Can we talk practical beauty for a minute? While poppy nail art and sparkly eye makeup may be a tad more exciting, beauty does have a “serious” side. Well, not that serious but there is a lot to consider when you pick a product up off the shelf – convenience, cost, ingredients, color and so on. And get this, according to thebeautycompany.co, the typical woman will spend $15,000 in her lifetime on makeup alone. That's a lot of mascara. So in the spirit of making practical decisions and saving a few bucks, we came up with three major points to ponder along with best beauty buys under $20 that fit the bill. We always welcome your feedback and suggestions too!
Tip 1: Opt for multi-tasking products. To get the most out of your beauty bucks, look for products that serve more than one purpose. This saves you money and time! Try:
Sebamed Liquid Face and Body Wash. Dermatologist developed, this paraben-free face and body cleanser is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin types yet deeply cleans without causing dryness. This all-in-one cleanser is also pH balanced to a precise 5.5, the perfect level for healthy skin. Available at sebamedusa.com and CVS stores nationwide for $12.99.
Aveeno Clear Complexion BB Cream. Possibly the best thing since gluten-free sliced bread, BB creams do the work of a tinted moisturizer and sunscreen. New from AVEENO, Clear Complexion BB Cream, does all that and more by providing lightweight coverage while brightening , moisturizing, nourishing and protecting skin with a broad spectrum SPF 30. The formula is oil-free, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic and promotes clear skin. Read more about it at aveeno.com or buy it a drugstores nationwide for $14.99 and up.
Maybelline Instant AgeRewind Eraser Dark Spot Concealer + Treatment. Need a concealer that does it all? This little wonder from Maybelline covers imperfections instantly while also working to diminish the appearance of dark spots over time. The secret ingredient, concentrated vitamin C, targets dark spots, acne scars and sunspots. More at maybelline.com. $10.49 at drugstores nationwide.
Tip 2: Do your research and don't always go with the cheapest option. We get it. You want to save money. But sometimes, the cheaper product ends up costing you more because you need to use more of it or it quickly loses its effectiveness. Look for products that have higher quality ingredients and can deliver the benefits you need. Not sure if a product lives up to its claims? Read online reviews. Try:
Supersmile Quikee Instant Whitening Polish. You can chomp on a piece of gum to freshen your breath or you could do double time to whiten teeth and freshen breath with this Icy Mint flavored whitener. Quikee has an ingredient called Calprox that works by gently dissolving the layer of protein that forms on the tooth surface that adheres to bacteria, plaque and stains. For the time it takes to pop a breath mint in your mouth, you can clean and protect teeth between brushings. $18 at supersmilestore.com.
Suki Lip Repair Butter. Not all lip balms are created equal. Rather than waxy balms that do nothing more than coat lips with chemical-based ingredients, Suki Lip Repair Butter contains quality botanicals such as jojoba oil, calendula and chamomile that truly nourish and last. Available at sukiskincare.com and Whole Foods nationwide for $10.95.
Tip 3: Choose products that go the distance. Products that deliver benefits for hours after application are your best bet when you're watching your budget. Look for long-lasting formulas that you don't have to constantly reapply. Try:
Merle Norman Lip Polish. This hydrating gloss has a long-wear formula, so your color has a lot of staying power, limiting how often you need to reapply. It also provides a great punch of color and shine, so you get more with less! Available at Merle Norman Studios nationwide for $15. Visit merlenorman.com for a retail location near you.
Merle Norman Pro Pen Eyeliners. Eyeliners tend to do a disappearing act by midday because of rubbing and watering eyes. Merle Norman’s Pro Pen Eyeliner goes the distance. The water-resistant formula stays in place for 14 hours – no worrying about reapplying or smudging! $14 at Merle Norman Studios nationwide.
L'Oreal Active Daily Moisture Lotion. This daily use lotion provides moisturizing benefits for a full 24 hours! It even has SPF 15 and multi-conditioning agents to keep skin soft and hydrated. Read more about it at lorealparisusa.com or get at drugstores nationwide for $9.49.
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion. Formulated with skin-soothing oatmeal and blended with rich emollients, this dermatologist-recommended formula provides long-lasting moisture for up to 24 hours. In fact, the lotion actually doubles skin moisture and keeps working over time even if you have to skip a day. Now that's going the distance! $10.99 for a 12-ounce bottle Read more about it at aveeno.com or buy it a drugstores nationwide for $10.99 for the 12-ounce bottle.
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