Budget health and beauty

[stargazerlily]

Over the last couple months I've switched 2 of my daily products for cheaper ones - went from Biore ice facial cleanser to generic version of Cetaphil (I read that it's best to stay away from salicylic acid during pregnancy) and from an expensive keratin hair mousse (which got discontinued and I hated the manufacturer's replacement) to a Tres Semme version (which works even better!). I'm happier with these products and happy about saving money. But I know there are some cheaper products out there that really aren't worth it. What are your tried - and - true beauty bargains?

[lgutu28]

I'm loving the original Loreal voluminous mascara right now! So much better than more expensive versions.

[amylee545]

Jan 31, 2015 13:46:22 GMT -5 lgutu28 said:

I'm loving the original Loreal voluminous mascara right now! So much better than more expensive versions.

Agreed! I switched out my expensive urban decay and Tarte mascara for this and it works just as well. I have to buy it like once a month, because it gets pretty clumpy... Vs the once every 2 months for the expensive stuff, but it's still cheaper.

I switched out my expensive curl products (I was constantly trying new expensive ones, so I didn't have a set go-to brand) for Pantene curl mousse which works great. I find that if I use a good quality shampoo and conditioner, I can get away with using cheaper styling products. That being said, I used to use moroccanoil brand shampoo and conditioner (which runs about $23 per bottle) for stuff I can get at marshalls. I just bought some Chi shampoo and conditioner at marshalls and love it! It was $8.99 per bottle. So it's still a high end product, but seriously cheaper than buying at a salon.

[stargazerlily]

Jan 31, 2015 14:02:13 GMT -5 amylee545 said:

Jan 31, 2015 13:46:22 GMT -5 lgutu28 said:

I'm loving the original Loreal voluminous mascara right now! So much better than more expensive versions.

Agreed! I switched out my expensive urban decay and Tarte mascara for this and it works just as well. I have to buy it like once a month, because it gets pretty clumpy... Vs the once every 2 months for the expensive stuff, but it's still cheaper.

I switched out my expensive curl products (I was constantly trying new expensive ones, so I didn't have a set go-to brand) for Pantene curl mousse which works great. I find that if I use a good quality shampoo and conditioner, I can get away with using cheaper styling products. That being said, I used to use moroccanoil brand shampoo and conditioner (which runs about $23 per bottle) for stuff I can get at marshalls. I just bought some Chi shampoo and conditioner at marshalls and love it! It was $8.99 per bottle. So it's still a high end product, but seriously cheaper than buying at a salon.

You mentioned that you use curl products - is it for curling your hair or caring for natural curls? I have very tight spiral curls - fine, but the curl adds a lot of volume - so I'm always looking for good products to try. I'm using Brazilian Tech keratin conditioner right now but it's a bit pricey so I'm wondering if Chi would work for me

[amylee545]

Jan 31, 2015 15:03:54 GMT -5 stargazerlily said:

Jan 31, 2015 14:02:13 GMT -5 amylee545 said:

Agreed! I switched out my expensive urban decay and Tarte mascara for this and it works just as well. I have to buy it like once a month, because it gets pretty clumpy... Vs the once every 2 months for the expensive stuff, but it's still cheaper.

I switched out my expensive curl products (I was constantly trying new expensive ones, so I didn't have a set go-to brand) for Pantene curl mousse which works great. I find that if I use a good quality shampoo and conditioner, I can get away with using cheaper styling products. That being said, I used to use moroccanoil brand shampoo and conditioner (which runs about $23 per bottle) for stuff I can get at marshalls. I just bought some Chi shampoo and conditioner at marshalls and love it! It was $8.99 per bottle. So it's still a high end product, but seriously cheaper than buying at a salon.

You mentioned that you use curl products - is it for curling your hair or caring for natural curls? I have very tight spiral curls - fine, but the curl adds a lot of volume - so I'm always looking for good products to try. I'm using Brazilian Tech keratin conditioner right now but it's a bit pricey so I'm wondering if Chi would work for me

I have naturally curly hair... It's more like Shirley temple banana curls, rather than tight spirals. I haven't worn my hair curly yet using the chi shampoo, just straight. I'll let u know how I like for my curls after I wear it curly

[mpiemont]

Suave dry shampoo in place of Bumble & Bumble. I can't tell the difference.

I also buy Cover Girl lash blast volume mascara for around $8 and like it better than the $30 stuff from Sephora (I forget what it was...)

[operageek]

Totally agree with the suave dry shampoo! It smells and works great!
I also love ulta's bb cream. Makes my skin look so great.

[smontz]

Two of my absolute favorite drug store makeup finds are the Maybelline Color Tattoo eyeshadows (in Bad to the Bronze and Barely Branded) and the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer for under my eyes. I use both every day and love them so much more than more expensive versions.

[Poppy]

The two drugstore dupes I use are Maybelline BB Cream and Revlon pressed powder. Both work well enough and have been fine for me.

I thought of another one. I use Garnier Hairspray. I've tried other brands but I always come back to this one. I don't use it daily so when I do it's all I need.

[orangepickle]

It's not cheap but amylee545 and @stargazerlily you should try Ouidad curl cream - I can't use anything else now! You can't use too much, so it never looks "crunchy" and works well whether you air dry or defuse.

In terms of cheap products, I'll never buy another face primer - I just use a little extra moisturizer and it works the same. And moisturizers to me are pretty much all the same so I usually go for whatever is on sale at Ulta or Target.

I also love Bert's Bees chapsticks - they have some beautiful colors that look like my expensive lipsticks but also moisturize your lips, so win win!

[purpleroses]

I was having a lot of problems with shampoos and conditioners causing my skin to break out, so around a year ago, I switched from using various high end lines like Bumble & Bumble and Pureology to a Trader Joe's one with tea tree oil that costs around $3/bottle. Took care of my breakout issues and I'm saving a fortune!

[stargazerlily]

I'm seeing a lot of eye makeup recommendations - for those of you who use some of the less expensive eye makeup brands, do any of you have really sensitive eyes? I've had problems with that in the past so I switched to Clinique for eye makeup, but I'd love to find something more budget-friendly. I really don't wear makeup very often, so I'm not sure if my eyes get itchy and watery from allergies or because they just aren't used to it.

[amylee545]

Jan 31, 2015 18:13:24 GMT -5 orangepickle said:

It's not cheap but amylee545 and @stargazerlily you should try Ouidad curl cream - I can't use anything else now! You can't use too much, so it never looks "crunchy" and works well whether you air dry or defuse.

In terms of cheap products, I'll never buy another face primer - I just use a little extra moisturizer and it works the same. And moisturizers to me are pretty much all the same so I usually go for whatever is on sale at Ulta or Target.

I also love Bert's Bees chapsticks - they have some beautiful colors that look like my expensive lipsticks but also moisturize your lips, so win win!

I've used the gel before which was amazing. But I wanted something lighter and more mousse-like. Maybe I'll try the cream! Thanks for the rec!

[Deleted]

Jan 31, 2015 17:09:00 GMT -5 operageek said:

Totally agree with the suave dry shampoo! It smells and works great!
I also love ulta's bb cream. Makes my skin look so great.

DH uses that dry shampoo sometimes!!! I swear he had a pregnancy brain moment the other day--he yells downstairs "hey where is that dry shampoo of yours?" This was right after he got out of the shower. "I forgot to wash my hair..." HAHA! Needless to say, we love it.

[yianna]

My favorite drug store mascara right now is Rimmel Lash Accelerator. My favorite drugstore foundation is Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous. This stuff is amazing. I'm fairly oily (although less so in winter) and this foundation is amazing. It stays put ALL DAY too. With no primer. It's the shit. I also like NYX Lip Butters and am enjoying Coty Loose Powder to set my make up.

[lgutu28]

Jan 31, 2015 17:56:10 GMT -5 smontz said:

Two of my absolute favorite drug store makeup finds are the Maybelline Color Tattoo eyeshadows (in Bad to the Bronze and Barely Branded) and the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer for under my eyes. I use both every day and love them so much more than more expensive versions.

Yes to both of these!

[smontz]

Jan 31, 2015 22:57:30 GMT -5 @allybells said:

Jan 31, 2015 20:32:24 GMT -5 amylee545 said:

I've used the gel before which was amazing. But I wanted something lighter and more mousse-like. Maybe I'll try the cream! Thanks for the rec!

Their curl cream is probably the best I've used, but for an inexpensive alternative I'd suggest Garnier curl sculpting cream gel. I don't think it's as good, but I use it when I don't feel like breaking the bank. It's not crunchy and leaves my curls really nice and natural looking. 

I just bought the Garnier gel and can't wait to try it tomorrow. Thanks for the recommendation @allybells!