In the past year and a half, I have become what some might call a beauty maniac. Ask anyone that knows me well — I am obsessed with makeup, skincare, and finding the newest natural “miracle-workers”. Though there are many wonderful high-end beauty products out there, there are also a plethora of drugstore brands that make awesome products with the right ingredients at the right price.
Here are just a few of my favorite skincare products from the drugstore. Keep in mind that these work well with my skin type, but not necessarily with other skin types. (Hint: I have sensitive, combination skin)
Yes to Tomatoes Repairing Acne Lotion: This repairing lotion is lightweight and is not overly drying. I use it as a serum under moisturizer/sunscreen in the morning so that I can treat any breakouts/blemishes throughout the day.
Almay Eye Makeup Remover Pads: These convenient makeup-remover pads work wonders! I love that they’re all-in-one so that I don’t have to fuss around with cotton rounds/q-tips/cotton balls. They are also very gentle, so you don’t have to worry if the product gets in your eyes. [Quick tip: you can get them oil-free, so the can be used on all skin types]
RoC Retinol Products: Though less potent than prescription Retin-A, this brand provides a plethora of different retinol products for good prices. I also find that prescription Retin-A can be very irritating for first-time users, so this more mellow formulation is a great way to gradually introduce vitamin A into your skincare routine.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser: This is an effective, pH-friendly cleanser that removes makeup and dirt without stripping your skin of its natural oils.
Natural Acnedote Invisible Treatment Gel: This spot treatment is the best one I’ve found thus far. It is a salicylic acid formulation that helps to diminish the redness of current blemishes and does a decent job of preventing surfacing blemishes. I notice that my spots/blemishes will shrink and/or appear less irritated after using this product as a target treatment overnight.
Coconut Oil: I am sure that you have heard something about the wonderful health and beauty benefits of coconut oil. I am no doctor or skin expert, but I can tell you that this product is just as effective in the bathroom as it is in the kitchen. I like to use coconut oil as a body moisturizer right after the shower (particularly on my legs), and also like to mix it with baking soda as a weekly/monthly exfoliating treatment. [Quick tip – Trader Joe’s sells coconut oil at a really competitive price.]
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 70: I bought this sunscreen last summer when I knew I’d be in the sun for long periods of time. I wanted something with high SPF, but that wouldn’t irritate the fragile skin on my face and neck. This product is awesome. It is lightweight, oil-free, and goes great under makeup. [Quick tip: Don’t forget to put sunscreen on the tops of your hands, as hands show aging just as much as your face/neck/chest!]
**Disclaimer: My mother, who defies age and somehow looks better with every passing year, is a closet skincare guru/addict/researcher. She honestly knows all the tricks of the trade months before they appear in magazines. I must give her credit for introducing me into the wonderful world of beauty and sharing her secrets with me. Thank you, mom, for all you’ve taught me! **
alexa louise 