I tend to take the high low approach to beauty.  I mix more expensive brands with lower-priced drug store brands.  It's a lot like my wardrobe. So, without further adieu, here some of my favorite lows that can be easily found at any CVS, Duane Reade or Target and obviously don't break the bank. 

ELF Tone Adjusting Face Primer - I get red at times and I have sensitive skin, so I wanted to try a color correcting product that wouldn't cause irritation and make my already red skin even redder.  I didn't know how well they would work, so I didn't want to shell out a ton of cash either.   I found this ELF primer, which definitely helped.  It not only transformed my face into a smooth canvas, but it improved my skin tone and my makeup lasted longer throughout the day too.  The icing on the cake, it's phthalate-free, paraben-free, Sulfate-free. You can find it here.

L'Oreal Revitalift Bright Reveal Peel Pads -  I'm not great about exfoliating with my Clarisonic.  It's a pain because I have to charge it and clean it, but I know it's a must, so your skin can absorb treatments and reveal new and brighter skin. These textured daily peel pads (they remind me of a Stridex pad that I actually thought would help my acne when I was in junior high. Turns out I needed Accutane instead.) are formulated with Glycolic Acid that resurfaces dull, uneven tone and rough texture to reveal underlying youthful skin.  They are effective yet gentle, a win-win.  It's similar to finding heels that are comfortable. You can find it here.

L’Oreal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water- I wear waterproof mascara and lips stains and most Micellar Cleansing Waters aren't formulated to remove budge-proof makeup.  This new formula from L'Oreal does the job and it doesn't dry out my skin. Just remember to shake it. I follow this step with Neutrogena cleansing wipes to make sure I remove every last drop of makeup. You can find it here.

Maybelline New York Eye Studio Brow Drama - I used Glossier Boy Brow for a while and this brow mascara works equally well if not better. It's a colored gel that tints brows and provides an even, natural, and comfortable hold.  It doesn't clump or flake off during the day. I wear the blonde shade.  You can find it here.

L'Oreal Pure Clay Mask - This 10-minute mask is enhanced with Red Algae Extract (I looked it up and it enhances the skin's barrier function, replenishes the skin's natural water reservoir, and increases its moisture-retention capabilities) to treat rough and clogged skin by removing dead cells, dirt, and oil. Many exfoliating masks are too strong for me but this one doesn't bother me.  My nose always gets chapped in the winter, so I pay extra attention to my nostrils and follow the mask with Aquafor. You can find it here. 

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes Night Calming - I live in New York City, and grime and pollution are a part of its charm I guess.  You always have some negative aspects (dirt and noise) along with the positive ones (we do have the best pizza). So, when I get home, I want to deeply cleanse my face, yet I need something gentle and calming.  I also wear contacts, so I don't want a product that will sting and blind me for a good ten minutes.  These are safe for contact lens wearers like me and release a relaxing fragrance. They remove all of my makeup even my waterproof mascara. I love that there's no heavy residue, and you don't have to rinse. These cloths contain no alcohol,  so they aren't drying and they don't irritate my skin.  You can find them here. 

Aquafor - This amazing ointment heals dry, cracked skin. I use it for everything including my dry cracked lips, nostrils, cuticles, elbows, and knees.  You can find it here