Ladies: we all have that stash of beauty products that never did the trick. You know... that pile of products in that old drawer you never open? Although everyone has different preferences with beauty products, we all essentially want the same things: products that do the job, and don't break the bank. Having had many trials and errors with beauty products, I can finally say I have found my niche. Here are 13 favorite beauty products that you'll use, love, and never keep in that old drawer:
1. Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub
Trying to find a face wash that doesn't make your face too dry, too oily, or make you break-out shouldn't be so difficult. I kept hearing great things about the brand Biore, and I finally decided to give it a try. I have noticed a major difference in my skin since using Biore. My face feels clean, looks clean, and my pores are constantly looking cleaner and better. This stuff works miracles.
2. NYX HD Photogenic Concealer Wand
Sometimes it seems so difficult to find a concealer that's lightweight, covers up those spots we hate most, and doesn't look all gross by the second hour we have it on. A few months ago, I tried NYX HD Photogenic Concealer Wand, and I am hooked. This stuff has great coverage, great shades, smooth glide, and lasts all day!
3. NYX- Matte Liquid Liner
Oh eyeliner, how I hate when you magically end up below my eye or in the crease of my eyelid. That's why I have a new love for NYX Matte Liquid Liner! This eyeliner stays exactly where you put it, is easy to work with, and lasts all day.
4. Too Faced- Natural Eyes Palette
If there's one thing you should spend a little more money on for it's quality, it's definitely eye-shadow. This palette has 9 very pigmented shades, both matte and shimmery, which can give you tons of different looks. It's $36, which can feel like an expense when you're a broke college kid, but I promise, once you buy this baby, you will obsess with no ragrets. Plus: The holidays are coming up, just put this on your list!
5. CND Vinylux or JRJ Nail Polish.
You paint your nails, and 2 hours later you see chips. Obviously gel is better than regular polish, but if you can't afford it and you want your regular polish to last, try Vinylux! It's sold at most drug stores now, with varying prices no greater than $9. This polish is guaranteed to last 7 days with no chips, and their colors are gorgeous!
My other favorite regular polish is JRJ (James Robert John), a small nail polish brand made in Columbus. I first tried JRJ at the salon I work at (The W Nail Bar), and this will forever be the best nail polish in the world. It's vegan, 5-free, and will give you at least a week with no chips as well! It's not sold in stores (except a few select salons in the Columbus area), but it's worth buying online- trust me.
6. Batiste Dry Shampoo
Washing your every day is awful for your hair, but what are you supposed to do when all the dry shampoo brands suck? Search No More: Batiste Dry Shampoo is literally INCREDIBLE. They offer tons of scents that smell amazing; they even have dry shampoo with "hints of color" to make your hair look fuller when roots grow out and even brighten your color! This stuff gives me about 3-4 days of fresh-feeling, great-smelling, voluminous hair. 11/10 recommend, 25/7.
7. Biore Charcoal Pore Strips
We all see those charcoal videos on Facebook that pull out all the dirt and blackheads from your face. I'm telling you the charcoal Biore Pore Strips are to die for. Will never try another brand.
8. Dove Body Wash
It always seems easier to stick with the $1.99 Suave body wash, but lets be real, we all get sick of Ocean Breeze and Sweet Pea. Dove is only a few more dollars, you get way more, and you only need a little to go a long way!
9. Coconut Oil
I use coconut oil for multiple things. As a makeup remover, this stuff rocks. Your makeup comes off in an instant, even that tough mascara. I also use it on the ends of my hair to help heal those split-ends, and even on my feet to get rid of dry skin in the winter! You can use coconut oil for just about anything! Not to mention, one jar lasts forever.
10. NYX Micro Brow Pencil
The latest "eyebrows on point" trend has only gotten worse and leaves us ladies constantly questioning how we can have the perfect brows. I've found that NYX Micro Brow Pencil works the best of all the brands I've tried. It even has a brow brush on one end to really make those brows fleeky.
11. Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Hairspray
A good hairspray to me was the most difficult beauty product to find. After many trials and errors, I've found the best 'cheapest' kind is Garnier. Their hairspray smells heavenly, and really holds true to it's standard. The volume hairspray works great also.
12. Freeman's Mud Mask
It is so hard to find a cheap, good quality face mask for those stressful days when your face needs some moisture & lovin'. This brand works really well! It makes your face feel fresh & full, and even brightens your skin for days! They have lots of different kinds, but my favorite is the dead sea minerals! They have large tubes of it, so you can make the most of the product. I've used mine at least 8 times and I still have some left.
13. NYX High Definition Finishing Powder
It is always so hard to find a good powder that is just the right color and works well. Recently, I discovered translucent powder! This stuff brightens your face, helps dull down any oil, and gives a flawless finish. It also doesn't make your face look dry & discolored like regular powder can. My favorite brand is NYX, but any translucent powder will do!