Our Editors' Favorite Beauty Bargains

By Linda Moran Evans
Family Circle's style editors went through thousands of bargain beauty products to find their favorites. Here are their top 25 picks for gorgeous looks.
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Linda Moran Evans, Beauty and Fashion Director

"My skin is—and has always been—my top priority. Lotions, creams and serums reign supreme in my medicine cabinet."

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Linda's Favorite Bargain Beauty Products

Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash with Nutrium Moisture

Dove cleansers have been my go-tos for years, thanks to the super-fresh scent. The latest version is creamier than ever.

Available at mass retailers, $7.

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Linda's Favorite Bargain Beauty Products

NYC New York Color Sun 'n' Bronze Bronzer

The subtle sheen and multicolor palette give my complexion a you'd-never-know-it's-faux glow.

Available at mass retailers, $5.

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Linda's Favorite Bargain Beauty Products

Pantene Pro-V Normal-Thick Hair Solutions Intensive Restoration Treatment

My must-have treatment—transforms my hair from dry and coarse to soft and shiny.

Available at drugstores, $5.99

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Linda's Favorite Bargain Beauty Products

Essence Super Fine Eyeliner Pen

Just like a Magic Marker—the slim felt-tip makes neat application a cinch.

Available at ulta.com, $3.

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Linda's Favorite Bargain Beauty Products

Jergens Daily Moisture Dry Skin Moisturizer

Lasts all day and is not even remotely sticky.

Available at mass retailers, $7.

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Linda's Favorite Bargain Beauty Products

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Daily Anti-Aging Primer with Sunscreen

A multitasker that gives my fair skin heavy-duty sun protection and blurs fine lines.

Available at laroche-posay.us, $39.50.

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Linda's Favorite Bargain Beauty Products

Simple Eye Make-Up Remover

This gentle oil-free formula even removes waterproof mascara, which I wear year-round.

Available at drugstore.com, $7.

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Linda's Favorite Bargain Beauty Products

Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm

Comes in six sheer shades (my fave is rose) and is just right for weekends.

Available at burtsbees.com, $7.

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Linda's Favorite Bargain Beauty Products

L'Oréal Paris Visible Lift Repair Absolute Foundation

My complexion gets a flawless finish and long-term benefits too. The hydrating formula has a patented ingredient, Pro-Lastyl, that stimulates the production of new elastin for firm skin.

Available at mass retailers, $15.

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Dori Katz, Beauty Editor

"I'm all about color—whether it be lips, nails or eyes. When I see a new, pretty shade, I can't help myself. I just have to try it!"

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Dori's Favorite Bargain Beauty Products

Aveeno Pure Renewal Dry Shampoo

To the rescue on no-time-to-wash-my-hair days: a clean-scented spray that soaks up oil and adds volume.

Available at mass retailers, $8.

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Dori's Favorite Bargain Beauty Products

Olay Ultra Moisture In-Shower Body Lotion

I rub on this cream in the shower and let it absorb for a few minutes before rinsing. Talk about mega-moisturizing!

Available at mass retailers and olay.com, $5.

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Dori's Favorite Bargain Beauty Products

Maybelline New York The Mega Plush by Volume Express Mascara

An oversize brush and gel-mousse texture let me accentuate my lashes without clumps.

Available at mass retailers, $8.

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Dori's Favorite Bargain Beauty Products

CoverGirl + Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation

This lightweight hydrating formula tames redness for an even, glowing complexion.

Available at mass retailers, $14.

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Dori's Favorite Bargain Beauty Products

Remington Keratin Therapy Flat Iron

A few swipes with this keratin-infused tool straightens my hair without causing major damage.

Available at Target and remingtonproducts.com, $50.

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Dori's Favorite Bargain Beauty Products

Nivea A Kiss of Olive Oil and Lemon

One swipe and my lips feel velvety soft.

Available at mass retailers, $3.

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Dori's Favorite Bargain Beauty Products

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Red Lacquer

Bright lipcolor makes me happy, but I can't stand the constant touch-ups. One coat of this pinky-red shade lasts all day, even through lunch.

Available at mass retailers, $8.

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Dori's Favorite Bargain Beauty Products

Essie Nail Lacquers in Skirting the Issue, Don't Sweater It, Head Mistress, Miss Fancy Pants, Recessionista and Stylenomics

Every gorgeous color in the new collection looks luxe and rich. The tough part: which to wear first.

Available at essie.com, $8 each.

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Nicole McGovern, Associate Beauty and Fashion Editor

"I'm a sucker for anything hair related. Keeping up my color and style is no easy feat, but I am up for the challenge."

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Nicole's Favorite Bargain Beauty Products

Garnier Fructis Style Sleek Finish 5-in-1 Serum Spray

Serums tend to weigh my hair down, but one spritz of this adds shine without greasy hands or flat strands.

Available at mass retailers, $4.

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Nicole's Favorite Bargain Beauty Products

Elf Zit Zapper & Concealer

Whenever I feel a dreaded pimple coming on, I roll on the salicylic acid solution, followed by a drop of concealer.

Available at target.com, $3.

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Nicole's Favorite Bargain Beauty Products

Physicians Formula pH Matchmaker pH Powered Blush in Natural

This seriously cool blush customizes to my skin's pH level, creating a luminous glow. Genius!

Available at mass retailers, $13.

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Nicole's Favorite Bargain Beauty Products

Pond's Luminous Clean Daily Exfoliating Cleanser

Super gentle and luxurious, it's virtually a spa visit in a bottle—and my skin has never looked better.

Available at mass retailers, $6.

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Nicole's Favorite Bargain Beauty Products

Caress Endless Kiss Silkening Body Wash

"Heavenly" is the only word to describe this scent. Not too sweet or floral, and no filmy residue.

Available at mass retailers, $3.50.

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Nicole's Favorite Bargain Beauty Products

Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Collection in Petal Pusher

I tend to avoid dark eye colors for fear of looking like a raccoon. Each shade in this foolproof compact is labeled, so I know exactly where to apply.

Available at mass retailers, $5.

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Nicole's Favorite Bargain Beauty Products

Clairol Nice 'n Easy Color Blend Foam

Application is beyond simple—ideal for touch-ups when there's no hope of getting to the salon.

Available at mass retailers, $9.

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Nicole's Favorite Bargain Beauty Products

John Frieda Sheer Blonde Highlight Activating Enhancing Shampoo

A shine-boosting formula that really makes golden highlights shimmer. Can you say "blond bombshell"?

Available at mass retailers, $6.50.

Originally published in the November 2012 issue of Family Circle magazine.

This piece was accurate at publication time, but all prices, offerings and styles are subject to change.

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