With the holidays coming up, now is the time to tighten up the belt. A general rule of the season is that you should wait to buy things for yourself until the holidays are over. That way, you don’t run the risk of having someone give you something that you bought for yourself. However, beauty essentials run out whenever they want, regardless of whether or not they are in your budget. Here are some products that will help you stay refreshed and beautiful without eating into your holiday shopping budget.
Moisturizer
In Colorado, moisturizer is a winter necessity. The cold, dry air saps moisture from your skin. To compensate, skin can become oily as it tries to rehydrate. It can also go into the other direction and become flaky. If you aren’t on a La Mer budget, try Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer ($17 Walgreens). This product soothes sensitive skin and helps to calm irritation. If you are a snowboarder who is constantly exposed to sun and wind, this is a great product to use the next day. It also contains an SPF 15, so layer it under an SPF foundation for double protection.
Foundation
Running out of foundation when you’re tight on cash is never fun. Foundation is like a great pair of jeans. Once you find one that makes you look great, you really don’t want any other. Drugstore foundation can be daunting. Some formulas don’t cover as well as more high end brands, and they can end up looking greasy by the end of the day. If you need foundation right this second, try Neutrogena Healthy Skin Foundation ($13 Ulta). This lightweight formula gives great coverage without looking cakey. Long wearing, it evens skin tone and blends well. It also contains SPF 20, so you can layer it with a moisturizer and add extra sun protection.
Face Wash
This is one of those staples for which you do not have to spend a lot of money. Many of the drugstore formulas on the market work as well as more expensive products. Stocked with soothing botanicals, Basis Cleaner Face Wash ($6 Walgreens) is a great product for removing the daily grind from your face at the end of the day. This cleanser is great for many skin types, and leaves your skin feeling clean and fresh.
Beauty doesn’t have to cost a ton of money. At this time of year, when money is typically tighter, it’s important to rein in your spending and leave your splurges for the new year. Thankfully, drugstore products are improving by leaps and bounds, so you don’t have to break the bank for quality products.
