Downsize your makeup/beauty budget

[gbbi_977]

I know many people don't wear any makeup, and kudos to you, obviously do whatever makes you feel your best. I'm not saying anyone should wear makeup. But I like to wear a little. I work in a corporate setting, and feel a tad more groomed when I have some basic makeup on, and I also enjoy how it makes me feel. So I haven't gone completely au natural, but I do want to save money by not going overboard with Mac/Clinique products like I did in my pre-frugal-kick days!

So even though I'm sure there are older threads on this out there, I thought I'd start an updated thread sharing some good-value but good-quality drugstore makeup finds that I've discovered lately - feel free to share your own!

Face

I really dislike foundation, it makes me feel overdone and cake-y. Probably because I don't shell out the big bucks for the more expensive stuff! Instead I've just started using Covergirl Smoothers BB Tinted Moisturizer - it's about $8 and is SPF21. So far I like it - not too heavy, not too much coverage, but just smooths me out a bit.

Was previously using cheap moisturizer + Boots No 7 powder, which also worked pretty well.

Bronzer

Rimmel Bronzer is about $5 and I like it as much as the Mac equivalent so far.

Mascara

I love drugstore mascara as mascara tends to 'go bad' quite quickly so I can't bring myself to spend $30 on a tube. I recommend L'Oreal Paris Voluminous or the cult favorite Maybelline Great Lash Mascara.

Lipstick

Revlon Smoked Peach is lovely for summer.

Anything else?

I don't wear eyeliner because I can't figure it out, but I've heard that Milani Infinite liquid liner #06 (brown) is a dead ringer for Mac equivalent.

I do still buy Mac brow gel, it's about $17 and it usually lasts me 6 months. I'd love to find something that does the same job for less if anyone has recommendations - pencils don't work well on me as my eyebrows are extremely fair, so I'm a gel convert but haven't seen any drugstore equivalents.

I also don't wear eyeshadow because I can't be bothered adding another element to the daily routine, but I'd like to find a frugal option for this for special nights out.

[SimplyMarvie]

Ooooh! Makeup and face-care is the area of my budget that I am actively attacking right now -- I'm coming to grips with the fact that the country that we are in now has a much higher threshold for 'appropriately put together' than I am used to, and I want to up my game without upping my spending. I also have craze oily-dehydrated skin and crazy sensitive eyes, which means no powder eyeshadows and no to most eyeliners.

My new favorite thing EVER is Korean Skincare. I know, the whole 12-product routine sounds absolutely bonkers, but I've been buying individual products, and they're cheap for skincare ($5-15) and keep me looking and feeling great without concealer or foundation by reducing the oil my skin creates.

My favorites are Micellar Water for cleansing (it's like the old 'toners' and 'astringents' that you used as a teenager, but non-drying and doesn't need to be washed off), nightpacks for moisture, and Snail-ooze based skin perfecters. Worth a google, since they let me cut out foundation completely.

Otherwise, I love NYX brand cosmetics. I am especially their eyeshadow pencils, which are cheap, last forever, and have great color payoff. (Their lipstick pencils are similar, but I struggle with getting the right shades) I also use them as eyeliner, because they are very gentle so I can line the top lashline and not hurt my eyes. I am completely in love with their undereye concealer, which was $5 and literally changed my life. (Pigmented, blendable and light-feeling on your skin. I look awake now, even when I'm not!)

I also use a lot of products from Eyes, Lips, Face. They have several MAC dupes, and I like their lipglosses, and their eyebrow stuff, so that might be an option for you, annajane?

I'm still really seeking a good matteifying product that doesn't cost $60 for those days when I need to go be super-corporate girl and can't be all shiny and gross. :(

[lbmustache]

Ooooh! Makeup and face-care is the area of my budget that I am actively attacking right now -- I'm coming to grips with the fact that the country that we are in now has a much higher threshold for 'appropriately put together' than I am used to, and I want to up my game without upping my spending. I also have craze oily-dehydrated skin and crazy sensitive eyes, which means no powder eyeshadows and no to most eyeliners.

My new favorite thing EVER is Korean Skincare. I know, the whole 12-product routine sounds absolutely bonkers, but I've been buying individual products, and they're cheap for skincare ($5-15) and keep me looking and feeling great without concealer or foundation by reducing the oil my skin creates.

My favorites are Micellar Water for cleansing (it's like the old 'toners' and 'astringents' that you used as a teenager, but non-drying and doesn't need to be washed off), nightpacks for moisture, and Snail-ooze based skin perfecters. Worth a google, since they let me cut out foundation completely.

Otherwise, I love NYX brand cosmetics. I am especially their eyeshadow pencils, which are cheap, last forever, and have great color payoff. (Their lipstick pencils are similar, but I struggle with getting the right shades) I also use them as eyeliner, because they are very gentle so I can line the top lashline and not hurt my eyes. I am completely in love with their undereye concealer, which was $5 and literally changed my life. (Pigmented, blendable and light-feeling on your skin. I look awake now, even when I'm not!)

I also use a lot of products from Eyes, Lips, Face. They have several MAC dupes, and I like their lipglosses, and their eyebrow stuff, so that might be an option for you, annajane?

I'm still really seeking a good matteifying product that doesn't cost $60 for those days when I need to go be super-corporate girl and can't be all shiny and gross. :(

E.L.F. has a good mattfying translucent powder! I have to reapply it because I am oil-central, but it works well and is only like $3.

I use a combination of high-end and drugstore products. A lot of my stuff is Neutrogena. I love argan oil and can find that pretty cheap on Amazon. Some stuff like eyeshadow and brow fillers - I get Urban Decay and Anastasia Beverly Hills. Most makeup lasts FOREVER - and once I find something I like I stick to it (I don't own 50000 eyeshadows, etc.) so I'm not too worried about it somehow derailing my finances.   

[lizzzi]

I also use a combination of higher end and cheapo products. Shampoo and conditioner are the one dollar Suave or VO5 stuff...eye make-up, blush, and lipstick are Urban Decay--I found such perfect shades, and I love the quality. Face moisturizer is Dermalogica, the ultra-calming line. One of the few things that doesn't irritate my rosacea, so well worth the money, and I just use a tiny dab. Facial cleanser is Cetaphil--kind of a mid-priced item, I guess...but again...doesn't irritate the rosacea.

[elaine amj]

I use coconut oil as a moisturizer - love it so much more than all the expensive stuff I was buying before. I do have a more expensive primer and foundation - attended a trial makeover session at our local drugstore and did end up liking (and buying) the makeup. It do like it better than the multiple types of cheap and expensive foundation I had previously been buying. For lipstick, my current favorite is Loreal Infallible. It's not too expensive, and it really does last all day long.

Other than that, I just use basic stuff and am not too picky about brands. I have a huge stash of mica mineral powders that will last me many, many more years to come.

I keep my routine simple. I don't even wash with cleansers - plain water seems to work just fine so I've been doing that for 5+ years now (hoping I don't regret it in 20+ years when I'm 60 lol!)

I had fallen in love with a $30 bottle of shampoo and was buying it for a bit, then tried a $3 Suave shampoo - didn't see a difference! I use the $3 bottle now :) For me, I notice I have to change the brand of shampoo every few months. So I've been switching off between two different kinds of Suave shampoos - works fabulously!

[MrsDinero]

Cosmetics and beauty products have been a financial black hole for most of my life.  I feel like I have FINALLY started to get a handle on what I use. 

Anti-Aging
Sunscreen everyday is a must.

Makeup
I now go days without wearing makeup (I work from home) but I still wear it a couple times a week.  For makeup I use Tarte Cosmetics.  I have the foundation, concealer, and the Showstopper palette.  I also have a translucent finishing powder (not sure the brand), Cover Girl or Maybelline mascara (whatever the green tube is) and that is it.  Because I wear it so infrequently everything lasts longer than a year.

I do have a few lipsticks, usually Maybelline, but more often that not I just use tinted Burt's Bees.

ETA:  Eyebrows/Eyeliner, I have an eyeliner brush (small stiff bristles) that I wet then dip into a cheap eye shadow (black) that I use on my eyebrows and as an eyeliner when needed. My hair is almost black so I use it to just fill in the gaps.

Cleanser/Lotion
Last year (in March) my mom gave me a bunch of Philosophy cleanser that I'm still working through.  I have 1 more sealed bottle in the closet.  I also don't wash my face with cleanser every day.  Most days I wipe my face with a hot washcloth.  After I use up the Philosopy I will probably go back to using Cetaphil cleanser.

ETA:  Olive oil on a cotton ball as a makeup remove.  Also works as a night "eye cream".

I use Cetaphil face lotion.  At night for nighttime "protectant"  I use Vaseline and Chapstick.

Hair
Right now I am using Dove moisturizing shampoo and Sauve conditioner.

When it comes to hair product though I tend to stick to Dry Bar products.  Most of the products will last me a year or longer except the Texas Tea volumizing hairspray, it is one of the best styling sprays (not a finishing spray) I've ever used, so I run through that more often. 

ETA:  I don't dye my hair.  My hair is really dark, almost black.  I'm lucky to only have a few grey hairs, but even when more grows in I'm not planning to dye it.

[onlykelsey]

My big expenses are skincare-related, not really makeup.  I'm a corporate attorney in Manhattan, and totally makeup-free would be a statement I'm not at a point in my career to make.  I think it makes more sense for me to separate by time than product as I don't really wear much make up.

From most expensive to not, I use the following stuff all/most days:
Evening:
Shiseido Eye Makeup Remover (~$20)
Kiehl's midnight recovery night eye cream ($37)
Whatever oil I have lying around, often samples

Morning:
Dr. Jart Ceramidin Moisturizer ($45?)
Shisiedo eye cream with SPF ($32.50)
Dr. Jart Beauty Balm with SPF 45 ($39)
Whatever mascara I've recently gotten as a sample
Non-petroleum lip balm (~$5)
Revlon Colorburst Lip Crayon in honey as lipstick and blush (~$8)
Free Highlighter

During the Day:
lipbalm and lipstick when I remember
Body Shop Vitamin E Face Spray (~$20) to keep my face from being very dry

My makeup costs are pretty minimal, but my skincare are not.  I also occasionally use glycolic acid peels, face masks, and heavier moisturizers.  I'm okay with these costs.  I've already had a run in with skin cancer, and I'm blue-eyed and sort of strawberry blonde/brown so I am not messing with it.

[StarBright]

I'm similar to onlykelsey (in complexion and product usage) but I use different products so I'll include my list here as well:

Skincare spurges:

• Supergoop Mineral Sunscreen $28 (I use this daily on my face)
• Ole Henriksen Total Truth SPF eye cream. I've been using some delux samples my mom passed on to me. I'm going to run out in the next few weeks and have to decide if I'm going to pay the money for the full size. I really like the formula and the SPF so I might. $45
  
• Peter Thomas Roth Peel pads for exfoliation $25 - one container of this lasts me a year as I only use it once or twice a week
• Ole Henriksen Vitamin C Truth Serum - $15 (for .5 oz)
  

Skincare drugstore:

• Roc overnight wrinkle correxion night cream and eye cream $17 and $15

Makeup:
I don't wear a ton of make up since I work from home 95% of the time. Usually what I get as samples or birthday gifts from Sephora is enough to keep me in lipstick and mascara for the year.

Since this is a budget thread- if you haven't signed up for the BI program at Sephora I suggest you do it the month of your birthday. Last year's Birthday gift was two deluxe sample NARS lipsticks in good general colors. This year I ended up with a good Mark Jacobs lipstick (in kiss kiss bang bang) and an eye liner. With my leftovers from last year I expect to not need any lipstick this year.

I keep my brows groomed and full but don't use any extra product on them - but I do think If I were to add make up to my routine beyond mascara and lipstick, eyebrows would be the other item. Good brows make a face.

Hair:

• Cheap Shampoo - Suave or whatever, once or twice a week depending on if I have to go out into the world.
• Hair Mask: L'Oreal Total Repair - I love this stuff and have gone back to it over pricier hair masks time and time again. It's 5 bucks and I leave it on for an hour or so before I wash. I use a little more as a conditioner during shower.
• Here's the big one - I stopped coloring my hair about 7 months ago and am growing out my grey. I am about 30% grey at 35 years old and I was reaching the point where I needed to do my roots every four weeks. My grow out is now about down to my lip line. I don't love it yet but I also did not want to be one of those women who was coloring my hair once a month for the next 30-35 years. 

I tend to use coconut oil from Aldi as a makeup remover and when I travel I use the Trader Joes Micellar face wipes (which I LOVE and wish I could use every day but they are too pricey for everyday use).

Am excited to read other people's finds.

[onlykelsey]

I'm similar to onlykelsey (in complexion and product usage) but I use different products so I'll include my list here as well:

Skincare spurges:

• Supergoop Mineral Sunscreen $28 (I use this daily on my face)
• Ole Henriksen Total Truth SPF eye cream. I've been using some delux samples my mom passed on to me. I'm going to run out in the next few weeks and have to decide if I'm going to pay the money for the full size. I really like the formula and the SPF so I might. $45
  
• Peter Thomas Roth Peel pads for exfoliation $25 - one container of this lasts me a year as I only use it once or twice a week

Skincare drugstore:

• Roc overnight wrinkle correxion night cream and eye cream $17 and $15

Makeup:
I don't wear a ton of make up since I work from home 95% of the time. Usually what I get as samples or birthday gifts from Sephora is enough to keep me in lipstick and mascara for the year.

Since this is a budget thread- if you haven't signed up for the BI program at Sephora I suggest you do it the month of your birthday. Last year's Birthday gift was two deluxe sample NARS lipsticks in good general colors. This year I ended up with a good Mark Jacobs lipstick (in kiss kiss bang bang) and an eye liner. With my leftovers from last year I expect to not need any lipstick this year.

I keep my brows groomed and full but don't use any extra product on them - but I do think If I were to add make up to my routine beyond mascara and lipstick, eyebrows would be the other item. Good brows make a face.

Hair:

• Cheap Shampoo - Suave or whatever, once or twice a week depending on if I have to go out into the world.
• Hair Mask: L'Oreal Total Repair - I love this stuff and have gone back to it over pricier hair masks time and time again. It's 5 bucks and I leave it on for an hour or so before I wash. I use a little more as a conditioner during shower.
• Here's the big one - I stopped coloring my hair about 7 months ago and am growing out my grey. I am about 30% grey at 35 years old and I was reaching the point where I needed to do my roots every four weeks. My grow out is now about down to my lip line. I don't love it yet but I also did not want to be one of those women who was coloring my hair once a month for the next 30-35 years.
  
  I tend to use coconut oil from Aldi as a makeup remover and when I travel I use the Trader Joes Micellar face wipes (which I LOVE and wish I could use every day but they are too pricey for everyday use).
  
  Am excited to read other people's finds.

I totally forgot about brows. I have a brow pencil from Anastasia, which is amazing for my strawberry blonde eye brows.  I also get them threaded maybe every two months, although I've considered asking my husband to pluck them (an old boyfriend did, haha), as my vision is too bad to do it myself, and it's really just removing 10 stray hairs once a month.

I forgot about hair costs, as well.  I have zero grays and naturally very straight, silky, thick hair, so I don't mess with mine too much.  I also basically refuse to take ten minutes out of my day to blowdry, so my hair is not as "professional" as it could be.  I guess we all have to make our own compromises.

Thanks for the sephora reminder.  My birthday is next month!

[lizzzi]

The best make up remover that I've found is/are some Giant Eagle store brand baby wipes at around $1.19 for forty. "Giant Eagle Baby Wipes fresh scent with Natural Aloe." "Alcohol Free/Paraben Free, Hypoallergenic, Extra Gentle." They really get my Urban Decay eye products off. (Shadow and liner--I don't wear mascara.) Then I rinse my face with plain water, just to make sure there's no irritation. (Because of my rosacea, I'm a little paranoid.)

I've let my hair grow in totally silver, but do my own trendy, short bob with the crea clip, as I've posted on other threads. I wash it every other day, blow dry it upside down, and away I go. I couldn't even imagine going to a salon any more for color, cut, highlights, lowlights, and all that. I am comfortable with the silver hair as long as I am fairly youthful in terms of clothing, eyeglasses,  and jewelry, and as long as the cut is edgy. By "youthful" I mean aiming for a classic but not frumpy look--things you could wear at age 18 or 80. (Sorry, didn't mean to go Off Topic there.)

[MrsDinero]

I've let my hair grow in totally silver, but do my own trendy, short bob with the crea clip, as I've posted on other threads. I wash it every other day, blow dry it upside down, and away I go.

I saw those on Shark Tank.  They look awesome!

[SomedayStache]

I've let my hair grow in totally silver, but do my own trendy, short bob with the crea clip

I have a Crea Clip (or a knockoff version perhaps), but when I've tried to use it the thing literally just slides off my hair.  I do have very fine hair so perhaps there is simply not enough bulk to hold the Crea Clip up.

You are the first person I've come across that has successfully used it.  Do you have any issues getting it to stay in place?

[lizzzi]

Yes, definitely, SomedayStache.  Make sure your hair is completely dry when you use it, and as dirty as you can get away with before having to shampoo. I tried it with damp hair, thinking I would get more precision, and it just kept sliding down. My hair is also very fine without a lot of bulk. I have not tried using hair spray on the crea clip to make it stay in better (don't have any hair spray), but that might help.

[SomedayStache]

Thanks lizzzi.  I'll give it another try when it's hair cutting time.

[SimplyMarvie]

I color my hair with henna and a bit of indigo or cassia, which is the ultimate trading money for time -- I can get 5 or 6 applications out of a $15 bag of henna, but the whole process takes a few hours between washing my hair with shampoo and vinegar, letting it dry, making the henna and letting the dye release, and then putting it on my head and sitting around while it cures, and washing (and washing, and washing and washing) it out.

On the other hand, I do other miscellaneous 'upkeep' tasks while I have henna on my head (paint my toenails, pluck and color my eyebrows since my natural color is too light to see, use face masks or give myself a facial, etc.) and it's much nicer to my hair than salon dye.

[Macintosh]

I use Beautypedia reviews to find drugstore doubles. I like the criteria they use to evaluate products- packaging to protect antioxidants, lack of fragrance which irritates/inflames skin etc. You can search for products by ratings or ascending price.

[meadow lark]

I've used henna, too.  I am a redhead with almost no gray, but it is fading as I get older, so the henna is great because it matches my hair so closely I don't have visible roots, it just looks like the hair closer to my head is slightly lighter.  The henna also fades, which helps with the root issue.  I'm too lazy to do it all the time, but every couple of months I'll do it.  I'm lazier than you, though.  I don't do all the prep.  I let it sit in hot water a few minutes, slather it on, then complain for an hour about the smell of dirt.  It is messy, and stains if you aren't careful.

[meadow lark]

Lipstick - Maybelline Outlast.  Often will last for a full 12 hr work shift, won't come off on the other person when you are kissing.

[lizzzi]

One good thing about shaving your legs with conditioner is that it doesn't leave you with dry skin the way using shaving cream does. I was away for three days, packed minimally with my one-bag as usual. I used the motel conditioner when I shaved my legs...so fine. But the skin on my arms was very dry, and I had not packed my usual Neutrogena sesame oil that I would normally use. So while still in the shower, I smoothed the motel conditioner all over my arms, and rinsed off well. It was not as effective as using my body oil would have been, but did make a big difference for the better in alleviating the dry skin.  I used the motel lotion on my elbows, and away I went...with nice-looking arms.

[letired]

I've recently been on a bit of a skincare splurge (yikes!), also getting into Asian/Korean skincare stuff. I've historically had oily/flakey skin and major acne. Some of it is getting better (acne, oil), some of it worse (flakeyness), so I'm hoping that a solid skincare routine can even some of it out. So far, it has mostly consisted of buying new replacement products at similar pricepoints (ie facewash), but I am looking at some semi-pricey moisturizers.

For savings on makeup, I try to go for products that don't go bad. Years ago, I switched to mineral powder foundation because it was easier for me to understand how to put it on and didn't make me break out as much and I regularly wash my brushes. I ignore the 'expiration' date on my mascara/gel eyeliner (applied with a brush) unless I feel irritation after using it (rare) or I can't remember when I bought it or it smells funny/different. And I wash my brushes!!! Keeping the tools clean (and applying to clean skin) is key to not having to throw stuff out early because it's started growing something bad.

Another savings measure can be joining an industry/office that is male-dominated and minimizing makeup usage to fit in better :P

[Cassie]

Both My Grandma and my Mom had great skin and never used soap on it. WE were taught to put cold cream on your face (which is cheap) and then remove with a wet, warm washcloth. It takes off all the dirt and makeup. At 61 my skin still looks good.

[Maya Freegalson]

Recently I have been using milk to remove my makeup and it has worked great! I have only been wearing some light foundation, so I don't know how effective it would be for heavier makeup, but I think it's worth a try.

[englishteacheralex]

I've let my hair grow in totally silver, but do my own trendy, short bob with the crea clip

I have a Crea Clip (or a knockoff version perhaps), but when I've tried to use it the thing literally just slides off my hair.  I do have very fine hair so perhaps there is simply not enough bulk to hold the Crea Clip up.

You are the first person I've come across that has successfully used it.  Do you have any issues getting it to stay in place?

THE CREA CLIP! *shakes fist*

Actually, I'm excited to see it mentioned here. When I first moved to Hawaii in 2003, I found Mai (the creator of the Crea Clip) at a nice salon and she cut my hair for years. Then she started all the Crea Clip stuff, quit her job at the nice salon, and cut hair in her apartment (but just for long-time clients). She barely charged me anything and was SO GOOD at cutting my hair.

She was always going on and on about the Crea Clip and it was really inspiring and cool that she had this neat innovative business, but I was always like...I love getting my hair cut! I don't want to do it myself! Please don't make me buy a Crea Clip! I just want you to cut my hair!

And then one day I called, and...she wasn't cutting hair anymore. Because it was giving her carpel tunnel syndrome. So I can't really be mad at her.

But I still haven't bought a Crea Clip. Although sometimes I consider it, because now I have a small child and I think it might be kinda awesome.

[Choices]

I've worn makeup since I was 10 but have tried to wear less of it over the past few years. I never could eliminate it completely--I just felt too weird and that I had too much acne.
Then we went on a week-long backpacking trip. No mirrors. Just washed my face with water from the stream morning and night, and now my skin is clear and I'm makeup free! It's amazing.
I think it takes time to let your skin figure things out once you stop with all the drying/harsh soaps and artificial moisturizers.

[onlykelsey]

I've worn makeup since I was 10 but have tried to wear less of it over the past few years. I never could eliminate it completely--I just felt too weird and that I had too much acne.
Then we went on a week-long backpacking trip. No mirrors. Just washed my face with water from the stream morning and night, and now my skin is clear and I'm makeup free! It's amazing.
I think it takes time to let your skin figure things out once you stop with all the drying/harsh soaps and artificial moisturizers.

Fascinating.  I've never been hyper in to make up, but I have the skin of a 14 year old in pregnancy and am willing to spend MORE money to make it stop misbehaving, if I knew what products would fix it.

[letired]

One thing that I see helping people a lot (on skin care forums) is using a low(er)-pH cleanser. Rinsing with plain tap water instead of my Cetaphil cleanser helped me some, but I was still breaking out regularly and non-hormonally, possibly because my water is on the hard and slightly higher pH side. Some of the folks who are super into Asian/Korean skin care are really into the science/chemistry of it all, and they all strongly suggest using more gentle/lower pH cleansers.

You don't have to order stuff from Asia or spend a ton of money. I'm using Cerave foaming cleanser that I bought at Target and there are other US/western brands with lower pH as well. On it's own, using a better cleanser has made a noticable but not dramatic difference for me. In combination with some of the other stuff I'm doing (using two asian essence products, low dose hormonal birth control), I really only break out on my period now, with the occasional tiny spot that goes away after 12 hours/being treated. This is a huge difference for me. I used to break out all the time and had dry flakey spots around my nose that may or may not have been seborrheic dermatitis/dandruff.

The Asian Beauty subreddit has a spreadsheet here of cleansers and their pH:  http://goo.gl/4YmkNw (from this thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/AsianBeauty/comments/2mjjtv/the_rasianbeauty_cleanser_ph_list_and_ph_faq/)

[dandypandys]

Now this is my kind of thread!

Skincare:
Cetaphil or Cerave to wash face-- cheap:)
I used to use Skinceuticals Vit C Ferulic Acid-- amazing but $$$ found an exact dupe on amazon
Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C Plus E Ferulic Acid Serum
I also enjoy:
Amara Organics Vitamin C Serum for Face 20% with Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin E
Best thing I ever did was go on RetinA though- has really done wonders- I bought mine via www.inhousepharmacy.vu since it was cheaper than going through my doc as I used to do.

I love high end makeup and don't mind paying the price- my one sickness
I love shopping Sephora online during sales, getting the freebies- and of course going through ebates- looks for coupon codes there too!

However some cheap brands are great!
Colorpop is one to check out.
But mainly I follow some good youtubers to let me know what drugstore stuff is amazing. Maybelline has been doing great lately!

[lizzzi]

Since I let my hair go silver I've tried a couple of higher-end shampoos for white/gray/silver hair--Klorane and Jhirmack Silver something or other. Not ridiculously expensive, but not the cheapest. And I've tried the expensive Davines brand. They worked fine, but I've used them all up and gone back to some plain old $1.00 shampoo and conditioner by V05. Absolutely no difference--hair looks and feels great.

[CarrieWillard]

I'm 41 and wear less makeup than ever in my life. I have read over and over that the older you are, the less makeup you should wear and it's true!

I use a CC cream (multi-purpose as moisturizer, sunscreen, foundation)
Curl my eyelashes - seriously a frugal tool, some can skip mascara altogether, or use far less
Mascara - purchased for pennies after sales and coupon
Lipstick

That's it.

I also stopped coloring my grey this year after cutting my hair short. I have NEVER gotten so many compliments from women and men alike on my hair! I spend nothing on it except a cut (From a friend who comes to my house and cuts everyone's hair, all 9 of us - priceless!!). I don't need shampoo, just a bit of conditioner once a week and a TINY dab of pomade.

For skin care:

a mild soap (Dove), I also like ALDI's creamy cleanser for makeup removal
a moisturizer - I like the Acure line, I get it from grove.co (referral program so it's usually free for me)
sunscreen for daily use - like I said I use a CC cream for this
Clean washcloth for exfoliation

That's it! Coconut oil is great for an allover moisturizer.

I think the best way to have great skin is to give up sugar (causes zits) and eat healthy fats, no trans fats, stuff like avocado. Lots of water/veggies etc. Exercise for the oxygenation of the skin and healthy glow.

[buttercat]

I have been really enjoying the blog at The Beauty Department because there are on-trend makeup (and hair) tutorials that are really useful because they are paired with product recommendations at a high price AND a low price. I think their low price point "drugstore" brand recommendations are always really good! http://thebeautydepartment.com/

[letired]

Quick note for anyone considering coconut oil as a moisturizer. It works great for many people, but is considered comedogenic. If you have problems with acne/clogged pores, patch test!

For me, it's a terrible moisturizer. I break out and it massively aggravates my dandruff/seborrheic dermatitis. Raw itchy flaky painful spots all along my hairline and around my nose.  My face and scalp have never been more unhappy, even during my worst acne years in college.

[fdubz]

I tried using coconut oil, but as has been mentioned, it was too heavy & clogg-y for me. 
I've used Jojoba oil for my nighttime moisturizer for over two years now, and I love it!  I use 'Desert Essence' brand and it's easy to find on Amazon.

[StarBright]

Now this is my kind of thread!

Skincare:

I used to use Skinceuticals Vit C Ferulic Acid-- amazing but $$$ found an exact dupe on amazon
Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C Plus E Ferulic Acid Serum

Thanks for the amazon dupe suggestion! I loved the skinceuticals sample when I tried it but could not justify the price on the full size. I use the Ole Henriksen Vitamin C instead and I like it just fine but I'll be trying your suggestion when my current bottle of serum runs out.

This thread is awesome and there are some great suggestions on here.

[MrsDinero]

I just suckered into upsizing my beauty stash.  I noticed a wrinkle on my forehead (there goes my youth!) and was talking to a friend about skin care.  She started raving about those Korean face masks that are popular right now and I ended up buying a sample pack on Amazon.  I got 15 face masks for $13, so less than $1 each, but yeah I let my vanity buy something I probably would not have normally bought.

I have only tried one so far and yes my skin feels a little smoother and the mask had a nice fragrance.   Facemask bonus was some funny Snapchats that were sent between my friends and I trying our masks at the same time.

[Inaya]

Don't have any specific brand recommendations, but I just wanted to chime in and say that CVS has a FANTASTIC makeup return policy. They'll take back pretty much anything. Good way to test out lots of brands to find what really works for you.


I don't usually wear makeup, but I wanted to wear some for my wedding. I initially spent about $130 on makeup at CVS, but I ended up getting about $90 refunded.

[GreenSheep]

Funny how different everyone's skin is. Coconut oil actually dries my skin. I use shea butter head to toe, after using jojoba oil (same brand as mentioned above!) to remove whatever makeup (only occasionally used) or sunscreen might be on my face. I live in a very dry climate, though. Shea butter seems to be in a lot of skin and lip moisturizers, so I just went for the pure stuff, which is pretty cheap on Amazon. Works great on lips, too!

Thanks to this forum, I've been trimming my own hair for several months now, and I stopped highlighting it, and no one has noticed. :-D

[Squirrel away]

I've recently started using coconut oil on my face and also on my hair as a treatment pre-washing. I usually put the oil on my face and then use a facial wash or a facial scrub afterwards. So far it has worked well.

I only wear a little makeup, foundation, powder, mascara and lipstick most days. I do have an eyeliner and an eyeshadow pallette, but I don't use them very often.

I don't colour my hair (no grey as yet) or bother to paint my nails anymore.

[startswithhome]

I've recently been on a bit of a skincare splurge (yikes!), also getting into Asian/Korean skincare stuff. I've historically had oily/flakey skin and major acne. Some of it is getting better (acne, oil), some of it worse (flakeyness), so I'm hoping that a solid skincare routine can even some of it out. So far, it has mostly consisted of buying new replacement products at similar pricepoints (ie facewash), but I am looking at some semi-pricey moisturizers.

After some research I bought the new Olay Fresh Effect "dew over" oil-free moisturizer for my flaky/dry and somehow also pimpley/oily face. It's only been a week, but so far it's improved things considerably. And it's drug-store priced (It was 11$ on sale when I went to the store). I also found a recipe or a DIY oil-free moisturizer, which I might try when this runs out, since I'd prefer unscented.

[mamagoose]

I'm following Alicia Keys and going without, with two exceptions:

1. Weddings - if someone close to me has paid big bucks for a photographer, out of respect for the couple I will gussy up (foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, blush, the works).

2. On-stage - I want to teach my daughter the utility of makeup, i.e. it makes your eyes pop when you're on stage, and lipstick helps the crowd follow your words easier. I do this for my side gig (fitness instruction - I know, who wears makeup to the gym). It's just black liquid eyeliner, mascara, and bright lipstick and I wouldn't wear it if I weren't instructing.

My skin has noticeably cleared up and I like the low stress.

[ariapluscat]

the wisdom of avoiding glittery shadows and contours outside of highlights can make even drug store products look a lot better.

also storing palettes away from moisture and/or in vacuum sealed containers to maintain their longevity.

gentle cleaning of brushes will help maintain them. you can wash them w dawn or baby shampoo if you don't want to buy fancy cleansers for brushes.

[icemodeled]

I have never bought high end makeup so I cannot compare what I use to that, however for me it works just fine. I don't really have a makeup 'budget' as I don't buy very often and if I do it comes out of my allowance(hubby and I each get one monthly for any fun stuff - since makeup isn't a necessity I include it in that category)

I normally do not use foundation but I have revlon color stay which I don't think feels to heavy. My skin is always more dry, not oily at all. It works well for me. I wear it occasionally but not day to day. Otherwise, I just use a powder. Have been using covergirl face powder but when I ran out I tried rimmel stay matte powder and I'm liking it ok so far but I wish they gave a powder puff in it. My skin thankfully has always been pretty clear, i rarely had acne so my skin is very blemished. It's also not splotchy any, to me anyways so I don't feel I really need foundation.. Maybe a BB cream would be better.

My eyes is what I usually play up the most. I have a few eye shadows. 2 elf palettes I got on sale and 2 makeup revolution. The MR ones are amazing. $7 each with lots of shadows and they're good quality/nice pigment. They're the dupes for urban decay naked palettes. I usually keep my eye shadow pretty neutral. Also the maybelline color tattoos are really nice to. Mascara I use covergirl lash blast and love it! It never clumps at all, which I love. Have tried others including elf but they would be a mess. CG one is so easy and quick to apply. For eye liner when I wear it I use either a $1 elf pencil liner or revlon color stay skinny liquid liner(which I love).

I think I own 3 lip sticks and 1 gloss haha. Mostly I just use chap stick but if I put color on I have hard candy lip stick and a loreal one I like. They were both on sale when I bought them.

So for best inexpensive brands I would say makeup revolution and elf. I have liked most of their products. I really like a natural look overall and most days I wear limited makeup but I definitely do have fun playing with makeup looks when going out (date, formal occasions ect) I am rather obsessed watching some of the YouTube makeup videos out there, but.. Could never spend how much they do on makeup! Haha.

[letired]

I've recently been on a bit of a skincare splurge (yikes!), also getting into Asian/Korean skincare stuff. I've historically had oily/flakey skin and major acne. Some of it is getting better (acne, oil), some of it worse (flakeyness), so I'm hoping that a solid skincare routine can even some of it out. So far, it has mostly consisted of buying new replacement products at similar pricepoints (ie facewash), but I am looking at some semi-pricey moisturizers.

After some research I bought the new Olay Fresh Effect "dew over" oil-free moisturizer for my flaky/dry and somehow also pimpley/oily face. It's only been a week, but so far it's improved things considerably. And it's drug-store priced (It was 11$ on sale when I went to the store). I also found a recipe or a DIY oil-free moisturizer, which I might try when this runs out, since I'd prefer unscented.

ooo, I'd love to hear about the diy moisturizer! I'll check out the Olay one, but I've not been terribly happy with Olay stuff in the past.

My skin has improved 100% since my last post! I'm at 0 for flakes, and I only get pimples/blemishes when I do either an AHA or BHA exfoliator, and that's just existing pore clogs getting surfaced, and they heal super quickly. I do a double cleanse (oil massage washed off with a gentle low ph cleanser), then some korean moisturizers (one a little pricey but giant bottle, one cheap-ish but smaller container).

I've also found a great sunscreen from Japan that isn't too dear and doesn't sting my eyes!! I thought I'd never find a sunscreen that doesn't make me want to claw my eyes out at the end of the day.

Overall, I'm definitely spending more than I was, but my skin looks amazing, and I'm saving about as much switching home/car insurance providers. I'm calling it a win, especially since I really never wear makeup at this point. A lady at sephora didn't believe me that I used to have acne problems when I wanted a moisturizer sample to make sure it didn't break me out.

[SimplyMarvie]

My skin has improved 100% since my last post! I'm at 0 for flakes, and I only get pimples/blemishes when I do either an AHA or BHA exfoliator, and that's just existing pore clogs getting surfaced, and they heal super quickly. I do a double cleanse (oil massage washed off with a gentle low ph cleanser), then some korean moisturizers (one a little pricey but giant bottle, one cheap-ish but smaller container).

I've also found a great sunscreen from Japan that isn't too dear and doesn't sting my eyes!! I thought I'd never find a sunscreen that doesn't make me want to claw my eyes out at the end of the day.

I would love the name of the moisturizers, if you have a moment...? I'm switching over to Korean Skincare, and loving it, but it's time to give up my formerly-beloved Walgreens AHA moisturizer for a AHA/BHA toner and a full moisturizer to be named later. :)

[Squirrel away]

This thread made me start looking at new ideas for my skin online.:)

I saw this stuff called Aztec Secret Indian Healing Facial Clay. https://www.makeupalley.com/product/showreview.asp/ItemId=74122/Indian-Healing-Clay/Aztec-Secret/Masks
 
You mix it with apple cider vinegar and leave it on your skin like a face mask and it is meant to really clear out your pores. There are some very good reviews on Amazon. I might buy it and see for myself. There is a lot of stuff about it on youtube so I was going to look there before I buy some!

Anyone on here tried it?:)

[MMMaybe]

I use Clairol root touch up to deal with my grey hairs as they are only around my hairline. Its super cheap and doesn't dry out my hair like a full head of colour.

For facemasks, I use the green clay powder from iherb.com. It costs around 5/6 bucks and lasts for ages.

I can't bring myself to spend a lot on makeup but I may have to spend more for better coverage now that I am over 40. Up until now, its always been drugstore brands like L'Oreal or Maybelline.

I do spend on sunscreen and skin cream because my skin is sensitive. So I buy La Roche Posay or similar French brands.

[letired]

My skin has improved 100% since my last post! I'm at 0 for flakes, and I only get pimples/blemishes when I do either an AHA or BHA exfoliator, and that's just existing pore clogs getting surfaced, and they heal super quickly. I do a double cleanse (oil massage washed off with a gentle low ph cleanser), then some korean moisturizers (one a little pricey but giant bottle, one cheap-ish but smaller container).

I've also found a great sunscreen from Japan that isn't too dear and doesn't sting my eyes!! I thought I'd never find a sunscreen that doesn't make me want to claw my eyes out at the end of the day.

I would love the name of the moisturizers, if you have a moment...? I'm switching over to Korean Skincare, and loving it, but it's time to give up my formerly-beloved Walgreens AHA moisturizer for a AHA/BHA toner and a full moisturizer to be named later. :)

Sure! My splurge is Missha's Time Revolution First Treatment Essence. I don't see any significant effects from it, but it is a titch moisturizing, and it seems to help other stuff absorb nicely. Also, makes me feel fancy. I have a mini spray bottle and I spritz my face a few times after I wash and pat it around. My 2nd moisturizer is Mizon's All In One Snail Repair Cream. It's very smooth going on and seems to calm down irritation nicely while also being lightly moisturizing. Emphasis on lightly. If you have dry skin, it probably won't be enough! I'm probably going to need something more for winter and/or the regular use of acids.

[Squirrel away]

I did buy the clay along with the plastic mixing set after watching the youtube demonstrations, I am going to try it out for the first time tonight.:)

[SimplyMarvie]

My skin has improved 100% since my last post! I'm at 0 for flakes, and I only get pimples/blemishes when I do either an AHA or BHA exfoliator, and that's just existing pore clogs getting surfaced, and they heal super quickly. I do a double cleanse (oil massage washed off with a gentle low ph cleanser), then some korean moisturizers (one a little pricey but giant bottle, one cheap-ish but smaller container).

I've also found a great sunscreen from Japan that isn't too dear and doesn't sting my eyes!! I thought I'd never find a sunscreen that doesn't make me want to claw my eyes out at the end of the day.

I would love the name of the moisturizers, if you have a moment...? I'm switching over to Korean Skincare, and loving it, but it's time to give up my formerly-beloved Walgreens AHA moisturizer for a AHA/BHA toner and a full moisturizer to be named later. :)

Sure! My splurge is Missha's Time Revolution First Treatment Essence. I don't see any significant effects from it, but it is a titch moisturizing, and it seems to help other stuff absorb nicely. Also, makes me feel fancy. I have a mini spray bottle and I spritz my face a few times after I wash and pat it around. My 2nd moisturizer is Mizon's All In One Snail Repair Cream. It's very smooth going on and seems to calm down irritation nicely while also being lightly moisturizing. Emphasis on lightly. If you have dry skin, it probably won't be enough! I'm probably going to need something more for winter and/or the regular use of acids.

Yeah, I think I'm going to need something a bit more moisturizing, since I'm already using the Mizon's All In One. I LOVE IT, OMG... but it's not quite the moisture that my combination/dehydrated skin really needs.

[FLA]

I'm still really seeking a good matteifying product that doesn't cost $60 for those days when I need to go be super-corporate girl and can't be all shiny and gross. :(

this will sound crazy but I read in a beauty magazine that a good primer/mattefier is OTC Milk of Magnesia.  I have horribly oily skin and this works better than any primer I've ever used.  Just dab a sm amt on with a cotton ball (too much and the white color will show), let dry and apply foundation or tinted moisturizer.  A $5 bottle lasts me over a year.  I hate wasting money on things that don't show, like primer.

[letired]

My skin has improved 100% since my last post! I'm at 0 for flakes, and I only get pimples/blemishes when I do either an AHA or BHA exfoliator, and that's just existing pore clogs getting surfaced, and they heal super quickly. I do a double cleanse (oil massage washed off with a gentle low ph cleanser), then some korean moisturizers (one a little pricey but giant bottle, one cheap-ish but smaller container).

I've also found a great sunscreen from Japan that isn't too dear and doesn't sting my eyes!! I thought I'd never find a sunscreen that doesn't make me want to claw my eyes out at the end of the day.

I would love the name of the moisturizers, if you have a moment...? I'm switching over to Korean Skincare, and loving it, but it's time to give up my formerly-beloved Walgreens AHA moisturizer for a AHA/BHA toner and a full moisturizer to be named later. :)

Sure! My splurge is Missha's Time Revolution First Treatment Essence. I don't see any significant effects from it, but it is a titch moisturizing, and it seems to help other stuff absorb nicely. Also, makes me feel fancy. I have a mini spray bottle and I spritz my face a few times after I wash and pat it around. My 2nd moisturizer is Mizon's All In One Snail Repair Cream. It's very smooth going on and seems to calm down irritation nicely while also being lightly moisturizing. Emphasis on lightly. If you have dry skin, it probably won't be enough! I'm probably going to need something more for winter and/or the regular use of acids.

Yeah, I think I'm going to need something a bit more moisturizing, since I'm already using the Mizon's All In One. I LOVE IT, OMG... but it's not quite the moisture that my combination/dehydrated skin really needs.

haha that is THE MOST FAIR! I'm currently pondering CeraVe PM for when the weather gets colder, but I'm still in the 'reading reviews' stage.