// Drug Store Beauty Haul... Sort Of

Beauty Haul - Drug Store
Beauty Haul - Drug Store
Over the past few months I've found myself getting more and more interested in cosmetics and beauty products. I'll be the first to admit I don't know the first thing about any of 'em (for the most part), but I've been spending plenty of time (read: too much) trying to become a little more educated in the world of beauty.

Friday night we crashed with our friends Maya and Justin while we were staying over for Porter Flea and I was met with a bundle of goodies! Maya is some sort of manager lady at a local drug store and she oversees the entire beauty department (her actual title escapes me!). She's more of an ~all natural girl and doesn't really fuss around with stuff like this, but she gets sent home with oodles and oodles of it for "research" purposes. She said she just stockpiles a lot of it for me so I'm a happy camper!

This bunch was this weekend's "haul" if you will. Loads of hair products (which I'm always on the hunt for) and plenty of new makeup pieces, too. I haven't tried any of them yet, but the bottom picture showcases the ones I'm most excited to dive into. 

I've been wanting to share my "journey" into this new world on the blog, so hopefully some of y'all can share your expertise. Maybe some of you are even more clueless than me and we can learn the ropes together, yeah? 

So, share with me your wisdom! What are your "absolutely must have, can't live without" beauty products? Hair, skin or face... drug store or high-end! Let's hear 'em!

46 comments:

  1. I work for a hair school so I actually use and endorse all of their systems (what up Aveda). But there are other lines I get into as well. I think the main thing to check out are the ingredients before you buy anything. Make sure what you're buying isn't something with tons of chemicals that are going to end up harming your skin or coating your hair in your gross silicones. No one monitors or regulates terms like "natural" or "organic" so technically any company can slap that on their bottle (especially since that's what's "in") and it ends up being almost a total fib.

    I could go on and on as this is what I do and teach, but I'll stop, haha.

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  2. OK,so I want your friend Maya's job right now! Sounds amazing. I sometimes do make-up tutorials but I keep things very very simple!

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  3. Also, XOVain.com has tons of tutorials for different things. Not just touting because I freelance over there, but lots of good stuff!

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    1. xovain, xojane, i love it all, everyone should visit these sites daily!

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  4. Maya's job sounds soo cool! can't wait to hear about what you test out!
    Rebecca @ tr[i]b[e]cca

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  5. Since I got my job at Lush, my skin has decided that it absolutely must have Lush products. I tried to use my Trader Joe's Tea Tree Cleanser for two weeks since it was safe to clean my new nostril piercing with, but my skin just broke out like crazy. Back to Lush's Angels on Bare Skin, and I'm seriously amazed by the difference.

    The biggest problem that I have with drugstore beauty - and hell, a lot of mainstream high-end beauty - is all of the animal testing. I believe Yes to Carrots and their subsidiaries are cruelty-free, though!

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    1. Lush's Ocean Salt is my absolute favorite! Can't live without it. :)

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  6. I love love love Aussie 3 minute miracle. It's less than five dollars and after I use it I can't stop touching my hair!

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  7. Just based on the photos above I will say... I love Frizz Ease products. They are the best on my hair for styling. I really love the YES TO products. Like stated above they are cruelty-free and most products work well and smell amazing. I'm obsessed with the cucumber facial towelettes. I use them before I workout to get the make-up off my face and some nights when I'm too tired to take off make-up / wash my face the old fashioned way.

    The Maybeline Rocket Volume Lash mascara is a new favorite of mine. I've been using the same mascara since I was 19 - Maybeline Full and soft and while I love it still - this Rocket stuff is quicker, and easier to get fuller coverage for my lashes. Great stand in IMO.

    The Olay Fresh Effects stuff is really fun too. I haven't tried that Shine Shine go away but I did get the light face lotion and BB Creams and I really love them - they smell fresh and not overwhelming.

    Can't wait to see what you think of all these items!

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  8. LUSH is the best all around for beauty products (hair, skin). They are ethical, pure and simples. They are packaged sexily ans smell terrific! I bet the hair care products would be great for you!

    For products with 'active' ingredients such as retinoids or acids I like Philosophy, Skinceuticals and Kiehls.

    Good luck!

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  9. My must have products for my skin are Neutrogena face wipes and Rodan and Fields Eye Cream. For makeup, I love Tarte tinted moisturizer, MAC Studio Fix for powder foundation, and MAC Crosswire lipstick, a pretty coral color. For hair, I like Organix Dry Styling Oil in Macadamia, and Biolage Smooth Shine Milk. As I've gotten older, I've been liking the more "high end" products :)

    Adrienne
    What Lola Wants

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  10. Here are some links that I have found helpful in my research into the personal care products & cosmetics industry.

    http://www.storyofstuff.org/movies-all/story-of-cosmetics/
    http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
    http://safecosmetics.live2.radicaldesigns.org/index.php
    http://notjustaprettyface.org/

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  11. So.... the one who is more clueless than you must be ME! This week I'm about to start up with hair products, really glad I stopped by. I usually just check out the ingredients that fit for my skin and be sure looks natural on it. Can't wait to read more about this.

    ps: I want Maya's job!!

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  12. My main advice? Steer clear from 'Foaming' face washes and dry you out, which makes you want to pile on moisturiser which can lead to breakouts. Nice! I recommend this ladies blog - http://www.beautymouth.com/ - Because there is no sense in putting make up on bad skin. :) Once you got skincare down - make-up is a breeze!

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  13. What a fun question! My must haves are:
    Skincare: Hydraluron (hard to come by in the states, but let me know if you ever want a bottle from Canada!), Haus of Gloi Body Butter
    Makeup: Urban Decay Primer Potion, Buxom Lash Mascara, Revlon Lip Butters (Strawberry Shortcake, Berry Smoothie and Juicy Papaya), elf Eyebrow kit, Make Up For Ever HD Powder, Real Techniques brushes (core and travel collections), Tarte Amazonian Clay Blushes...there's probably more but those are the ones that came to my head! Enjoy :)

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  14. The Yardley Sea Minerals exfoliating body wash is absolutely the best product I've ever bought! I saw it on clearance at walgreens for like $2.49 and thought it was such a good deal for a huge bottle and it ended up being the best product i've bought. it makes your skin feel soooo soft even without applying lotion.

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  15. I can't live without the L'Oréal Hair Oil, it's so good!

    Have a great day,
    -Kati

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  16. Beauty stuff is so much fun! I love my clarisonic -- and while I know it's quite expensive, I look at it as an investment. I use it with the Avalon Organics vitamin C cleanser, an alcohol-free witch hazel toner, and a moisturizer with retinoids.

    Makeup wise, I tend to go with Korean brand BB creams, they seem to be the best. I really like Hamskins "Ultimate" BB cream. (I think that's the name.) BB creams are good if you want medium coverage, something moisturizing, and with SPF. But as I said, go with Korean brands.

    I love eye shadow palettes, and the oh-so famos Urban Decay Naked Palette is actually pretty awesome. You kind of don't need anything else if you have it. (The primer potion is good as well.) I also love stuff from The Balm. But Wet 'n Wild is super inexpensive and awesome quality.

    Since you're in the south where it gets super hot, definitely go with a primer -- but I recall you writing that you had one you liked already.

    And finally, you're gorgeous! Makeup is fun to play with, so have fun!

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  17. hair wise i'm in love with big sexy hair shampoo and conditioner and then i use the root plumper it gives my hair so much more volume then my usually flat hair.
    i love queen helene mint julep mask its cheap and works well just moisturize after because it does dry your skin a bit.

    as for makeup i've been spending a lot on lately ive been obsessed with lime crime lipsticks they have great colors and glide on perfectly

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  18. I am a huge fan of Ultrabland face cleanser from Lush. I use it at night because it takes off make up and it's super easy to apply (rub on and wipe off with a warm wash cloth). It's super gentle and I have SUPER sensitive skin.

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  19. I don't use much drugstore stuff because I just use some basics and they're all from Lush. I love that store! What I use : Big shampoo, American cream conditioner (smells so,so good!) , Eau roma water toner and Ultrabland face cleaner. That's all!
    With makeup I am less picky and use some cheap ass drugstore shit. But dunno if you have the same brands in the USA.

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  20. Damn girl! I will say that I love Oraganix products :)

    xo Ashley
    thetiniestfirecracker.com

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  21. I haven't found any mascara better than the one from Bobbi Brown(:
    It's thick and lovely! All the drugstores, or others, are too watery, and I don't like their brushes, along with some other things.

    PS-I'm having a giveaway on my blog right now! $50 Shop Credit to an Online Sunglasses Shop(:
    http://trueblueabbi.blogspot.com/2013/05/50-shop-credit-giveaway-to-giant.html

    -XO Abbigayle Rashae
    -trueblueabbi.blogspot.com

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  22. I am so happy that you are taking your blog in this direction. Have you watched any Essie Button Youtube videos? Great recommendations and such a funny girl.

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  23. Have you watched any Essie Button you tube videos? Great recommendations and such a funny girl. You'd love her.

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  24. I was going to say about Katy Perry's perfumes, but I think I can spy a little purse-sized one in your photo! :) I'm not normally into 'celebrity' perfumes but the KP ones smell awesome! I like the lip balm/ lipstains that can be picked up at the drugstore - Maybelline's Baby Lips ones are really nice!

    Looking forward to seeing what else you pick up for your beauty haul posts xx

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  25. Growing up my mom never really was into makeup and I'm the oldest so I had to find my own way. It was usually laziness... but lately I've been trying to put more time and effort into my appearance!

    Have you tried Moroccan oil? AMAAAZING stuff for the hair, makes it feel soo good. Loreal does a nice de-frizzer, and so does Pantene if you aren't willing to spend the big $$ on Moroccan oil.

    As for makeup? I recently bought a little Loreal Paris colour pallete and it's super nice and pigmented!

    Can't wait to see what you find!

    xo Becky
    wwww.seductivemania.com

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  26. I only wear mascara on my face, but recently fell in love with lip stains. I don't know how i never knew about them before! I love the idea of lipstick, but hate the practicality of it (are my teeth red? do I have a ring around my mouth?) but with stains, you just have to apply chapstick, if even that! I love the Revlon Just Bitten line!

    Also, I've been using the John Frieda volumizing shampoo/conditioner and blow drying 'lotion' and it is amazing.

    That's all my beauty product knowledge, which actually seems like a lot from me. I mean, I make my own deodorant and toothpaste!

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  27. Wow! What a great way to dive in! If you looked in my makeup bag you'd see a crazy collection of high-end and drugstore brands. Rimmel mascara, Prescriptives foundation, Sephora bronzer, NYC loose minerals...

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  28. Those Kate Moss for Rimmel lipsticks are pretty great!

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  29. Anything from the brand Urban Decay. Soooooo amazing. From their liquid foundation, eye shadow palettes to lipgloss and mascara! Definitely try their setting spray for in the summer! It helps your makeup stay in place all day! :) Good luck! :)



    Emily
    http://thehazardsoflovemle.blogspot.com

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  30. My favorite drugstore product is E.L.F eyeliner! So incredibly cheap and works really well.

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  31. kiehls kiehls kiehls. For everything! Face, skin, and hair. My favorites though are the olive fruit oil nourishing shampoo and conditioner and sometimes I only use the conditioner. Since using this stuff I dont have to put oil and my very treated hair when I get out of the shower :) Also St. Ives apricot scrub is a must for me and that's definitely at the drug store!

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  32. L'oreal True Match foundation is my favorite. I've tried so many different kinds, from drugstore to M.A.C. and Smashbox.. and I honestly love my $8 L'oreal makeup.

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  33. I hate wearing anything super heavy on my face, so MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish Natural is my go-to! And I'm all about lipcolor that I don't have to reapply a million times. I love Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable balm stain (the one that looks like the chubby pencil! The double-sided one can get a little dry/flaky). Can't wait to see makeup posts from you!

    Steph
    foodplusface@gmail.com

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  34. I'm all about everything Lumene - the Lumene BB cream (tinted moisturizer) is awesome and the best I've tried so far. All of the Lumene moisturizers are great as well, I love the firming night cream & day cream - one thing I've learned is that you're never to young for anti aging products! Also loving Physicians Formula concealer & powder. I'm a high end drugstore girl, ha! Favorite mascara is Maybelline Colossal Cat Eye. Also loving Clear shampoo and Redken Extreme.

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  35. This is my sweet spot, beauty products. A world I love. I'm a total beauty junkie so I'm always buying and trying new products. If you want some more "inspiration" (read: a reason to go out and buy new products), feel free to check some out on my blog: www.notesfromtheslife.com. Beauty junkies unite!

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  36. I'm pretty clueless about beauty products, but everything I use is from Elf. (eyeslipsface.com)
    With the prices being so amazing (mostly everything is under $3- SERIOUSLY) you have tons of room to go a little crazy and experiment.

    I hope you try them!

    -Laura

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  37. So fun! I love the organix hair products! Their moroccan oil is great for hair!

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  38. I love my Clarisonic Mia from Sephora. It's a little on the expensive side but it really cleans your skin deep down and just one time using it you can feel a huge difference. For my hair I use the old Herbal Essences formula that they re-released not too long ago. It smells amazing and it makes my hair super smooth. I also love Physician's Formula mineral wear face make-up, it's great for sensitive skin!

    xo Caitlin

    caithasheart.blogspot.com

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  39. love the haul my must have item is Coconut oil , I can't rave about it enough I use it on my hair as a eye makeup remover on my body in food, its really an amazing product.

    Meghan Silva's Blog

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  40. #1 is Yes to Cucumbers Face Towelettes. I travel a ton for work, so it makes so much sense to use these as portable makeup removers.

    #2 I just purchased yesterday! Organix Moroccan Argan Oil hair products have a "starter kit" with shampoo, conditioner, and their penetrating oil... all 3 oz. or less. It may be labeled a starter kit, but to me it's a travel kit, perfect for meeting TSA requirements.

    http://adventuresinaubreyland.blogspot.com

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  41. You HAVE TO try Lumene's BB cream! LOVE IT!!

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  42. I'm in the same boat as you - I just use so little! my hair - a fingerful of gel (I spite/tousle my pixie hair cut) and just a sweep of eyeliner/mascara for my eyes! literally nothing else! granted, for my hair I really love aveda's hair whip or got2b's hair glue. aveda's a little more fancy and the one I personally prefer, but got2b gets the job done as well! can't wait to go on this journey with you, haha!

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  43. I think it's wonderful that she would give you all these free products to try. I myself don't know much on make up products or hair products and what not. I would definitely like to know which one turns out to be your favorite and the out comes of each one. May you enjoy your products :)

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  44. Oh wow, that's awesome! It's nice of her to save those products for you. I'm also on a "journey" to educate myself on cosmetics since I've become more and more interested in the past year.

    My must have products would be Tarte's LipSurgence matte lip tint (in Hope and Envy), Tarte's clean slate flawless 12hr brightening primer, Nars' velvet matte lip pencil in Dragon Girl, and the sugar lip treatments from Fresh. I'm really into lip products haha so that's why all my must haves are mostly for lips.

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HEY! Thanks for dropping by. xo KB