Press Samples (Affiliate Links)
Back to School is a time that is both fraught with excitement and nervous energy. The accompanying dread that is a result of yet again facing the unknown of a new school year is often offset by the eagerly anticipated back-to-school shopping. The typical college student tends to live in a frugal manner, and has to find practical ways to indulge while not cutting into their hefty tuition, textbook and rental budget. After receiving several emails asking for a list of drugstore finds from avid readers, who just so happen to be college students on tight budgets, I came up with this list of generally easy to find drugstore products that will allow you to indulge without blowing your budget. One of the issues that they repeatedly said that they face is the fact that they live with lots of roommates and share their bathrooms. Many of them asserted that they wanted large size products that were very affordable since they would invariably end up being shared with their friends and roommates. Therefore, I tried to select very affordable larger size products whenever possible. While it may seem rather obvious I am compelled to say that I would avoid sharing the eyeliners, lip balms, deodorants and in many cases the hair accessories for the obvious sanitary reasons.
Masks & Strips:
Freeman Facial Hydration Mask Goji Berry ($3.99 for 6 oz. Drugstore.com and Freeman): Soothe away skin stress with this nourishing gel/cream mask, fortified with soothing Chamomile and antioxidant Goji Berry. Replenish to rebalance skin's equilibrium for super smooth, super-hydrated skin that's in a state of bliss. Perfect for stressed, dehydrated skin.
Key Ingredients: Goji Berry Extract, Chamomile Flower Extract and Avocado OilIngredient: Water/Aqua/Eau, Sodium Polyacrylate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf juice, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, Punica Granatum Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract, Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract, Sodium PCA, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric, Triglyceride, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Polyquaternium-11, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, DMDM Hydantoin, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Fragrance (Parfum), Red 40 (CI 16035), Yellow 6 (CI 15985), Benzyl Benzoate.
Freeman Facial Peel-Off Mask Cucumber ($3.99 for 6 oz. from Drugstore.com and Freeman): A super-cooling, skin-quenching mask that gently peels away impurities that can cause skin to be rough and dull. Contains Cucumber Extract and Aloe to soothe while moisturizing, ensuring skin feels soft and silky-smooth after every use. Perfect for normal to combination skin.
Key Ingredients: Cucumber Extract, Aloe Vera and Vitamin A.
Ingredient: Water/Aqua/Eau, Polyvinyl Alcohol, SD Alcohol 40-B, Peg-8, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Musa Sapientum (Banana) Fruit Extract , Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract , Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract , Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Extract, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Maranta Arundinacea Root Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Extract , Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract , Nasturtium Officinale Extract , Aleurites Moluccana Extract, Propylene Glycol, Panthenol, Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Sodium PCA, Ascorbic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polysorbate 20, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Fragrance (Parfum), Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Blue 1 (CI 42090).
Freeman Facial Revealing Peel-Off Mask Pomegranate ($3.99 for 6 oz. from Drugstore.com and Freeman): Immerse skin with super nutrients found only in nature! This Pomegranate-infused mask gently purges dirt and excess oils from skin for a cleaner, refined surface. An 8-antioxidant blend of Acai, Blueberry, Cranberry, Goji, Mango, Mangosteen, Noni, and Pomegranate guard against free radicals and environmental stress. Get gorgeous as you reveal fresher skin. Perfect for all skin types.
Key Ingredients: Pomegranate, Vitamins A and E.
Antioxidant Blend: Acai, Blueberry, Cranberry, Goji, Mango, Mangosteen, Noni, Pomegranate
Ingredient: Water/Aqua/Eau, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Peg-8, SD Alcohol 40-B, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Retinyl Palmitate, Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium PCA, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Garcinia Mangostana Peel/Fruit Extract, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract, Punica Granatum Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract, Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polysorbate 20, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Fragrance (Parfum), Butylphenyl Methylpropional (Lilial), Amyl Cinnamic Aldehyde, Linalool, Blue 1 (CI 42090), Red 33 (CI 17200).
All three of the Freeman Masks are fun to use, and they offer great results. Each of the big tubes are very affordable, and will last a while-- even if you share them with your roommates!
Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips (8 Strips for $6.89 from Drugstore.com): Deep cleansing nose strips instantly remove dirt, oil and blackheads for cleanser, smaller-looking pores. These are so much fun to use, and they offer a highly effective way to clear clogged pores on your nose.
Clogged pores... they may be a fact of life, but don't let them rule your life. Biore deep cleansing pore strips are a weekly pore refining treatment for the nose area that instantly removes pore-clogging dirt, oil and blackheads. Tests show that in just one use, Biore® deep cleansing pore strips are twice as effective as the leading pore cleanser at getting rid of build-up and blackheads for cleaner pores. In fact, when used regularly. Biore® deep cleansing pore strips actually diminish the appearance of your pores. Bioré nose strips have an innovative slit design for improved fit. Do not use more often than once every three days. Dermatologist tested, Hypo-allergenic.
Ingredients: Polyquaternoim-37, Silica, Water, Glycerin, Polysilicone-13, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Titanium Dioxide, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract (Witch Hazel), Butylene Glycol, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Methylparaben.
Clogged pores... they may be a fact of life, but don't let them rule your life. Biore deep cleansing pore strips are a weekly pore refining treatment for the nose area that instantly removes pore-clogging dirt, oil and blackheads. Tests show that in just one use, Biore® deep cleansing pore strips are twice as effective as the leading pore cleanser at getting rid of build-up and blackheads for cleaner pores. In fact, when used regularly. Biore® deep cleansing pore strips actually diminish the appearance of your pores. Bioré nose strips have an innovative slit design for improved fit. Do not use more often than once every three days. Dermatologist tested, Hypo-allergenic.
Ingredients: Polyquaternoim-37, Silica, Water, Glycerin, Polysilicone-13, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Titanium Dioxide, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract (Witch Hazel), Butylene Glycol, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Methylparaben.
Body Sprays & Lotions:
Bodycology Naughty & Nice Sheer Innocence Sheer Musk & Peony Fragrance Mist ($4.99 for 8 oz. from Walgreens and Target): The fresh scent of citrus mingled with peony petals and vanilla creme delights your senses.
Bodycology Naughty & Nice Sheer Innocence Sheer Musk & Peony Moisturizing Body Cream ($5.99 for 8 oz. from Walgreens and Target): The fresh scent of citrus mingled with peony petals and vanilla creme delights your senses. Feel the skin softening and moisturizing benefits of a rich butter complex containing Shea, Cocoa & Jojoba butters.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua, Eau), Stearic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isopropyl Palmitate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Glyceryl Stearate, Fragrance (Parfum), Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol. May Contain: Red 4 (CI 14700), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Yellow 6 (CI 15985), Blue 1 (CI 42090), Red 33 (CI 17200), Ext. Violet 2 (CI 60730), Green 3 (CI 42053).
Adidas Pure Lightness Body Spray (About $8.89 for 4 oz. on Amazon): Pure Lightness is described as "a luminous fresh floral fragrance revealing a graceful and balanced style." It's a fresh, clean and easy to wear fuss-free floral. Stay fresh all day while on the move. Whether you want to feel energized or dreamy, happy or relaxed, invigorated or natural, adidas has the unique fragrance to capture their mood. Featuring three signature scents - the luminous, fresh Pure Lightness, the sweet, flirty Fruity Rhythm and the playful and bold Natural Vitality - feel healthy, fresh and beautiful all day.
Bodycology Instant Attraction Moisturizing Body Cream in Orchid and Pear ($4.99-$6.99 for 8 oz. from Drugstore.com): Feel the benefits of a rich butter complex containing Shea, Cocoa & Jojoba butters.
Bodycology Instant Attraction Fragrance Mist in Orchid and Pear ($4.99 for 8 oz. Walgreens and Target): Delight in the luxury experience of Bodycology Instant Attraction Fragrance Mist's sensuous fragrance. The Orchid and Pear combination is fun and easy to wear without being overdone.
Deodorants:
Soft & Dri Aluminum Free Powder Fresh Deodorant ($2.29 from Drugstore.com): Soft & Dri Aluminum Free deodorant provides highly-effective all-day protection from odor only, with a gentle fragrance that gives you that confident feeling of clean. Made in Canada. This is a great deodorant alternative if you aren't a fan of natural deodorants, but also avoid the more commercial brands that contain aluminum.
- All Day Odor Protection
- Targets the Bacteria that Cause Odor
- Won't Stain Clothes
Ingredients: Propylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Water, Sodium Stearate, PEG-6, Methyl Ether, Triclocarban, Red 33, Fragrance.
Tom's of Maine Long Lasting Beautiful Earth Deodorant ($4.99 for 2.25 oz. from Drugstore.com): 100% natural clinically tested 24 hour odor protection. Conditions and soothes the skin. Contains no Aluminum and no Parabens. Does not contain artificial or animal ingredients. If you are a fan of natural deodorants that contain fewer chemicals-- then Tom's of Maine offers a large selection of effective deodorants. They have a lovely selection of scented deodorants, but also have unscented versions.
Ingredients: Propanediol (100% Vegetable Derived), Water, Glycerin, Sodium Stearate, Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Leaf Juice (Organic), Zinc Ricinoleate, Glyceryl Laurate, Natural Fragrance, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Humulus Lupulus (hops) Extract (C02), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Organic Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil (Sunflower)
Styling Products:
These hair styling products are super-sized and affordable-- so you probably won't mind leaving them on the bathroom counter for your roommates to use. The serum will work on all hair types for shine, smoothing and managing frizz, but the three styling products are targeted to wavy and curly hair.
La Bella Super Shine Polishing Serum (6 oz. $4.99-$5.99 from Walgreens and Drugstore.com): Eliminates frizz and flyaway hair. Polishes and seals the cuticle to help protect chemically treated hair. Re-hydrates and conditions the hair, leaving it manageable, shiny and smooth. Advanced lightweight formula provides heat protection and helps prevent split-ends and breakage. Ideal for all hair types.
Ingredients: C13 14 Isoparaffin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Fragrance
La Bella Lots of Curls Styling Gel (22 oz. for $2.99 from CVS): Scrunch & shape. Smooth curls with touchable hold. Professional formula. Revitalizes and controls. Unique two in one formula holds and activates. Scientifically formulated to enhance curls, giving curls greater definition, bounce and shine. Holds hair in place, and minimizes frizzies. Performs best on naturally curly, wavy, and permed hair. Alcohol free. No build up or flaking. Safe for color treated hair. Will not affect hair color. No animal testing. Made in USA.
Ingredients: Water, Sorbitol, PVP, Propylene Glycol, Carbomer, Potassium Sorbate, Keratin Amino Acids, Sodium Chloride, Hydroxypropylcellulose, Aminomethyl Propanol, DMDM Hydantoin, Methylparaben, Polysorbate 20, Benzophenone-4, Tetrasodium EDTA, Fragrance, Red 33.
L.A. Looks Nutra Curl Moisturizing Gel ($2.79 for 20 oz. from Drugstore.com): Curly hair craves hydration. Quench your curls’ thirst with L.A. Looks Nutra Curl Moisturizing Gel. Formulated with hydrating avocado oil, this mega hold gel makes your curls soft, touchable swirls that really twirl. Get defined, conditioned, frizz-free curls without a heavy, greasy feel. Fall in love with a perfect bounce that lasts all day!
L.A. Looks Absolute Curls ($3.35 for 8 oz. from Drugstore.com): Define your curls without stiffness. For touchable, flawless looking curls, get LA Looks Absolute Curls, a lightweight, whipped creme with flexible hold to help define, texturize and style. This creme has a combination of shea butter, argan oil and proteins to help smooth unruly hair, control frizz and lock in moisture for a long lasting soft, natural looking finish. No matter what type of hold you need, extreme, defined or flexible, LA
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum), Dimethicone, VP, Methacrylamide, Vinyl Imidazole Copolymer, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Shea), Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Polysorbate 80, Myristyl Myristate, Acrylates, Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer, Sorbitan Stearate, Polysorbate 60, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Cetyl Alcohol, Potassium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, DMDM Hydantoin, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Fragrance
Conair Bamboo-Carbon Ceramic Heat 1.125" Flat Iron ($25.00 from Walmart): Customize your look with Conair! This sleek new versatile flat iron helps you achieve the hairstyle you desire whether it’s smooth hair in seconds or even curls. It has an easy-glide nano bamboo carbon ceramic surface which is one of the latest technological advances in hair appliances. Ultra-smooth plates glide through hair fast and styling product residue removes easily after each use. It features bamboo extract which is known for its strengthening properties, and the ceramic evenly distributes heat to eliminate hot spots that can damage hair.
The new easy-glide floating plate is designed with a little give to "float" in the iron. This provides better contact with hair and eliminates gaps to achieve straighter results faster.
The carbon provides maximum anti-static and anti-frizz protection for high-intensity shine and manageability. The ribbed texture on outer housing guides hair to curl as you turn the iron to create more volume. It's an easy way to add shape to straight styles.
This tool is designed for all hair types from fine to curly to most resistant and has 30 heat settings that reach up to 410°F. It has a 30-second heat-up and a uniform heat recovery system to maintain
a constant temperature.
HAIRUWEAR Color Strips Extensions ($10.00 from Ulta): If you want to have colored hair accents without the hassle of permanent, semi-permanent, or temporary dyes-- then these fun color strips are easy and fun.
To add instant color accents to any hairstyle, try Put On Pieces Human Hair Clip-In Color Strips. These Clip-In Color Strips are 16" long on a 1" weft and can be curled or straightened with thermal styling tools to blend perfectly with any style you create. Available in fun fantasy tones: Amethyst, Blue, Gold, Pink, Purple, Red, Black, Teal, and Light Purple. For more information visit: www.hairuwear.com.
Scünci No Slip Grip Jaw Clips have an ingenious design thanks to the rubber no-slip interior panels that keep hair in place and prevents the clip from falling out.
I love these and have piles of them in lots of different sizes. They offer a nice alternative to a pony tale and will let you get out the door and off to class without having to fuss over your hair, and without sacrificing style.
Or if you want a little more flair for your hair-- then the beaded Upzing might be your thing!
Total Intensity Eyeliners feature gorgeous and sumptuous jewel toned colors with an an iridescent twist. They boast intense pigmentation, and once they set they are truly budge proof. You will definitely need a oil based or duo phase type of eye makeup remover in order to remove these beauties. The liners are soft and creamy, and the color pay off is just astounding.They are so soft and creamy, in fact, that a light hand is best to avoid product loss. For this reason, I find it a good idea to store them in a cool place.
Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Paraffin, C11 12 Isoparaffin, Polybutene, Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil, Ceresin, Ozokerite, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil (Jojoba), Microcrystalline Wax (Cera Microcristallina), Methylparaben, Propylparaben, BHT, May Contain (+/-): Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Ultramarines (CI 77007), Carmine (CI 75470), Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Chromium Oxide Green (CI 77288), Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI 77289), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163). Made in Germany.
Daring Green and Bold Brown.
Lively Turquoise- a very bright and saturated turquoise with shimmer.
Strong Slate- a beautiful blackened charcoal slate with shimmer.
Fearless Teal- a rich blackened teal with shimmer.
Powerful Purple- an intensely elegant blackened purple with shimmer that is infinitely wearable.
Intense Olive- a stunning highly saturated slightly blackened olive green with gorgeous shimmer.
Daring Green- a deep gorgeous highly saturated blackened green with shimmer.
Bold Brown- a rich deep opulent nearly matte brown.
- Contains antioxidant CoQ10
- Contains hyaluronic filling spheres
Press Samples. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2014 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.
Love this budget friendly post. Just goes to show how one can find awesome beauty products at a range of prices. I've actually really enjoyed the Bodycology body care products I've tried (a close second to Tree Hut when it comes to budget friendly bath & body). I used Freeman masks years ago, I wish they sold them here. I always forget to pick one up when I'm stateside (though last time I did score some of the packet sizes). :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kimmy! You are quite right-- you can find awesome things on a budget, and not everything has to cost an arm and a leg! I've had great luck with Bodycology products as well! Freeman makes some really lovely masks! Definitely worth picking some up next time you are stateside! Not everyone can, or wants, to spend a small fortune on beauty products-- so it's a definite plus that there are good things out there that people can use to pamper themselves with!
DeleteGoodness!! That was a lot of work to provide all that information! Thanks!! I definitely want some of these!
ReplyDeleteHi Mysty! You are so welcome! It's a labor of love for me! There are definitely lots of great finds at affordable prices here! :-)
DeleteThese are all awesome budget friendly products!! Those eyeliners look absolutely amazing!
ReplyDeleteHi kvieweg07! I'm glad that you find them pleasing finds! Oh yes, these are absolutely amazing eyeliners, and truly among my very favorites at any price point! They are definitely worth considering! Have a lovely Monday! :-)
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