Kiss and Make Up

Mine is the Wet ‘N’ Wild Ultimate Sheer Tinted Moisturizer. At about $4, it covers, moisturizes, and has an SPF of 15. It’s a bargain compared with makeup-counter products, and it covers and protects just as well.
Rachel Pugh
Gadsen, Alabama

CoverGirl Professional Mascara in soft black. I’ve used it for close to 20 years. I sometimes try department-store brands, but I keep coming back.
Suzy Gilbert
Anacortes, Washington

When I’m in a rush and don’t have a chance to freshen up at home, matte face powder is a quick and easy way to add a little color to my complexion and tame the shine.
Candie Glover
Auburn, Alabama

I’ve found that Maybelline mascara works better than more expensive products. Since it’s so economical, I buy several at a time and replace them every three months, just as Real Simple told me to.
Erica Schachne
New York, New York

CoverGirl Clean Pressed Powder is a wonderful bargain that outperforms more expensive brands. It is perfect for setting my foundation, comes with a great puff, and has many colors to choose from.
Denise DeGraaf
Grand Rapids, Michigan

Milani Easy Liner Retractable Lip Pencil. It’s creamy and easy to apply, and best of all, it lasts. It’s very reasonably priced as well.
Nancy Windes
Denver, Colorado

I love my eyebrow gel. When my thick eyebrows need taming, I find that clear gel (applied with an eyelash brush) is never gooey and leaves my eyebrows well-groomed all day.
Kasey Susits
Noblesville, Indiana

Smooth Operators

My favorite beauty product is Eucerin’s Intensive Repair Foot Creme. After my shower, I apply the cream daily to my dry heels, and within two weeks the cracks are gone and my feet are smooth. This is one product that actually does what it claims to do.
Theresa Donnelly
Maple Grove, Minnesota

For years I’ve been using Pond’s Dry Skin Cream at night. After cleansing, I rub it on my face, neck, and upper chest. The next morning my skin looks and feels fresh. It’s the least expensive, most effective night cream ever.
Patricia Bean
Hamilton, Bermuda

I always have a tin of Smith’s Rosebud Salve on hand. It works wonders on little cuts and scrapes, chapped lips, and cracked heels. Plus, it’s pretty and it smells nice.
Robin Galguera
Oakland, California

Hands down, it’s Moisturel. This was the product that made my baby look like a baby. He had extremely dry skin and eczema, and this lotion allowed me to avoid using steroid creams. It also instantly cures my rough skin and doesn’t contain fragrance. My son’s sensitive skin — and mine — couldn’t live without it.
Christina Spindler Berta
Cheyenne, Wyoming

My all-time favorite foolproof product is A&D Ointment. I use it for chapped lips, dry cuticles, and rough feet. I’ve been using it for 10 years, and it has never failed me.
Erin Dowd
Cedar Grove, New Jersey

I absolutely adore L’Oréal’s Advanced RevitaLift Complete. When I started to notice the sun’s impact on my 26-year-old skin, I began using this product on my face and neck and saw immediate results. It takes away the fine lines, evens out my skin tone, provides valuable SPF, and keeps everything looking young and smooth.
Carlyn Aldrich
Denton, Texas

My favorite drugstore beauty product would have to be Queen Helene’s cocoa butter lotion. I use it to smooth the frizzies and moisturize my face and body after a steamy bath.
Lesli Fumar
Covington, Louisiana

I love Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme. It comes in a cute little tin that can slip into a purse or a pocket, so I’m never without it. I use it to keep my cuticles from cracking in the cold winter months — and also as a nail cream, a hand cream, an emergency lip balm, and a spot moisturizer for those really dry areas. It smells so good that I use it more than I need to.
Lysa Termer
Westerville, Ohio

I’ve been using Fruit of the Earth’s Vitamin E Lotion since college. It’s not scented, so it doesn’t clash with my perfume, and it moisturizes my skin without leaving a greasy film. It also comes in a heavier cream, which is great for wintertime, when skin gets really dry.
Crystal Sheward
Indianapolis, Indiana