MY FAVORITE DRUGSTORE BEAUTY PRODUCTS FOR THE BUDGET MINDED

You're probably wondering who I am and what makes me an expert on drugstore beauty products. Just to ease some of your inquisitive minds out there, I'm a "beauty adviser" at Walgreen's, one of the biggest drugstore chains. Now I know that doesn't make me an expert per se, but I have more than a basic knowledge of the products I have come to love and I know what my customers keep coming back for more of.

I won't be talking about your high end beauty products that cost an arm and a leg. I think in this economy most people are looking for ways to make their hard earned money stretch further. So without further adieu, here are my all time faves.

First and foremost for a well cleansed face I use the Neutrogena Wave Sonic Spinning Power Cleanser with gentle exfoliating cleansing pads. You can also buy deep cleaning cleansing pads as well, but since I have "mature skin", I buy the gentle cleansing pads. It comes equipped with two speeds, low for regular cleansing and high for exfoliating. I use this in the shower once a day in the morning, simple as that. Afterwords, your face will feel fabulously soft, like a baby's bottom. The best part is, it's very affordable at about $15.00 (depending on where you purchase it), it shouldn't cost any more that $20.00. This beats the high end sonic cleaning devices that cost well over $100.00.

Earlier this year Olay came out with an alternative to this, called the Pro-X Cleansing System, ($29.99). The difference between this and the Neutrogena is you don't have to buy the pads, you can use Olay's facial cleanser or whatever cleanser you prefer. But since I'm on a budget I will stick with my Neutrogena, which works perfectly fine.

Next, for a really cheap (only $5.99) miracle in a jar I use a Walgreen's brand moisturizer, called "Alpha Hydroxy Face Cream". This is a "FRAGRANCE FREE skin treatment and exfoliator to help gently restore a fresh, healthy and more youthful appearance." WOW....sounds great and too good to be true. NOT. You will notice the difference, believe me. I also apply another moisturizer over this, (L'Oreal Skin Genesis) since living here in the Pacific Northwest we are still having cold weather, and have to use the heat to stay nice and cozy and warm, which tends to dry out the skin.

Cleansing and moisturizing your skin on a daily basis are a must, as well as using a sunscreen (yes...even if you live in the Pacific Northwest). The following products are not a must and I recommend only to enhance ones natural beauty. So here goes my next best faves.

My first pick for a foundation is the all new Revlon ColorStay Aqua. This is a mineral makeup; normally I wouldn't recommend this for mature skin but since it is infused with coconut water, (don't ask me how) it goes on beautifully and has a cooling sensation when applied and most importantly, it looks fabulous on. You can build up for a fairly medium coverage; however I put on a few layers for a natural light coverage.The one drawback is the brush that is included...it sucks, so I use my big fluffy powder brush to apply. Second, is L'Oreal Visible Lift, geared towards mature skin, (hence the name) this is a liquid make-up for those who want a medium to heavy coverage. The one drawback of this product is you have to blend, blend, blend, blend and blend some more for a flawless look. WHEW!!! When I'm done blending, I feather it out with my big fluffy powder brush to give a perfectly finished look. However, it is worth the time and effort. You can also set it with the Revlon Aqua.

There are two products that every woman needs in her little bag of cosmetics, one being mascara and the other, a good lip color. When it comes to mascara, (I used to love and still do if I could afford it, Lancome Hypnose), but at a whopping $26.00, (who can afford this?) I've come to love Revlon Grow Luscious. After 2-3 coats it makes my skimpy lashes fuller and longer looking without all the yucky clumps. I haven't noticed my lashes growing to greater lengths and I'm not sure this product promotes the growth of longer lashes; however the name of the mascara will lead you to believe this. According to what I've read on the product their claim to fame is to "grow stronger lashes", not longer lashes.

Secondly, don't leave home without a good lip color on. My new favorite is Maybelline Super Stay 24. This truly does stay on for the duration, even after eating, drinking and whatever else you do with your lips. I've tried other long staying lip products, namely, Revlon Once Bitten (very limited colors) and doesn't have the staying power and Revlon Color Stay Overtime, which I found to be icky, sticky and gritty feeling. YUCK!!!! So a big thumbs up for Maybelline Super Stay 24.

And lastly, two products that L'Oreal makes that I love are their face primer, Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfection Base, a must before applying foundation, as it helps with the staying power of your foundation and helps to minimize fine lines and pores. Also, their eye shadow base De-Crease, it does exactly what it should do; prevents your eyeliner and eye shadow from looking as though it's melting off your eyelids.

Well that's it for my number one choices of affordable drugstore beauty products. I realize that not all cosmetics are created equal as far as individuality is concerned and not all my favorites will become yours. Bottom line is that there are a plethora of quality, budget friendly products that don't have to break the bank. One last word of advice, ask what the return policy is on products you buy that you're just not happy with. I'm sure you will find that most drugstores will refund or replace your product for something you can live with.