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.
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.
No. 1: Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash Pink Grapefruit, $7.49
Bursting with teeny exfoliating micro-beads, this rose-colored cleanser is ideal for zapping body breakouts. "I use it after working out to dissolve accumulated sweat and dirt — especially on my shoulders and back," says Senior Associate Editor Cinya Burton. Bonus: Despite being filled with the powerful acne-fighter salicylic acid, the wash has a fresh grapefruit scent and won't dry out your skin.
No. 2: NeXXus ProMend Split End Treatment Daily Shampoo and Conditioner, $9.43
This yummy-scented combo returns hair to a soft, glossy state thanks to ingredients like ultra-hydrating coconut oil and keratin amino acids — a protein that helps relax frizz. Executive Editor Meghan Rabbitt says, "This shampoo-conditioner duo makes my unruly, curly hair look like I just got a salon treatment."
No. 3: Maybelline New York Fit Me! Foundation, $5.59
This airy formula hides surface flaws without feeling cakey. The lightweight liquid is perfect for anyone looking for a base that provides more coverage than a tinted moisturizer but still allows skin to breath in the summer months. Sarah Carrillo, Senior Editor, says, "It does exactly what a good foundation should: It covers up imperfections and stays put all day. Plus, it gives you a natural finish — not too matte or dewy."
No. 4: Vaseline Lip Therapy Original, $1.79
Whether you're contending with dry lips or a nasty paper cut, this classic multitasking petroleum jelly formula can be used as a head-to-toe skin saver. And, the tiny tube is ideal for busy girls on the go. Associate Editor Sharon Yi loves it, saying, "This little jar provides immediate moisture for my chapped lips and leaves a clear gloss that highlights my natural lip color."
No. 5: Maybelline New York Falsies Flared By Volum' Express, $7.77
Celebrity makeup artists have long been obsessed with the bright pink and green tube that is "Great Lash," but we're all about the brand's new Falsies. The curled wand extends each lash upward and the formula doesn't clump. "I'm obsessed," says Beauty Editor Dawn Davis. "It's my favorite mascara of all time. It makes my lashes look at least twice as full and thick — as if I'm wearing, you guessed it, falsies."
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No. 6: Yes to Cucumbers Eye Love Cucumbers Soothing Eye Gel, $14.99
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 new products. But you can set any such fears aside when applying this mild serum. The gel combines natural cucumber seed extract with aloe vera to gently calm swelling without upsetting 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."
No. 7: L'Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray, $12.99
One light spritz 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 experts 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."
No. 8: Physicians Formula Healthy Wear Powder Foundation, $14.95
This foundation's radiance-boosting ingredients give skin extra TLC. Among the matte powder's ingredients: licorice, which naturally lightens dark spots, and lycopene-rich tomato, to rev up cellular repair. Associate Editor Alexis Finc says, "Since I started using this my skin has visibly improved. I don't even need concealer!"
No. 9: Neutrogena Pure & Free Liquid Daily Sunblock SPF 50, $12.49
This sunscreen disappears on contact and won't leave behind a pesky white film, making it ideal for a layer underneath makeup. "I'm a big proponent of physical sunscreen that contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide — and this one from Neutrogena is totally sheer," says Davis.
No. 10: Sonia Kashuk Beautifying Blush in Flamingo, $8.99
Infused with brown seaweed extract, this glimmer-free blush plumps up skin's elasticity and color. Davis loves how just a swipe 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."
No. 11: Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream, $6.39
This classic has been a favorite of dermatologists for decades. The simple formula includes antioxidant vitamin E, sweet almond oil, glycerin, and petroleum to moisturize and protect skin. Editorial Intern Cassandra Weinman says the lotion completely fixed her dry skin woes. "The cream is odorless and leaves even the most sensitive skin hydrated and baby-soft for days."
No. 12: Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes, $8.99
These are a must-have if you tend to fall asleep with a face of makeup on. The wipes dissolve dirt and oil in one swipe. Finc says, "They are so easy to use and remove all my makeup — even my stubborn waterproof mascara. They allow me to be lazy and diligent with my skin care routine."
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