Beauty Products: 10 for Less Than $10

I personally know all about the high cost of beauty. What woman does not? I am afraid to add up what I have spent on beauty products in the last year alone. I have learned, however, that the most expensive beauty product is not always the best. Here is my list of the top ten beauty products that cost less than $10.

By now we have all heard of mineral makeup, seen the before and after pictures, and know that the result is a near-flawless complexion. Most mineral foundations are costly, but I found one that is equal in every way to the high priced versions. Wet n Wild has created the Natural Wear line of mineral makeups, with foundations costing just $5, available at your local drugstore Wet n Wild kiosk. The Natural Wear Mineral Foundation comes in shades that you can wear alone, or mix to match your skin tone. This product does one-up the more expensive versions in one way; powder foundation and mini kabuki brush are contained together for an easy addition to your makeup bag.

I decided that I was the owner of fine lines at the age of 20. This led to a few years searching for the perfect highlighter and concealer duo. I shudder to think about the many wasted dollars spent on products that did not deliver. Then it happened. At a buy one, get one sale (my favorite kind of sale), I decided to try the Maybelline Age Rewind Double Face Perfecter. This dual concealing and highlighting product covers and brightens for just $7.50 at www.drugstore.com, or at your local drugstore. What else could a girl ask for?

If you are like me and love the look of gel eyeliner, but hate the price, look once again to the Wet n Wild kiosk at your local CVS or Rite Aid. The Wet n Wild Gel Eyeliner in Black is a satiny, smudge resistant formula that comes with a slanted applicator for subtle or bold lines. The cost is just under $5, and you will find that you get more product than most of the more expensive gel eyeliner offer.

Who does not want a perfect, plump pout like Angelina? I have tried many plumping lip glosses, stopping just short of having collagen injections. I found one product that plumps, colors, and moisturizes. Sally Hansen Healing Beauty Plumping Lip Gloss costs just $8 at Walgreen's or at www.drugstore.com, and it has a pleasant spearmint flavor. I prefer the Plumping Lip Gloss in Clearly Amorous, but there are many shades to choose from.

When searching for an eyeshadow palette that fits into my under $10 beauty product budget, I once again chose the Sally Hanson Natural Beauty Instant Definition Eye Shadow Palette for $8 at www.drugstore.com. The palette includes three colors (I use Amethyst) for brow bone, crease, and lid, as well as an applicator and mirror all in one makeup bag friendly compact.

It is that time of year again when I want a bronzed look without the damage to my skin. Many bronzing products that I have tried appeared orange, or faded as the day wore on. I prefer a natural looking glow, so it was Rimmel Natural Bronze, Sun Bronze to the rescue. This powder formula emulates a natural tan for that sun-kissed glow that we crave for only $5.79 at CVS, or at www.drugstore.com. For a natural look, use a large blush brush to trace an E shape from eyebrow, cheekbone, and jawbone.

Mascara is the one beauty product that I just can't get enough of, and I have been know to use as many as 4 brands at one time to get the lush lashes that I want. Maybelline Great Lash Big Mascara in Blackest Black gives you dark, long, full lashes in one product for $5.99 at CVS, Walgreen's, Rite Aid, or www.drugstore.com. The best thing is that right now, www.drugstore.com has a buy one, get one 50% off sale on this beauty product.

I am a home manicure fiend, and always on the lookout for new polishes. On a recent drugstore shopping trip, I spotted Sinful Colors Professional Nail Enamel by Mirage Cosmetics. At $2.50 a bottle, I stocked up and was not disappointed. The Base Coat dried quickly and provided a perfect surface for the nail enamel to adhere to. The Top Shine protected my manicure for a full week. My Sinful Colors Nail Enamel of choice? Number 314, Beautiful Girl, of course. You can find this beauty product at Walgreen's or at www.sinfulcolors.com.

Applicator brushes are another beauty product that I tend to splurge on. You can never have enough shapes and sizes of applicators. Lucky for me, Sinful Colors by Mirage Cosmetics has a luxurious line of professional cosmetics applicators that fit into my under $10 budget. The prices range from $3 for a lip brush, to $8.50 for a powder brush and are available at www.sinfulcolors.com .

I am rough on my hair. It has been kind to me, never abandoning me to the world of wigs, and doing its best not to turn into an unmanageable mess, so I like to return the favor. In addition to my Aussie Moist Shampoo and Conditioner, I like to give my hair little treats. Aussie 3 Minute Miracle, Sydney Treatment costs just $4.49, at any drugstore, and makes up for most of the things that I put my hair through. It has an amazing fragrance in addition to its healing properties. Use it at least once a week to get the full benefit of this beauty product.