Don’t be snooty! Everyone loves a good dollar store buy. With the economy in the tank and all our pockets slowly disintegrating, it’s no doubt that more of us have headed to our local Dollar Tree or 99 cents store within the last few months. Dollar stores aren’t for typical household goodies like Ziploc bags and toilet paper, either. Believe it or not, there are some beauty products that are perfect to purchase there and the quality differs no less than if you were to pay 4X for it at a  common drugstore. Here is a list of what to stock up on the next time you’re in the neighborhood AND what dollar store beauty loot you shouldn’t even bother trying.

Dollar Store “Yes! Buy Me for a buck!”

Cosmetic sponges, q-tips, and cotton balls: Just as good and does the job.

Sugar: Cheap sugar = A great scrub. Get a cutesy jar to leave/use in your shower for seriously smooth skin.

Drugstore brand lipsticks: The only real cosmetic I’ve purchased from a dollar store, and have had happy results with, is lipstick. I’ve found Revlon, Almay, and Maybelline lipsticks and they were just fine. When drugstores pull product off the shelf, dollar stores and bargain stores like Ross and TJMaxx usually purchase the left overs… I think lipstick has a longer shelf life than most but be sure to check for an expiration date, any discolorations, or odors. If it has it, or if it’s expired, don’t even thing twice -> chuck it.

Baby wipes: These bad boys are perfect to place anywhere! In your gym bag, car, by the bed. Perfect for any kind of cleaning, wiping, and freshening up.

More goodies that don’t need explaining that you might want to try if you’re not too picky:

So-so Eyelash curlers, sealed loofah sponges, nail cutters, nail files, and plastic bins for beauty product organization.

Dollar Store “Hell to the No! Don’t even think twice!”

Generic Beauty Brands: This goes for all eye shadows, nail polishes, foundations, etc. The rule of thumb is, if you haven’t used it before don’t buy it.

Makeup brushes: They suck. From the bristles to the handle. I don’t even know why they bother.

Lotion/Creams/Oils: Unless you see a familiar name, (I’ve found some salon brands before) most dollar store lotion/body creams/body oils have really terrible quality ingredients. I’ve experienced the most gnarly feeling lotions via the $1 land and I am not about to let you not learn from my mistake. Sticky, chalky,grimey…you name it. Not nice.

Imitation perfumes: Not that I really had to mention this but just thought I’d put it out there for those that were curious. Not only do they smell nothing like the perfume it’s trying to imitate but they all smell the same…Like an old lady. Love the old ladies, hate the old lady smell.

Hair color: Sweet universe, no. I’ve never tried it nor will I ever want to and I suggest that you shouldn’t either.

Shampoo and Conditioners: They’re cheap, drying, and stripping. Steer clear.

There should be no shame in a dollar store purchase.  For the most part, you’re buying smart not cheap…Because it does add up. (Hello! I have never been to a dollar store and spent just a$1. That ringer adds up!)  It takes one dollar to make a million, so be sure you don’t waste it buying crappy, wasteful, and useless stuff.

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