Drugstore Skincare Haul/Review!

Drugstore Skincare Haul/Review!

Hi all! Before I get started, just wanted to apologize for being MIA. Despite it being summer, things have been insane. It’s been hard to complete my skincare routine, let alone try new products and write about them. I’m starting school this week so it’s only about to get crazier, but hopefully, once things chill out I can get back to posting on a (semi) regular basis. Let’s get into it!

Finding the time to have a skincare routine is hard enough without thinking about all the money you’re going to have to spend. Drug store products have always been the ole’ reliables— your Neutrogena, Clean and Clear, Clearasil, etc.-- these are the classics. But I’ve been in the skincare game for a while now, and I have noticed 2 definitive changes in the drugstore aisle as the idea of a “skincare routine” has gotten more popular. 

1. There are a TON more brands. This brings more products, and the OG brands make more products to keep up. 
2. Prices rise. ( What the heck, Capitalism? I thought things were supposed to get cheaper when there were more things on the market! I need a new eye cream, and I really don’t have the time for this! jk.) The price gap between buying a CVS product vs a low to mid-range Sephora product is getting smaller. So while you’re still saving money...it’s not that much money. 

It’s still fun to get a deal though… so here they are!

Bliss (sold at Target and CVS, from what I have seen.)

• Eye Got This Holographic Foil Masks: These eye masks are both fun and functional! (pic below) They’re used for brightening and depuffing… and they work! They feel nice and cooling under the eyes, but the area isn’t too slick with serum that you couldn’t put makeup on after. I would recommend keeping the pouch around after to get any extra serum. Also, they are sold in a pack of 5 for $15 which really can’t be beat in my eyes (most individual eye mask packs are like $5 for one). Find it here. 
• What A Melon Sleeping Mask: I assume this is supposed to be a dupe for the Glow Recipe Watermelon mask, but since I haven’t tried it myself, I won’t speak on the matter. This is a good mask. Smells amazing, and makes the skin feel soothed and moisturized. Note: it is a bit sticky, so I wouldn’t recommend hitting the pillow right after you apply it (this is from personal experience, unfortunately.) ADDITIONAL NOTE: it’s…shimmery? Which kind of confused me upon opening it, because it kind of has an opalescent look that would remind one of a cleanser. Just be warned. I don’t really notice the shimmer on the skin, so nothing to worry about. Find it here. 
  
  
  

La Roche Posay (Sold at Target and CVS, from what I have seen.) 

-Micellar Water: It’s a great micellar water, what can I say. To be completely frank, it’s not my Bioderma, but it’s a hell of a lot better than *gag* Garnier, not to mention it’s a lot more convenient to just pick this up at the drugstore than have to wait for it to ship or go to Ricky’s NYC. (which unrelated, but they closed down the W 72nd store in Manhattan and I am DEVASTATED. E tu, Rick????) Takes off makeup and dirt beautifully, and feels good on the skin. Feels clean, but not stripped, you know what I mean? Find it here. 

-Thermal Water Spray (not pictured, already mentioned in prior posts): The ultimate water spray...don’t even bother with the Evian Spray. Who are you, an Instagram model? Be realistic. This and a hyaluronic acid serum were a match made in heaven. Find it here. 

Honest Beauty (Sold at Target, from what I have seen...the Target skin care aisle is popping off if you haven’t noticed) 

-Deep Hydration Eye Cream with Hyaluronic Acid: this is an all-natural eye cream, with hyaluronic acid to really get that good hydration. It's ...an eye cream. Moisturizes the under eye. It’s not really anything that special, but I’m gonna use it because my under eyes are always thirsty, and I’m not about to waste $20. DO NOT put on too much, because it will feel super dry and burn a little?? Apparently, this is a normal thing for eye creams, but it still scared the bejesus out of me. Find it here. 

The Ordinary (on their Website, or Ulta/Sephora’s websites) 

Ok, so I gotta rant before I get into this (it’s good, don’t worry). How did I not know about the Ordinary?? Why was I failed by the skincare community by nobody telling me??? This stuff is amazing— and CHEAPER than the average drugstore product, for that matter. Shook. I found out about the brand like a week and a half ago, and saw them in a cute little store on the Upper West Side ( I forget the name, sorry lol. It was on Columbus, near 68th I think if that helps at all). 

-Hyaluronic Acid Serum: This stuff is incredible! I’ve been using Neutrogena’s hydro-boost serum (which I honestly still recommend...find it here.) but this is the real stuff. Clear and a bit sticky, I feel moisturized like I have not felt before. It comes in a dropper, which is really nice. Essentially, it combines hyaluronic acid at different molecular weights to get allllllll the hydration— also comes with a bit of B5 to round it all off...did I mention it was vegan? Find it here. 

-AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution: A bangin’ chemical exfoliator if I’ve ever used one (which I have, for the record)  This product uses AHA and BHA acids to exfoliate the face. It’s fun, because it kind of looks like those vampire facials that celebrities get— straight out of the bottle, it literally looks like fake blood from Party City. Leave it on for 10 min (or 5, if your skin is really sensitive or it’s your first time using it) and wash off thoroughly with warm water, and you got baby soft skin...no joke. Find it here. 

Look into it! Some of the best skincare gems are found at the drugstore (or at Target, as I have recently discovered). The quality of products is not determined by price, it’s about what works best for your skin. Happy Bargain Hunting!