Drugstore Recessionista Picks

In general, I really do feel that you get what you pay for. I don't care how inexpensive Cover Girl lipstick is, it will just not do for you what Nars or MAC or Bobbi Brown will do.

However, a recent concentration on being more thrifty sent me on a search for drugstore products that could rival what I usually purchase in department or specialty stores.

I hoped I would be satisfied with what I found; I didn't expect that I would actually prefer my drugstore finds to their more expensive counterparts.

But I swear to you, I do.

Here are the items I suggest you purchase immediately....

This shampoo/conditioner is good, not incredible. It's sulfate-free though, which is almost impossible to find in drugstores.

I love this face wash. It's gentle enough for my sensitive skin and doesn't feel overly drying. I broke up with Dr. Hauschka for Neutrogena, but Dr. H was just too dang expensive!

This is the best lip balm ever, hands down. Don't mess with $20 pots of clear gloss, just go spend $1.99 on classic Chapstick. It has to be the classic kind though, black label. The other kinds just aren't the same. I also like it because of how nostalgic it makes me feel. I used to find it in my dad's work pockets or on his dresser among loose change and tire parts.

I've struggled to find the right moisturizer for years ... and I found it at the drugstore. I use both the Positively Radiant and Ultra-Calming lotions. They are both great, and used in tandem (one in morning, one at night), phenomenal.

This might sound strange, but I wipe my face with alcohol at morning and at night. I used to see a facialist once a month to keep my stress breakouts under control. When I had to trim her out of my budget, I panicked. Turning to the internet for at-home remedies, I read about the benefits of alcohol for breakouts on the decolletage. And I decided to try it on my face. I can count on one hand the number of breakouts I've had since starting this practice. And if I do get a spot, I can usually take care of it by the next day. This is the single most fabulous trick I know of.

Now, go to Rite-Aid, or Fred Meyer, or Walgreens or wherever and stock up!