Thursday, April 24, 2008

Favorite Drug Store Beauty Finds


It's Friday and time to once again Fight the Frump! After you read this post, don't forget to check out Fussy's place for more great tips!


I don't think I've mentioned it before, but I live in the country.

I'm defining "country" here as being over an hour away from the nearest Target, Starbucks, Panera and shopping mall. When a "country girl," like myself, is looking to steal away for a few quiet moments without kids in tow alone, there aren't too many places to hide out go.

All that to say, I spend a good chunk of my free time aimlessly wandering the aisles of CVS, searching for my sanity fun products to try out. Did you know there are a wealth of fantabulous frump fighters stocking the shelves of your local drug store? Here are a few of my favorite finds as of late:

Covergirl lashBlast Mascara:


I've written about this mascara in detail over here. For this post, I'll give you the cliff notes version: I used to buy expensive department store mascara (a.k.a. Lancome), but finally found a drug store brand that's a third of the price, doesn't clump, isn't sticky and looks incredibly natural. I love it more and more each day. You need to buy some. Today.

Sunsilk Shampoo, Conditioner and Styling Product:


I've been using Sunsilk's Daring Volume for a few weeks now, and I've been pretty impressed with the way it manages to volumize my fine, stick straight strands (no small feat, I assure you). I will say, however, there is a significant difference if I use just the shampoo and conditioner and forget the styling product. The styling product is key -- it adds a ton more volume than if I go without it. So, if you're looking to try the Sunsilk line, I would recommend using the shampoo, conditioner AND styling product. There are five varieties available to suit a wide range of hair types (including curly, wavy, straight, fine and chemical treated). You can actually request a free sample here.

Clean and Clear In-Shower Facial:


I first read about Clean and Clear In-Shower Facial at A Mom in Red High Heels, a great beauty and fashion blog (thanks, Jo-Lynne!). The In-Shower Facial is a mask you apply in the shower. The steam from the hot water activates the ingredients to help deeply cleanse your pores. The best part: it only stays on for one minute. Yep. Just one minute. Before rinsing it off, you gently massage it into the skin. Exfoliating beads help to slough away dull skin and extract impurities. I love the way the mask feels on my skin -- it's tingly and refreshing and leaves my face feeling really soft. When I'm out of the shower, I just finish off with some moisturizer. I feel like I really pampered my skin and it took no time at all. The bottle says to only use it three times a week, max. I love it so much, I wish I could use it every day.

Those are my favorite drug store beauty finds. What are yours?

12 comments:

Lizz @ Yes, and So is My Heart said...

Great post! I have three small children as well so, I'm skipping the department store make-up for now as well.

I use that mascara too! But, I think I like the Lash Exact better.

As for drugstore finds, I'm a sucker for anything Burt's Bees. It's the granola mama in me coming out.

I'll have to try that shampoo and conditioner. I too have very straight hair.

Sorry for the long comment and Happy Frump-Fighting Friday!

Anonymous said...

You are the second person who has recommended that masacara. It's a must have.

Got to get me some of that clean and clear real soon.

Valarie Lea said...

I think I need to try that clean and clear stuff!!

heather said...

Love it! Thanks for your comments on my side; I wasn't ignoring you, I just didn't know what in the world you meant and didn't have time to search until this morning. Suggestion taken!

As for blush, use both blush and bronzer, just don't use bronzer AS blush. :)

Joy said...

I'll have to put those on my "to try" list. Great post!

Anonymous said...

I am hearing really great things about this. I'll have to investigate and invest! Thanks.

Darla said...

Great post! I've been wanting to try that shampoo! I use some of their styling products.

At least you have a CVS. We don't have one for hours and hours. Plus we're 2 hours away from a Target. *gasp*

We were saved when Walgreens went in a few months ago. *whew*

Sister Honey Bunch/Judi maloney said...

A one minute facial is perfect.

I've heard great things about that mascara too.

Anonymous said...

I DID buy the mascara, but have yet to try it. OOoooh, that Clean and Clear facial sounds great!!

As for my drugstore faves:

1 - I know we're talking a beauty regimen here, but how about REMOVING the makeup?? If you asked me a few weeks ago, I would have definitely said the Ponds Daily Makeup Remover cloths. But I saw that Neutrogena had a new version (and they were on sale at Target -- sorry, not trying to rub it in!!). I like the Neutrogena face wipes now as well -- they sometimes leave a little residue but they are better at removing stubborn smudge-proof waterproof mascara.

2 - Oil of Olay SPF 15 suncreen facial moisturizer. I honestly bought this first as a lotion and didn't realize it was sunscreen. I normally hate to put nasty sunscreen on my face, which is oily to begin with! But this is light and goes really well underneath your foundation. Gone are the days when I wanted a dark tan, anyway! Save your skin!!

-Lori H

Unknown said...

I'll have to pick up some of that mascara! I'm due for a new one and I'm sick of the clumps.

mah-meeee said...

i totally went out and bought that mascara when you last wrote about it. I LOVE IT! that's my staple now for sure!

i think i'll go and try that sunsilk too now.

great post!

Caffeine Court said...

I'm spreading the word around the blogosphere-GET A CVS EXTRA CARE CARD! Then you can buy all these awesome products CHEAP!