Trends Report: Top Beauty Finds Under $10

Given that a gal’s gotta put her face on even during the toughest of times, it makes sense that the beauty industry is virtually recession-proof. But when gas sells for more per gallon than our fave pint of Ben & Jerry’s, we have to draw the line. That’s why we’ve scoured the web to bring you the best deals in the beauty aisle, all under $10 to make sure your makeup bag, belly, and car aren’t all running on empty.

Look for products that do more than one thing. This Zoya Polish Remover also cleans and preps nails so that polish adheres better. Plus, it has a great lavender scent and flipper bottle top which makes using it a breeze. Another multi-tasker is CO Bigelow’s Mentha Cinnamint Lip Shine. It glosses your lips with a refreshing tingly sensation, plus its cinnamon scent acts as a breath-freshener so you’ll be close-up ready in more ways than one.

Zoya Polish Remover Monster Market Place

CO Bigelow Mentha Cinnamint Lip Shine Bath & Body Works

Convenience is a key factor that makes a good beauty product great. Pond’s Cleansing Towelettes are superb for cutting through makeup at the end of the day without irritating sensitive skin, and they’re easily packed whenever you need a refreshing pick-me-up on the road. They’re also great for self-tanner slip-ups.

Pond's Exfoliating Clean Sweep, Cucumber Cleansing Towelettes
Drugstore.com

Epsom salts may not sound like a glamorous choice, but just a small amount (about 2 cups) added to your bath provides welcome relief from stiff, sore muscles. Add an essential oil such as skin-loving lavender or lemongrass – which are known stress relievers – and turn your bath into a blissful aromatherapy experience. An added bonus? Save on those weekly massage sessions with Sven and put the cash towards a Fall 2008 wardrobe update.

Epsom Salts
CVS

One beef with hair products is their usually sticky nature. Not so with Sunsilk Hairapy – it makes wavy locks look like they’ve spent the day at the beach, and straight hair gets a kick too. You get the best of both worlds in a gel and cream that makes hair frizz-free yet isn’t sticky or greasy on hands.

Sunsilk Hairapy Waves of Envy Gel & Cream Twist
Walgreens

Dry, scaly bits become a thing of the past with Korres Guava Body Butter, which leaves skin feeling silky smooth with a scent that doesn’t overpower. The trial size is under $10 and is airline-friendly.

Korres Guava Body Butter
Sephora