Six Current Favorites Under $12

Ideally, I’d run into my local Sephora or Harmon, get a basket and grab anything and everything off the shelves Supermarket Sweep-style. (Gotta love a 90s game show reference!) Unfortunately, I can’t do that and still afford to live, so instead I treat myself every so often to a new makeup or beauty item. The best finds are those that are both great quality and inexpensive. Here I’ve compiled a list of my current favorite products, each under $12, so you too can treat yo’ self on the cheap.

1: Boots Botanics Organic Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm ($8.49): This is a must-have on those days I’m wearing a full face of makeup, which, if I’m being honest, isn’t often (because I’m lazy). Still, I’m happy to have this product in my arsenal. It dissolves everything from heavy coverage foundation to a dark lipstick to layers of mascara. It rinses clean and leaves the skin smooth, bare and ready for bed.

2: Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge ($5.99): The Beauty Blender is great and all, but it’s also kinda expensive for a makeup tool that needs frequent replacing. This sponge is a spot-on dupe for the Beauty Blender from its texture to its performance. The only difference is the shape and I prefer the Miracle Complexion Sponge’s shape because the flat, angled side helps to smooth foundation onto the cheeks and chin.

3: Caudalie Lip Conditioner ($12): This is a lovely lip balm from a luxurious skincare brand. It makes the act of chapped lip prevention a little bit fancier.

4: Make Up For Ever Mist & Fix ($12 for 1.01 ounces): I have three favorite setting sprays: Urban Decay’s All Nighter, ELF’s Mist & Set and this one from Make Up For Ever. I like them all, but this one is my current favorite (and that’s why it made the list!) and I’ve been using it every day that I wear makeup. It has a fine mist so the product is evenly distributed over the skin and it takes away any traces of excessive powder instantly.

5: Maybelline Face Studio Master Conceal Camouflaging Concealer ($8.99): I’ve been using Maybelline concealers for many years and I’ve liked all of them. The brand just knows how to make quality concealers. This is a high-coverage concealer ideal for masking under eye circles and dark spots. It’s also thick enough to be used as a liquid highlight or for the inverted triangle method of concealing.

6: Noxzema Spa Shave 4-Blade Disposable Razors ($5.79): I never thought I’d add razors to a favorites list, but here we are. While these razors don’t have great reviews over on Amazon and drugstore.com, I’ve added them to this list for two reasons. First, I like them (or they wouldn’t be here) and have been using them on and off since this past summer. They deliver a close shave and don’t irritate the sensitive areas, like the underarms. Second, they’re great travel razors because they’re inexpensive, lightweight and travel well tucked into a carry-on bag. A good disposable razor is ideal for travel because your favorite at-home razor with replacement heads is likely too clunky. I traveled with these Noxzema razors everywhere I visited since May and they’re now a staple in my travel makeup bag.