I am not a makeup guru or a beauty blogger but when I find a product I love, I am loyal for life. Plus, I like to think I only give out quality recommendations for things I swear by. I thought it would be fun to share with you guys my must have beauty products! I know sometimes you need to spring for the investment in quality beauty products. However, I think there are plenty out there that are great quality AND don’t break the bank. Seriously y’all, some of these are items that I will legitimately rearrange my day to go purchase if I am getting low because I will not go a day without them.
This post may contain affiliate links. This means that I may make a small commission if you choose to purchase through some of the linked items below. This does not affect pricing for you. All opinions are my own.
So without further ado, these are my must have beauty products under $25:
1. Jergens Natural Glow 3 Days to Glow Moisturizer for Body, Medium to Tan Skin Tones, 4 Ounces
Self tanning lotion that actually works… what a concept. I am obsessed with this stuff y’all. It smells amazing and it actually works! If you apply it 3 days in a row, you will be measurably tanner. If you use it 6 days in a row, you will likely become borderline orange so fair warning, that’s how well it works.
Make sure you rub it in well and wash your hands well after. If you are fair skinned but can usually build a tan outdoors, I would still get the medium to tan color. If you are really light skinned and can’t tan at all, maybe consider the fair to medium color.
It used to be sold at Publix, Target, and Ulta but I cannot find it anywhere anymore. I buy it from Amazon now. I’ve loved this product for awhile but especially as of late as I am trying to give up tanning beds forever…. don’t judge me I know how terrible it is for you.
2. Clinique Soft Pressed Powder Blush
Specifically, in the color Plum Gorgeous. Listen I know we all have different skin tones but I have seen this color on multiple people and it always looks good. My mom has been wearing it for my entire life. I used to use hers in high school. But when I went away to college, I was balling on a budget so I tried to buy drug store blush. Y’all I ended up with 15 different colors and brands of blush that all looked awful. I don’t know why this particular brand and color is so good but it is. I think $25 seems a little steep for an accessory beauty product but it lasts awhile and I believe it’s worth every penny!
Also, I would like to just add that I think blush is an underrated beauty product. I know contour has become huge (and I am totally here for it) but I love me some blush. It’s such a good addition to your makeup routine and this particular color seems to make everyone have that slightly sun kissed vibe.
3. Anastasia Beverly Hills – Brow Wiz – Medium Brown
Alright y’all, I know this isn’t groundbreaking information but it deserved its mention. I have been using this eyebrow pencil since the beginning of college and even on my poorest days, I scavenged money to buy it if I ran out. I have never found an eyebrow pencil that worked better. If you are anywhere in the brown hair family, I think medium brown is your go-to. It’s only the black hair and blonde hair that need to go to a different color.
It’s easy to use and doesn’t go on too heavy. The thicker your eyebrows are, the better it stays on. My eyebrows are super thin and it stays put well, as long as I don’t touch them. If I try to twist up the pencil and realize I’m almost out, I will rearrange my day to make a stop at Ulta or Sephora. 1. because I don’t go anywhere without my eyebrows filled. And 2. because there is no comparable drugstore option in my opinion.
4. Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Facial Moisturizer
If you hate Neutrogena and swear by high end skin care, don’t come after me for this one. I am dying to invest in Rodan and Fields skincare but we all have different financial priorities and goals. In the meantime, I really like this face lotion. I have combination skin where the T zone is pretty oily and then the area around my mouth and chin gets dry easily. This moisturizer has really helped. Its thin and doesn’t seem to make me break out while still moisturizing the dry parts of my face too.
It has a convenient little pump dispenser that locks easily to travel with. It smells good and seems to last me awhile, probably about 3 months or so because you don’t need much to do your whole face and neck. I’ve used tons of other drug store face lotions and this has definitely been my favorite!
5. Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Lip Plumper
Okay so the travel size is under $25. The full size is $29. I purchased my travel size in the impulse buy section of Ulta and it has lasted me awhile and fits easier in my purse or pocket. Listen, I know a lip plumper is not a need. But I love it. If you don’t like the tingly/burning sensation that comes from plumpers, this is not for you. However, that sensation is exactly what works. I don’t even have thin lips, I just like to add a little extra fullness. Plus, the plumping ingredient also makes your lips more red. I love this for when I want something on my lips but a colored lipstick is too much. Plus, as far as glosses go, it’s not super thick and sticky… praise!
6. OGX Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco
This is another one of my must have beauty products that I do not go a day without. As most of you know I have naturally curly hair, which of course can be wildly hard to manage. This oil has been a game changer. I know that this one is certainly more helpful to any of my fellow curly headed friends. However, I still use it when my hair is straightened! It’s perfect for rubbing a little in while your hair is still damp before straightening, as well as to manage fly aways when your hair is dry.
For my curly/wavy friends, I use a ton of this because my hair absorbs it like a sponge. It doesn’t really make my hair oily like it likely would if you used too much on straight hair. I use this when my hair is wet before styling. It helps maintain my natural curl and minimize the stringy pieces. I also use it the following days after styling to cut down on frizzing from sleep/the gym/life.
If you’re looking to mix up your beauty routine, try some of these must have beauty products! Y’all know I would never steer you wrong. If you do use them, tag me on my Instagram @TheRelatableRed and let me know what you think!
Do you have a “balling on a budget” beauty product that you don’t go a day without? Comment and tell me below! I am always looking for new products to try.
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Thank you for all of your love and support friends.
