5 Bargain Beauty Buys

Welcome to Bargain Beauty Buys! A new section where I'll be focusing on affordable beauty products that actually work. To kick things off, I'm going to spotlight 5 great products that actually live up to their advertising claims.



#1 - First up, we have the new L'Oreal Studio Secrets Professional Secret No.1 Magic Perfecting Base. available at Walmart for $9.97.



Claim: "Get the perfect skin texture, instantly and all day. The silky, lightweight formula glides onto skin and minimizes the look of pores and fine lines. Skin looks and feels smooth and resurfaced. The result- a unified matte finish that's flawless."

Verdict: True! I was completely amazed at how my skin instantly lost it's red, splotchy look. My skin tends to be dry but looks oily. How that works, I really don't know. But it seems this product was made for me! My skin immediately felt smooth and soft but without any oily residue from the base. The pink tone helped smooth out my skin tone and gave me a nice matte finish. It wasn't too thick, went out super easily and dried very quickly. The only downside is that it is kind of awkward to get out of the jar. I was further impressed when I applied my regualr makeup on top of the base- everything went on super smoothly and I used about half the foundation and conceler I normally apply every day. Plus the smooth, matte look last all day. This is defintiely a product I will use from now on!!!



#2 - Next. we have the Rimmel Glam Eyes Lash Flirt Volume and Lift Mascara available for $5.67 at Walmart.



Claim: "New VolumFlex Brush styles lashes for sensational volume and instant separation. Ultra supple elasto-bristles groom each lash, lacquering them from root to tip for a spectacular 7 x more lash intensity. Big Lash Seduction. High Definition. Maximum lash impact. Impeccable definition. Smoothing formula glides through lashes, wrapping each one for ultimate volume yet perfect separation. Lashes look dramatically amplified yet sleekly defined."

Verdict: True! This is a great mascara to use every day... especially if you have thinner lashes that need extra definition. This product provides great volume without any clumps at all! The flexible brush truly does separate your lashes and helps easily coat those hard to reach lashes in the corners of your eyes. My mom says, "It's the best mascara I've ever tried!' It really coats lashes evenly and thoroughly but looks completely natural! Plus the smooth formula stays fresh longer and doesn't clump up on your lashes or the brush. If you want huge, overly exagerrated lashes for evening, this is not the mascara for you. But if you want beautiful, natural, sleek lashes for every day use... I think you will love this product from Rimmel!


#3- Coming in at number 3 on our list today is the New Maybelline Eye Studio Baked Eye Shadow Duo available at Walmart for 5.94 and also at various drugstores.



Claim: "Our advanced baked technology keeps pearls uncrushed for refined luminosity.
7 different pure pigments are swirled together for gorgeous dimensional color.
Now, a swirl of pearls makes shadow new again!"

Verdict: True! Although this gorgeous eye shadow duo comes in a variety of pealry colors, one of our favorite colors is Bronze Blowout. It has just the right amount of irridescent sparkle in the bronze without shining like Jimmy Mac Elroy's outfits in Blades of Glory. The lighter shade blends as you apply it and goes on with the subtle hint of several colors, instead of one stark, matte shade. The shadows are long-lasting, easy to apply and good for all skin types. It's also suitable for a variety of ages, whereas some sparkly shadows are only fit for middle schoolers. In addition, your lids feel smooth and silky when applied.



#4- e.l.f Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder in Sun Kissed available via the e.l.f. website for $1!





Claim: "A touch of sunshine to warm up every complexion with its soft and silky texture for a beautiful and natural glow."


Verdict: True! Although my mom and I are fans of almost all e.l.f. products, the e.l.f. bronzer is our favorite. It has a really natural look with a hint of shimmer to add to the healthy glow. It's super easy to blend and doesn't leave streaks. The lightweight formula proves great for all skin types and is perfect for winter- when skin is dry and makeup can end up looking cakey. For the absolutely astounding price of $1, this bronzer should be a staple in every girl's makeup bag!


#5- Last on the list is essie nailpolish available online or at Walmart for $7.75.




Claim: There are none! The polishes speak for themselves.

Verdict: The best little polish out there! Essie polishes are long-lasting and quick-drying. They have a very smooth application and ultra-high shine. When coating your nails with this polish, you'll only have to use about half the polish you normally would. The polish is really thick but doesn't clump up or run when applying. With over 300 fabulous colors (all adorably named!) you won't run out of options any time soon! Try their 3 best-sellers: Ballet Slippers, Mademoiselle, and Wicked or one of their new winter colors like Masquerade Belle.