Top 10 Beauty Products to Score at Dollar Stores

Since our family has resolved to spend less and save more in 2011, we've changed the ways we shop includes where we buy our beauty products and cosmetics. No more pricey department store makeup for us, these days our beauty supplies are coming from our local dollar store.

One thing about dollar store shopping is that each type of store has it's own niche. While Dollar Tree tends to carry the same consistent merchandise, locally owned dollar stores are a bit more hit or miss. It's at the locally owned stores however where our family scores great beauty products made by Loreal and Cover Girl, when they are available that is.

When shopping for dollar store beauty products, my teen daughter and I follow two simple rules:
--We don't buy cosmetics, shampoos, or lotions made in China
--We're willing to try every product at least once

Keeping those two rules in mind, here's our top 10 beauty products to score at dollar stores.

1. Loreal lipsticks. These normally retail at drug stores for $8.50 each and are a real bargain when you can find them.

2. Maybelline mascara which can run up to $5 elsewhere.

3. Cosmetic foam wedges for blending foundations. Normally packaged at 48 for $6, Dollar Tree stocks them at 24 for $1.

4. Large bath scrubbies which are identical to the ones we've seen elsewhere for $5.

5. Emery board sets packaged in just about every configuration. I recently bought 30 of what I call the '˜traditional" emery boards for $1.

6. Last season's Cover Girl pressed face powders will also turn up at dollar stores from time-to-time and are worth stocking up on.

7. 4 way pedicure pumice brush. Compared to $10 (and more) elsewhere, Dollar Tree has the best pedicure brush I've ever used. This four sided brush has a pumice stone, emery paper, metal heel scrapers, and a scrub brush all in one.

8. VO5 shampoos. Salon shampoos are totally out of the budget for our family, which is why we've switched to VO5. At $1 a bottle, it's the best shampoo bargain out there today.

9. Sally Hansen fingernail polish. The Sally Hansen products are the ones I prefer, while my daughter likes the more colorful NYC line. At $1 a jar, these are also a great bargain.

10. Hair Bands, clips, and more. Rounding up the list of budget priced beauty products are hair bands, scrunchies, hair clips, and other hair accessories. Most dollar stores have an amazing selection of hair accessories that are comparable to popular teen and tween shops such as Forever 21 and Claire's.