splurge vs. steal: mascara

As much as I love buying expensive beauty products because of the luxury associated with them, there are some amazing, cheap drugstore options.

The one thing that deters me from trying a new product at a drugstore is that you can't test out the product before purchasing because everything is sealed in its package. However, Walgreens will allow you to return a used cosmetic product if you're unsatisfied with it. 

Some times I stumble upon amazing drugstore products when I'm traveling and forget to pack something important, like eyeliner or concealer. Most of the time when I purchase a drugstore cosmetic it's because it was recommended to me personally, was mentioned on a blog or mentioned in an article.

I have two favorite mascaras: one is They're Real by Benefit and the other is L'Oreal Voluminous. They both make my eyelashes look longer and thicker, but L'Oreal is less than half the price (and maybe even better). I don't usually purchase They're Real - it's given to me as a gift about once a year but I wouldn't buy it myself because it's not better than some drugstore options.

battle of the wands

It's more difficult to justify buying expensive mascara because mascara is something that you should throw out about every three months, so it doesn't last long. For now I'm loyal to my drugstore L'Oreal mascara, but then again, I haven't tried DiorShow yet.

santa baby

Is it too early to start talking about Christmas? Probably. But I'm going to do it anyway because I can't keep my beauty wish list to myself anymore!

This is Part One of the beauty products I want pray to find in my stocking or wrapped up under the tree this year:

all images from www.sephora.com

• Clinique All About Eyes - I have used this before at the Clinique makeup counter, and nothing even comes close for me. I don't struggle with super dark under-eye circles, but often lack sleep and need some help with "puffy eye bags." I don't even care if this stuff doesn't make me look more awake because I feel more awake. And that's all that really matters, right?

  
  
• Stila Stay All Day liquid eyeliner - I've come back full swing and am obsessed with mastering the cat eye, once again. It's a classic look, looks awesome during the day AND night, and is simply pretty. I usually buy super cheap liquid liner from the drugstore, but I think a higher-quality liner stays on longer and will ultimately look better. Meow.

• Benefit They're Real! mascara - This is my holy grail mascara to date. I got it by surprise for Christmas last year and fell head over heels for it (don't tell my boyfriend), and have to have it for my stubby/short eyelashes.

I will probably add half of Sephora to my Beauty Wish List before Christmas, but these are the three products I have to have. I'm going to be extra nice the next month...