Drugstore Beauty

Expensive doesn't always mean good, and cheap doesn't always mean bad. There are some phenomenal drugstore beauty products that have become cult favourites and feature in almost every beauty blogger and editors top shelf. I love trawling the aisles at Clicks for something new while stocking up on my favourites.

Speaking of our favourite budget beauty store, we all have had a Clicks card since varsity, am I right? And we have all collected our quarterly vouchers in our wallets until they are so crumbled they barely manage to scan when you finally use them on a roll of wrapping paper and a TV Bar.

Well they’ve finally joined us in the age of technology and your vouchers are now loaded onto your card and you can see your balance of points at the bottom of each till slip. Since the switch I have been really impressed with how well the staff know the new system. Every time they have offered to tell me my balance and asked if I’d like to pay a portion of my total with my points. Its that easy.

So seeing as we never go into Clicks for just that one item we came in for, I’ve put together some of my favorite drugstore beauty buys, all of which can be found at good ‘ol Clicks.

The Body Shop smudge brush - perfect for blending, smudging and getting a perfect finish.

Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micelle Solution - if you don't already have this in your artillery for makeup removal there is something wrong with you.

Essence finds that I am loving - their concealer kit, brow kit and this beautiful highlighter. I keep these in my handbag or at my desk for touch-ups before heading out for post-office drinks.

Dirty Works Miracle Cream - a budget night cream that I have been very impressed with. 

Brand new on our shelves, Eu Thermale Avéne thermal spring water - spritz on before you apply your makeup and throughout the day to keep your skin happy and glowing.

Labello Fruity shine in watermelon - yum!

Pantene's Moisture Renewal range - which I love for my bleached locks. Pantene launched their Pro-v technology across their ranges, which neutralises the effects of the water we use to wash and rinse our hair. High salt, mineral and chemical contents in our tap water can actually dry out your hair, so this helps make sure you get the best results from your product. 

Enjoy spending those club card vouchers. See you at Clicks for yet another beauty spree!

A full make-up kit for under R1500

About 4 years ago, I was unhappily surprised by some arse-hole at the robots who decided to smash my car window and whip my handbag from me. Firstly, I will admit that it was partly my own fault. I had both my laptop bag and handbag sitting pretty on my front seat and I was lucky that the thief didn't see the laptop bag. This isn't unique to South Africa. In any urban area, crime happens and you just need to be smarter. So ladies, if you are not already locking your valuables in your boot before hitting the road, I am begging you to start doing so.

The reason for my little story above, is that in my beloved handbag was my entire collection of MAC makeup that I had built up over a few years. I was devastated. And considering handbag insurance covered about 5k worth of lost items, I managed to replace my sunglasses, specs, the handbag itself and a new wallet - it didn't stretch enough to cover new make-up. Seriously, as a not-so-fun exercise, tally up the value of what is in your handbag right now. You might puke.

So there I was, starting over again. I know a few friends who have had a similar encounter and found themselves in the same position. So while you start building your collection up again slowly and beg everyone you know to buy you Edgars gift-vouchers for your birthday, I thought I'd share my drugstore favourites with you. These are all you need to create a flawless face, and a simple and classy day-to-day look. I carry all of these in my handbag now and never take my good stuff out with me. That way, if anything happens to my bag, I am not at a huge loss. In fact, you could easily carve out a portion of the 5k handbag insurance to cover these as the entire collection comes in at under R1500.

• Full Brush Set, R420 from 27Pinkx
• Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream, R159,99 from Clicks (I LOVE this stuff. Amazing coverage and colour correction and lasts all day!)
• Revlon Photoready Perfecting Primer, R210 from Clicks
• Maybelline All In One Powder, R79,95 at Clicks
• Essence Get Big Lashes, R38 from Spree.co.za
• NYX The Curve, R264,99 at Clicks (This solves your liquid liner problems. Just go get it. Get two.)
• Revlon Baby Stick, R99 from Clicks (Get "Pink Passion" and use on lips and cheeks. So pretty. Limited edition product so may be hard to find.)
• Revlon Age Defying Concealer, R159 from Clicks (Covers dark spots and blemishes like a dream.)
• Maybelline Baby Lips, R25 at Clicks ( I use these during the day instead of lipstick or gloss.)