Sarah Walsh shares eight affordable, accessible cosmetics that rival their high-end counterparts
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PHOTO: Woman’s Day.
I will admit I am a full-blown beauty junkie. I love trying out all kinds of products and playing with different looks. I’m also very lucky to work in the beauty industry, where playing with and changing up your look is always encouraged! However, no matter how much fun I’m having playing around with my item of the week, I will always return to my must-have products. And guess what? Most of them come from my local CVS or Walgreens! Don’t get me wrong: I love pillaging Sephora like the next gal, but there’s nothing like a great, reliable product that is easily accessible while also being easy on your wallet.
Revlon Colorstay Foundation/Concealer, $10/$8
I love living in New Orleans, but the tropical humidity in the summer is BRUTAL. It makes my skin pretty oily, so I have to switch to something that won’t slide off my face the second I walk out the door. Enter: Revlon Colorstay. This stuff is a miracle. I stole a bottle from my mother once upon a time (sorry, Mom) and completely fell in love. This stuff wouldn’t budge in a hurricane. Same goes for the concealer!
Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow, $2-$4
I am a huge eye shadow enthusiast, and own many palettes from numerous high-end brands. These are, by far, the best bang for your buck! Velvety, pigmented and some great colors here. The all-purple palette is PERFECT for an amethyst smoky eye.
Rimmel London ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner, $4.49
The perfect eyeliner for under $5? I’ll take two. Totally smudge-proof (even when used in the waterline), super smooth application, stays on all day and also comes in some super fun colors!
L’Oreal Infallible Gel Liner, $10
The perfect cat-eye takes a lot of practice, but this liner goes on smoothly and comes with a great little brush. Won’t budge until you take it off! Comparable to the similar Bobbi Brown product.
L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara (Original Formula), $6
I’ve tried every mascara on the market: from the cheapest, to all the high-end Sephora brands. Time and time again, I’ve returned to this one. I use it in conjunction with another L’Oreal Voluminous mascara (usually the Millionize or Millionize Excess) for bold lashes that demand attention. The silky formula doesn’t irritate my eyes (I wear contacts!), doesn’t make my lashes brittle, and DOES make them look super awesome.
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NYC Colorwheel Mosaic Face Powder Bronzer & Blush, $4.49
Perfect pink flush? Check. Sun-kissed glow? Double check. And at this price, you can definitely afford all 3 shades! I love the matte formula, and the bronzer is great for contouring.
Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor
These lipsticks are on point. Creamy, packed with pigment, and they come in an amazing range of shades! I own a few more than I would like to admit, including my perfect red: Red Revival, and a lovely neon Barbie pink: Pink Pop.
Neutrogena Make-Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes, $7
Perfect for the girl on the go. Super gentle, no weird fragrance, removes every last smidgen of makeup, doesn’t dry out your precious skin, but doesn’t make it too oily either! A close second place is the CVS generic brand towelettes.
Sarah Walsh is a hair, makeup and food enthusiast living in New Orleans and loving every second.
