Beauty shouldn’t be hard or expensive – but it does add up when you think of the many things you pick up to maintain your daily looks.
There are some products you can find on the cheap, and others that are a bit in the mid-range, like those below, but are well worth the investment. Below you will find my five picks for items I either use or will be using in the very near future, because they were recommended to me with enthusiasm by really good friends.
MAC Lustreglass Lip Gloss ($15)
I have used the MAC Lustreglass lipgloss for years now. I keep worrying they might discontinue it, but it has remained and for $15, it’s worth it to me. My favorite shade is Beaux (not pictured) because it goes perfectly with my fair skin. It’s a neutral tone with just enough shimmer to brighten up my look.
I love that this particular lip-gloss comes with an actual brush applicator instead of the little q-tip type end that most come with…it’s the little things folks! I feel the gloss is applied more evenly when using an actual brush.
Olay Total Effects Eye Transforming Cream
I have a friend who swears by this eye cream. It takes all the signs of motherhood aging and makes it all better. This cream says that it does the following:
Gives a radiant glow and fights 7 signs of aging
With VitaNiacin®
- Improves dullness for a radiant glow
- Evens out skin tone
- Lessens the appearance of dark circles
- Visibly reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles
- Intensively hydrates dry skin
- Noticeably softens uneven texture
- Minimizes puffiness.
It has varying prices online, but I did find it for $15.99 at Drugstore.com, so it’s just over that $15 price point, and worthy of a share in this post.
MAC Fluidline Eyeliner ($15)
This is my new favorite beauty find – it’s a gel-like liner for your eyes that goes on seamlessly when applied with a small precision angled brush. It looks fantastic and lasts all day. I will never go back to lining my lids with a standard liner.
Clinique Face Lotion ($15)
I’ve used this for years and years. It’s light and it isn’t greasy, which is one of the reasons I love it. I have a big problem with thick, heavy moisturizers and this one is perfect; my skin feels like it can breath.
Now, the bottle featured here is $14. I usually get the one with the pump which is more – but if you’re just trying it for the first time, then the smaller one under $15 is a good way to go.
Aveda Rosemary Mint Shampoo & Conditioner ($12 Â - 8.5 oz bottles)
This is my favorite shampoo. I started going to the salon because a friend of mine recommended a specific stylist and I should say that I am not a fan of spending a ton of money on my hair, but since I only go once every few months, I reasoned that going to Aveda wasn’t too terrible.
Each time I went, they used their Rosemary Mint shampoo and conditioner and I was smitten. Then I found a cheap knock-off version that I thought would do the trick. Well…you get what you pay for folks and my scalp was NOT happy. I was an itchy mess because it caused a film. Fast forward a few months into my Aveda shampooing ways and I’m looking good, smelling lovely and not itchy.
Best $12 per bottle I could spend.
What products do you recommend that hit under the $15 mark?Â
Image via article author via Polyvore
