I love nothing more than walking up and down the beauty aisles of my local Rite-Aid. I enjoy a deal just as much as the next person (ahem, woman).

I’ve heard over and over again that the Olay line of moisturizers is just as good as any of the high-end moisturizers. That it has the same exact ingredients that you can find in, say, a $150 moisturizer. And as a devotee to La Mer for years, you can only imagine how much of a chump I must be feeling like when I found out that I could buy the same exact moisturizer from my grocery store. Suffice it to say that I’m loading up on some good old Olay. All-Day UV Defense (oil-free, of course) for the daytime and Definity Night Restorative Creme for nighttime.

CoverGirl Smoothers SPF 15 tinted moisturizer. I think this one is definitely the best that you’re going to get without a trip to the local mall and a $40 price tag. It’s smooth, the color is really just a sheer tint meant to give you a glow, and it has SPF in it. What’s better than that?

Revlon Cream Blush in Rosy Glow. It’s the perfect natural shade. And in the winter, I love nothing more than a cream blush. My skin gets so dry and a powder blush just won’t cut it.

Wet n Wild MegaGlo Face Illuminator. It adds a glow like no other drugstore glow-maker. And while you’re at it, stock up on their Creme Lipliner in #666 (Brandywine). This lipliner has been my obsession for years. It is the only one that I use. The only one that I own. When you find it, buy it in bulk. Seriously. It costs $.99. No joke. Less than a dollar.

Best eyeshadow around, department store or drugstore is Revlon Illuminance Creme Shadow. The four shades in each kit blend really well, and you can mix and match the light-to-dark shades until you get bored. My personal favorite is Not Just Nudes. That’s because I like a natural I’m-not-wearing-any-make-up look.

I have thick eyebrows. I’ve been using CoverGirl Professional Natural Lash Mascara in Clear for years to tame them.

Revlon LipGlide Sheers are perfect. Revlon was the first beauty company to introduce the spongy-tipped applicator, and the sheer colors are just that… sheer. You can wear virtually any shade, no matter the color of your skin. My favorites are Sheerly Cocoa and Sheerly Bare. Sort of hard to find these days, but totally worth the effort. Grab ‘em if you can…

L’oreal Colour Riche lipstick. I’m not much of a lipstick gal, but the Sandstone shade is perfect with my fair skin. In my opinion, this line of L’oreal lipsticks is the best that you’re going to find in a pharmacy.

If you happen to find yourself at Target, pick up Sonia Kashuk’s Lip Palette in Nude , and then have at it. Great shades, mix and match. And while you’re there, you should also pick up her Hidden Agenda Concealer Set. You can blend the four shades in any combination to perfectly match your skin. Year-round. And then, head on over to the Boots section and search for their Mediterranean Olive Sage Almond Wonderbalm. Keep it on your nightstand, and use it right before bed. On your lips. Dry patches. Cuticles. Let it be the last thing that you smell before you turn in for the night. It’s heaven in a tiny little jar. Then pick up David Babaii’s Beach Spray. I used it on my hair all summer long, to get that beachy, wavy perfectly undone look. And it smells incredible. And Davine’s Momo Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner are a splurge, but I highlight my hair, and if you do to (what woman doesn’t?), then I recommend these. If you choose only one, go with the conditioner (always, always go with the conditioner…) And P.S. Has anyone noticed how incredible the Target Beauty section has become? They are seriously giving the department store beauty counters a run for their money…

About the only drugstore beauty item that I can’t recommend is a mascara. I’ve tried just about all of them, and have been miserable with the outcome. For mascara, go with Clinique’s Naturally Glossy Mascara (Jet Brown for very fair with blond lashes, Jet Black for all others). It’s $14 and it is worth every single penny…