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A Mascara That Gives You Lashes for Days
Along with my expensive tastes, I tend to have a flair for the dramatic. Which is probably why I fell head over heels for this mascara. The brush is spiky -- I feel like I'm wielding a weapon -- and the formula is a rich, glossy black. It gives a ton of volume and makes my lashes so long they can touch my eyebrows. Most mornings, this was the only eye makeup I wore.
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Photo 6/15
An Eye Cream That's My Defense Against Wrinkles
Ever since I was told that, thanks to my thin and pale skin, my eyes are going to get wrinkled hella fast I have become obsessed with eye creams. But I haven't really been impressed with an anti-aging drugstore eye cream until I tried this one. And, I know, I managed to pick probably one of the most expensive eye creams you can buy at the drugstore (it's just in my nature, I can't help it), let me say that this is worth it.
It's a dream to apply, and sinks into skin effortlessly. It was designed by the Global Derm Alliance to target crow's feet, puffiness, dark circles and wrinkles with a potent blend of caffeine, amino peptides, niacinamide and glycerin. In other words, it's an excellent weapon against the signs of aging. Plus, I appreciate that it comes in a package with a pump, instead of a jar, so the ingredients aren't compromised.
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Photo 7/15
A Facial Peel That Works Magic
A facial peel is an essential part of my skin care routine (I use one at least once a week to keep my skin smooth and radiant), so I was determined to find one for the purposes of this experiment. And, yes, I get that this is a tad more expensive than typical drugstore products, but you can buy it at CVS, so it counts.
This tube is packed -- and I mean packed -- with amazing ingredients, like Kaolin clay, papaya leaf, hyaluronic acid, manuka honey and, of course, the brand's shining star: purified bee venom. It tingles as it goes on, and dries in about 15 minutes. It left my skin slightly pink and glowy, but it didn't feel tight or irritated. It's helping clear the congestion on my nose and chin -- something I've been trying to do for years.
But maybe the best part: You get to peel it off your face at the end, which is oddly satisfying, if a tad "American Psycho."
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A Moisturizer That Leaves Me Dewy
I'm skeptical of most moisturizers, drugstore or not, because I am paranoid about breakouts. So for me, the perfect moisturizer should be insanely hydrating, absorb quickly without feeling greasy, leave my skin feeling soft and looking dewy without giving me pimples. That doesn't seem like too much to ask for, yet I've been spurned by many a moisturizer.
I was surprised to find that this one checks all my boxes. The creamy gel formula is cooling upon application, which is especially refreshing during the spring and summer, and it makes my skin feel healthy. It's jam-packed with hyaluronic acid, which is basically code for supermoisturizing. It's hydrating enough to use at night, but feels light enough to apply in the morning.
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Photo 9/15
A Hydrating Mask That's My DIY Spa Staple
Remember the Sonia Kashuk mask from earlier? This is the perfect complement to it. I always balance out a purifying mask with one that's hydrating, but my usual spa day treat runs over $100 a jar. Enter: This impressive, non-drying (literally, it doesn't dry on your face) mask. It's meant to be slathered on in a thick layer, and you let the formula -- which contains safflower oil and the brand's signature thermal spring water -- absorb into your skin. 15 minutes later, you wipe it off. I'll admit part of the appeal is not having to get up during a Netflix binge to rinse off my face. But the results -- namely supersoft, hydrated, calm skin -- speak for themselves.
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