~ Drug Store Beauty from REESE’S HARDWEAR, a QC fashion & lifestyle blogger ~
I’m a believer there are some beauty items a gal should invest in. You will be hard pressed to tear me away from my designer mascara and favorite matte lipstick, but there are some really great drug store skincare items that won’t leave you stressing about next month’s bills. To be honest, some of the really expensive brands are great, but many of them have an equally effective “generic” counterpart or a sister brand that will give you the same results. Below are some of my tried and true drug store skincare picks and a few I have in my cart to try next. We shopped these on Amazon (#prime) but you’ll find them at your neighborhood Target, Walmart and Rite Aid too.
Day & Night Creams
I live by a good cream duo. I have one dedicated to AM and one for PM application. I have seen the best results in my skin from maintaining a good moisturizing routine. Opt for the extra-dry skin version of a moisturizer at the drug store, and apply more heavily for more severely dry skin.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream
Dove Dry Skin Relief Face Cream
Simple Skin Quench Sleeping Cream
Masks
Masks are a great way to lock in moisture in the skin. While I am bad at taking the time to do them, they really are the best and most efficient way to jump start your skin. There are so many options available right now that there is sure to be a good fit for your skin type. I love the ones for concentrated areas like this eye sheet mask.
Clean & Clear Night Relaxing Jelly Eye Sheet Mask
Neutrogena Deep Clean Purifying Clay Mask
Wipe
When it comes to keeping my face clean and make up removal, I confess, I’m super lazy. After a long day, I look for a quick and easy way to take everything off and relax. Micellar wipes are perfect, because they are a makeup remover and skin hydrator all in one. One wipe is always enough for me even on my heavy make up days.
Burt’s Bees Micellar Cleansing Towlettes
Scrub
Sometimes a gritty sugar scrub feels good, and sometimes less than pleasant, but if you have that lizard-like dry skin, you want to give one a shot. This L’Oreal pure sugar scrub is a “sister” to one from a more prestige brand, and it is just as good. If you’re going to go the scrub route, be sure to follow it up with your night cream.
L’Oreal Pure Sugar Scrub / Exfoliant
Toner
Hooray for alcohol free toners. Neutrogena is one of my preferred drug store brands, with many products I love incorporating into my daily routine. Alcohol free toners are easy on the skin and typically don’t have that burning feeling, but leave your skin feeling fresh and primed for the next step.
Serum
I use my serum as a second moisturizer. I honestly couldn’t tell you why it is different than a cream or an oil or what each one is specifically made to do. I can tell you that I have loved every one I have ever used, and notice a difference in my skin tone and hydration. Use one alone or layer your moisturizing cream on top for more intense hydration.
Botanics Hydration Burst Light Serum