Beauty of a Buy

A bit late posting this (my apologies), but this piece on drugstore beauty buys is certainly a keeper:

Beauty on a Budget: Advice from a Stylist

Professional makeup artist Ann Orcutt gives readers the inside scoop on budget buys that really shine. For instance, L'Oreal Voluminous ($7.) is one of the best mascaras at any price.

Other highlights:

*Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector is "almost an exact copy" of YSL's Touche Eclat. Of course, Maybelline is $9, while YSL is $40. (I'll have to check this one out. I am skeptical, I admit. Touche Eclat is always in the makeup bag, and I've yet to find anything that comes close. Also, not to nitpick, but I prefer the name. "Istant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector"? Only for aging, two-faced fraus? )

*Don't skimp on foundation. That's right, go to Bendels or Bergdorfs or Bloomies and sample. Find the exact shade for your skin, and buy. Get in and get out, with military precision---the longer you linger, the more you spend. Just get your foundation, and go. If that means some Krav Maga with the spritz girl, so be it.

*Don't skimp on makeup brushes. Buy the professional quality brushes, and treat them well. Wash them, dry them and store them accordingly. They will serve you well and last you for years.

*Don't waste your money on fancy cleansers. "There’s no point in spending $26 on something with grapeseed extract when you’re just going to rinse it off." Ms. Orcutt recommends Olay Foaming Fash Wash ($4.49), which is what she uses.