• August 2015
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• Style & Beauty

Beauty on a budget

Your one-stop shop for top-rated drugstore beauty products, all less than $15.

The blistering days of late summer are bittersweet. Weekend explorations soaking up the summer sunshine, patio lounging with friends on warm evenings and the aroma of barbecue in the air are seasonal treasures that are sometimes hard to appreciate when the temperature looks like it may break the thermometer. Still, you throw on that cute sun hat and trek out of the house for a margarita or snow cone, and do your best to ignore the back-to-school advertisements on the radio. It’s these moments when you’re reminded that there’s a feeling of change nudging at the corners of your mind, and you have to start planning for the upcoming months. Whether you’re a returning student or heading back to work, you want to look your best as you set out to tackle the world, and naturally, your beauty routine needs to help you do just that. Let Austin Woman save you time and money on the industry’s top-rated products so you can savor the end of summer in style. 

 

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55

First things first: Protect your precious skin with an SPF that works hard without making you feel like an oil slick. The non-greasy formula is dermatologist-recommended, but more importantly, will leave your skin smooth and matte while blocking harmful UV rays. Awards: Allure Best of Beauty 2009, 2008 and 2006; Readers' Choice 2015 Find it at your local drugstore, supermarket or Ulta for $10.49. 

 

L’oreal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara

This is an oldie but a goodie. Looking for lashes that wow without clumping or feeling stiff? You’ve met your match with this mascara staple. Awards: Allure Best of Beauty 1996. Find it at your local drugstore, supermarket or Ulta for $7.99. 

 

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer

You know the drill: Wash your face, moisturize and slather on the sunscreen. But what’s a girl to do when she’s craving that summer-kissed skin? Meet your new best friend. This drugstore self-tanner will give you a gradual glow that won’t turn you orange or give your skin an unusual smell, so it won’t be long until you start swooning over your soft, bronze skin. Awards: Allure Best of Beauty 2014, 2013; Readers’ Choice 2013 Find it at your local drugstore, supermarket or Ulta for $12.99. 

 

Revlon ColorBurst Balm Stain

This is the answer to your lip-color dilemma. It’s comfortable like a balm, got color payoff like a lipstick but the staying power of a stain. It’s packed with shea, mango and coconut butters, so your lips will never be softer. Our favorite shade is Honey, a light mauve that somehow seems to suit everyone. Awards: Allure Readers’ Choice 2015 Find it at your local drugstore, supermarket or Ulta for $8.99. 

 

Revlon ColorStay Makeup for Combination/Oily Skin and Normal/Dry Skin

Perfect for the late summer days, this medium-to-full coverage liquid foundation will be your new go-to. Formulated for skin that has a tendency to break up normal foundations, this will stay put and combat shine while remaining lightweight. Awards: Allure Best Foundations for Under $20 Find it at your local drugstore, supermarket or Ulta for $11.69. 

 

Simple Micellar Water

Washing your face has never been easier. Unlike makeup wipes, this special cleanser will leave you fresh-faced without leaving any residue behind, and works double duty in hydrating your skin as well. Stash it next to your bed with a pack of cotton rounds and never skip washing your face before bed again. Find it at your local drugstore, supermarket or Ulta for $7.99. 

 

OPI Nail Lacquer in Bubble Bath

With the perfect color for every skin tone and every occasion, it’s not hard to see why this OPI shade has been knocking it out of the park for seven years now. A couple of swipes of this elegant pale-pink shade will have you feeling polished, no matter what the day may bring. Awards: Allure Best of Beauty 2010 and 2009; Readers’ Choice 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009 Find it at your local drugstore, supermarket or Ulta for $8.50. 

 

Dove Refresh and Care Dry Shampoo

You know you’re not supposed to wash your hair every day, but resisting the temptation to wash it can be nearly impossible, particularly when you feel more like a dirty mop than yourself. Ditch the dirt and refresh your locks with this relatively new dry shampoo, which gives so much volume, you’ll feel like you just left the salon. Awards: Allure Best of Beauty 2014 Find it at your local drugstore, supermarket or Ulta for $6.11. 

 

John Frieda Frizz Ease Original 6 Effects Serum

Every woman knows that humidity is a recipe for a hair disaster. Beat bad weather to the punch and banish frizz with this silicone-based serum. Bonus: This product will give you extra shiny locks while protecting your hair from harmful UV rays. Awards: Allure Best of Beauty 2006 and 2005; Best of Beauty Hall of Fame 2011; Readers’ Choice 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2007, 2004 and 2003 Find it at your local drugstore, supermarket or Ulta for $9.99.

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