Drugstore Haul: ELF, Boots, Revlon, L’Oreal // Bargain Bombshell
Last week I added a few items to my Bargain Bombshell arsenal. The girly girl in me is quite excited to get dolled up and play with everything! Here’s what I got:
ELF Studio Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder
I’ve been wanting to try this blush/bronzer duo compact (with a mirror) for a while now, but I was hesitant to buy it online because I like to see/touch/try things, especially cosmetics, if I can before I buy them. NARS has a couple of popular duos, but their pricey, and I don’t really like the shimmer finish of a lot of their powders, so I’m stoked that I got this at Target. For less than $4. Yeah.
Boots Expert Sensitive Hydrating Eye Cream
I was actually looking at something in the No. 7 section when a Boots makeup artist and skins specialist recommended this to me instead — Since, you know, I don’t have bags under my eyes. Needless to say, she won me over. And she didn’t have to, this one was half the price. And, hello, how excited was I when I saw they had a whole sensitive skin line?!
Revlon ColorStay Brow Enhancer
Filling in eyebrows is something that can totally transform a face, even when wearing little-no makeup, so I’m always looking for tools and tricks to do this quickly and easily. This product is a tinted wax and highlighter duo, and I got mine in #002 (Light Brown/Champagne). I think I might be a shade darker, but I didn’t want anything too harsh, and I prefer the champagne highlighter to soft pink.
ELF Studio Contour Brush
I’ve had good luck with most of the brushes I purchased from the regular ELF line (Except the blush/bronze/blend brush. Seriously, don’t get it) — And am hoping for even better luck with their studio brushes. I love the shape of this contour brush, perfect for contouring and defining the eye. And the texture is so soft and smooth.
Revlon ColorStay Liquid Eye Pen
I pretty much love my L’Oreal Lineur Intense felt tip liquid liner, but I’ve heard really great things about this Revlon pen so I thought I’d give it a try. I used Revlon’s ColorStay liquid liner for a while, and liked the formula, but I’m hoping the pen will have easier application like the felt tip. My last eyeliner pen (NYX felt tip liner marker), though, wasn’t great, so I hope this one’s better.
L’Oreal Extra-Intense Liquid Pencil Eyeliner
I’ve been on the hunt for a cheaper alternative to my beloved Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil for a while now. I wanted to try Milani’s Liquif’Eye after Marlena the Makeup Geek featured it in a video, but I haven’t seen it around. This L’Oreal one looked like another great option, and it won a Marie Claire award, so I decided to chance it.
I wanna know // What drugstore cosmetics have you tried lately? What’s your favorite budget beauty product?
Xoxo,
Tiera
Bargain Bombshell: Garnier Nutritioniste Moisture Rescue Gel-Cream Review
Hola! This post is part of a new column I’m working on, Bargain Bombshell! I used to accept work as a makeup artist, but now that I’m not pursuing that anymore (or working two jobs like I was), I don’t have an excuse (or the funds, really) to go blowing money on high-end and professional-grade cosmetics and beauty tools. But I am still absolutely obsessed with cosmetics, so I wanted to write about beauty on a budget. Hope you like!
A couple of months ago I headed to the drug store to pick up a new moisturizer, and I tried something new on a whim — Garnier Nutritioniste Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream. Turns out it was a good call :)
The Rundown
- Product: Garnier Nutritioniste Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream is an oil-free moisturizer with a unique gel-cream formula
- Price: $7-10
- Availability: Available at most drug stores
Mine cost me $7.99 at Walgreens
Report Card
Product: 9/10
Packaging: 8/10
Quality: 9/10
Ease of Use: 8/10
Overall: A
They Say
Garnier Moisture Rescue locks-in moisture and blocks-out dryness using a formula with a unique combination of pure antioxidant fruit water extract and skin conditioning vitamin E. It helps replenish skin’s moisture reserves and fight off dryness. It’s ultraweight, oil free, refreshing gel-cream formula instantly penetrates for long-lasting moisture and boosts skins natural defenses so that it can hold moisture for 24 hours.
I Say
As I’m getting older, I’m transitioning from oily skin to dry skin (and yes, it’s still sensitive under all that). When I began noticing dry patches and some flakiness, I wanted a moisturizer that really added and locked in moisture. The product has a very unique texture, but one that feels soothing on the skin and blends very well.
I’m always hesitant to try new things on my skin because I’m so sensitive, especially on my face — And this has grapefruit extract in it (my skin really gets set off by citrus), so I was especially reluctant, but so far no signs of irritation.
Pros: It really does keep my skin moisturized, and very soft and smooth as a bonus. A little goes a long way.
Cons: I would’ve loved SPF protection and some sort of pump so that I don’t have to stick my fingers into the pot. No major long-term improvement.
Overall: I’ve been using it regularly for a little over a month now, and love it. My skin stays moisturized and I love how soft and smooth my skin feels just about all day.
I wanna know, what kind of moisturizer do you use? What’s your favorite budget beauty product?
Xoxo,
Tiera