Drugstore Beauty Buys Under $25

It’s summer and it is hot and sweaty and really for the lack of wanting to look like a clown with melted makeup, it’s really best to stick to basics. The art of wearing makeup while achieving minimalism, can be broken down into finding the right products. It also does not have to cost an arm and a leg–these products can be found in every day drugstores such as Rite Aid, Duane Reade, CVS and so on. I’ve picked out three items that I have found to be summer essentials that will do the trick for those days that heavy makeup is not an option. And the best part is?–these three items cost just under $25!

The first item on my list is the Garnier BB Cream for combination to oily skin. You’ve probably heard many reviews on this already but I wanted to try it for myself. I’ve heard some pretty mixed responses so the best way to find out was to put it to the test. To start, the box had listed several claims this product would Instantly:

• Control Oil and Shine
• Minimize Pores
• Naturally Cover Imperfections
• Provide Oil-Free Hydration
• Protect With Broad Spectrum SPF 20

The results? I found that the BB Cream left my skin matte, but almost powdery at the first use. (After multiple uses, this did not happen.) It provided minimal coverage (it is not meant to take the place of foundation), but just enough to lighten small red spots on my face.

Also, the formula is quite liquid but not at all heavy when applied. Another thing is that a little goes a long way, about a dime sized amount was enough for my entire face. After application, my face felt soft, not greasy, however it cannot withstand the inevitable sweat and will eventually begin to melt off.

The good news is that it was not entirely obvious that it was coming off, unless I wiped it with a tissue.My thoughts–overall I liked the BB Cream and it worked well with my combination skin and I have yet to break out (cross my fingers!). The minimal coverage was just what I was looking for and was light and easy to apply for daily use. Thumbs up!

Price of Garnier BB Cream: $10.39 found here at Rite Aid

Next up is the Maybelline New York Volum’ Express Mascara Falsies–it claims to:

• Create False Lash Effect
• Lift and Separate Lashes
• Build 8x More Volume w/o Clumping
• Instant Volume

My lashes do this funny thing where they don’t like to hold a curl even after a mildly heated lash curler had been treated. They are also quite short, which makes this a losing situation however I look at it. With high hopes of achieving instant volume and the illusion of many more lashes, I applied the mascara.

The results? My lashes did separate somewhat and definitely had the false lash look (pictures to be added soon!). The only thing was that I did not have the promising instant volume, although that could be due to my serious stick like stubborn lashes.

My thoughts–The mascara did pretty much what it was supposed to do and again it may just be my lashes but they could use more oomph. On the bright side, I have heard many a positive reviews about how amazing they make lashes look. I’m neutral.

Price of Maybelline Falsie Mascara: $5.54 found here at Rite Aid

I saved the best for last! After numerous uses of the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey [001], I have almost replaced my Rosebud Salve. It’s pretty darn good. This Balm Stain claims to:

• Be A Pampering Balm
• Lightweight Lipstain
• Softer, Smoother Lips
• Perfect Flush of Color Hour After Hour

The results? Soft, kissable pink lips with a hint of mint application after application. As you can tell, I’m a believer. The color is almost sheer but not quite and although lasts well throughout the night, it requires constant application to maintain the color. After application, it tends to stain whatever it is you are drinking or eating, but ultimately sets in and does not budge.
My thoughts– I love it and carry it everywhere with me! So far I have tried the Honey andRendevous (super coral but a little sheer) but Honey is definitely my favorite. I like the touch of mint, it is actually quite unexpected even after multiple uses.
The positive is that they have a wide variety of colors and the lightweight color is just great for summer and every day use. The only con is that it takes a little bit to fully set so staining other things you come in contact with is possible. Two thumbs up!

Price of Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain: $6.74 found here at Rite Aid

My goal was to score under $25 and I ended up spending [drum roll please]… a total of $22.67! Quite a bargain for items I will be using all throughout summer, minus the mascara–and the search continues. Have you tried these products and what do you think? Let me know below!

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