VANITIES' Best Affordable Beauty (aka Drugstore Divas)
Sometimes cheap can make you look expensive!
Now that we’ve gone over the basics of my makeup process, we’ll get into technique deep dives, interviews, product spotlights, and other sorts of trouble. To start, I thought it would be fun to do my favorite drugstore buys, because people ask me about it all the time, and it’s one of my favorite things.
Behind the scenes at Jimmy Fallon last month
Whenever I’m out of the city, I love a big-box store wander. Not only is it fun to peruse a chip aisle that seemingly has 1000 options, but I also find checking out the beauty buys thrilling—I can never pass that up, and I must check out every aisle. It drives my family crazy, but a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do. It’s great to see the old faithful heroes still hanging tough (looking at you, Pond’s Cold Cream) as well as to see what’s new! So much has changed in the more affordable beauty sector and it’s really fun to see. I almost always come away with new treats to try out!
Below, you’ll find some of my absolute favorites, including many things I keep stocked in my kit. Sometimes expensive doesn’t mean “better”!
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water & Waterproof Makeup Remover
This all-in-one makeup remover/cleanser will take anything you’ve got on your face off. It will even remove stubborn waterproof formulas. Suzy Gerstein (our guest from the Concealer letter) told me about it, and now I’m obsessed with it. It’s an absolute medicine-cabinet must.
Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara
This mascara is in my kit. It’s super black (get the Very Black) and a lovely “wet formula” for easy layering. Once it dries, your lashes stay curled and luscious all day. It does come as regular non-waterproof, but get the waterproof—the formula is different and far superior.
Kiss imPRESS Color Press-On Pedicure
I always buy them when I see them. Their manicures are great too, but hear me out on the pedicure... Here are a few reasons why you need to try it:
You’re busy and you can do this yourself in about 15 minutes.
There is NO DRY TIME, just stick and go. I cannot stay still, so I especially love this feature.
It stays on for a month. Really. Plus, there are no strange gel chemicals, which is an added bonus with all we’re learning about gel manicures lately.
It’s waterproof. Perfect for a beach vacation as the sand won’t rub it off like it can paint!
Cetaphil Moisturizing Relief Therapeutic Body Wash
This is currently in my shower. It’s almost like washing your body with a cream… in a good way. It’s formulated with glycerine and shea butter for long-lasting moisture. I love it especially in winter and during season changes, a.k.a. times during which skin can be drier.
This cream rocks. I first learned about this guy from a dermatologist. If your skin is super sensitive or prone to acne, you’ll love it. It is thick but also won’t break you out, and it absorbs really quickly. It’s even great for body (not just face). Multitasking is the best.
Model-captured workstation chaos (@aqua)
In this next section, I have my favorite drugstore buys broken down by brand, since there are several things I really like from each of these lines. This isn’t a comprehensive list, but a few standouts I wear personally and use at work.
Neutrogena
Fragrance Free Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes
I’ve liked these for a long time; however, this variety is new and I like it even more than the original. I love products made for the most sensitive skin, and fragrance is one of those ingredients people can react to, so these have everything that was great about the originals but are definitely an improvement given the lack of fragrance. You really only need one to remove even very big makeup looks—I’ve had them take off the most waterproof, darkest smoky eyes with ease (models love them). Additionally, they are compostable, which makes me feel better about my frequent makeup wipe use! I’m never without these.
I learned about this cream from an NYC dermatologist, too. It was her favorite oil-free cream, and I love it! It’s super light but also really hydrating—it practically instantly absorbs into the skin and helps keep the skin barrier strong to keep moisture in and irritants out. Additionally, it’s great under makeup.
Hydro Boost Hydrating 100% Hydrogel Mask
Neutrogena makes several masks, but I love a hydrating mask always. This, like all their masks, comes in two pieces, so it’s easy to get a great fit! I prefer gel masks over paper ones because they can hold at least double their weight in serum. Once you move on from paper masks you won’t go back!
Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50
Sunscreen is always a must! Yes, even in the winter, and yes, even on cloudy days. This one is moisturizing without being greasy, and it lays well under makeup, even if you’re in a really hot and humid climate like Miami. Plus, there’s no flashback (that weird white reflection you sometimes see in disastrous red carpet moments) and no strange residue.
Flower Beauty
I really like this line—there’s a lot of great stuff. I just picked a few favorites, but I could have made this section 10 products long. Don’t be shy when taking this line for a test drive!
This brow gel has the perfect brush—it’s tiny! Great for precision work without depositing color accidentally on your skin (a no-no). This gel both fills in brows with tiny fibers and fixes them in place.
Forever Wear Long-Wear Eyeliner
This pencil is so soft and blendable, yet it’s waterproof. I really love it. All the colors are great; I’m particularly obsessed with Smoky Topaz as it is just like a Chanel pencil I loved that got discontinued. I was so excited when I found out this could replace it! I use it mostly as an underliner for natural looks. It leaves a warm golden sparkle to define and illuminate eyes.
Shimmer & Shade Eyeshadow Pallete
This 10-shade pallete has everything you need for a natural eye look. Each shade can be worn alone or layered. Plus, there’s a mix of matte and shimmery shades so you can create a variety of looks.
This handy stick can be used on lips and cheeks (I love makeup that can be used many ways). All three shades are lovely and sheer (i.e. not overpowering), so you don’t need to be afraid of really going for it. As a bonus, there’s no brush needed—just throw in your bag and go!
Maybelline
Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick
This lip color is practically immovable. It will absolutely stay all day and into the night. It comes in so many colors you’re sure to find the right shade—or five—for you.
I’ve loved this mascara since I was about 14. It has a teeny tiny brush to grab every single lash. It’s great on its own or as a base for another mascara. I particularly like it on the bottom lashes. For the biggest, most defined lashes you’ve ever had, consider basically using it like a primer: do a coat on the top and bottom, then add a generous coat of a second mascara (with a big brush like the Maybelline Falsies) to just the top lashes.
Tattoo Studio Ink Pen Eyeliner
Every girl needs a liquid liner. This one has a very precise marker tip for easy eyelining. You can really go big with this one, but if drama’s not your thing, try a really thin line on the outer edges of your eye for subtle definition.
FROM THE KIT
The products and trends worth knowing about now
These are available exclusively at Target and I have many. The quality is amazing and they really hold up. The shapes are everything you want, from super simple staple brushes to really creative shapes. I’ve had several in my kit for over eight years. Do not miss these, they are the best deal in brushes there is.
PHONE A FRIEND
Insight and beauty inspiration from my favorite people in the industry
I’ve known Michiko for more than 10 years… long enough that I don’t remember exactly how and when we met. She’s an incredible hairstylist, cool mom, and all-around girl boss.
Michiko Boorberg, Hairstylist (@michikoboorberg)
Q: Who is your beauty inspiration?
I don’t have a specific person who is my beauty inspiration but I believe that beauty is beyond what you look at, it’s what is in the inside which is more important. So I love to look at a person as a WHOLE. How do you think? How do you treat others? I strive to always be an open book—to love and respect everyone. This is why I love living in NYC. We are among every walk of life in our daily interactions. How you carry yourself and how you treat others is so important in being a great person which makes you beautiful. One love.
Q: What’s in your bag?
I always have the following in my bag: wallet, iPhone, a book (to read on my daily commute), makeup bag which has my mascara (I love trying different mascaras so it just depends on which one I am currently using—I am using YSL Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara), Stila Waterproof Eye Liner, Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50, Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz, Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush, Acuvue contact lenses, lip balm (I’m currently loving First Aid Beauty Lip Therapy).
Q: What is your hair ritual?
I wash my hair 2-3 times a week and I tend to always wash my hair at night since I never have time in the mornings (mom life). I recently discovered Balmain Paris Hair Couture products and so I’ve become a Balmain fan. I am currently using the Balmain Paris Revitalizing Shampoo & Conditioner, then I use Balmain Paris Curl Cream and scrunch it in my hair to activate any waves/curls and air dry. For volume I love Balmain Paris Texturizing Volume Spray and Balmain Paris Salt Spray. I’m obsessed with these products! I love having big hair that plays up my natural wavy texture so this seems to work its magic on my hair. Plus their products smell amazing!
Q: What’s your beauty philosophy?
If you feel good, you look good. Do whatever makes you feel great. No judgements. All love. Eat well, stay hydrated, exercise, get good sleep and surround yourself around great people. You only get one life so live your best life.
Q: Do you have a beauty secret?
I get facials regularly and pay attention to my skin care routine. I am currently use Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 1970 to exfoliate as well as Skinceuticals C E Ferulic serum and the Triple Lipid Restore cream on my face. I also use sunscreen regularly. I also sleep on my back which is apparently good for you? I exercise regularly, eat well, keep busy, travel, have fun, and try stay positive and mentally healthy. Life is a balance and you need to do things that make you happy and rewarding.