Skip to content

Top Navigation

Parents Parents
  • GETTING PREGNANT
  • PREGNANCY
  • BABY NAMES
  • BABY
  • TODDLER
  • BIG KID
  • FUN
  • HEALTH
  • PARENTING
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAY
  • News
  • THE STAY AT HOME GUIDE
  • SHOP
  • OUR MAGAZINES
  • MORE

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Your Profile
  • Your Profile
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Parents

Parents Parents
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 22 Chore Ideas for Every Type of Kid

      Find a chore your kid loves to do, and start a habit of wanting to help out that'll last a lifetime. Read More Next
    • Top 5 Mom Friend Problems—And How to Fix Them

      Parenting is so much easier with good pals. Learn to overcome friendship hurdles and bond with women who get you. Read More Next
    • How to Sleep Train Toddlers and Big Kids

      I’m a pediatric sleep specialist who has seen it all, and I’m here to tell you that it’s not too late to get your child to (happily) stay in his own bed all night long. Read More Next
  • GETTING PREGNANT

    GETTING PREGNANT

    See all GETTING PREGNANT

    Your Chances of Getting Pregnant Every Day of the Month

    When sex coincides with your most fertile ovulation days, you'll increase the chances of conceiving. Get to know each phase of your cycle to get pregnant faster.
    • Ovulation
    • Reproductive Age
    • Maximizing Your Fertility
    • Pre-Pregnancy Health
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Dealing With Infertility
    • Genetics
  • PREGNANCY

    PREGNANCY

    See all PREGNANCY

    Signs of Approaching Labor: How to Tell Your Baby is Coming Soon

    Anxiously awaiting your baby’s arrival? Learn to recognize the first signs of labor approaching, which signal that your little one might make an appearance soon.
    • Signs of Pregnancy
    • Pregnancy Week-by-Week
    • Giving Birth
    • Labor & Delivery
    • Pregnancy Symptoms
    • Due Date Calculator
    • Pregnancy Complications
    • Fetal Development
    • Gender Prediction
    • Baby Showers
  • BABY NAMES

    BABY NAMES

    See all BABY NAMES

    These Are the Most Popular Baby Names of 2020

    Curious which baby names stole the show this year? From new classics like Noah to tried-and-true faves like Ava, here are the top boy and girl names of the year so far, plus more naming trends to consider.
    • Baby Girl Names
    • Most Popular Names
    • Names by Origin
    • Twin Names
    • Baby Boy Names
    • Names by Religion
    • Celebrity Baby Names
    • Baby Name Quizzes
  • BABY

    BABY

    See all BABY

    How to Decode Your Baby's Cough

    Caring for a baby with a wet or dry cough? Listen for wheezing, hacking, or barking first, then read on to find out what's normal and when it's time to worry.
    • Newborn Care
    • Crying Baby
    • Health
    • Baby Development
    • Safety
    • Gear
    • Breastfeeding
    • Diapers
    • Sleep Issues
    • Feeding
    • Nursery
  • TODDLER

    TODDLER

    See all TODDLER
    • Preschool Activities
    • Behavior & Discipline
    • Toddler Development
    • Milestones
    • Potty Training
    • Starting School
    • Health
    • Safety
    • Childcare
  • BIG KID

    BIG KID

    See all BIG KID

    How to Deal With Bullies: A Guide for Parents

    Mean kids aren't just a middle-school problem. The trouble has trickled to the youngest grades. Learn how to spot it—and how to protect children of all ages from bullies at school.
    • Education
    • Health
    • Food & Nutrition
    • Bullying & School Problems
    • Child Development
    • Safety
    • Manners & Responsibility
  • FUN

    FUN

    See all FUN

    17 Budget-Friendly Kids’ Birthday Party Ideas

    A fun celebration doesn’t need to cost a pretty penny. Throw a memorable bash with these clever cost-cutting kids’ birthday party ideas.
    • Birthdays
    • Indoor Activities
    • Outdoor Activities
    • Arts & Crafts
    • Printable Coloring Pages
    • Kids' Entertainment
    • Best Toys
    • Holidays
    • Family Vacation Ideas
  • HEALTH

    HEALTH

    See all HEALTH

    All About Coronavirus COVID-19: A Concerned Parent's Guide

    Here’s everything you need to know about the disease that originated in Wuhan, China.
    • ADD & ADHD
    • Allergies
    • Autism
    • Cold & Flu
    • Coronavirus and COVID-19
    • Cough
    • Down Syndrome
    • Emergency Aid
    • Fever
    • Medication & Vitamins
    • Obesity
    • Rashes
    • Stomach Aches
    • Vaccines
  • PARENTING

    PARENTING

    See all PARENTING

    The Stay at Home Guide for Parents

    Everything you need to thrive at home as a family.
    • Positive Parenting
    • Parenting Style
    • Celebrity Parents
    • Family Dynamics
    • Divorce
    • Home
    • Adoption
    • Just for Mom
    • Money
    • Toy Recalls
    • Stroller Recalls
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See all FOOD
    • Family Recipes
    • Baby Food
    • Toddler Finger Food Recipes
    • Hints & Tips
    • Healthy Eating
    • Birthdays
    • Holiday Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Meals
    • Food For Pregnant Women
  • HOLIDAY

    HOLIDAY

    See all HOLIDAY

    44 Fun Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids

    Spend an afternoon making these Valentine's Day cards, decorations, and edible projects for kids. Bonus: These craft ideas are perfect for preschoolers and the ideal homemade gift for a few special someones!
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Memorial Day
    • Father's Day
    • 4th of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
  • News
  • THE STAY AT HOME GUIDE
  • SHOP
  • OUR MAGAZINES

    OUR MAGAZINES

    See all OUR MAGAZINES
    • Parents
    • Parents Latina
    • Ser Padres
  • MORE

    MORE

    • Newsletters
    • Contests
    • ParentsIRL
    • Adulting
    • First Year Playbook
    • Celebrate Your Way

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Your Profile
  • Your Profile
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow us

  1. Home
  2. Parenting
  3. Just for Mom
  4. Beauty
  5. Best Beauty Buys Under $20

Best Beauty Buys Under $20

By Reported by Ilana Blitzer, Dori Katz, and Amanda Flores
February 03, 2010
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Credit: Jack Miskell
We polled the pros on their all-time favorite beauty steals. These are their 25 top picks -- all in a drugstore near you!
Start Slideshow

1 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Blush

Credit: Jack Miskell

Milani Minerals Blush in Sweet Rose (#204), $6.

Swamped in a sea of pink blush options? Robyn Cosio, celeb makeup artist at Salon Maxime in Beverly Hills (clients include Nicole Kidman, Kate Bosworth, and Marisa Tomei), reaches for this shade to create "the perfect rosy cheek."

1 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Lipstick

Credit: Jack Miskell

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Highbeam Tan and Fire & Ice, $8 each.

"Revlon's extensive line of colors makes it easy to find a perfect shade for any occasion," says Jo Strettell, celebrity makeup artist in Los Angeles (Strettel has worked her magic on Liv Tyler, Ashley Judd, and Demi Moore). It's hard for Stretell to choose a favorite shade, but these are two of her classic go-tos.

2 of 26

3 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

5 Drugstore Beauty Products Celebs Swear By

3 of 26

Advertisement

4 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Makeup Remover

Credit: Jack Miskell

Albolene Moisturizing Cleanser, $12.

One of the best-kept secrets of makeup artists since the 1920s, Albolene has a jelly-like consistency that gets even the most stubborn waterproof mascara to glide right off.

4 of 26

5 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Eye Shadow

Credit: Jack Miskell

L'Oreal Paris HIP High Intensity Pigments Concentrated Shadow Duo in Saucy (#818), $7.

Rea Ann Silva, founder of BeautyBlender, a makeup application tool, and who works on A-listers such as Jennifer Garner, Kerry Washington, and Halle Berry, credits actress Washington with introducing her to these true-to-pigment shades: "They're richer than your average neutrals and last forever," says Silva.

5 of 26

6 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Bronzer

Credit: Jack Miskell

Physician's Formula Organic Wear Natural Origin Bronzer, $14.

Kimara Ahnert, owner of the Kimara Ahnert Studio in New York City (and who has worked on Catherine Zeta-Jones, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Brooke Shields) relies on this powder bronzer for a sunny glow that looks like the real thing. There are six shades in the range, but as long as you don't go overboard with your application, you can get away with wearing practically any of them.

6 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Mascara

Credit: Jack Miskell

CoverGirl Lashblast Mascara, $8.

With just a few coats, you'll build thick, gorgeous, never-goopy lashes. The key to its success? The short wand and nubby plastic bristles catch every last lash.

7 of 26

8 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Concealer

Credit: Jack Miskell

Maybelline New York Mineral Power Liquid Concealer, $8.

The liquid consistency makes it easy to blend over imperfections without making skin look cakey -- plus, an a.m. application lasts all day without having to be reapplied, says Cosio.

8 of 26

9 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Foundation

Credit: Jack Miskell

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Never Fail Makeup, $14.

The trickiest part about shopping at the drugstore? You can't try before you buy. But this foundation "seamlessly blends into your skin to look like nothing's there," says Silva. Pros say there's even room for error if the shade you choose isn't an exact match.

9 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Lip Gloss

Credit: Jack Miskell

Rimmel London Shock Gloss in Indecent, $6.

For "the right amount of shine without gobs of glossiness," Strettell keeps this handy for its smooth -- not sticky -- consistency and easy-to-wear sheer pink color.

10 of 26

11 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Lip Pencil

Credit: Jack Miskell

Wet 'n' Wild Lip Liner Pencil in Brandy Wine (#666), $1.

Finally, a foolproof liner: Experts agree this shade gives you the perfect fresh, pink lips, whatever your coloring may be. Ahnert loves it to color the entire lip, with just a touch of gloss on top.

11 of 26

12 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Hairspray

Credit: Jack Miskell

Extreme Style by VO5 Volume Blast hairspray, $4.

Other strong-hold hairsprays can leave you with helmet hair you'll want to shampoo out as soon as possible, says Brad Johns, color director of Elizabeth Arden's Red Door Spa in New York City. This spray gives brushable, manageable volume that looks and feels natural.

12 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Hair Serum

Credit: Jack Miskell

John Frieda Frizz-Ease Original Serum, $10.

To get rid of frizz while you blow-dry, this is the product you need, says Jessica Galvan, celeb stylist and owner of Jessica Galvan Hair Studio in Beverly Hills (her clients include Victoria Beckham).

13 of 26

14 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Mousse

Credit: Jack Miskell

Dove Curl & Sculpt Defining Mousse, $4.

"This is great for a blow-out -- it creates hold and shine, leaving hair soft, not sticky," says Antonio Gonzales, senior stylist at Eva Scrivo Salon in New York City. The best part: It works for both straight and curly styles.

14 of 26

15 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Hair Mask

Credit: Jack Miskell

Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Fortifying Deep Conditioner, $6.

This 3-minute mask is the next best thing to a professional conditioning treatment, says David Dieguez, creative director of Blow, the New York City Blow Dry Bar (client list: Molly Shannon and Malin Akerman). The longer you leave it in, the more moisture will seep into hair.

15 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Conditioner

Credit: Jack Miskell

Infusium 23 Moisturologie Conditioner, Step 2, $7.

Give your hair a moisture boost with this superhydrating formula. "If your hair looks brittle, use this conditioner for added shine," says Galvan.

16 of 26

17 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Color Keeper

Credit: Jack Miskell

Clairol Nice 'n Easy Root Touch-Up, $7.

Say goodbye to intimidating color kits. "You can't overdo it with this one because the tiny applicator lets you add only a small dose of color at a time," says Johns. "It's virtually foolproof."

17 of 26

18 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Shampoo

Credit: Jack Miskell

Jason Rosewater & Chamomile Normalizing Shampoo, $8.

This sulfate-free pick won't dry or strip your hair of color. "It gently cleanses and moisturizes your scalp," says Nelson Chan, colorist and owner of Nelson J Salon in Beverly Hills; Sarah Michelle Gellar and Heather Graham are longtime clients.

18 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Dry Skin Remedy

Credit: Jack Miskell

Aquaphor Healing Ointment, two for $4.

It's excellent at repairing dry, chapped skin just about anywhere -- lips, cuticles, knees. Surprise use: It can cut down the healing time on open acne lesions, says Dr. Neil Sadick, clinical professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City.

19 of 26

20 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Wrinkle Reducer

Credit: Jack Miskell

Roc Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream, $20.

Retinol is the only ingredient proven to stimulate collagen and improve the look of deeper wrinkles. This formula contains a low dose, so it refines skin without the drying side effects, says Dr. Leslie Baumann, director of the University of Miami's Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute and author of The Skin Type Solution.

20 of 26

21 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

All-Over Moisturizer

Credit: Jack Miskell

Lac-Hydrin Five, $15.

Instead of sloughing skin with a scrub, reach for this alpha-hydroxy-acid-boasting lotion: It gently encourages cell turnover and smoothes skin all over your body -- even on your face, says Dr. Sadick.

21 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Eye Cream

Credit: Jack Miskell

Olay Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum, $19.

It contains peptides -- great for plumping fine lines and repairing sun damage. Plus, it's lightweight, so it sinks into skin immediately, says Dr. David Bank, founder and director of the Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery. No more waiting for heavy eye creams to penetrate.

22 of 26

23 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Zit Zapper

Credit: Jack Miskell

Stridex Power Pads, $7.

The single-use pads deliver the right amount of bacteria-busting benzoyl peroxide every time. "People tend to wipe more uniformly with these than when they're applying a product with their fingers," says Dr. Bank.

23 of 26

24 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sunscreen

Credit: Jack Miskell

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 85, $10.

Like other oil-free Neutrogena products, this block goes on feeling dry -- not greasy -- eliminating the common worry of sunscreen-induced breakouts, says Dr. Bank.

24 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Cleanser

Credit: Jack Miskell

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, $8.

Looking for a mild face wash that won't strip your skin? This classic won't irritate even the most sensitive types, says Dr. Oscar Hevia, a top dermatologist in Miami and active member of the American Academy of Dermatology.

25 of 26

26 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Face Moisturizer

Credit: Jack Miskell

Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer SPF 15, $14.

This product evens your complexion and calms splotchiness, says Dr. Bank. Dr. Baumann agrees: Feverfew is a favorite ingredient for its anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties.

Originally published in the October 17, 2008, issue of Family Circle magazine.

26 of 26

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 26 Blush
2 of 26 Lipstick
3 of 26 5 Drugstore Beauty Products Celebs Swear By
4 of 26 Makeup Remover
5 of 26 Eye Shadow
6 of 26 Bronzer
7 of 26 Mascara
8 of 26 Concealer
9 of 26 Foundation
10 of 26 Lip Gloss
11 of 26 Lip Pencil
12 of 26 Hairspray
13 of 26 Hair Serum
14 of 26 Mousse
15 of 26 Hair Mask
16 of 26 Conditioner
17 of 26 Color Keeper
18 of 26 Shampoo
19 of 26 Dry Skin Remedy
20 of 26 Wrinkle Reducer
21 of 26 All-Over Moisturizer
22 of 26 Eye Cream
23 of 26 Zit Zapper
24 of 26 Sunscreen
25 of 26 Cleanser
26 of 26 Face Moisturizer

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Login

Shop | Parents

  • Diaper Bags
  • Maternity Clothing
  • Prenatal Vitamins
  • Car Seats
  • Breast Pumps
  • Maternity Dresses
  • Baby Shower Gifts
  • Baby Gates
  • Pregnancy Pillows
  • Kids Backpacks
  • Shop More Next

Parents may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on this website.

Parents

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • About Us
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
  • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
  • From Our Sponsors this link opens in a new tab
  • Affiliate Program this link opens in a new tab
  • Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us