Back to School: The Beauty Aisle Drugstore Picks

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Back to School shopping can be very expensive, and for those going off, or returning, to college these expenses can become rather daunting. Between the continual tuition hikes, the stratospheric cost of books, the mandatory health insurance (at least at my university), the exorbitant rents, and the high cost of food– most students have very little discretionary income left to buy incidentals.

Given that I teach at a big university, I spend a lot of time with undergraduate and graduate students, and many of them tell me about their living conditions in the dorms, sorority houses, and in off-campus housing. Trust me when I tell you, that I am continually shocked by some of the goings on that they have to deal with while trying to get an undergraduate or advanced degree. They often live 6 or more deep in a 3 bedroom apartment sharing a single bathroom in order to be able to afford the high cost of housing. Given that so many have communal bathrooms and tight quarters, there is a natural tendency to end up sharing some beauty products (whether willingly or unwillingly). Therefore, in addition to selecting affordable makeup and body care products, I also sought out a few affordable, and larger sized, grooming products that could be left in the bathroom and shared amongst the roommates.

With Fall Semester less than a month away, and Fall Quarter less than two months away, many college and university students are already beginning to shop for the new academic year. Here are a few drugstore picks to start out the new school year without breaking the budget.

SOHO Disney Makeup Bags ($7.99-$11.99 at Walgreens): LONDON SOHO NEW YORK makes all sorts of super cute and affordable makeup bags, makeup brushes and makeup sponges that are embellished with Disney favorites. These are great for storing your makeup and other things that you don't want to leave in the bathroom, or share for sanitary reasons. They can easily be stowed in your room and will keep all of your daily go-to items at your fingertips.

This summer, LONDON SOHO NEW YORK® teamed up with Walgreens to offer another dreamy Disney collection of cosmetic bags – this time featuring Ariel, Mulan and Pocahontas. Available exclusively at Walgreens, the Dare to Dream collection contains six new cosmetic bags that will keep you styled like a Disney Princess on your next adventure!

This imaginative line including a weekender, organizer, clutch and round top purse kit is inspired by the ambitious spirits of these inspiring leading ladies. Known for durable, long-lasting and on-trend cosmetic bags, this latest collection blends these courageous characters and functional design to dare you to dream like a Disney Princess.

SOHO Disney Belle Enchanted  Eyes 3 Piece Brush Set ($12.99 at Walgreens): This three piece brush set is all you really need to apply your daily eye makeup. The brushes are good quality, easy to use, highly effective, and they don't shed.

Belle Enchanted Eyes Brush Set includes:

• Medium Fluff Brush – Short round shape creates depth and detail.
• Large Fluff Brush – Soft, fluffy bristles allow shadow to glide across eyelids with ease.
• Flat Angled Liner Brush – Angled shape creates flawless lines and can be used with powder, gel or cream liner.

Material: Nylon bristles

SOHO Spellbound Beauty Sponge ($9.99 at Walgreens): Its unique shape works well with both liquid and cream foundations. The pointed end is perfectly suited for small spaces like the inner corner of eyes and nose, and the wide base is intended for all-over blending.

Material: Non-latex sponge

NYC New York Color HD Waterproof Automatic Eyeliner (Reviewed here. $2.00 each from Target, Walmart and CVS): These beautifully pigmented eyeliners are creamy and tug free, but once they set they are long-lasting and budge-proof. They are gorgeous and affordable, and well worth having.

HD Automatic Eyeliner makes your dream eye look easy and speedy. This skinny pencil just twists up to reveal a perfect point that makes applying color a breeze. At the other end is a brilliant pro-style blending tool for customising your look.

Top to Bottom: Turquoise, Navy Blue, Black and Dark Brown

Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Single in Nutty ($0.99 from Drugstore.com and Walgreens): This is such a pretty golden taupe, and it has a lovely creamy texture that effortlessly glides across the lids and it deposits color evenly. For this price you can buy one for your roommate so that she doesn't use yours!

High-pigmentation and pearl-density create a unique, satiny texture that lasts and lasts. A versatile collection of classic and trend shades can be easily worn alone or playfully combined for a variety of looks.

Ingredients: Dimethicone, Talc, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Magnesium Stearate, Nylon-12, Caprylyl Glycol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Glycerin, Boron Nitride, Polyethylene, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, May Contain (+/-): Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)

COVERGIRL Intensify Me! Liquid Liner (Reviewed here. $8.99 from ULTA and Drugstore.com): This is one of my favorite liquid liners these days because the uniquely shaped paddle allows for the finest lines when turned on end, and because the flat side effortlessly achieves a bold and thick cat eye.

Get the control of a pencil with the intensity of a liquid eyeliner for beautifully defined eyes every time with CoverGirl's Intensify Me! Liquid Liner. Their paddle-shaped tip gives you two looks in one - thick and dramatic or thin and elegant. The intense black formula glides on smoothly and dries quickly for instant drama.

Ingredients: Aqua, Butylene Glycol, Styrene / Acrylates / Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Coco-Glucoside, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Sodium Laureth-12 Sulfate, Sodium Benzoate, Ammonium Hydroxide, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, CI 77266 (Nano).

COVERGIRL The Super Sizer Mascara (Reviewed here. $7.49 from ULTA and Drugstore.com): This new COVERGIRL mascara lengthen and thickens lashes, and it is gentle enough not to bother even sensitive eyes like mine.

The CoverGirl Super Sizer Mascara gives you 400% more volume for fuller lashes. Opthalmologically tested, suitable for those who wear contacts.

Ingredients: Petroleum Distillates, Polyethylene, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Trihydroxystearin, Propylene Carbonate, Tall Oil Acid, Pentaerythrityl Hydrogenated Rosinate, Phenoxyethanol, Propylparaben, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, May Contain: Iron Oxides.

Note the difference in thickness between the flat side and the thin edge.

Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Foundation with Comfort Serum ($6.99-$7.99 for 1 oz. from Target, ULTA, Walgreens and Drugstore.com): This is my new favorite drugstore foundation because it offers light to medium coverage with a very natural finish. My skin looks and feels hydrated, smooth and glowing. Rimmel claims that it is "party-proof, transfer-proof and leaves you with flawless looking skin around the clock" and lasts 24 hours, and I agree with all of these claims, except that I can't verify the 24 hour wear-time because of my unwillingness to sleep in my makeup.

Lasting Finish 25 Hour Full Coverage, our first long wear foundation with comfort serum for feel good, flawless skin that stays put morning to night. Stay-true makeup applies smoothly and evenly, concealing dark circles and imperfections. Leaves skin looking flawless all day long. Transfer resistant for up to 25 hours. New skin-friendly comfort serum for instant hydration, lightweight and extra comfortable wear all day. Vitamin E helps provide additional skin barrier from free radicals.

Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Water, Titanium Dioxide, Butylene Glycol, Talc, Cetyl Peg/Ppg 10/1 Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Acrylates Crosspolymer, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Magnesium Sulfate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ammonium Acrylates Copolymer, Bis-Peg/Ppg-14/14 Dimethicone, Polymethylmethacrylate, Tribehenin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Laureth-7, Lecithin, Phenoxyethanol, Trihydroxystearin,Chlorphenesin, Dimethiconol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Parfum/Fragrance, Alcohol Denat., Propylene Carbonate, Xanthan Gum, Glycerin, Disodium Deceth-5 Sulfosuccinate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium Edta, Laureth-30, Sodium Pca, Urea, Laureth-4, Hexyl Cinnamal, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Limonene, Trehalose, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Benzylsalicylate, Hexylene Glycol, Polyquaternium-51, Linalool, Geraniol, Bht, Citronellol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Caprylyl Glycol, Triacetin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate. May Contain: Iron Oxides (Ci 77491,Ci 77492, Ci 77499).

Rimmel Keep Calm Lip Balms (Reviewed here. $2.50 for 0.13 oz. from Amazon and Walmart): These are fun, whimsical and very moisturizing lip balms that leave lips soft and supple. Of the three shades that I have, only Keep Calm and Party offers any real color payoff. They offer sheer washes of color, and therefore no mirror is needed for application.

According to Rimmel London, their Keep Balm Lip Balms are moisturizing with a "touch of fun and flirty colors."

Claims:
•  Enriched formula with moisturizing oils that calm, soften and protect lips for hours
•  Instantly increases lip moisture by 22%*
(*Clinical study: Percent change from untreated bare lips)

They come in five shades: Keep Calm and Shop (Clear), Keep Calm and Kiss (Pink Blush), Keep Calm and Rock (Berry Blush), Keep Calm and Play (Rose Blush) and Keep Calm and Party (Violet Blush). Of the five shades, I have Keep Calm and Shop (Clear), Keep Calm and Play (Rose Blush) and Keep Calm and Party (Violet Blush).

Keep Calm and Shop is a peachy nude shade in the tube, but it actually appears quite clear when it is applied to the lips.

Keep Calm and Play (Rose Blush) appears to be an orate coral shade in the tube, and it is a very sheer pinky coral on me

Keep Calm and Party (Violet Blush) is a purple-kissed berry with more pigmentation and color pay off than the other two shades.

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color ($4.99 each from ULTA, Amazon, Walgreens and Target) Left to Right: Leapin' Lilac (380), Plummet (422) and Cherry Fast (421). I am completely obsessed with these gorgeous polishes. One coat for full opaque coverage in gorgeous colors, and for less than $5.00 each! I have worn them for over a week on my fingers and toes without any chipping, so it is safe to say that they are definitely well worth having.

Leapin' Lilac is a gorgeous lavender

Plummet is a deep and rich royal purple

Cherry Fast is bright mid-tone blue-based pink 

Nail color covers in just one coat, brilliantly. The Perfectionist Brush contours to any nail, so color always glides on precisely, quickly, flawlessly. And, the exclusive Flexiglass Complex combines beautiful, brilliant shine and super-strong wear. So simple, so Sally.

Ingredients: Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Triphenyl Phosphate, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Isopropyl Alcohol, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Trimethyl Pentanyl Diisobutyrate, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Benzophenone-1, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Ethyl Tosylamide, Dimethicone, Aluminum Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Silica, Tin Oxide. May Contain: Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Aluminum Powder (CI 77000), FD&C Yellow No. 5 Aluminum Lake (CI 19140), FD&C Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake (CI 42090), D&C Red No. 6 Barium Lake (CI 15850), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), D&C Red No. 7 Calcium Lake (CI 15850), D&C Red No. 34 Calcium Lake (CI 15880), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163), D&C Yellow No. 11 (CI 47000), D&C Black No. 2 (CI 77266).

BIC Simply Soleil Click Razor ($7.00 from ULTA and Amazon): The BIC Simply Soleil Click Razor offers a very close shave, and the soothing cocoa butter moisture strip leaves legs silky smooth and hydrated! This is a wonderful razor at a very affordable price.

BIC is announcing the launch of the newest addition to its Soleil® line of women’s razors, BIC® Simply Soleil Click™. The product is BIC’s newest razor for women, offering a disposable handle and six 3-blade cartridges.

The functionality of Simply Soleil Click gives women a simplified shaving experience, offering the convenience of replaceable cartridges at the value of a disposable razor. 

Each Simply Soleil Click cartridge features a soothing moisture strip that is 2.5 times larger than the average BIC razor moisture strip, which pampers skin and leaves legs silky after each shave.

BIC Simply Soleil Click offers:

• One (1) new, brightly-colored disposable handle and six disposable cartridges in each package (refills not sold separately)
• Three (3) blades for a flawlessly smooth shave
• A soothing moisture strip with cocoa butter

OGX Healing + Vitamin E Collection: If you have dry, color treated, or curly hair, then this is a great collection to try. The shampoo is non-stripping and gentle on even the driest hair. The conditioner is deeply nourishing and hydrating, and it leaves hair soft, silky and shiny. The penetrating oil combats frizz swiftly and efficiently, and it smells delicious!

Bursting with healing, nutrient-rich ingredients, OGX introduces its new Healing + Vitamin E collection, developed to repair damaged hair and restore vitality. Known for its healing and reparative properties, Vitamin E smoothes the surface of the hair, combating frizz and mending split-ends, while reducing the risk of future breakage. Penetrating deep into each strand, it hydrates the hair, increasing its strength and elasticity. Highly nourishing, it also helps to reverse damage caused by heat tools and daily styling.

OGX Healing + Vitamin E Shampoo is non-stripping and SLS-free, and leaves my hair feeling hydrated.

Give your hair its daily dose of vitamins with this nutrient-packed shampoo. Its moisturizing formula blend penetrates strands to help increase strength and elasticity, while healing Vitamin E smooths from root to tip.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PPG­2 Hydroxyethyl Coco/Isostearamide, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Amodimethicone, Polyquaternium­10, PEG­6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, PEG­150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Trideceth­12, Cetrimonium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, Tetrasodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Fragrance (Parfum), Yellow 6 (CI 15985).

OGX Healing + Vitamin E Conditioner leaves my hair hydrated, manageable, detangled and frizz-free. I can even get a comb through my curly hair after using this conditioner!

Lower your risk for breakage and dullness with this conditioner that will leave your locks looking smooth and healthy.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, Glycol Distearate, Glycol Stearate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Ceteareth­20, Propylene Glycol, DMDM Hydantoin, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Magnesium Nitrate, Fragrance (Parfum), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Yellow 6 (CI 15985).

OGX Healing + Vitamin E Penetrating Oil is an effective anti-frizz hair tamer that leaves my tresses soft, shiny, manageable and moisturized.

This concentrated infusion of Vitamin E helps heal brittle, damaged hair with just a few drops.
Evenly distribute one drop to give hair nourishment and to prevent breakage

Ingredients: Cyclotetrasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, C12­15 Alkyl Benzoate, Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E), Fragrance (Parfum), Red 17 (CI 26100), Yellow 11 (CI 47000).

OGX Healing + Vitamin E Shampoo $7.99 for 13 oz. from  Drugstore.com, Target, Ulta and Walgreens.

OGX Healing + Vitamin E Conditioner $7.99 for 13 oz. from Drugstore.com, Target, Ulta and Walgreens.

OGX Healing + Vitamin E Penetrating Oil $7.99 from Drugstore.com, Ulta and Walgreens (Affiliate Links).

Bodycology Moroccan Sunset Moisturizing Body Wash ($3.99 for 16 oz. from Target): This is a non-stripping moisturizing cleanser that leaves the skin soft and thoroughly cleansed. It has a warm fruity floral scent that makes the whole bathroom smell great.

The sensual fragrance of sweet passionfruit and blooming hibiscus flowers leave you feeling exotic and inspired. Our ultra moisturizing body wash is formulated with Shea Butter & Vitamin E to keep skin feeling hydrated and irresistably smooth.

Piper's Perfumery Fragrance Mists ($4.48 for 8.3 oz. from Walmart): Available in a wide variety of fruity and floral scents, these light body fragrances are affordable and large enough to share with your housemates.

Vaseline Intensive Care Spray Moisturizer in Aloe Soothe ($5.84-$8.40 for 6.5 oz. from Drugstore.com, Amazon, Walgreens and Target): I have to confess that I am rather obsessed with this moisturizer, in part because it has a delectable fresh green scent that is very refreshing. It is a fast absorbing and ultra moisturizing lotion that sprays out as a foam, and it leaves skin soft, supple, hydrated and luminous. It is actually quite concentrated– so be mindful that a little goes a long way.

Features:

• Moisturizes and absorbs in seconds to help heal dry skin
• Dispenses evenly with one all-over spray
• Instantly leaves skin soft, not greasy or sticky
• Contains micro-droplets of Vaseline® Jelly
• Best for dry skin

Ingredients: Water, Isopropyl Myristate, Glycerin, Sorbitan, isostearate, Dimethicone, Fragrance, Avena Sativa (oat) Straw Extract, Polyglyceryl-3 Disostearate, Tapioca Starch, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Ammonium Acryloydimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Stearic Acid, Dihydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Disodium Edta, Propylene Glycol, Lactic Acid.

LA LOOKS Mega Mega Hold ($2.69-$2.99 from Walgreens, Drugstore.com and Amazon): If you are looking for a strong holding gel that won't flake or leave your hair feeling hard and unnatural, then this is a good bet at a great price. It feels lightweight and non-sticky, but keeps hair right where you want it.

Get a grip!... on ultimate hold and control with L.A. Looks mega mega hold gel.  It lets you shape, spike, mold or slick your hard-to-hold hair into the style that will get you noticed.  Made with TriActive Hold ingredients for absolute fixation, absolute resistance and absolute durability that will last all day long.  This is one gel that won't flake-out on you, and it is alcohol free, lightweight and non-sticky for a smooth finish. Safe for color treated hair.

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau (Water), PVP, Sorbitol, Carbomer, Keratin Amino Acid, Panthenyl Ethyl Ether, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Oleth 20, Amino Methyl Propanol, Rahnella Soy Protein Ferment, PEG 8, Tetrasodium EDTA, Benzophenone 4, Methylparaben, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Parfum (Fragrance), Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, Linalool, Hexylcinnamal, FD&C Yellow 5 Aluminum Lake (Yellow 5), CI 15510 (Orange 4)

LA LOOKS Volumizing Mousse (Walgreens, Amazon): This mousse offers flexible hold without leaving hair greasy or weighed down. Hair remains soft and touchable without looking or feeling as though it is loaded with styling products.

Want to turn up the volume on your locks, but don’t want that crunchy feeling? LA Looks volumizing Mousse bodifies hair with lightweight hold and shine that doesn’t weight your hair down. Amp up your locks with soft and touchable finish that lasts all day.

LA LOOKS Define & Shine ($2.69- from Walgreens and Drugstore.com): This styling gel boasts a humidity-resistant formula the offers frizz control while it smooths the tresses and leaves behind a lovely shine. This is a great gel for curly hair and hair prone to frizz.

Love the shine of a serum but need the hold of a gel? This advanced formula coats and seals the hair cuticle to tame frizz while offering humidity-resistant resins that help smooth hair and Micro-Crystalline shine enhancers to deliver a luminous shine.

Overall Assessment: Great products at affordable prices are imperative for most college students, and these are but a few that will let you do some pampering without breaking your budget.

What are your favorite drugstore budget-friendly finds?

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