I don’t know about you, but after a month of shopping for Christmas gifts, my bank account is in serious need of some saving. As part of my effort to save up as well as push against the blogger narrative that you always need to be buying things/have new things, I’ve challenged myself to create new outfits with items I already own every single day for the rest of the month. I’ll be sharing these each day on Instagram stories, and I think once I wrap the month, I’ll post them all here for you, as well.

In addition to making a concerted effort not to buy any clothing this month, I’ve been carefully crafting a list of drugstore products I’ve tried that are just as good as (if not better than) high end products. I’ve been working to incorporate more affordable options into my lifestyle–especially the items that I use every day. That budget life will be reigning supreme over here this year in order to make way for bigger goals that Rich and I have. If you’re in the same boat or just looking to try more drugstore products, maybe give some of these a try.

Best Drugstore Products

Instead of… Glossier’s Boy Brow ($16)

Try: NYX Professional Makeup Tinted Brow Mascara ($7.50) 

I love a soft, thick brow look that comes off as natural, rather than razor sharp. I’ve been using the NYX brow mascara for well over a year, and after trying Glossier’s Boy Brow, I find that I like NYX’s version better. The applicator is a bit bigger than Glossier’s, so I’m able to get the full brow look in less time than with the high end version. And it definitely lasts twice as long, since the tube is bigger.

Instead of… NARS Radiant Concealer ($30)

Try: Revlon Youth FX Fill + Blur Concealer ($12.50)

Normally I steer clear of drugstore concealers, because they’re either too watery or too cake-y. I bought this Revlon concealer on a whim when I had to head to an event after getting lash extensions done and realized I forgot to bring my makeup with me to put on after my appointment. It was like fate stepped in and handed me the best concealer I’ve ever used. Yes, ever. And that’s coming from someone who used to work in makeup at Sephora. It’s got the creamiest texture that blends seamlessly, and it works all over my face, including brightening up the blue circles I have under my eyes. I’ve been an evangelist for this on my Instagram stories for months. My best friend gave it a try last month, and now she’s a convert, too.

Instead of… Dr. Jart+ Water Replenishment Sheet Mask ($7.50 each)

Try: Neutrogena Moisturizing Hydro Boost Hydrating Face Mask ($2.99 each)

This is the sheet mask of all sheet masks for hydration. I tried this for the first time when I was visiting home for Christmas last year. The below zero temperatures and dry-air heating system had my skin was in desperate need of all the moisture I could get. Unlike a lot of sheet masks, this one is made of a unique hydrogel material that locks in the serum that’s on the mask, rather than evaporating. I like to stockpile these by getting the pack 12 for $30.

Instead of… Urban Decay Born To Run Eyeshadow Palette ($49)

Try: Pacifica Cosmic Reflect Hemp Infused Eyeshadows ($19)

Pacifica was kind enough to send along a trove of makeup for me to use for the editorial spreads I did in the last issue of my digital magazine, including this eyeshadow palette, which left me pleasantly surprised. Eyeshadow is another product I typically don’t buy from the drugstore because I find it’s not very pigmented and tends to crease after like an hour. This palette surpassed my expectations by offering highly pigmented, shimmery shadows in a variety of fun shades. They stay on really well when you put a little concealer underneath them. I couldn’t get over how well it compared to the Urban Decay palette.

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