Beauty items are easily the one thing we spend the most money on every month.  Of course splurging on that great new Chanel mascara or the latest MAC holiday collection is tempting, but are the prices worth the quality of the product? 

Drugstore makeup, though not as glamorous in plainer packaging, has truly sought to compete with their more expensive competitors, reformulating products so they are just as good, if not better than the $15 eyeshadow at the makeup counter. 

Burt’s Bees Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil:  This heavily emollient lip balm is perfect for ultra chapped lips.  The pomegranate oil makes this Burt’s Bees favorite much more hydrating than the original beeswax formula.  For those who aren’t a fan of the peppermint-y lip balms, this option has a fruitier flavor similar to its namesake.  Plus, the light berry tint gives a hint of color to a parched lip.

Jane EyeZing Shadows: Beauty fiends have found this drugstore item to be just as good as the famed MAC eyeshadows.  Perhaps there are fewer colors to choose from, but the quality is the same.  Jane EyeZings are well pigmented, and the shadow texture is finely milled, so application is smooth.  Color payoff is great, and these shadows stay put without creasing or smudging throughout the day. 

 

Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover: This liquid removes everything, including waterproof makeup.  Shake the bottle to combine the two components of the remover, and a few swipes with a cotton pad will take the most stubborn makeup off.  A bottle will last you a couple of months with daily use, and you will never have to tug or pull at your eyelids or the fragile skin around the area.

Maybelline XXL Waterproof Mascara:  A mascara that volumizes, separates, defines, but best of all doesn’t flake – this already beats many mascaras, drugstore or high-end, out there.  One end opens to reveal a white lengthening formula that attaches mini fibers to your lashes, while the other end houses the volumizing mascara.  This mascara does not clump or smudge through daily wear and is safe for contact lens wearers.

L’Oreal HiP Cream Eyeliner:  If you’re familiar with the MAC Fluidline or Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner, this is essentially the same formula for a lower price.  Although L’Oreal’s HiP line of cosmetics does seem a little more pricey than its typical drugstore counterparts, don’t shy away from the products.  They’re still less expensive than the department store brands, and they tend to have better pigment density, which means stronger, truer colors and a more quality product.  Make sure to throw away the thick, abrasive brush that comes boxed with this eyeliner and get a softer angled eyeliner brush to get a smoother line.  This cream liner stays on for hours and lasts throughout the day.  Application takes a few tries to get the hang of it, but the wearability of this eyeliner is well worth the purchase.  Plus, the small pot lasts forever.