Blogger beauty posts are overwhelming. Let's change that. Here's a list of our favorite drugstore products.

Are we (well, the Katies) the only ones who read fashion blogger beauty posts and break out into hives because the amount of products they use is simply overwhelming (although they insist that their entire beauty regimen only takes 10 minutes which we all know is total bullshit). Since we're sure (hoping) that we're not alone, we thought it would be fun (read: helpful) to introduce you to some of our favorite drugstore beauty products. These aren't the products that we use because they're cheap and we don't feel like going to Sephora and crushing our wine budget. These are the products that we return to time-and-time again because they are genuinely better than any other product we've tried- both drugstore and designer. So without further ado... let's get to the list (which includes pictures of the actual products in our actual bathrooms, so please excuse the messes):

Katie 1:
This post was probably the hardest for me to write because approximately 80% of my beauty products come from Target. Why? Because I'm fairly minimalist when it comes to beauty products (hair care products are a different story...) Given that I'm a drugstore devotee, it was hard for me to single out products that I love more than their more expensive alternatives, mostly because I've never tried the more expensive alternative. However, there are five truly standout products that I really really love. Also, Neutrogena, if you're reading this, you will see that I'm a true fan of your products (seriously- my entire skincare regimen consists of your products) so if you wanted to give me some free stuff to try I'd totally be your guinea pig.

1. Neutrogena Shampoo: This stuff is awesome. Use it once a week to remove all of the buildup from your standard hair care routine. Follow with a deep conditioner. Your hair and regular products will thank you. I swear it makes my regular products work better. (Please excuse the picture- for some reason it won't flip. Anyone know how to use Blogspot????) 
   
2. Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask: This stuff is the best at deep cleaning clogged pores and getting rid of tough acne. I've been using it since high school. Word of warning though- it can be drying so be sure to use a good moisturizer after.
   
3. Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer: This is one of the two products that I can truly say I come back to time-and-time again. I've tried A LOT of designer concealers and I always end up disappointed with my splurge because it never works as well as this product. It's easy to apply (and I buy the one with the yellow undertone in order to minimize dark circles) and lasts forever. It's also super blendable which is good for someone as makeup inept as me.
   
4. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer: God I love this stuff. I swear I've tried every designer foundation/tinted moisturizer/BB cream, etc. and I end up always coming back to this product. It's light, easy to apply, blends well, and with primer, stays all day.
   
5. Neutrogena Shine Control Primer: This is a new favorite that I recently discovered when I ran out of my more expensive designer primer. I love that this primer uses rice protein to control shine rather than salicylic acid because it doesn't make my skin itchy and flaky. Plus it really does control shine all day with minimal powder reapplication and/or blotting.
   

Katie 2:

1. Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs: This is one of those things you find on Pinterest that actually works like in the pictures- no pinstrociy here!! Please, please do not call this a sunless tanner. It is so much more than sunless tanner- it's make-up for your legs (just like the can says)! This sucker comes out of the can with an airy, whipped consistency (you know, like airbrushing). Just smooth it over your legs and instead of orangy brown fake tan, you get a slightly warm glow with a hint of shimmer. It makes your legs look smooth and toned without having to sit in the sun or go to the gym. It washes away gradually- no streaking or splotches. I think the product also comes in a squeeze tube. I have haven't tried that variation, but I'm sticking with the spray can. (PS: these are not my legs)
   
2. Great Last Mascara: A cult classic for a reason. For years In Style magazine has named this sucker one of the best mascaras on the market in any price range. I have tried (and still sometimes use) designer mascaras, but always end up coming back to this one. Dollar for dollar, it's the best you can buy. What more can I say?
   
3. Aquaphor: This one was a recommendation from my mom (Hi Mom!!!) years ago for dry skin. When she gave it to my sister and I, she suggested using in on our lips, too. During our hike of the Inca Trail, when bag space is at a premium, this was one thing I wouldn't leave out of my bag. It can be used for ultra dry skin and lips by moisturizing and providing a barrier against further moisture loss. Plus, on a recent episode of the Dr. and Mrs. Guinea Pig podcast (I LOVE HEATHER DUBROW), Dr. Terry Dubrow suggested using it on your face for ultra dry skin, because it won't clog pores. (I'm out, so no pictures for you.)
4. Batiste: I have been on the search for the best dry shampoo for years, because 1) I'm too lazy to wash and style my hair every day; 2) most people with curly hair can't wash every day; and 3) while curly, my hair is also super fine so it gets greasy. Oh, and 4) I have dark hair that looks grey whenever I use dry shampoo (and I am NOT going grey yet damn it!!!). I have tried all the expensive ones and I have to say, I do love Living Proof. But I am cheap and won't pay the price. I tried Bumble and Bumble's tinted dry shampoo (because B&B rocks my socks off), and it was gross trying to wash it out. Their dry shampoo was like those 90s infomercials with spray-on hair for balding men. Batiste in Divine Dark is my clear winner. For $17.82, you can get two cans on Amazon Prime. This stuff absorbs oil without that filmy drying feeling, and the dark tint is just that- a tint. It is not spray-on hair. When I do wash my hair the next day, I can see the water change color, but there are no rings around my drain or dark spots on the shower walls.

Elizabeth:
 First, I have to be honest and admit that I do not own much by way of drugstore beauty products, and the ones I do have are not necessarily out of great love for the particular product. I do purchase and love some affordable brands that are found online. Both Makeup Geek and Colourpop are great quality for your dollar. The eye shadows, for example, are pigmented, blendable, and $5-6 each (some are on sale now). Still, overall I am generally a high-end beauty product junkie. On the search through my bathroom I did find a couple drugstore items. I don't know if I can claim that these are products that I use time and again because they are better than any other product I've tried, but they do the job and are cheap, so that works for me.

1. Batiste: I have fine hair that gets greasy like Katie 2, so dry shampoo is great. Unlike Katie 2, I don't have dark hair, so I get the regular/clear dry shampoo and don't really worry about any white cast. I use it to add a little body to my flat, straight hair and to freshen it up towards the end of the day. I have used various other brands, but haven't found one that does anything better, and these come in a  variety of scents that I like. I keep one in my desk at work as well.
   
2. Simple Micellar Wipes: These are great for cleaning up eyes shadow fall-out or make-up mishaps. (I'm out, or else I would have included a picture.)
3. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion: I moisturize daily. This soaks in quickly and is not greasy. Nuff said.
   
4. Clear Scalp & Hair: I am dandruff prone. I used to use Head & Shoulders, but they started using a preservative that my mom is allergic to so I generally try to avoid. This shampoo and conditioner smells good, keeps my hair healthy, and I haven't had any major dandruff problems.
   

There you have it folks! We would love to know what cheap drugstore (or Target) products you use, so leave us a comment! (Seriously. Leave us a comment. Is there anyone out there?)