September Empties (Mostly Drugstore/Dollar Tree)

First of all, let me apologize for my absence over the last three weeks! In that space of time, I lost an uncle and my grandmother, attended a memorial service for an uncle who passed earlier this summer, and have been kept busy by a lot of other obligations. It’s amazing how things pile up while you’re attending to family emergencies. But now I’m back and able to give this blog the attention it deserves.

I made a decision earlier this year to get serious about my financial goals. Buying $20 bottles of conditioner is great if you have the disposable income, but I don’t. A couple of setbacks depleted my savings and home ownership seems completely out of reach for me right now. Health and beauty items seem like the easiest way for me to cut costs.

Dermasil Advanced Treatment Creamy Lotion (Would Buy Again)

Dollar Tree Oatmeal Moisturizing Lotion (Would Not Buy Again)

I picked up both of these lotions at Dollar Tree. Dermasil, pictured above, was the clear winner. Rich and creamy without being greasy, I can’t believe it came from Dollar Tree given my other experiences. The Aveeno knockoff oatmeal lotion wasn’t particularly moisturizing.

Spa Haus Naturally Therapeutic Keratin Oil Conditioner (Would Not Buy Again)

Tresemmé Color Revitalize Shampoo (Would Buy Again)

None of the photographs shown are mine, as I recycled the packaging days or weeks ago. The Spa Haus keratin conditioner (from Dollar Tree) was in blue and green packaging when I purchased it. But it cannot be compared to any other oil-containing conditioner on the market. I honestly believe that this company just took their regular moisturizing conditioner and slapped the keratin and argan label on it, given the texture of my hair after using it. It wasn’t necessarily a bad product, but it didn’t seem to be as advertised either. The Tresemmé shampoo really seemed to work. A lot of times, color protecting shampoos weigh your hair down, but this felt as good as a clarifying shampoo while seeming to protect my color.

Equate All-Day Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 15 (Would Not Buy Again)

This moisturizer is meant to compare to Olay. The Target knockoff certainly does, but Wal-Mart’s Equate brand misses the mark. It just wasn’t as moisturizing and I feel like I used more product.

Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara in Noir Midnight (Can’t Buy Again)

Clinique Long Last Glosswear in Sunset (Can’t Buy Again)

Sadly, Lancome has decided to do away with this product. I’ve been buying it for several years now because I prefer my mascaras to simply darken the lash without caking on. But I recently learned that they’re discontinuing it. Boo, the one product I was willing to continue buying in department stores! The Clinique Long Last Glosswear was a rediscovery. I have a massive suitcase, too big for airline use, that I needed earlier this year. I discovered that while moving house a few years ago, I stashed a complete Clinique bonus kit in there. Score! Sunset is a pale coppery shimmery hue that looks great layered over a sangria shade. I’m not too heartbroken that it isn’t still available, though–it didn’t quite work for me when it was on its own.

So my foray into super-cheap brands was a mixed bag, but nothing was horrible.

I know I usually finish up with some links and pictures of other things I liked, but I’m short on time today. See you all later!