Yes, it's true, I am mostly a high-end girl when it comes to beauty - and not because I like to spend more money that I don't have! Au contraire, I will never be above a great find in a drugstore - and a steal in a discount place makes my heart go a flutter!
During New York Fashion Week last month, I went to a beauty lounge sponsored by CVS at Robert Verdi's fabulous Luxe Laboratory (more about Luxe Laboratory soon :)
Most people think of very, very expensive products when it comes to fashion week, but I have to say, mass market was out in force. Along with CVS at Luxe Laboratory, McDonald's served free (delicious) cappucinos in the tents at Bryant Park and Maybelline was the official makeup sponsor for the week. A CVS rep made a good point to me when she said that she felt the mass market brands saw the door was wide open in this economic climate to dive into events like fashion week (which is indeed glamorous, but it is really just a big ole' industry convention - not unlike accountants getting together annually). I think once the economy truly recovers, drugstore brands will stay in the spotlight because they have improved dramatically over the years and, basically, "high-low" (Jimmy Choo at H&M anyone?) is here to stay.
My drugstore staples have remained pretty constant through the years, but one thing they have in common? I can't do any better with a high-end version in my opinion. For instance, Pond's Cleansing Wipes is a long-time favorite of mine (the proper name is Pond's Clean Sweep, Original Clean Wet Cleansing Towelettes but my brain has yet to record it.) I have tried all kinds of towelettes from the generic drugstore brands to the fancy schmancy $15-$20 versions and I always go back. As for a staple like deodorant, I have yet to find a designer deodorant that, um, worked. I'll stick to Soft and Dri, thanks. If I like the scent that much, I'll just wear the fragrance!
Best drugstore buy is Sally Hansen Natural Beauty inspired by Carmindy! Natural and paraben-free!
Posted by: Tanya | 2009.10.20 at 08:07 PM