Drugstore Cosmetics vs. Name-Brand Makeup

You don't have to spend major bucks for major beauty. I've been using drugstore makeup forever. (I used to be a Revlon spokeswoman.) Drugstore cosmetics perform equally as well as department-store brands. In fact, many drugstore cosmetics are made in the same factories as the high-end makeup. You can even compare labels yourself if you want to. (Note that the ingredients listed first in the list are the highest concentrations.) Sometimes all that differs is the fragrance added (or not added), and/or the pretty packaging.

Some of my favorite drugstore brands include:

• Burt's Bees lip pencils and glosses (they taste pretty good too)
• Eucerin thick cream (especially for the winter)
• Thermasilk (the conditioner gets out all my (and my daughter's) knots unlike any other)
• CVS sunscreen in SPF 50 is a mainstay household item

I'm not the only one in the industry who swears by drugstore brands either. My dear friend and makeup artist, Maria Verel, who has worked on such beautiful faces as Diane Sawyer and Nora Ephron, has some of her own beloved drugstore brands:

• Wet 'n' Wild #666 lip pencil
• L'Oreal Colour Riche lipstick in Tawny
• Sally Hansen Cornsilk Classic Translucent Powder
• Maybelline Illegal Lengths Mascara

Another option for cutting cosmetics costs? The Avon Lady. Seriously, their products are great (on par with leading brands) and so are their prices. So open the door to her!

Once you find your favorite brands, stick to them. If it's worth it to you to spend more on a face cleanser you like over an eye color, then go for it. (After all, I swear by my Tweezerman tweezers, among other things.) But the bottom line? You can keep it affordable AND keep yourself beautiful at the same time.

Get more fashion, beauty and self-esteem advice from Emme!