January 2022

When people ask how I spend my money, my answer is always beauty products, and it’s been that way for as long as I can remember. The desk in my college dorm room was filled with makeup and haircare products and basically every penny of my first job went to building out my beauty collection. However, this doesn’t mean that I’ve always spent my money on the likes of Pat McGrath Labs and Natasha Denona, and I still have quite an affinity for drugstore beauty products years later.

There’s no better feeling than roaming the beauty aisles of Target, aimlessly checking out every display, from new products to old favorites, and I’m not the only one at The Everygirl HQ who feels this way. I tapped our whole team for their favorite drugstore products—hair, skin, makeup, and body—and they delivered. 

 

Skin

Versed

Cleansing Balm

I would literally buy anything and everything Versed releases (and typically do TBH). The products are high-quality, non-toxic, cruelty-free, incredibly affordable, and look cute on your bathroom counter (AKA it checks every box). My Target trips have become wildly more exciting since they started selling this Instagram-favorite brand. In particular, this cleansing balm is highest on my list of can’t-live-without products. It seamlessly melts away even the toughest of makeup without stripping away moisture from the skin.

I also love it because I’m a big fan of double cleansing (especially when I do wear makeup), but an oil cleanser can be harder to travel with and control the amount you’re using. Since this is a balm, it won’t spill all over your suitcase, but when you rub a little bit between your fingers, it melts into a creamy, milky, oily consistency that hydrates the skin while melting off makeup and cleansing pores.

— Josie Santi, Wellness Editor

Burt's Bees

Peach & Willow Bark Deep Pore Scrub

I’m a huge fan of chemical exfoliants (I indulge in toners, peels, and treatments), but sometimes there’s nothing more satisfying than a physical scrub to slough off (what feels like) a layer of dead skin and leave your complexion incredibly soft. This one is made with more naturally derived ingredients than other variations, and I like that the exfoliating element comes from ground peach stone (#natural) instead of those little beads that are bad for the environment and for your skin. It also contains willow bark, which is a natural source of salicylic acid, so you’re getting both physical and acid exfoliation without being too harsh on the skin.

But the best part? It’s under $8 and lasts for months since you only need to use it once every one to two weeks.

— Josie Santi, Wellness Editor

 

 

Makeup

L'Oreal

True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum

On a random serotonin-boost CVS trip, I picked this up on a complete whim, not having heard anything about it. Y'all, this foundation is magic.

This has a light-to-medium coverage with a perfect radiant, natural finish. My skin looks like I just stepped out of a red-carpet facial appointment at golden hour. The glow isn't blinding; it's my skin but 847237 times better. I have combo skin and have no issues with this clinging to dry patches or getting oily, so it passes the test for pretty much every skin type. This might be the best foundation I've used in years—drugstore or high-end.

— Beth Gillette, Beauty Content Manager

Maybelline

Dark Circles Concealer

This concealer became part of my makeup routine around the same time as the pink and green Great Lash mascara, but unlike the mascara, this concealer is here to stay. It is perfect for dark undereyes and any blemishes I want to cover, and the coverage is buildable for days where I can use a little extra help. Plus at only $10, this will always be a staple in my collection.

— Jessica Jones, Social Media Editor

e.l.f

Perfect Finish HD Powder

I don’t have too much to say about this stuff other than the fact that I’ve re-bought it maybe three times now. As far as pressed setting powders go, this Perfect Finish HD Powder performs super well. It helps me control shine without making me look cakey and doesn’t flash back in photos, and for that reason, I simply don’t see the need to venture out to find any higher-end options.

— Ashley Selleke, Branded Content Editor

Flower Beauty

Blush Bomb Color Drops

This cream blush dropped on the scene before the market was saturated with a million products, but it still stands the test of time. This is a serum blush, so it's incredibly lightweight and buildable. The shade "Bubbly" is the perfect blushy pink that I can wear all year long. If pigmented blushes scare you, try this one—it's perfect for beginners and cream blush veterans alike.

— Beth Gillette, Beauty Content Manager

NYX

Soft Cheek Tint Blush

After I first watched the Madison Beer x Vogue makeup tutorial where she used the Charlotte Tilbury blush wand, I (like the rest of the world) was disappointed to find that it was sold out everywhere. I bought this cream blush in the meantime to hold me over, and while I wouldn’t consider it a direct dupe (it performs with a more matte finish), I absolutely love using this stuff. It’s super pigmented, stays all day, and boasts a doe-foot applicator that makes application clean and easy.

— Ashley Selleke, Branded Content Editor

Rimmel

Liquid Eye Liner

Anyone who knows me knows that a subtle winged eye is my signature, so as you can imagine, I’ve had to make my way through a lot of liquid eyeliners before I found the one. After trying just about every liquid liner ever, I have decided that this one is my absolute favorite. The brush is extremely fine and thin, allowing for an easy application and easy way to perfect your winged look. I love that this is not a pen, as I find the color from liquid pens dry out quicker and fades as the day goes on.

— Andi Wynter, Social Media Coordinator

COVERGIRL

LashBlast Mascara

As much as I try not to love this mascara, I can’t. I have tried many mascaras, and every time I buy a new one, I always revert back to the Covergirl Clump Crusher. I know it has mixed reviews, but I personally have always loved it because it builds volume easily while not clumping any of my eyelashes together.

— Kirra Bento, Graphic Designer

Maybelline

Lash Sensational Mascara

I’ve tried almost all of the most-loved mascaras out there, and this one is still probably my favorite. I love the full-fan effect and gorgeous length it gives my lashes without being clumpy and over the top. For the affordable price, this is a mascara you should definitely pick up next.

— Keely Geist, Sr. Social Media Editor

L'Oreal

Double Extend Mascara

I am a mascara connoisseur, and unfortunately, I've shelled out a lot of money on high-end mascaras—and this one truly beats them all. It somehow manages to lengthen, give volume, and make my eyelashes look fluffy, all at once. It truly is the best mascara I’ve ever used at any price point, ever. I use it every single day and have never been disappointed.

— Maddie Galassi, Fashion Editor

Maybelline

Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

I had seen this mascara all over TikTok for a while before I tried it for myself in our drugstore mascara review. It earned the #1 spot, and I’ve been using it religiously ever since. I love it because it's one of the only mascaras I’ve ever tried that provides both volume and length without getting clumpy or heavy on my lashes. It also does not transfer under my eyes at all (even after wearing it all day), which is something I’ve always really struggled with. It has a skinny silicone wand with lots of short bristles, which makes for super easy, natural-looking application. I do have to say, however, that the waterproof version of this mascara is not great—definitely go with the washable!

— Jess Welsh, Associate Editor

Milani

Clear Brow Gel

Clear brow gel is one of my absolute must-have makeup products because on those days when I don’t really want to wear makeup, a swipe of brow gel and a quick curl of the lashes can make me feel a little more alive. I picked up this Milani one on a random trip to Target one day, and I have since repurchased it multiple times. It provides all-day hold without being too sticky or tacky, and I would say it holds up even better than some of the high-end brow gels I’ve tried.

— Jess Welsh, Associate Editor

NYX

Butter Gloss

NYX Butter Gloss is a cult favorite and for good reason. Every time I go into a CVS, I buy a new color, and it is quite honestly the only lip gloss I use. Tiramisu, Fortune Cookie, and Praline are my most used, but I even have the black one that I break out every Halloween. I am truly obsessed, and I promise you will be too.

— Jessica Jones, Social Media Editor

NYX

Creamy Long-Lasting Lip Liner

For some reason, I forget about lip liner until I actually need it, but these NYX lip liners have come in handy for years now. With a wide color range and a creamy and comfortable consistency, I know that these are the best base for any other lipstick, stain, or gloss. I also love that they're so easy to find and that I can pop into any CVS to pick a new color or stock up on my fave shade.

— Bella Gil, Editorial Intern

ColourPop

Lip Tint

This is the best product I have ever purchased. For the days you don't feel like wearing anything on your lips but still need a subtle color, this is the one. It's super moisturizing and looks natural yet still makes all the difference. It also smells so good—it kind of reminds me of a grown-up LipSmacker of some sorts (without glitter flecks and with a tint that actually lasts).

— Bella Gil, Editorial Intern

Maybelline

Lifter Lip Gloss

I am not kidding when I tell you that every single one of my friends and I are absolutely obsessed with this lip gloss. It’s made with hyaluronic acid, so it instantly hydrates, smooths, and plumps your lips, and it has a large applicator that makes putting it on super easy and fast. All I’m saying is that people better watch out when I’m wearing this because it gives me an instant confidence boost that no other lip product can.

— Jess Welsh, Associate Editor

 

 

Hair

As I Am

Curling Jelly Definer

As someone with alot of very curly hair, I go through products as if it is my full-time job. I absolutely cannot afford to spend $30 on a bottle of gel when I inevitably run out in three weeks. The As I Am Curling Jelly turned out to be the perfect solution to all my styling woes. It has a strong hold, so my curls stay perfectly defined for days, and it’s half the cost of salon-tier alternatives. This stuff is so good, I buy it in bulk and seriously fear the possibility it may one day be discontinued.

— Garri Chaverst, Managing Editor

SheaMoisture

Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

For my curly-haired girls, this has been my go-to hair cream for years. It conditions your hair and gets rid of frizz while giving your curls a fresh bounce. I’ve introduced it to both of my siblings who now also love it for their curls.

— Keely Geist, Sr. Social Media Editor

Kristen Ess

Ultra Hydrating Curl Co-Wash

Where are all my frizzy-haired girls at? If you struggle with frizzy or curly hair that seems to turn into a rat's nest the second it is dry, then this product is for you. This is the only shampoo that has made my hair feel super clean while not drying it out and leaves it silky and defined. I exclusively let my hair air dry, and this product helps ensure the air drying method doesn’t frizz out my hair.

— Kirra Bento, Graphic Designer

Miss Jessie's

Jelly Soft Curls Gel

My fine, ultra-soft hair cannot hold a style to save its life and has absolutely zero bounce, body, or texture—which sounds like the opposite hair type this is intended for. However, even on my fine, thin, short hair, this gel gives me so much body and hold. I apply a dime-sized amount through my hair before blow drying, and it holds my style all day long without hairspray. I don't plan to curl my hair without using this beforehand ever again.

— Beth Gillette, Beauty Content Manager

Eva NYC

Therapy Session Hair Mask

If the glowing reviews of this product aren’t enough for you, I’ll give you another. I’ve been using this for a little over a year, and it has truly transformed my hair. I wash my hair about twice per week, and in one of those washes, I use this mask in place of conditioner. Then, I usually treat myself to an at-home blowout so my hair lasts until my next wash, and this hair mask makes all the difference in keeping my hair smooth, healthy, and soft. I also love how it smells and the fact that it’s plant-based and cruelty-free.

— Jess Welsh, Associate Editor

Kristen Ess

Ultra Hydrating Curl Repair Mask

When I did a full review of the Kristin Ess curl line, three products stood out to me and immediately became staples in my routine: the shampoo, conditioner, and the Ultra Hydrating Curl Repair Mask. Used together, the three make for an ultra-luxurious wash day experience. But even on its own, the mask is honestly astounding. After using it for just a few minutes in the shower, my hair is noticeably softer, shinier, and bouncier. And if I do the full works and leave it in for 30 minutes to an hour, I look like I’ve just stepped off the set of a hair commercial.

— Garri Chaverst, Managing Editor

Anomaly

Dry Shampoo

I’ve searched high and low for a drugstore dry shampoo that I love throughout the year—and honestly, I have not had much success. I’ve tried all of the popular brands and some of them are OK, but they often leave me disappointed. Then, Beth recommended this one to me, and as soon as I started using it, I knew I had found my new favorite. Brunette gals, listen up: This actually works without leaving even a tiny bit of white residue—not even a speck. And the best part of it all? It’s only $6.

— Jess Welsh, Associate Editor

SheaMoisture

Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque

I can confidently say that I don’t plan to stop using this product any time soon. First off, the smell of the Manuka honey is heavenly! This hair mask is the perfect once-a-month treatment for my hair and helps repair breakage from heat damage. As someone who has a dry scalp, this has been a life saver for keeping my hair nourished and moisturized.

— Andi Wynter, Social Media Coordinator

Got2b

Glued Styling Spiking Hair Glue

The only hairstyle you will find me going out in is a sleek, middle-part pony, and it took me quite a while to find the right product to use to achieve what I’m looking for—but listen up, I have found it and I’m not going back. Not only do I use this for my hair, but instead of paying $25 to $30 for a brow gel, this does this trick, so it’s truly a 2-in-1. Brows and hair on fleek through and through. The best part is that a little goes a long way, so I can imagine this bottle lasting me well over six months, and that says a lot considering how much I do my hair.

— Alex Pizarro, Editorial Assistant

 

 

Body

Tree Hut

Moroccan Rose Shea Sugar Body Scrub

In the last year, TikTok has convinced me to purchase so many products and there have been some wins and some bad losses, but this product has changed the game. I had never really used a scrub before, but there was so much hype that I had to give it a try—and it’s only $8, so why not? All in all, I absolutely love how my skin feels after using this product. Every other week, I make it a point to deep cleanse/scrub, and it’s truly a treat-myself night.

— Alex Pizarro, Editorial Assistant

Harry's

Fig Body Wash

When I say that nothing smells as delightful as this body wash, I mean nothing! I think this is technically a men’s body wash, but it smells so good and works so well without drying out my (very) dry skin that I can’t stop buying it. I have to warn you: If you test it out, you probably won’t ever go back.

— Kirra Bento, Graphic Designer

Tanologist

Express Tan Mousse

I swore off using self-tanner for years, assuming it would never look natural on my olive skin. But desperate times call for throwing away your principles, and I bought a bottle of this self-tanner before a weekend trip a few summers ago. My momentary lapse of judgment turned into a genius decision that has led me to convince everyone in my life that this under-$20 self-tanner is the best there is. I literally think there is magic inside this bottle. I have tried to make streaks (for science) and still come out with an even tan. When my skin is light/medium in the winter, it gives me some color, and when I have a summer tan, it makes me look extra glowy. I'm sorry, but I don't intend to ever purchase another self-tanner when this cheap one exists.

— Beth Gillette, Beauty Content Manager

 

 

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The post This Just In: Our Editors’ All-Time Favorite Drugstore Beauty Products appeared first on The Everygirl.

First and foremost, happy birthday! I hope you’re eating cake, drinking champagne to your heart’s content, and reveling in the mountains of birthday texts flooding your phone. We love a good birthday around here. But if you’re turning the big 3-0 this year, you might be thinking about how you can spend a little cash on yourself, and our first choice is always on some good old-fashioned self-care, namely by updating your skincare routine. In your 30s, your skincare products will likely change from the acne-fighting formulas of your teens and 20s, and instead, we’re entering anti-aging, hydrating, protecting territory. 

Because you, birthday queen, are worth celebrating, we asked a few experts how exactly your routine changes and a few products you might consider picking up, like, ASAP. 

Meet the expert
Dr. Marie Hayag
BOARD-CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST, FOUNDER OF 5TH AVENUE AESTHETICS
Dr. Hayag is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. She is the founder of 5th Avenue Aesthetics, where she practices with a full team. She focuses on cosmetic and medical dermatology and is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Meet the expert
Joanna Vargas
CELEBRITY FACIALIST, FOUNDER OF JOANNA VARGAS SALONS AND SKIN CARE
Vargas is an esthetician who has worked on celebrities like Naomi Watts, Julianne Moore, Sofia Coppola, and more. She is also the founder of Joanna Vargas Salons in New York City and Los Angeles as well as Joanna Vargas Skincare. She is also the author of Glow From Within, a skincare guide with her biggest tips and tricks.

 

How Your Skin Changes When You Turn 30

Your skin slowly starts changing through your 20s (maybe you suddenly started breaking out the day you turned 25—same), but it really ramps up in your 30s. “As you enter your 30s, your collagen production begins to slow, both as a result of UV exposure and due to the natural process of aging,” said Dr. Marie Hayag, board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “You may begin to notice the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, and your skin may not be as firm as it was before. Your skin’s cellular turnover also begins to slow down, causing skin cells to accumulate on the skin’s surface. This can contribute to your skin looking dull as well as textural changes.”

Once you get a little more into your 30s, celebrity esthetician and author of Glow From Within Joanna Vargas explained that you’ll likely start seeing wrinkles for the first time around the eyes and mouth and on your forehead. While wrinkles and fine lines are a normal part of aging and shouldn’t be feared, if you’re protecting and treating your skin with care, you can prolong the youthful glow and health of your skin, which in turn will make those lines crop up a little slower. 

 

How Your Skincare Routine Should Change After Turning 30

If you hadn’t been prioritizing your skincare routine before 30 (who had the time, right?), now’s the best time to start. “The primary focus of your skincare routine in your 30s should be to protect your skin while also maintaining its fullness and elasticity,” Hayag said. Your first line of defense? Developing (and consistently following) a proper skincare routine. Vargas explained it’s vital to have a routine in place in which you’re washing your face every single night. “It’s important to get the day off of your skin and really give your body a chance to repair itself overnight,” Vargas said. She recommended a foaming cleanser with lactic acid that will exfoliate but leave your skin feeling hydrated too. Along with your retinol and vitamin C serum, Vargas recommended incorporating products that hydrate, whether that’s a hyaluronic serum on its own or combined with an active ingredient. Of course, don’t forget to treat yourself too. A night in once a week with a treatment and face mask is just what the doctor ordered—literally. 

Your best chance for improving early signs of aging and protecting it for the future is incorporating retinol, according to both Hayag and Vargas. On top of aging, retinol can help “control breakouts and improve your collagen production,” Vargas said. It’s basically the golden ticket to good skin all around, as it promotes quick cell turnover to renew and revitalize your skin. 

Now that you’re 30, sunscreen is non-negotiable—no ifs, ands, or buts. “One thing I cannot stress the importance of enough is to make sure you are using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30,” Hayag said. Even in the winter or when you know you’ll be inside all day, UV rays can damage your skin, which can lead to dullness, fine lines and wrinkles, breakouts, hyperpigmentation, and more. If you know you’ll be outside for a long time, invest in a good hat to keep your face out of the sun (and still don’t skip sunscreen!). 

Lastly, if you want to protect your skin long-term (and see some brightening and glow), add vitamin C. “Vitamin C provides antioxidant protection from UV damage, [and] it also helps encourage collagen production and helps fade hyperpigmentation,” Hayag added. Use this in the morning, as the antioxidant properties in vitamin C protect your skin throughout the day, and to avoid irritation if you’re using retinol at night. 

 

Ready to shop? Here’s what we recommend:

FOREO

UFO mini - supercharged 2-minute facial

If there’s any way to encourage you to up your skincare game, it’s a fancy new gadget, and this one will give you results in just two minutes. When you feel like your skin needs an extra “oomph” of hydration and glow, apply a face mask, and then glide the UFO mini over your skin. The device warms to help ingredients penetrate the skin and then LED light (you know, like the kind you get during a fancy facial) revitalizes dull skin and protects against aging. Lastly, the mini’s pulsation gives your skin a quick facial massage.

This one handheld device does the work of an hour-long facial at the spa in a few minutes, leaving you feeling refreshed and your skin smooth, soft, and glowy. If you want to treat yourself a little, investing in the UFO mini is so worth it. It’ll save you so much in the long run on treatments and skincare—it really is the gift that keeps on giving.

Get 25% off the Foreo UFO mini through January 31st.

Bioderma

Micellar Cleansing Water

After 30, your skin type might change a bit. All we’re saying is to keep your friends close and your moisturizer closer. Dry skin will creep up big time, regardless of what your skin type was previously. One way to combat dryness is forgoing your morning cleanse (our dry skin editor stopped washing her face in the morning and noticed a massive difference!). Instead of the whole shabang every morning, opt for a micellar water that will remove any remnants of retinol or heavy creams from the night before without compromising your skin’s healthy glow.

This French pharmacy staple quickly became a household name stateside in the last few years for its ability to remove makeup and quickly cleanse without stripping skin.

NATURIUM

Mixed Greens Nutrient-Rich Cleanser

The harsh acne washes of yesteryear can stay in your 20s. A hydrating, simple cleanser that keeps your moisture barrier intact while you’re treating with harsh retinols and acids will improve your skin significantly more than something harsh that could dry you out. This under-$20 option sits high on our list, thanks to its pH-balanced formula that’s safe for skin and inclusion of soothing aloe vera and green tea.

MAELOVE

Retinal Serum

Hayag recommended incorporating a prescription tretinoin to your anti-aging routine if you're looking to level up, especially if you’ve been using retinol for a while. If a prescription-strength isn't in the cards for you, retinal is the closest version you can find over the counter, and this one is effective, powerful, not stripping, and under $40. It has a lightweight texture that plays well with other products in your routine, and in our editors’ experiences, it doesn’t dry you out and retinize your skin the same way prescription tretinoin might.

On top of preventing and treating fine lines and wrinkles, this is a master at smoothing out uneven texture and reducing hyperpigmentation. While this is a bit stronger than a traditional retinol, it’s gentle enough to start with if you’re beginning your retinol journey now. Use it only two to three nights per week at first, then increase frequency as you notice your skin can tolerate the product.

SkinBetterScience

AlphaRet Clearing Serum

If you are still dealing with acne but want to incorporate anti-aging into your routine, it’s possible. Hayag recommended this serum for those in that weird phase of their skin when it’s breaking out and looking dull and dry simultaneously. "This is a great retinol serum with added salicylic acid,” she said. “It also has other great ingredients including lactic acid and niacinamide. It improves skin tone and texture, reduces the appearance of pores, and is not overly drying." The AlphaRet line is a top favorite amongst dermatologists and our editors, as it has a patented formula that masterfully combines retinol and lactic acid for major results.

Pipette

Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50

The first step to making sure you wear sunscreen every single day is finding one that gets you excited to apply it every day. If this SPF 50 sunscreen is good enough for babies’ sensitive skin, you can trust that it’ll treat yours with lots of TLC. Even though it’s a mineral sunscreen, it has no white cast (even on deep skin tones) and sinks in without leaving a sticky residue. The best part? It’s under $15.

Beauty Stat

Universal C Skin Refiner

There are a handful of reasons why we love this vitamin C. Unlike other popular vitamin C products, this one is a cream, which means the l-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in the product is stabilized and effective for quite a bit more time than the liquid options on the market. This creamy texture makes it ultra-glowy and comfortable to wear on the skin, but the results are what make it worth it. Dark spots, texture, and dullness are a thing of the past with this product in your arsenal, as the product will both treat and prevent them from cropping back up.

Joanna Vargas

Daily Serum

Vargas calls this a green juice for the face, and we can see why. Filled with hyaluronic acid, Galactoarabinan (a gentle exfoliant Vargas swears by), vitamin F, and avena sativa (AKA oat, which is rich in tons of vitamins and minerals—like zinc, potassium, chlorophyll, and more), this delivers everything your skin needs, all in one product. If you’re looking to add one step to your skincare routine, a serum like this is great to apply day and night to moisturize, revitalize, and protect your skin over time.

Skinfix

Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream

Now that you’re using actives like retinol and vitamin C, moisturizing isn’t an option. Your moisture barrier is quite fickle in general once you hit 30, let alone with using a bunch of new products. Choose a moisturizer that is occlusive and thick for nighttime but will sink in well in the mornings. This one is specifically formulated with barrier repair in mind, so it’s a trusty option to keep on hand that will never fail you in a time of need.

Renée Rouleau

Intensive Firming Neck Creme

I’m sorry, y’all, but it’s time to finally start protecting your neck. "Many people forget to apply their skincare products to their neck,” Hayag warned. “Make sure you don’t forget that area in your skincare routine to ensure your neck remains just as youthful as your face.”

While a specific cream for your neck is a little bougie, we can’t help but recommend it to encourage you to start treating that delicate area with the respect it deserves. This one is gentle on skin (as the skin on your neck and decolletage is very thin), but it’ll tackle fine lines and wrinkles with a moisture-rich peptide blend, antioxidants, and brown algae extract to depuff. And if you needed any more convincing, Lisa Rinna called it her “favorite neck cream of all time.” Sold.

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This post contains a sponsored inclusion of FOREO, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.

The post Every Skincare Product To Add to Your Cart the Day You Turn 30 appeared first on The Everygirl.

Gone are the days I spent researching eyelash extensions on Groupon for hours in my early 20s. I wanted long, separated, voluminous lashes, and as far as I knew, the only way to get that was to go the false lashes route. Lash extensions are fun, but the price, upkeep, and care required for them just never sat right with me. But I didn’t end my quest there—I found a slew of lash products to get me the same result with my real lashes. 

In the last year, I can’t even count on two hands the number of times I’ve been asked if my eyelashes are real. Strangers on the street, my dentist, my eye doctor, and even my closest friends have uttered the words: “Are those your real eyelashes?” My response always prompts a “Woah, what products do you use?” In an effort to streamline those conversations and finally spill all my favorite products—the things I do for the people—I’ve gathered every single product I use to get big, bold real lashes. 

 

1. Eyelash Serum

GrandeLash

Lash Enhancing Serum

We talk about GrandeLash’s serum on The Everygirl quite a bit (read our editor’s full review here—the before and after was enough to make the rest of our team order a tube). I used this consistently for six months, and since then, I only use it a few nights a week. My lashes have never been short, but like my hair, they’re baby-fine and require quite a bit of mascara to look as thick and luscious as I like them. What I love so much about GrandeLash is that it not only made my lashes quite a bit longer, but I also notice each little lash is a little bit thicker.

Because of this, pretty much every mascara makes my lashes look good at this point, which has saved me a lot of money on expensive mascaras (however, I do have a few favorites below). The application of this product is so easy, but the one adverse effect I’ve had is my eyelids getting a bit dark. Now that I only use this as needed, this side effect has gone away, but I’m still left with long, voluminous lashes.

Amazon

Eyelash and Brow Serum

A TikTok of a girl with the longest, thickest lashes I have ever seen in my life referenced layering two (!) lash serums for the best results, quicker. A lover of a good science experiment, I put it to the test using GrandeLash and this serum from Amazon. I compared my results with my best friend’s when she used GrandeLash alone, and my lashes were growing much faster. While it took her about six months to notice a difference, my lashes were as long as hers in about three months using this method. As time went on, my results just kept getting better and better, but when my lashes felt like they were getting a little too long (I still need to be able to wear my glasses, OK), I switched to just using one serum a few days a week.

Since trying this for a few months, I’ve began using this alone to see how it compares to GrandeLash. I definitely prefer GrandeLash on its own because it works a lot quickly, but on a budget, this serum lasted me about six months and was a quarter of the price of a tube of GrandeLash.

2. Eyelash Mask

RevitaLash

Lash and Brow Masque

This is a new addition to my lash mix, but it’s already made such a huge difference. Because of the lash serums, my eyelashes are pretty strong, but I also wear makeup nearly every day, which leaves them a little dry and brittle sometimes. This mask, which I use once or twice a week, keeps them so soft and healthy. Using a dedicated mask for your eyelashes is most certainly a very “extra” step, but I notice the day after I use it, my eyelashes look extra voluminous and pillow-soft. I wouldn’t call this step necessary, but boy is it nice.

3. Eyelash Curler

Shu Uemura

Eyelash Curler

If there is anything that’s going to help your lashes, it’s an eyelash curler. I have gotten in actual heated fights with my mom over her refusal to use an eyelash curler, so don’t test me. The one thing that will make your eyelashes long and separated is curling them. I swear by this one because it contours around my almond-shaped eyes perfectly, grabbing every single lash.

I always curl my lashes before applying mascara, but to liven up my makeup after a full day if I need to touch up, I’ll curl them over my mascara to give them a boost. When I really want my lashes to curl and stay put all day, I’ll hold my blow dryer over the curler for a few seconds to heat it up and then apply it. Touch the curler to make sure it isn’t too hot before it touches your skin and always be gentle. This gives them a major “oomph” factor, and the curl lasts so much longer. This is also a great tip for short, spiky lashes that don’t like to curl. They also make heated eyelash curlers, but my eyelash curler contours around my eye so well that I prefer the extra step of the blow dryer.

 

4. Lengthening Mascara

Jones Road Beauty

The Mascara

I never thought a clean mascara could be so good. Clean beauty has a rap of being natural and no makeup, but this flips that idea on its head. It's the most dramatic mascara I own (and have ever tried), giving me lashes that are so good, they couldn't possibly be real. This makes my lashes so long that they practically touch my eyebrow bone, which is a feat, as I have a lot of space between my eyelid and brows. In a pinch, two coats of this mascara will give me the length, volume, and separation I want for my lashes. And it never flakes, smudges, or gets clumpy. The mascara gods blessed me with this one.

 

5. Separating Mascara

Maybelline

Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

The key to lashes that look false is keeping the lower lashes pretty separated and natural. On a normal day, I don’t want a really bold lower lash line; I’d rather it look clean and natural, as it makes my eyes look bright and awake. With this, I often will opt for a different mascara for my bottom lashes to avoid using my favorite bold lashes on the bottom. This one from Maybelline went viral last year for providing lots of natural-looking length (our editor even ranked it #1 amongst nine other drugstore mascaras), but I love it on my bottom lashes the most. It makes them look separated, dark, and long without being clumpy or heavy.

If you prefer a natural look (couldn’t be me), this mascara is great all over your lashes for a separated, “my natural lashes are just extra long” vibe—but if you like a bold look, it’s amazing to layer too.

 

6. Volumizing Mascara 

Gucci

Mascara L'Obscur

Now, on the days I want to go the Twiggy route, where my lashes look like a ‘60s dream, it’s always the Gucci mascara. This mascara was made to be editorial and high-fashion, and oh is it. However, it’s also quite buildable, so I can use one or two coats of this and it looks bold, but it doesn’t get clumpy or spidery. What I love most is that you can build it up with a ton of coats, and while you do get that spidery look, it’s intentional and bold without looking like you just slapped on 100 coats of mascara and can’t get out the clumps.

I especially love this mascara when I wear winged liner or a smokey eye because I can coax my lashes into a cat-eye look that elongates my eyes and gives them a sexy, smoldering look. I constantly get compliments on my lashes when I wear this, so if you like to make a statement, this one’s for you.

 

7. Eyelash Separator

Amazon

Eyelash Separator Comb

I avoid clumps like the plague, so this eyelash comb has been a godsend. After I'm finished applying my mascara, I run this through my lashes to separate and comb through them. It removes any gunky bits that might be lingering on the ends of my lashes and makes sure the mascara is evenly distributed across all of my lashes. It's a small step, but it makes the biggest difference. My lashes would definitely look worse without this.

 

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The post I Constantly Get Asked If My Eyelashes are Real—Here’s Everything I Use appeared first on The Everygirl.

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