May 29, 1998
This week I thought it would be fun to do an all drugstore edition of The Cosmetic Report. After a stroll through my favorite local pharmacy, I bring you a few of my favorite finds. Since I love to save money and find great deals, I'd
like to do an all drugstore issue from time to time. Please feel free to email me with your drugstore favorites, and I'd be happy to review them.
Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque (around $2.99 for 8 ounce tube)
Don't get caught up the rather hopeful claims this company makes for this mask - it's a basic clay mask with a spearmint gum fragrance. Its two kinds of clay, kaolin and bentonite, are standard in most clay masks and do a great job of absorbing excess surface oils (and drawing out those nasty cyst pimples). Glycerin and propylene glycol help attract and keep moisture in the skin so it doesn't get too dried out from the clays. Sulfur is a mild antiseptic and is used in many acne treatment products, but beware if you have sensitive skin as it can be irritating. Add a little coloring and fragrance, and you've got a very basic, but nicely effective, mask. It won't really "rinse away blackheads" like the label says, but it will cleanse the skin and leave it feeling smooth and exfoliated. What more could you want? I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
St. Ives Swiss Formula Vanilla & Vitamin E Body Lotion Mist (around $3.99 for 8 ounces)
I get bored with regular body lotions, and I can never get into the habit of using them every day, so this easy-to-use spray from St. Ives is a great alternative. In addition to vanilla, it also comes in peach/apricot and sunflower. Just spray it on, rub it in if you like, and you are moisturized and ready to go. The spray really feels like liquid lotion - not oily or greasy at all. A real winner that I give 5 out of 5 stars.
Lubriderm Daily UV Lotion with SPF 15 sunscreen (around $7.59 for 16 ounces)
I can't believe it took Lubriderm so long to come out with this lotion, but I'm so glad they did! Lubriderm is one of my favorites for a great all-over body lotion (and even face lotion in a pinch) that never feels greasy or heavy. Now with UVA/UVB SPF 15 sunscreen, it's ideal. If you hate the heavy, oily feeling and and pina colada smell of most sunscreens, you'll love how different this one is. Easily gets my best 5 out of 5 stars.