Trying out a new eye cream can be scary. That burning sensation that comes after testing out the wrong one can be reason enough not to venture into uncharted waters. But you can set any such fears aside when applying this gentle serum. The gel combines natural cucumber seed extract with aloe vera to calm swelling without irritating even the most sensitive skins. Carrillo loves how it "has a cooling sensation, which really helps tone down puffiness. For those days when you wake up and look like you went a couple of rounds in the ring, this is a must."
One light mist of this hairspray will hold your do for hours -- without imparting a lacquered effect. The best part? It brushes out easily. No wonder top hair pros and beauty editors alike swear by it. Yi says, "There's a reason this stuff is a cult favorite: It gives great hold without leaving your hair looking greasy or stiff."
This foundation's glow-boosting ingredients give skin extra TLC. Among the matte powder's ingredients: licorice, which naturally lightens dark spots, and lycopene-rich tomato, to increase cellular repair. Associate Editor Alexis Finc says, "Since I started using this my skin has visibly improved. I don't even need concealer!"
This sunscreen disappears on contact and won't leave behind a pesky white film making it ideal for layering under makeup. "I'm a big proponent of physical sunscreen that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide -- and this one from Neutrogena is totally sheer," says Davis.
Infused with brown seaweed extract, this shimmer-free blush plumps up skin's elasticity and color. Davis loves how just a dab of this vibrant rouge instantly perks up your complexion. "This color looks scary-bright, but it's incredibly flattering when you put it on. It warms up my pale skin in a natural way."
As beauty editors, a whole lot of fun stuff comes across our desks. From break-the-bank night creams to lip glosses you'll find at the Dollar Store -- if it's new to market, we see it and try it out first hand.
It's this exposure to the latest and greatest that prompts friends to ask what we like best -- and they always want to know whether the cheaper stuff really stacks up against the hoity-toity luxe brands. What's the best eyeshadow for less than $10? The best moisturizer that doesn't cost a fortune? The most effective, cheapie leave-in conditioner? And so on.
Of course, it's not only our friends who are looking for beauty bargains; we're all searching for ways to save. After all, in this economy, cheap is chic. And, while it can be fun to indulge in the occasional splurge, it is far more thrilling to find the best drugstore products that work just as well as their department store counterparts.
Happily some of our favorite products of all time line the aisles of your local drugstore. Those rows of wallet-friendly products contain some genuine beauty gems.
Getting antsy and anxious to know which picks top our list of 12 drugstore must-haves? Start clicking -- a world of beautiful (and effective) savings awaits.
