I'm A Beauty Reporter. I Swear These Drugstore Products Are Even Better Than Luxury Ones.
Always the advocate for a good bargain, I've curated the upcoming list of beauty products that I've not just tried, but use regularly, for their capacity to enhance my beauty routine at drugstore prices. It's an affordable collection that includes lush body oils, high-powered eye liners, wrinkle-fighting facial lotions and tons more.
Amazon
This was the tube of mascara that, for me, solidified potential of drugstore formulas. The L'Oreal Voluminous mascara line was previously recommended to us by professional makeup artists as a good budget option for anyone looking to experiment with mascara shades that go beyond just black or brown.
There's something about the product consistency of this mascara and the fluffy barrel brush that makes my lashes look longer and noticeably volumized, without looking weighed down or spidery. It also never flakes or smudges, even when the tube is a little older. I've even opted to try a few other colors, including the deep violet shade that I like so much, I find myself grabbing for it more than my go-to black. You'll want to opt for this if you're after a set of lashes that look fanned, wispy and not overly unnatural.
Though I haven't tried it out for myself, some online discourse suggests that this formula is very comparable to the Lancôme High Definition mascara, which is also known for weightlessly lengthening lashes.
$8 at Amazon
$11 at Target
$11 at Ulta
Amazon
This silky soft Airspun loose powder by Coty, a product that hails all the way back from 1935, is the only facial powder I will ever use. The talc-free formula, which can be purchased in three shades, including translucent, never feels cakey on my skin, nor does it settle into fine lines. Instead, it helps to smooth and blur texture, absorb excess oil and set my makeup — all without leaving an overly matte finish or a weird cast like other setting powders I've tried. It's also insanely affordable and lasts forever.
Even though I consider this vintage icon in a league of its own, I have heard this formula compared to the likes of Laura Mercier's well-known loose setting powder, which contains botanicals and skin conditioners to blur and soften the skin, but costs $43 for just one ounce of product (the Airspun is 1.2 ounces).
$7 at Amazon
$7 at Target
$7 at Walmart
Amazon
I'll admit it, I was influenced by TikTok to try out these new highlighter sticks from L'Oréal that promise to offer a more elevated kind of glow (unlike those chalky strobe highlighters of 2012). The finish is very unique and, like the brand claims, makes skin look glass-like, reflective, and very healthy. It comes in three "glassy formula" shades, though I have both the pearl and pink, and they are both virtually translucent, which I actually prefer. The texture is also not creamy at all, but instead feels lightweight and second-skin-like when applied to areas like the high points of my cheeks, inner corners of the eyes and cupid's bow. Even though this conveniently comes in the form of a stick, I like rubbing it on my fingers first before dabbing it onto my skin to avoid any disruption of my liquid and cream products underneath.
In my opinion, this formula seems strikingly similar to Merit's Day Glow highlighting balm, which promises that same dewy sheen without any sparkle.
If you want a more robust glow, the L'Oréal Lumi Le Glass comes in three "glowy" formulas that are advertised to have a slightly more opaque finish.
$13 at Amazon
$11 at Target
$13 at Ulta
Amazon
I have been using the CeraVe daily lotion as my go-to day facial moisturizer (though it can be used for both the face and body) for several years now, and for a few different reasons. In my opinion, it's the ideal mid-weight texture that soaks completely into the skin and layers seamlessly over my other daytime skin care products, without any kind of contradictions. Something about the slight velvet finish that this lotion leaves behind serves as the perfect base for makeup to layer on top of — no pilling or unsightly foundation separating. In fact, it works better as a base than some other expensive primers that I've tried. Plus, the fact that I can procure a value-sized bottle of this for less than $20 keeps me coming back time and time again.
I hesitate to make this comparison, since I'm such a huge fan of the slightly pricier version, but this reminds me of the cult-favorite Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, a magical French facial cream that also doubles as a makeup primer.
$14+ at Amazon
$16+ at Target
$14+ at Walmart
Amazon
Everyone is most likely familiar with the iconic "Pillow Talk" lip liner by Charlotte Tilbury, which I'm also a devotee of, but cringe at the $26 price tag. Milani is the maker behind tons of notable drugstore cosmetics, including this retractable lip liner that comes in nearly identical shades to the luxury version (Cinammon Statement or Nude Entrance). It's creamy, long-lasting and doesn't feather along or above the lip line when I want to accentuate my lips.
I'm equally obsessed with the Milani Color Fetish line of matte lipsticks, which are ultra-pigmented and very soft on the lips.
$8 at Amazon
$8 at Target
$9 at Ulta
Amazon
The Maybelline Age Rewind concealer has been my exclusive concealer of choice for nearly a decade and I have yet to find a formula that manages to be so imperceptible on the skin, yet so effective at brightening my under eye. The formula blends easily and because it's so thin, it does a really great job of not settling into my fine lines or creasing throughout the day and I don't even need to use powder to set it. It easily disperses from the built-in sponge applicator and comes in 20 shades, including a redness-canceling green shade and a brightening pink tone.
I personally can't speak to this comparison, but the Age Rewind is often cited as an affordable alternative to the Nars Radiant Creamy concealer, a medium-coverage product that promises to be good for dark circles.
$9 at Amazon
$9 at Target
$9 at Walmart
Amazon
I have some sparse patches on my left eyebrow from previous scarring, and I adore how Nyx's Lift & Snatch eyebrow pen manages to fill in the gap, without making it look like I just have a solid block of color on my skin. The flexible tip is ultra-fine to help mimic the look of brow hairs, while the ink-like formula is instantly drying and completely budge-proof. Available in 10 shades, this product is strikingly similar to my beloved micro-stroke pen by Anastasia Beverly Hills, a brand known for its incredible brow products.
$11+ at Amazon
$13 at Target
$13 at Ulta
Amazon
I was pleasantly surprised when I tried this gel-cream eyeliner by indie beauty brand af94. Available in six shades (I have the black and navy blue), it applies with the ease and control of a traditional pencil eyeliner but with greater opacity than you would expect and no skipping or dragging on the skin. It actually feels more like a cream than anything else and is similar to other gel-based pencils of luxury origins like Bobby Brown's Perfectly Defined gel eyeliner. I like that I'm able to smoke it out a bit into a wing with a fine eyeliner brush to get that soft cat eye look and because it's a gel formula, it really doesn't budge once it dries down. I've even worn it to dance classes and it doesn't move. You also don't need a sharpener because it's a twist-up pencil that automatically sharpens with each turn.
And if you're curious about what my favorite eyeliner brush is, it's also a drugstore find that comes in this five-piece brush set by EcoTools.
$8 at Ulta
$10 at Walmart
Amazon
For the longest time, I only used a Beauty Blender to apply my makeup, a $20 tool that is so revered it can even be considered the industry standard for makeup sponges. Then, about three years ago, I discovered these latex-free lookalikes that cost just $5 for a colorful carton of five and have never looked back. Like the Blender, this delightfully squishy sponge makes my foundation look airbrushed and mimics the original's exact shape: a round body and a pointed precision tip. I use this damp for the perfect dispersion of products and bounce it along the skin in a stippling motion to apply my foundation, blend cream products and even powders.
$5+ at Amazon
Amazon
If you're not familiar with lip oils, think of them as a grown-up version of those sticky glosses from the '90s that promise the same coveted shine, but with the feel of a hydrating balm. Colour Pop's Lux lip oils were the first I ever tried and ultimately the reason I fell in love with this type of formulation. Available in four sheer shades, this lip oil has a unique gel-like texture that melts down to a lightweight and cushiony gloss that's incredibly comfortable and smooth to wear. It uses a blend of antioxidant-rich chamomile and calendula oils to help nourish lips and keep them feeling hydrated. In my opinion, the feel and longevity of this gloss even beats the cult-favorite Tower 28 high-shine lip jelly, which costs $6 more.
$10 at Amazon
$10 at Target
$10 at ColourPop
Amazon
Although this isn't a product that you could grab from your local Target or Walmart, it does have a drugstore price and a list of ingredients that is strikingly similar to the Laneige Cream Skin milky toner, a formula that's also Korean and costs over twice as much. The PDRN pink milky toner is a recent find from buzzy Korean skin care brand, Medicube, and so far, I'm loving it. The hydrating skin conditioner contains both ceramides and peptides (just like Laneige's Cream Skin product) for brightening and plumping power, but it also contains the addition of salmon-derived PDRN, an anti-aging ingredient that's risen in popularity this past year for its potential to improve skin texture and collagen production. Even after just a few months of use, I've already noticed increased softness and better bounce-back to my skin.
$16 at Amazon
Amazon
My skin is notoriously dry and I've found that incorporating body oils post-shower and after moisturizer has helped trap in hydration, improved skin texture and stave off my chronic eczema. This was one of the best oils that I ended up trying (including better than the uber-popular Osea Undaria algea body oil), and I don't hear a lot of people talk about how great it is. As a person who is opposed to certain textures, I'm in love with the fact that this formula doesn't sit greasy or stick atop the skin. It actually soaks in quickly and thoroughly to the point that I'm able to throw on my clothes right after and not leave a stain. Deceptively luxurious and available in five mild scents, it's enriched with three different oils that are nourishing and rich in antioxidants like squalane and moringa.
If you want to go a step further, I also use Saltair's SPF-infused version of this body oil because I prefer it significantly more than rubbing on regular SPF lotions that feel suffocating on my skin.
$22+ at Amazon
$22 at Ulta
These 13 Old-School Beauty Products Are Still The Best Around
32 Beauty Products That Are Very Worthy Substitutes For The Name-Brand Versions
33 Beauty Products Reviewers Say They Use Every Day
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
My Son Tried Out the New Kindle Colorsoft Kids—It Was a Hit
Fact checked by Sarah Scott I was an omnivorous reader as a child. I learned to read early and kept our small-town library busy by requesting book after book. I dove into series like Betsy-Tacy, Anne of Green Gables, and Alanna the Lioness. I read at the breakfast table, on the bus, in the bathtub, in my backyard. If I was in the room, there was a book nearby. I would have loved a Kindle to keep up with my 'more is more' reading habits and give my library a break, but they didn't exist in the '90s. Luckily for me, however, my 4-year-old son appears to be following in my little-reader footsteps; he can confidently read most picture books and astounds me with his skills every day. That's why I was thrilled to hear about the latest and greatest Kindle, Colorsoft Kids. It's an all-new addition to the lineup with a few very exciting upgrades, most notably the full-color capability that makes picture books and graphic novels truly come alive on the screen, as well as thousands of books for every kind of reader at every age. The sad truth is that children are simply not reading as much or as well as they should be, and the stats are concerning. Literacy expert Molly Ness, PhD, who was interviewed as part of her partnership with Amazon, notes that 65 percent of fourth graders aren't reading at a proficient level. Kids are more apt to play video games, watch TV, or swipe around on an iPad than they are to pick up a book. And according to a study from Kindle of 2,000 parents of children ages seven to 12, researchers found that while 95 percent of parents 'attempt to motivate their child to read more,' 46 percent say their child is 'distracted easily' while reading. 'We're seeing both the decline in skills as well as a decline in reading engagement and motivation,' says Dr. Ness, citing a survey from the National Literacy Trust that found only 32 percent of children ages 8 to 18 choose to read for pleasure in their spare time. The Kindle Colorsoft Kids device hopes to help make reading more immersive and exciting for young readers of all ages. Ahead, learn more about the new device and my honest review. How Was the Kindle Colorsoft Kids Developed? The first kid-centric Kindle hit the shelves in 2019, but there was one thing missing: color. In fact, color was the biggest wishlist item for parents and kids, given that much of their reading material is accompanied by drawings or art. 'Color exists in the world. It's something kids interact with,' explains Keeley Boehmer, Kindle Kids Product Manager. 'Color is something that really helps to engage kids and engage the really get to make it a more immersive experience for kids.' According to Boehmer, the device was tested by real-life kids, including children of Amazon employees; she mentions a coworker with eight-year-old twins 'having to pry' the device out of their hands because they'd been staying up too late reading—a treasured childhood rite of passage, now with no flashlight required. Aside from the new color interface, Kindle Colorsoft Kids also allows users to highlight sections in different colors and includes the Word Wise program, which is great for earlier readers or those learning to read in a different language; it can break down more complicated words into shorter, easier-to-understand words, which helps build vocabulary. The Parent Dashboard lets parents manage and keep an eye on content and reading activity, as well as set a 'device bedtime.' How Does the Kindle Colorsoft Kids Promote a Love of Reading? Ask any parent to share their feelings on screen time and you'll probably get an earful, both positive and negative. When it comes to children's learning and development, screens are controversial, to say the very least. But as Dr. Ness says, the Kindle Colorsoft Kids is a device with just one purpose: reading. You cannot toggle to different apps, watch movies, or play games on it. It is designed for reading and reading only. 'It really feels just like a book,' says Boehmer. 'It's a paper-like display: no apps, no games, no distractions, [and] a long battery life. You can do all of the things you like would with a pile of books.' Because the Kindle Colorsoft Kids is so lightweight and portable, you can 'make reading a much bigger part of your daily routine.' Reading is so important to a child's growth and development, whether they're being read to as an infant or toddler, learning to sound out words on their own, or reading solo. When kids read, they develop empathy and can learn to see perspectives other than their own and often have better self-esteem and better self-efficacy. 'When kids are read to, we start to see significant academic achievement gains,' says Dr. Ness. Dr. Ness adds that the 'ARC' system can help increase reading time for kids: access, relevancy, and choice. 'It is incredibly empowering for kids to have a choice in where they read and how they read,' she says. What We Thought of Kindle Colorsoft Kids Like I said, my son can generally pick up a picture book and read through it, so I was confident that he'd be able to find lots of reading material in the vast Kindle library. The device was incredibly easy to set up, though my son's young age meant he wasn't as comfortable swiping and navigating around. Parents will likely have to help younger children find and download books, though the interface is extremely intuitive for older kids. Julian is currently very into character books, including Spider-Man, Hot Wheels, and Star Wars, and while I sometimes wish he'd opt for more traditional stories that don't belong to the Marvel universe, Dr. Ness stresses that when it comes to children's reading, all reading is good reading. With that, Julian read through a few 'early reader' titles, dabbled in a comic-style picture book about a school bully, and checked out a National Geographic science book—and was engaged and excited the entire time. 'I like that it has books on it like Star Wars and The Incredibles,' he told me. 'It's easy to use. We can take it with us when we go to a cabin.' The color is bright but not overpowering, adding more visual interest to graphic novels, comics, and picture books and making covers pop. The device is lightweight, waterproof, and can hold thousands of books, which makes it a great option for everyday or family vacations; we're headed out for a weeklong trip and will be packing the Kindle with books for Julian to read solo and with us at bedtime to save packing space. How Can Parents and Caregivers Use Kindle Colorsoft Kids? Dr. Ness advises looking at the device not as another screen for your kids to stare at, but as an interactive activity. 'Sit down and explore it together and talk through, 'Are you more interested in this book or that book? What makes you think this would be an interesting book to read? Let's read a few of the pages together,'' she says. 'That is what builds literacy. Parents can find out a lot about who their child is as a reader in the sit-down around the device.' Just like I lost myself in new worlds and experiences as a young reader devouring everything at my rural library, the Kindle Colorsoft Kids device helps children discover what they love and enjoy more of it. 'Finding the content that resonates with you is the biggest thing that helps reluctant readers and kids develop a love of reading,' says Boehmer, 'Being able to find the thing that grabs your attention and your imagination really makes you love the experience.' The Kindle Colorsoft Kids is best for children ages 3 to 13 and retails for $269.99; purchase includes one year of Amazon Kids+, a subscription service that unlocks access to thousands of age-appropriate Kindle the original article on Parents Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
For The Sake Of Your Family, You Should Always Do This 1 Thing With Your Wedding Registry
Before you say 'I do' to your beloved, there are many small and big decisions to make, such as what to wear and whom to invite ― but there is one tiny, yet monumental, decision that too many couples overlook. It's a decision that every couple faces when creating an online wedding registry: How private or public should this list be to anyone searching for this information online? The choice is yours, but privacy experts strongly recommend setting up your registry to be as private as possible.'Some registry websites are pretty locked down about privacy and security, and they won't make the address public, or they'll keep other information private, unless you have some of password-protect [option turned on], but in a lot of cases, they'll share the information because it's practical,' said Calli Schroeder, senior counsel for the Electronic Privacy Information Center. But what is convenient for shipping is not necessarily the safest option for your family. That's because long after your wedding is over, this identifiable information can come back to haunt you. Why Wedding Registries Should Stay As Private As Possible When you sign up for a registry through Amazon, for example, Amazon states that making your registry public will 'help your friends and family find your registry.' Unfortunately, that makes it easier for strangers and vengeful exes to find it, too. If your registry is set to public on Amazon, your name, email address, wedding date, city and state of your wedding location, and registered items become viewable by anyone once you share a link, as well as searchable on Amazon and its registry partner according to Amazon. Ideally, you don't want it to be easier for a stranger to find out where and when your wedding could be ― especially if they have an agenda against you. Schroeder said one especially risky detail to list is the address where people should send their gifts. Often, it's either your home address or your family's address. 'Maybe you have no issues with people knowing where you live. But let's say, for example, you had an abusive ex who is tracking to see what's going on in your life. They see you're getting married, and they see where it's happening, where parts of the ceremony are,' Schroeder said. 'They could cause you some real problems by showing up, stalking, harassing.' Instead of sharing your home address, you could try listing a P.O. box, Schroeder said. And if you do want to list your home address for convenience, at least enable the option to password-protect the information. This will keep your information 'way safer' than by having all of your identity publicly available, Schroeder added. Limiting your registry's reach doesn't just protect you; it protects anyone who might want to cause problems for your family. For example, if your sibling is involved in a child custody dispute with their ex and this person is looking for their current address, your gift address is suddenly valuable information, Schroeder said as an example. 'In many cases, the worst-case scenario is going to be... a gate-crash, maybe you have a little bit of public embarrassment,' Schroeder said about what people could do with your registry information. 'But there are cases where people are kind of unhinged, and it can be a dangerous situation.' Keeping your registry public also makes it searchable for data broker websites, whose business model is to sell this information to anyone interested for a few dollars. 'Many of the people websites now advertise that they're using bots that are just looking for anything that looks like an address, and then building files with whatever names are tied to that address,' Schroeder explained. Once your home information is part of a data broker's database, it can be an exhausting process to request that they remove it from these sites. However, you can avoid that by making it a little harder for them to find you. If you want to take it a step further, consider using a pseudonym or your first name and last initial on wedding website information. That way, it's harder for bad actors and automated internet scraping tools to discover who you are, Schroeder suggested. There are many problems you can't avoid at a wedding, but this doesn't have to be one of them. You may not be able to stop a relative from going off script for their speech, or the weather from pouring rain down at your wedding venue, but making your wedding registry private is within your control to do –– as long as you remember to take this step as seriously as the rest of your busy wedding prep. Related... Minnesota Shooting Suspect Allegedly Found Targets' Addresses Online. Here's How To Hide Yours. Taking Your Phone To A Trump Protest Could Have Alarming Consequences Why You Can (And Should) Opt Out Of TSA Facial Recognition Right Now Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Yahoo
Amazon is selling a $65 Cuisinart 12-piece knife set for $21 (that's 68% off!)
If you love to cook, chances are your well-worn knives could use a refresh — and in our opinion, your search ends here. This Amazon-favorite Cuisinart 12-Piece Knife Set has received over 5,600 five-star ratings, so you know it's doing something right. Colorful, sharp and with a knife for pretty much any task a home cook would need to complete, it's a kitchen must-have. You won't have to worry about breaking the bank, either, as it's on mega markdown for $21 (down from $65). That's nearly 70% off. Why is it a good deal? 💰 Other knife sets can set you back anywhere from $50 to $1,000 (yup, it's true). But you can grab this smartly designed, color-coded collection that's backed by a lifetime warranty for just a bit over $20 when you click the on-page coupon. We can't think of a better addition to your culinary arsenal. These also make a great gift for that home chef in your life, and the price hasn't gone lower than this all year. Why do I need this? 🤔 Made with high-quality stainless steel and a nonstick coating for easy slicing, this Cuisinart set includes an 8-inch chef's knife, an 8-inch slicing knife, an 8-inch serrated bread knife, a 7-inch santoku knife, a 6.5-inch utility knife and a 3.5-inch paring knife. You will be ready to slice anything, and the pretty pastel colors will look gorgeous in your kitchen. Each knife comes with a matching sleeve to keep blades sharp — and to protect your hands while you're rummaging through kitchen drawers. Not only are the pastel tones a fun pop of color, but they also make it a breeze to identify the right knife for each task and reduce the risk of cross-contamination during food prep. What reviewers say 💬 Well, thousands of them say this Cuisinart knife set is a deal you don't want to pass up. Pros 👍 "Wow, these knives are so sharp and so easy to handle," raved a happy home cook. "You can cut a tomato paper-thin; because of the sharpness, they just glide through without having to put a lot of pressure on them. Buy them, you will love them, but beware, they are REALLY sharp and stay that way." Another satisfied slicer said, "I have owned expensive knives before where the paring knife costs more than this complete set. I can't say enough good things about these knives. ... Beyond sharp, perfectly balanced and the right knife for every job. I highly, highly recommend these wonderful knives." "We love these knives!" exclaimed a third. "Have had them for a year now, and they've maintained their quality and sharpness. Great purchase." Cons 👎 "Great selection of different sizes and uses," wrote a mostly pleased purchaser. "Just wish the guards would allow for knives to attach to a magnetic board." "The only con I have is I wish they would put the names of the blades on each cover," shared a final fan. "I am not so good at knowing which one to use." P.S. If your existing knives are salvageable but could use a little honing... If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And even without Prime, you'll still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.) The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication. Looking for more great Amazon home deals? Check these out: Vacuums Home Kitchen
