Beauty School Dropout

Ah, gentle readers, your MatchGirl knows that these are tough times. Money is tight and a thrifty gal needs to pinch her pennies. But does that mean that a thrifty gal can't still look her prettiest?

No. It most certainly does not.

Your MatchGirl sent a questionnaire out to some of her gal pals - from makeup artists to beauty PR mavens to simply cool gals - to ask them to name their favorite drugstore beauty products.

Here's what the ladies had to say:

For your skin care fix, Jeannine of Beauty Sweetspot swears by Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Anti-Blemish Moisturizer ($12.99 at drugstore.com) while makeup artist Alice recommends Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash to keep her complexion smooth and clear.  My dear friend Kora says "Aveeno Anti-Blemish Foaming Face Wash! Smells awesome and retails for like 6 bucks."  As a great, and multi-purpose (remove eye makeup, heal tattoos), deep body moisturizer, Pam and Kora both go nuts for Aquaphor.  Seriously nuts - your MatchGirl's inbox was a back and forth of how much they both loved it and all its purposes!


For brilliant color at home, LA based makeup artist Konnie says that Clairol Natural Instincts "always gives me great semi-permanent color results without the stink" And to keep your 'do doing what it's supposed to, Nancy recommends Citre-Shine Anti-Frizz Serum, for $6.99.

For a scent on a budget, Nancy recommends going old school and letting Calgon take you away, with its Body Mist.  Her favorite fragrance?  Hawaiian Ginger.  Yum.


As for your MatchGirl, gentle ones, I have been a girl on a budget for a very long time and I have a long list of drugstore favorites.  For washing my face, I am a big fan of alternating Cetaphil non-foaming cleanser and St. Ives Apricot Scrub.  For spot treating blemishes, you can't go wrong with Burt's Bees Herbal Blemish Stick (and I love the licorice-y scent).  I moisturize just like my mom and my nana before her with Oil of Olay.  And you can never go wrong with my number one makeup must have - Maybelline mascara.


What are some of your favorite beauty secrets on the cheap?


For your pretty pout, Vickie swears by L'oreal Colour Juice Sheer Juicy Lip, for about $8 a tube, while Pam suggests you keep them moisturized with Nivea's Lip Care line.