How To Buy Drugstore Makeup

There are all kinds of upsides to buying your cosmetics at the drug or grocery store: there are no pushy salespeople vying for commission, you can get everything you need in a one-stop shop, and, most importantly, you won’t spend a mint on makeup. Unfortunately, most drugstore cosmetics are sealed, so sometimes it’s difficult to know what you’re getting. Luckily, makeup companies are making it easier than ever to save on cosmetics and get a product you love. To save some serious dough on makeup, all you have to do is:

1. Follow your color cues. Almay's Intense i-Color Shadow Trios ($6.99) are designed to flatter your eye color, and L’Oreal codes all their L'Oreal's True Match Foundations ($8.99) according to your skin tone (cool, neutral and warm).

2. Know when to splurge and when to save. Mascaras are pretty much the same across the board, and it’s a good idea to replace them every three months. So why spend more than $20 when you can get a staple like Maybelline Great Lash Mascara ($3.50) or my favorite, Cover Girl Lash Exact ($7.25) for a fraction of that?

Lipsticks are another safe drugstore bet. L'Oreal Color Juice ($7.50) is manufactured by the same company that makes Lancome’s Juicy Tubes for ten dollars more. Save your money for higher-end moisturizers and compact powder where pigment density matters.

3. Buy smart. CVS , Wal-Mart , Rite Aid and Ulta will all accept returns on opened makeup that has failed to live up to your rigorous beauty standards.

Have a tip or a bargain beauty buy to recommend? Leave a comment with your advice.