5.10.2011

Drug Store Beauty Booty

I've been really trying to pinch my pennies (I am thinking a fabulous vacation somewhere abroad is so in need) and start utilizing drug store beauty products.  At half the cost, I really can't be too disappointed if they turn out to be a dud (and there have been a few)


Whenever I think of the Shick Intuition Razors I automatically think of the commercial and start singing Jewel's Intuition (Album Version).  I will say when I first saw the commercial, I thought who would ever use that big bulky razor?  Turns out the answer was me!  I received a free sample and tried it out to find that it works really well and removes the requirement for shave cream at all.  Perfect for vacations, house-sitting, the boyfriends place, or even home. 

Only negative thing is the cost for 3 refills is almost $20...not sure how much you are actually saving...but it is indeed the perfect travel companion razor. 



A gal at my work has very fair skin at work like me and always has the prettiest glow.  I finally just asked what product she used, and it turns out Neutrogena Healthy Skin Glow Sheers helps her achieve this look (I think her being in her mid 20's doesn't hurt either). 

As a devoted user of Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer I was hesitant to try it out, but seeing as the tube was under $15, I was easily swayed.  While I did not end up with the same glow as Megan, I did end up with a tinted moisturizer that provides decent coverage and a built in SPF of 30.  I am quite happy with this product and while I am not sure it will replace Laura Mercier it has provided a great alternative when money is tight.



I ran out of my eye moisturizer recently and set out to purchase a new one.  Eye creams can get very pricey (even at the drug store) so it was essential I found one that I could use both day and night and focused on moisturizing (anything additional was a bonus)

I came across the Olay Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream and felt it fit my needs best.  That was until I saw the CVS version right next to it for $3 less.  I will admit I didn't expect much from this eye cream, but I have to say that I am really pleased with just about everything from this jar.  A little goes a long way and it is very moisturizing and silky.  I use it day and night and it may be my imagination, but I think there has been a slight improvement in my general eye area.

I tried the Almay One Coat Dial-Up Mascara after reading a great review on blog (which blog has escaped me right now).  I am always game for a mascara that promises full volume and this one seemed especially great since I could decide how full I wanted that volume to be. 

Turns out it is a decent mascara but I am not loving the plastic bristle brush and tend to go right for level 3 which often has me wiping off the excess on the side of the tube.  I am happy with the coverage but will not be purchasing this tube again.  If you like those plastic style brushes, I would recommend trying this one out.  If you like Dior Show, skip it!


Call me stupid, but when I saw the commercial and magazine ad for the L'OREAL Studio Secrets One Sweep Eyeshadow I was totally sold.  Loved the colors and the idea that someone did all the work for me and all I had to do was swipe the brush across my eyes and voila!  Such a time saver! 

Only it didn't work like that at all.  Not even a little.  This product is a total FAIL.  Luckily I can still use the shadows individually and try to achieve a similar look but, please take my advice and save the $10 this shadow is going to cost you.  Just go buy the individual shadows that will last longer and you will inevitably be happier with. 

Do you have any great drug store beauty items that I need to try?  Do you love any of the products above or had better luck with the one sweep?

9 comments:

Linley said...

thanks for sharing these! especially the eye cream - i might have to check that out stat!

Anonymous said...

i had the same idea with that loreal eyeshadow! I cant do eyemakeup at all, so this was so exciting! FAIL FAIL FAIL FAIL!!

Politically Sweet said...

if you're in the need for a cheap(er) undereye concealer, you MUST check out covergirl! they make an amazing one with olay anti-aging cream and i can totally tell a difference already (and i'm only in my early 20's!)

also, revlon makes an exact dupe of MAC's "up the amp" lipstick. it's a purple/pink-violet color that's gorgeous for summer! the name is "berry haute"

Jaime @ laviejaime said...

i could not imagine that eye product actually doing what the commercial showed but i was totally sold too and contemplated buying it!! thanks for the review! now i have Jewel's Intuition in my head as well haha ;)

Brittany said...

Ohhh don't worry. I got fooled on that one swipe eyeshadow too. I was so excited when I saw it in cosmo.. but nope. NOT GOOD!

Anonymous said...

oh my i'm in the exact same boat, so i'm definitely LOVING this post! i also found that drugstore products work just as good and sometimes even better than brand name products you find at the shopping malls. i use so much of the liquid eyeliner, didn't make much sense for me to get an expensive one. i found that the maybelline stilletto brand worked really well! and i like how the stick is made.

thanks for sharing this post!

~Fae
http://www.rosypop.com

The Pink Owl said...

Definitely going to try the eye cream! I've been loving Maybelline One By One mascara lately, but I think it has plastic bristles as well. I recent tried the Intuition razors and was pleasantly surprised at how nice they were!

Rosellini said...

I love it when you have the beauty reviews...ran out and snagged up the Pssst dry shampoo and really do enjoy it! I'll be picking up the eye cream as well - sad to say this outloud/type it but I don't even use an eye cream right now. Boo. Not for long though! Thx!

Krissy :: Miss B and Hustle said...

I just bought the Olay eye cream, too! I was a fan . . . until the guy at the La Mer counter gave me a tiny sample of theirs. Do I just like La Mer because it's $110 MORE than Olay?

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