparkle and Olay Ribbons Body Wash
These body washes are fantastic. When I'm kicking myself for buying too much Laura Mercier body wash I reach for these. Both are deliciously creamy and smell divine (and not too chemically). Sadly Nivea doesn't make me sparkle much but my skin really does drink it up.
8. L'Oreal Elnett Hairspray
This is an institution in itself. Although I very rarely use hairspray when I do this is what it is. Once upon a time when my head was loaded with extensions and hot rollers I used the Diamond Hold however now I prefer something that doesn't feel crunchy or sticky so I stick to the lightest hold.
9. Ribbon Elastics
I am OBSESSED with these.I buy these in bulk in rainbow colours (I've now discovered them in tie-dye and glitter). These won't snag your hair and because of the width of the band they create less pressure which leads to less breakage and damage.
They also look pretty cute on your wrist too.
10. Yes to Cucumber Soothing Face Wipes
These are fantastic; I generally find face wipes a big no-no since they're loaded up with product and generally leave my skin feeling that it is more clogged up than it was to start with.
These are gentle, light and refreshing and are a great way to take off your makeup before you cleanse.
11. L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara
This is one of the best mascaras I've ever used. I still haven't found my holy grail mascara but this is definitely up there. This is a true black and makes your lashes appear fuller, longer and adds a nice curl to them.
It knocks the socks off of Armani's Eyes to Kill.
12. Virgin Coconut Oil
I am currently sitting in my bed with my hair slathered in coconut oil. Coconut oil is one of my beauty must haves for absolutely anyone. It can be used to remove makeup, as a moisturiser, body oil, hair mask and even to nourish your eyebrows and eyelashes.
13. Smith's Rosebud Salve
This has been a holy grail product for me since I was 13 and I still never leave home without one. Apart from being a total bother to open this is probably one of the best treatments for your lips (see my previous post on my favourite lip balms).
I would love to hear any of your budget beauty favourites for me to try out next time I'm rummaging through Boots.
please do more posts like this! Love your blog and your witty style of writing
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