Walgreens is my homey. Or whatever the appropriate version of what the kids are saying these days would be. I love it – it’s clean and organized, the employees are the nicest, and there are always great deals to be had.
Drugstores can really be a treasure trove for someone on a budget (like me). There are so many mass-market products these days that are top-notch, just as good if not better than the pricier alternatives.
We have a Walgreens right around the corner from us and their Balance Rewards program is second to none. I’m there 2-3 times a week already, picking up prescriptions (long story, may blog about it eventually) and it’s SO hard not to detour to the beauty section. And, you know, sometimes I give in to that inner voice.
Here are a few things I picked up over the past month or so…
Aveeno Positively Ageless facial scrub: I bought this when Aveeno was offering rewards point for buying two products. I also had a coupon for $2 off, and bought this scrub and some makeup wipes for next to nothing. I like this product because it really feels like it’s working but it doesn’t strip my skin or leave it feeling dry. A great addition to my arsenal of skin care products, and it smells great, too.
Aveeno makeup wipes: I have become quite the fan of makeup remover wipes and had been wanting to try these out. One thing that really stands out is the packaging – oftentimes, wipes are packaged with a “peel back” sticker that, theoretically, is supposed to re-stick and keep the wipes in good shape until you are ready to use them again. But more often than not, I get down to the last 5 wipes or so, only to find that they are completely dried up. The Aveeno packaging is a plastic “pop-top” design that is much better suited to keep the wipes moist. Oh, and, they work great, too. One wipe is all it takes to get every last morsel of makeup off – even heavy eye makeup.
Bumble & Bumble styling lotion: This was another clearance find – priced at $2.50 versus the regular retail price of $26.00. A total steal. It’s not up on the Walgreens website (although, when I did a search for bumble products, this little gem popped up) so I’ve linked to the Amazon website instead. I’d liken this to a cross between a detangler and pre-styler. I can use it on wet hair and then go to bed, waking up with waves, or I can use it as a foundation for other products when I want to blow my hair out straight. Bumble & Bumble has never let me down, and this styling lotion is no exception.
Frederic Fekkai glossing serum: My hair in one word, after using this product – flawless. Glossy, shiny, hair perfection. And it works well in both ways for me – on naturally dried hair for glossy waves, and on blown out hair for a sleek look. Another clearance bin score – $2.00 for a 3.4 ounce bottle, versus the full retail price of $24.00.
Frederic Fekkai set (shampoo, conditioner, hair mask): I tried the Technician hair color line a few years ago and loved everything about it. It makes my hair shiny and lovely looking (and really, who isn’t after lovely looking hair?) and the smell is divine. I used my Rewards Points for this and consider this a splurge-worthy set of products. I just love how these products make my hair look.
L’Oreal Overnight Repairing Balm: I am in LOVE with this stuff. I picked it up in the clearance section for just a few dollars. It’s a treatment designed to leave your hair stronger and healthier-looking, and it works overnight. I’ve incorporated this into my hair care routine (which I WILL blog about at some point). This is great for my hair, especially on days 2 and 3 after a shampoo when I’m using dry shampoo in my roots, but my ends are getting dry. I just twist some of this through at night and wake up to great-looking hair the following morning. Lazy beauty routines – my fave!
How about you – any great drugstore steals or splurges lately?