Top 5 Beauty Favorites | August 2016

This post contains products I purchased myself, press samples, and affiliate links. 

I can't believe summer is pretty much over.

Don't get me wrong. It's not like I'm sad because the days of frolicking on the beach are coming to a close.

Let's get real. I'm in Florida.

Fall is just an extension of summer down here. So it's certainly not time to pack up the flip flops and bikinis. Heck, it might even be better than summer. Why? For starters fewer tourists, which means the beach is less crowded and fewer people are feeding the seagulls. The kids are back in school -- another contribution to the quiet beach ambiance. And, as long as hurricane season doesn't totally assault us, then it's still warm, but much less humid -- making outdoor activities (ahem, back to the beach) more tolerable.

Summer "light" does have its benefits.

No. I'm sad because I'm gonna miss that carefree summer feeling. Everyone at work will be coming back from their summer trips and the post-summer work frenzy begins. This time of year also makes me a yearn for some of the things the rest of you get to enjoy about fall. Particularly that crisp, comfortable fall air. It may not be bathing suit friendly, but boy is it refreshing (and makes for some amazing hair days!).

So, I'll be sitting around with my fall scented candles trying to recreate that awesome fall feeling -- even if I have to do it in sandals and tank tops.

But I digress.

We've officially put another month behind us as we speed through 2016. That can only mean it's time to round up my favorite beauty products from the past month. So let's discuss.

Mink Wink Lashes (Cherie) | Mirrovana 8" 5X Magnifying Daylight LED Mirror |  It Cosmetics Brush Bath | Physician's Formula Butter Bronzer | Makeup Revolution Rose Gold Lipstick  

Mink Wink Lashes 25% off coupon code: GirlyE (exp. 9/30/16)
NOTE: I do not receive commission on sales. This is just an opportunity to pass on savings!

Like what you saw? Subscribe for more!

Join the ULTA Rewards program (free), get a $10 coupon! 

Use ebates for added savings and cash back when you shop! (and a $10 gift card when you sign up)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Also, some of the links in the post above are "referral links" or “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item or sign up for a service, I will receive an affiliate commission or referral rewards.Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Top Five Beauty Favorites | June 2016 | Allure Beauty Box

Look guys! We've jumped back onto the favorites bandwagon!

I've totally not forgotten you. I've been diligently keeping lists of favorites each month. But I was so busy with work, everytime I went to film it was way late in the month and "too late" for favorites videos.

But alas. I finally carved out some time to film and made it a priority to bring the favorites back. I like filming them. You all seem to enjoy them. It's a win-win.

As it turns out, all of the items I've really been digging lately came from my Allure Beauty Box subscription. I signed up and started receiving this subscription service back in March and have not been disappointed by a box yet. It's $15 a month, but I have to say, that extra $5 (compared to what I was paying for my Ipsy subscription) is totally worth it. I feel like I get much better products and even better sizes.

If you sign up using my link (everyone who joins gets their own referral link) you can save $5 on your fist box. No pressure, just in case you're interested.

OK, let's dive right in to the products I've been loving and using a lot.

Hello Breath Spray | L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil | Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Styling Creme | Bvlgari Goldea Perfume | Foreo Luna Play 

Like what you saw? Subscribe for more videos! 

Join the ULTA Rewards program (free!), get a $10 off coupon!

Use ebates for cash back when you shop! 

So those are the products I've been thoroughly enjoying lately. Can't wait to share some more goodies with you in July.

Speaking of which, can you believe we're in the hight of summer? I'm really looking forward to the 4th of July weekend. Can't wait to spend some much needed time floating around in the pool and digging my toes in the sand. Maybe even go catch a good summer movie. I kind of want to see Finding Dory, but I think the hubs isn't as interested. Nevertheless, there are usually some nice summer blockbusters to catch this weekend, so I'm excited.

If you're in the U.S., do you have anything fun planned for this weekend? Anything you're looking forward to doing?

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links” or "referral links." This means if you click on the linkand purchase the item or join a program, I will receive an affiliate commission or referral rewards. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Skincare Favorites | April 2016

*This post features press samples and products I purchased myself*

Hi everyone! It's been a while since I posted a favorites video and I decided to mix it up this time around by focusing solely on some of my favorite skincare items. Today I'm bringing you a mix of new favorites and tried-and-true products that are staples in my routine.

Check out my video below to find out what they are! And let me know if you like this topic and want to see more skincare related videos.

Boots Botanics Moisturizing Day Cream* | Nip + Fab Dragon's Blood Fix Plumping Serum | Beauty Counter Rose Water Uplifting Spray | Thayer's Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner | Jergen's Wet Skin Moisturizer 

Like what you saw? Subscribe for more videos!

Join the ULTA Rewards program (free), get a $10 off coupon! 

Use ebates when you shop online for extra savings!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Additionally, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links”  or "referral links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item or sign up for the service, I will receive an affiliate commission or referral rewards. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Top 5 Beauty Favorites | December 2015

Happy New Year everyone! 

Let's kick this year off with some positive vibes by talking about some excellent products I've been loving lately. 

You know where we're going with this.  It's my beauty top five! Here are the five products I couldn't seem to put down throughout the month of December. 

Don't forget to comment, like, and subscribe! And if you want to see more products that made my coveted top 5 list, click here. 

elf blending brush | It Cosmetics CC Veil Foundation | Supergoop City Sunscreen Serum | Bare Minerals 5-in-1 BB advanced performance cream shadow | Muji Cotton buds 

Like this video? Subscribe for more!

Join Influenster to receive and review products too. 

Join the ULTA Rewards program, earn $10 coupon.

Use ebates to earn extra cash back bonuses when you shop.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are  referral links and affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item/sign up for the service, I will receive an affiliate commission or referral points. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Top 5 Beauty Favorites | November 2015

I'm probably going to say this every month, but: Where the hell did the month go? How are we already in December? When did I enter this bizarre time warp?

Well lovelies, since another month has come and gone, you know that means it's time for another favorites post. These are the top five beauty products that had me swooning throughout November.

Featured products: It Hair Care 12-in-One Amazing Leave In Treatment ($10) | It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream in Medium ($38) | It Cosmetics  Your Skin But Better CC+ Airbrush Perfecting Powder in Medium ($35) | L'Oreal Blow Dry It Quick Dry Primer Spray ($4.99) | Mehron Touch Up Matte Finishing Anti-Shine Gel Treatment in Medium ($10.95)

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Top 5 Beauty Favorites | October 2015

* Post includes products I purchased myself and press samples *

I cannot believe that we're already nearly half way through November. When did this happen? Weren't we just all talking about Halloween? Aren't we all still eating leftover candy? November just crept up on me! Next year, someone slip some Tic-Tacs into November's pockets, so I can hear that sneaky little month coming. 

Regardless, November is here. Thanksgiving is nearly upon us. And I have some favorite beauty products to share with you. 

Remember when I was worried that I wouldn't have enough products to share every month? Well, that was clearly nonsense. No my friends, the problem I'm having is narrowing it down to just five products every month! 

So it seems that favorites videos might be here to stay! Hooray! 

Now let's dive right in to the five products I couldn't get enough of throughout October. 

P.S. -- What do you think of the new background? Comment below and tell me how you feel about it. 

NYX Tame & Frame Brow Pomade (Brunnette) | Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hr blush (Exposed) | 

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Poured (Rose Gold) | L'Oreal True Match Lumi liquid illuminator (N201 Rose) | NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick (Soft Spoken) | Bdellium Tools Auto Lip Crayon (Helen of Troy) Get 10% off with coupon code: GIRLYTHINGS

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Additionally, I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Beauty Product Favorites | September 2015

Today marks a first here at Girly Things. I've finally started making favorites videos. I was intimidated by the idea for a long time -- afraid I wouldn't have enough material to make those kinds of videos regularly. But then it dawned on me, I try out a lot of products. And a lot of the time, I don't end up reviewing them because, time. Filming individual product reviews is time consuming. So sometimes, by the time I get around to reviewing each item, no one really cares about them anymore. So, I end up with a bunch of tested products that I don't end up telling you about.

Well, no more.

I think bringing favorites videos to you will help resolve that. I can quickly tell you about several products I'm digging all in one video. I'm a bit nervous about whether I'll have something to talk about every month. But then again, why does that matter? I can share every month. I can share every other month. As long as I'm sharing, that's what matters, right? After all, it worked well with my blog posts about my favorite drugstore products.

Maybe I should start doing those again... or turn them into a video series. Thoughts? Do you prefer drugstore and high-end in separate videos, or just a mix of favorites that include both?

While you ponder on that question, let's go ahead and check out my first favorites video. Then don't forget to tell me what you thought and share it with your friends.

Best of Sephora Collection Products

Waterproof Jumbo Pencil | Airbrush Foundation | Cleansing Oil | Waterproof Eyeliner | Eyebrow Brush | Baked Foundation Powder 

I feel like Sephora Collection products don't get the credit they deserve. There are some fantastic products available to us that are a bit less costly and often just as good as the higher-end brands they've set out to replicate.

These are just some of my favorites - and ones I've gone out and repurchased.

Sephora Collection Perfection Mist Airbrush Foundation 

I love this stuff. It's amazingly light weight and feels like you have nothing on. It's easy to work with and withstands some fierce humidity. Not to mention you get a beautiful satin finish that makes your skin look like porcelain, while still actually looking like skin. I haven't even run out of my first bottle and already purchased a back up. I don't want to be without it. 

Application tip: Spray onto a makeup sponge or brush and stipple on to skin for better control over product placement (spraying it on tends to get it everywhere, including your hair). Plus, this helps you make the bottle last much longer. 

Sephora Supreme Cleansing Oil

I've reviewed this product already and am still totally head over heels. It was the first cleansing oil I discovered that cost less than $25 and worked just as well. Check out my review here. 

Sephora Collection Microsmooth Foundation Powder

If you like MAC MSF powders, do yourself  (and your wallet) a favor and check this product out. I'm on my forth one. I can't get enough of the beautiful finish that looks and feels great on my skin. Love this especially for warmer months when I don't want to pack on too much liquid foundation. 

Sephora Collection Classic Brow Filler Brush (#100)

This was the first brow brush I ever purchased and I've never looked back. The bristles are stiff enough to define and have just enough give to blend. No other angled brush I've used on my brows has compared. I keep reaching for this one instead. 

Sephora Collection Eye Pencil 12hr Wear Waterproof

Formerly known as their flashy liners, these rival my UD 24/7 pencils and cost less. They're super creamy, glide on easily, and stay put. Why not give them a try for yourself? 

Sephora Collection Jumbo Liner 12hr Wear Waterproof

If you wanna save a little dough and you're eyeing those awesome Make Up For Ever Aqua Shadow pencils, saunter on over to the Sephora section and check out this line. There are a few colors that are exact dupes for the MUFE versions. They're creamier too, so they glide on easier and have awesome staying power.  My favorite is Taupe. Check out my review here. 

Do you see any of your favorites on the list?  Tell me more, they might just appear in future best-of posts.

drugstore beauty | it list vol. 4

1. L'Oreal Visible Lift CC Eye Concealer ($8.99) | 2. c. Booth Tahitian Monoi Dry Oil Spray ($6.99) | 3. Milani Nail Lacquer ($6.29) | 4. John Frieda Frizz Ease 3 Day Straight Flat Iron Spray ( $9.99) | 5. Yes to Carrots Gentle Cleansing Facial Towelettes ($5.99) | 6. NYX Infinite Shadow Sticks ($9)

L'Oreal Visible Life CC Eye Concealer 

It's official. I found an eye brightening concealer I like as much (maybe more?) than my Maybelline Dream Lumi. Holy cow. I'm shocked. This concealer comes packaged as a roller ball, which makes application super simple and has that nice cooling effect when you apply. It's a much thinner consistency than Dream Lumi, but you can definitely build it up. If you're looking to conceal super dark circles, you may still need a correcting concealer (something a tad more opaque), but if you're looking for brightening effects, don't pass this one by.

c. Booth Tahitian Monoi Dry Oil Spray

You guys, this is quite possibly the best smelling oil I've ever come across. They need to make a whole line of this scent. It's freakin' amazing. I want to pump it through the air vents in my home and car so I can smell it all day every day. It's that good. And once I actually stop to pay attention to how well this product works, I'm pleased to report it's good as well. Spray this on any time of the day. Rub it in. It absorbs pretty quickly, doesn't leave oily residue behind, makes your skin feel soft and moisturized, and smells divine. Get a few of them. Keep them everywhere. I'm obsessed.

Milani Nail Lacquer

Another drugstore nail polish line that offers great color selection and fantastic formulation at a budget-friendly price. My current favorite is Power Periwinkle. Check out my swatch and review here. 

John Frieda Frizz Ease 3 Day Straight Flat Iron Spray

I received a sample bottle of this spray recently in an Influenster Voxbox and was pretty excited to try it out. I love getting keratin treatments to help battle Florida humidity and make styling my naturally curly (read: frizzy) hair into straight styles that won't fall to pieces the second I step outside. But keratin treatments cost a pretty penny. 3 Day Straight was super easy to use, incredibly light weight, and delivered super smooth tresses that laughed at humidity for 72 hours. The catch: You have to spray a good amount into damp hair (I did 15 spritzes), then blow dry, and then finish off with a flat iron to seal it all in. It's a bit time consuming, but the results are worthwhile. All you'll need to do are quick touch ups to fix any kinks you get from sleeping. 

Yes to Carrots Facial Cleansing Towelettes

If you have sensitive skin and need makeup removing wipes that are both effective and fragrance free, give these Yes to Carrots cleansing towelettes a go. They effectively remove dirt and makeup without stinging. Plus, they're properly moistened (I know, I know, that word) so they can wipe everything away. No one likes a dry wipe. Ouch! Keep an eye out for instant coupons on the packaging. I purchased mine for $5.99, but it had a $3 off instant coupon attached. Talk about a bargain.

NYX Infinite Shadow Pencils

The jumbo pencil craze is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon. NYX made quite a splash with it's infamous jumbo shadow pencils, but their downfall was all the creasing (primer to the rescue!). But now they've released the jumbo pencil's newer, better, sibling -- the infinite shadow sticks. They come in nine neutral shades that you can slap on, blend, and go. And these babies don't budge! My personal favorite: Almond a pearly taupe. 

Drugstore Beauty | It List vol. 3

We're well into February now and it seems to me it's high time for a new edition of the Drugstore Beauty It List. If you're new to this series, I basically choose six drugstore beauty items that I've been loving and tell you about the. I try to post a new It List every month.

I try out a lot of new items all the time, and I don't always have time to review all of them. The It List is a great way for me to share some of my favorites with you, while giving you an abbreviated review. Whenever a full review is available for a product listed, I'll link to it.

Now let's take a gander at this month's favorites.

1. Garnier Clean+ Purifying Foam Cleanser ($5.99) / 2. Sally Hansen Nail Treatment Instant Cuticle Remover ($.499) / 3. Nivea Lip Care A Kiss of Care Color  ($4.99) / 4. L'Oreal Paris Elnett Extra Strong Hold Hairspray ($12.99) / 5. NYX Wonder Pencil ($4.50) / 6. Maybelline Dream Wonder Powder ($7.99)

Garnier Clean+ Purifying Foam Cleanser

If you have combination skin, it's time to rejoice. Garnier released a new line of skin cleansers and two of them are geared specifically for those of us with combination skin. The Purifying Foam Cleanser is meant to strike the delicate balance between deep cleaning oil annihilation and gentle moisturizing cleansing. Finally, we can have it all. Oil control without dehydrating your non-oily areas. I immediately noticed that my skin felt more balanced and produced less oil throughout the day. After a week, my skin was also noticeably softer. Read my full review for more details.  

Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover

This product is a god send. I think everyone needs a bottle of this in their home. Not only does it help you treat stubborn cuticles and improve your manicure game, it also helps dissolve stubborn calluses too. This little $5 bottle also lasts a long time. I've been using it for several years now, and I think I've only on my fourth bottle. I use it at least once a week too. So here's the deal, you apply the serum/gel along your cuticle. Wait about 30 seconds. Then push your cuticles back. The product dissolves the cuticle, which means a lot less trimming (I still go in and trim here and there, but it's quite minimal. And yes, I know, you're not supposed to. But I do). Read my review here. 

Nivea A Kiss of Care and Color (new item)

I'm a big fan of Nivea lip balms. They're always so buttery smooth and superbly moisturizing. They recently released a new line called A Kiss of Care and Color and it's been popular. I went to three stores before I got my hands on these. The were sold out everywhere. I purchased two of the four available and I love it. They give you the moisture you're used to from Nivea with a pretty sheer hint of color. The color is just enough to be noticeable and you can build it up (though it'll still be sheer).

Even better: The shade Sheer Berry is practically an exact color dupe for Clinique's Black Honey (which has a huge cult following). If I had to find a difference, Nivea's is just the slightest bit more red. But wearing them side by side, the difference is imperceptible. So go ahead and save about $10 and pat yourself on the back. 

L'Oreal Elnett Hairspray

This has been the only hairspray I've purchased since discovering it about 4 years ago (maybe longer?). I'm not a huge fan of crunchy, stiff hairspray hold and this was the first hairspray I came across that gave me hold while still being flexible. Best of all, it brushes right out, which is absolutely perfect for me since I don't like to wash my hair every day. I know some people don't like the strong perfume-like fragrance on this one. Fear not, they make an unscented version too.

NYX Wonder Pencil

This aptly-named little gem is a versatile little miracle. You can use it for so many different things. You can spot conceal (note: these run light so if you plan to conceal a blemish, try a shade darker than what you use, otherwise you'll highlight it), use it to highlight under your brow, inner corner, and even hide fine lines. Give your eyes a little lift. Line your lower water line when you didn't get enough sleep. You'll pay less than $4.50 and find yourself reaching for this little pencil more often than you'd expect. Check out my full review and video demonstration for how I like to use it.

Maybelline Dream Wonder Powder

This new powder contains 60% less talc, which means you can apply it over your makeup without over mattifying your skin. It feels light and silky smooth without the telltale chalky effect that tends to cling to imperfections. Available in 16 shades, you're likely to find one that works for you. A word to the wise: These run a little dark and they do deposit color. Choose one shade lighter than the color you normally get.

There you have it. Did any of your favorite products make it to the It List this month? Any favorites you'd recommend I check out? You might just see it mentioned in future postings. Comment below, let's discuss. 

Drugstore Beauty It List vol. 2

I'm back with another set of drugstore beauty items that I love. I know it's only the second installment of this little series, but I've already changed the name. I decided the "It List" was a better name for it. I'm hoping it'll stick. Do you guys like it?

So, what's this it list? Basically, I'll periodically share a list of some of my favorite items from the drugstore. They'll all be beauty related in some way and will include makeup, skin care, hair care, beauty tools, and sometimes random stuff you might not have thought to use as a beauty product. It'll also include items I've already reviewed (in case you missed it) and some I haven't.

Pretty simple, right?

Let's get into it.

1. Maybelline Expert Wear Twin Brow Pencils ($2.99) / 2. Neutrogena waterproof eye makeup remover ($5.99) / 3. L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara ($5.99) / 4. St. Ives Fresh Hydration Lotion Spray ($5.99) / 6. Milani Eyeshadow Primer Nude ($6.99)

Maybelline Expert Wear Twin Brown Pencils: I love these little pencils. They're super affordable and they work great. They're not overly creamy, which I like because I feel like the creamy pencils deposit too much color and end up making me look like I have caterpillar brows. Not my favorite look. Also, how can you not love the price? $3 for two pencils? Um, yes. 

Note: I use the blonde shade and my brows are relatively dark. I know gals with dark hair and dark brows that also favor the blonde shade in these. If you actually have blonde or light brows, this may not be the best option for you. 

Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover: If you need to remove stubborn mascara and eyeshadow and prefer to do it without roughly rubbing your skin raw, try this. The dual phase formula looks like oil and water (you know, it doesn't mix) but it's oil free, you shake it to mix them together, pour it on a cotton round, and swipe away makeup. I like to hold it over my eye lid for a few seconds to help dissolve makeup, then wipe away. Easy. Depending on how much makeup you're wearing, you may need to swipe more or less. But you'll never have to tug on your skin.  

Note: The generic store brand of this item usually works just as well. Go ahead and save an extra buck or two. 

L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara: What can I say about this mascara that hasn't already been said, ad nauseum, all over the Internet? I'm being serious. If you haven't heard of it, I don't even know what to say to you. Ok, here's what you need to know: It's super black (get Carbon Black), volumizes  excellently, makes your lashes look longer. It's your little black dress for your lashes. There's the Cliff's Notes for ya. 

St. Ives Fresh Hydration Lotion Spray: I love that these spray lotions make it easy to moisturize and pull up your skinny jeans without a struggle. You know what I'm talking about. Check out my review, so you can get more details. Just know, I approve. 

Up & Up Makeup Wipes: OK, these are basically the generic version of Ponds makeup wipes. Those are good too, but I stopped buying the name brand because these Up & Up ones are pretty awesome. They're moist (ew) and they don't sting when you wipe makeup away from your eyes. I lean on these when I'm feeling lazy about makeup removal (read: It's really late and I'm probably intoxicated). 

Milani Eyeshadow Primer: Wanna save some money on eyeshadow primer? Check this one out. Only $7 and works just as well as those popular name brand ones. Check out my review for more of my gushing. 

That's it for this episode of drugstore beauty favorites. Any of these on your favorite list as well? 

Drugstore Beauty Products I love vol.1

As a professed product junkie, you can imagine I've endured my fair share of trial and error with beauty products. Thank goodness for the internet and everyone giving their opinions because it's really helped me discover some gems, and even avoid some pitfalls. 

The way I see it, why not pay it forward? From time to time, I'll be sharing a post that will highlight some of my favorite drugstore beauty items. They'll range from makeup to nails to skin care and anything else under the beauty umbrella.

To kick this off, I'd like to share some affordable items that are usually on a pretty heavy rotation in my extensive arsenal. 

1. Yes to Grapefruit lip balm ($2.99) / 2. Revlon Color Burst Lip Butter - Peach Parfait ($6.50) / 3. Jordana Easyliner for Lips Retractable Pencil - Tawny ($1.99) / 4. L'Oreal Paris Infallible Eyeshadow - Iced Latte ($8.50) / 5. Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer ($6.50) / 6. L Oréal Paris Colour Riche lipstick - True Red ($5.99) /  7. Sinful Colors nail polish ($1.99)

Yes to... lip balms

I stumbled upon these recently at Target and I got one in every flavor. My favorites are the Yes to Grapefruit because I love the scent and Yes to Pomegranate because it has SPF (and smells good too). They also come in Yes to Blueberries. All three lip balms are buttery smooth and moisturizing and I love the new flattened packaging, as it fits comfortably in your pocket with minimal bulging (go ahead and laugh you dirty thinkers). Best of all, when I picked mine up they had a $2 off instant coupon attached so each one only cost me 99¢. 

Revlon Colorburst lip butter in Peach Parfait

Revlon's lip butters have enjoyed quite the rapid rise to cult status. Everyone who's tried them loves them. There's no shortage of YouTube gurus out there who've reviewed and raved about them when they first came out. I'll spare you the repetition. You can find these in a wide range of colors, depending on what inspires you. I'm here to tell you that Peach Parfait is the perfect every day color that will suit just about anyone. It's a pretty peach shimmer that deposits just the right amount of color. Swipe it on before work or school and keep it in your purse for reapplication later.

Jordana Easyliner retractable lip liners - Tawny

I have a hard time spending a lot of money on lip liners because I don't use them as often as I should. That's not to say I haven't splurged, it's just not as common. Jordana's retractable lip liners are awesome because they're creamy and soft (similar to a MAC retractable liner) and they're super cheap. They have a fair color selection that will work with most lip color shades. My favorite is Tawny. It's a great nude-pink that I use under just about anything. 

L'Oreal Infallible eyeshadow - Iced Latte

The entire line of these cream shadows is fantastic. They can be built up or worn sheer. I love Iced Latte as an everyday color. It's a shimmery champagne beige. You can wear it alone or over primer. Either way, you'll experience impressive lasting power. I reach for this color almost every time I do my makeup. 

Maybelline Dream Lumi Highlighting concealer

Anyone who asks me about my favorite drugstore concealer always get the same answer. I've gone through about four or five of these by now and I keep coming back for more. I love how this blends easily, comes in a good range of colors, is affordable, and conceals and brightens. It's not for concealing blemishes though. As the name implies, it will highlight them. I've heard people online compare this to the YSL Touche Eclat. I have not tried that concealer for myself because I like this Maybelline version so much, I haven't felt the need to be led astray.

L'Oreal Colour Riche lipstick - True Red

As a beauty blogger, I'm often asked about red lipstick. People are usually wary of this look and always want to test out a drugstore version before they invest. Getting the right color red can be tricky, especially when you're first starting. My suggestion, start with a neutral red (not too yellow, not too blue). It will be less likely to clash with your skin tone and you can practice until you get it right and get used to wearing a statement lip. My favorite is L'Oreal Colour Riche in True Red. It's got great color pay off, it's creamy, and it's affordable. 

Sinful Colors nail polishes

It's no secret I love these polishes. I've yet to buy one I don't like. I always get great color pay off and smooth application. And they have a pretty decent color selection. I love that they're less than $2 and often go on sale at Walgreens for 99¢. Great quality doesn't always have to cost an arm and a leg. 

What do you think of this first installment of my favorite drugstore beauty products? Are there any items you think should make the list? Do you want to keep seeing posts like this?