DRUG STORE COWGIRL: TWELVE INEXPENSIVE BEAUTY PRODUCTS THAT JUST MIGHT CHANGE YOUR LIFE

 These days, cosmetic science is evolving almost as fast as electronic science- there are so many innovative and inexpensive products coming out on the market it’s hard to keep up with them! Happily, that means that a hefty price tag is no longer a prerequisite for a great beauty product.  Just in case it's not entirely obvious, I'm an absolute  make up fanatic, and one of my favorite...er...hobbies is looking for inexpensive cosmetics  that perform well  on or off stage!

 Here are some of my favorite drug store cosmetics, all of which are more than worth their price, and widely available. 

 EYES

Revlon Precision Lash Adhesive

  I can’t rave enough about this fantastic product! It’s one of the best discoveries I’ve made in the past year, I am totally addicted! The main reason most chicks have a problem applying their falsies is because they put the glue on and don’t wait for it to get tacky enough to set on the lash. But you won’t have that problem with Lash Precision-it’s perfect for those who are not experienced with applying false eyelashes- or those in a rush on their way to a show- because the moment you apply the glue, it’s tacky enough to put the lash directly onto your eye with no wait time whatsoever!  This little gem comes in clear or black glue, and features a fine-tipped brush applicator, which will enable you to paint the glue onto the lash with no messy drips. The formula is also   great for those with Latex sensitivity- no more swollen weepy eyes! A godsend for newbies and make up addicts alike!

Wet N Wild Color Icon Eye Shadow Palettes

 Through out the years, Wet N Wild has offered a great selection of cosmetics for the budget-minded, but these new palettes are just incredible! An absolute steal at under seven bucks a pop, the palettes feature either four or eight trays of lush, hyper-pigmented frosty color, which means you can use them wet or dry. Seriously, the quality of these eye shadows are comparable to Mac or Nars! And the little purse-sized palettes mean they are perfectly transportable in dancer’s gig bag. Two of my fave collections are  “Blue Had Me At Hello” ( some of the shades are pictured on my eye, above) an eight-shadow palette with frosty white, metallic silver, pearlescent teal, minty aqua, royal blue, navy, flat black and black with silver glitter;  and  “I’m Getting Sunburned”, a four-pack with a beautiful blue/pink, a metallic bronze, dark brown with copper glitter and rich black. 

Ardell Double Up Lashes

Some of you might remember a post I did a while ago on double stacking lashes…well, these come that way already!  They have a full, thick and slightly uneven look that makes their appearance a little more “natural”… well… not really, but that’s why we use them, right?  Anyway, these’d be terrific for use onstage or just for a glam night on the town- and they go for $3.99-$5.99 depending on where you buy them. Use them with the Lash Precision glue!

 L’Oreal Paris Telescopic Shocking Extension Mascara

This stuff really works!  You’ll ridiculously get long, thick, luxurious lashes with just a few swipes of the wand. The fibers in it somehow don’t clump into scary Tammy Faye Bakker lashes, either. I was blessed with a lot of things, but beautiful eyelashes just wasn’t one of them…when I use this mascara, you’d never know! Try it, you’ll become devoted.

Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips

 Custom Eye Enhancing Shadow And Liner 

Another handy palette, these eye assortments comes in a cute box trimmed with black lace, and creates perfect, dimensional ombre smoky eyes…of any color. Some are intended for certain eye colors, such as green or hazel, but the Nude palette, a mix of matte and pearly colors, would be terrific on anyone. Under ten bucks, and considerably less depending on where you shop.

 Urban Decay  Glitter Liner

 By far the most sparkly and stay-put glitter liners on the market.  Unlike other brands that barely leave a trace, the Urban Decay Glitter Liners are packed with color and glitter, so they really shine and twinkle when you’re onstage. They look great on their own with a couple of coats, but for extra drama, layer them over eye shadow of the same tone, like bronze on bronze, turquoise on top of teal- you get the idea. They come in eleven different colors, and all of them look like a serious explosion of bling!

LIPS

Revlon’s Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

A super-fantastic cross between lip balm and lipstick, this product slides on easily and precisely, and it is shaped like a chunky crayon with a pointed tip that doesn’t need to be sharpened. The candy-like colors stay put for ages, and have a nice moist sheen, but are not gloppy at all.  There’s a huge array of shades- the one I use the most right now is  # 040, a punchy perfect coral that is not chalky-looking or old lady-ish at all.

 Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm

 I’m sure you’re already extremely familiar with Burt’s Bees incredible line of skin care and cosmetics…but their tinted lip balms are the bomb! They’re perfect for any season- great for winter, because the 100% natural botanical waxes and shea butter condition your lips as they add a pretty color, while being light enough for summer, with shimmering sheer shades that don’t look too over done, and aren’t messy even if you apply the balm a little haphazardly. Available in nine shades, at about seven bucks apiece, my favorite shade is Red Dahlia.

  SKIN

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream

  The new buzzword in cosmetics is BB...and if you’re wondering what the heck a BB is, the initials  stand for Beauty Balm, which is a multi-purpose product that provides skin care and coverage.   Beauty Balms mask imperfections like a foundation, but they are lighter and don’t cake up.  They hydrate and brighten the skin, while providing a sunscreen.

 In other words, how did we ever live without them? 

Maybelline Dream BB Cream is hands-down the best BB I’ve tried yet- and I’ve tried a lot of them.  It glides onto the skin, provides coverage for redness and zits, and it looks dewy and fresh. Plus, Maybelline’s version has five shades, while most BB creams only offer two or three.  While it’s too sheer to use onstage, I highly recommend this stuff for real life, especially on those days when you’re running out to a dance class, but don’t wanna look like a hag!

 Urban Decay Afterglow Glide On Cheek Tint

 I was never really a fan of creamy cheek color; I much preferred powder until I tried this nifty stuff.  The formula is silky and glides on evenly whether you’re putting it on bare skin or over foundation or a BB cream.  Because the tints are sheer and natural looking, you can build the color up to increase the color value. Yummy.  

Boots No.7 Photo Fix Primer

Finally! An inexpensive primer that allows your foundation to slide on easily and faultlessly.  I love this stuff: it’s light and doesn’t feel greasy, in fact it’s barely noticeable, but it also seems to “fill in” problem areas like smile lines or crow’s feet without looking cakey at all.

Lumene Pure radiance Day Cream SPF15

I discovered Lumene products in Finland in 2011, and I just adored them.  On that trip, I started stressing about how I was going to get more, but wouldn’t ya know that the moment I got home, they became available in the USA?  Cool! Their products are natural, mostly made with Arctic Cloudberry. I’m not entirely sure what exactly that is, but let me tell you, all their stuff feels amazing on your face!  Aside from this emollient cream, they make a variety of facial washes, toners, and eye creams, and every single item I have tried just rocks! Super affordable and wildly repairing.  Go for it!