Bargain Bin Diving !

'Tis no secret that here at Beauty Wonkette, we love our fancy lotions and potions. But there are times (usually when we’re a week away from payday, our bank accounts are slim, and we just blew the last of our liquidity on those bee-yoo-tee-ful shoes) that we just can’t see shelling out major $$$ on beauty essentials. The good news? Beauty Wonkette is here to tell you that you don’t have to: There are gads of high-performance, low-cost beautifiers to be found at your local drugstore...if you know where to look. Fortunately, BW does! So, my lovelies, scrounge up the loose change in your sofa cushions and read on. The next few posts will reveal some of the best beauty products that (very little) money can buy ;-)...

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
The gold standard of sensitive-skin cleansers, this gentle wash gets rid of dirt, makeup, and oils without stripping your skin. It's also beloved by pretty much every dermatologist on the planet, and who are we to argue with them?
$9.19, available at Drugstore.com.

Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment
Strong enough to zap even the most monstrous of zits, yet gentle enough that it won't cause dryness and flaking, this clear gel features a potent percentage of salicylic acid that obliterates pimples large and small in as little as one day.
$6.99, available at Soap.com.

Weleda Skin Food
Never has a product name been more apt: This all-natural cream has extracts of pansy, chamomile, sweet almond oil, and calendula that "feed" your skin with vital nutrients to keep it looking great. Use it as a day or night cream to restore moisture and elasticity, on your hands and cuticles to cure dryness, on your lips to heal chapped pouts, and even on blemishes to help reduce redness and swelling. It's like the Swiss Army knife of skin care!
$18, available at Weleda.

Klorane Soothing Eye Make-Up Remover With Cornflower Water
Most makeup removers leave behind an annoying, greasy film that can be irritating on the eyes, especially if you wear contacts. This soothing lotion ditches the greasiness in favor of lightweight hydration that gently takes off even the toughest long-wear eyeliner without irritating your eyes. Cornflower extract helps to naturally soothe and reduce puffiness.
$11, available at Drugstore.com.

Smith's Rosebud Salve
This multi-purpose balm is one of the most ubiquitous beauty products out there – we've seen it in the bags of makeup artists, celebrities, editors, and in-the-know It Girls alike. That's because it's unmatched for curing chapped lips and dry skin. Not bad for six bucks!
$6, available at B-Glowing.

Boots No7 Total Renewal Micro-Dermabrasion Exfoliator
This exfoliator uses aluminum-oxide crystals, similar to those used in pro microdermabrasion treatments, to help eliminate dead skin cells, uncovering smoother, more radiant skin. It also helps even out your skin tone and minimize fine lines, with results visible in just four treatments.
$14.99, available at Target.