SHAPE of Beauty Awards 2010: Cheap Finds

August 30, 2010
The best beauty products under $20. The SHAPE of Beauty Awards 2010 winners!
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Clean & Clear Advantage 3-in-1 Foaming Acne Wash

($6; at drugstores)

"Acne washes tend to feel and smell medicinal, but this one was luxurious," said a tester. Its key ingredient is salicylic acid, "a gentle exfoliator that clears zits by speeding cell turnover," explains SHAPE advisory board member and dermatologist Darrell S. Rigel, M.D.

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Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Redness Soothing Gentle Scrub

($7; drugstores)

"This exfoliator is one of my favorite products," said Tedaldi. "It has two percent salicylic acid to zap zits without over-drying skin." That pimple fighter is balanced by soothing aloe and chamomile to calm acne-related redness.

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Dove Go Fresh Nutrium Moisture Revive Body Wash

($4; at drugstores)

This luxurious body wash drenches your skin in moisture. "It produced lots of rich lather, rinsed clean, and I didn't even need a body lotion afterward," said a tester. And the pomegranate and lemon verbena fragrance it left behind post-shower was universally described as "yummy!"

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Aveeno Positively Nourishing 24-Hour Ultra-Hydrating Whipped Soufflé Body Moisturizer

($9; at drugstores)

This rich, "but not greasy," moisturizer was a hit with testers. The ultra-hydrating effects are courtesy of shea and cocoa butters, which are whipped into a light, airy texture. Plus, it contains oatmeal, which "calms any irritation and really locks in moisture," says Downie.

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Maybelline New York Lash Stiletto Voluptuous Mascara

($9; at drugstores)

This mascara does for your lashes what a pair of heels does for your legs: it provides killer length. The gently S-shaped brush coats lashes with a formula that makes your fringe look fluttery—the best look for day since it "provides perfect definition without clumps," said a tester.

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Avon Smooth Minerals Lipstick SPF 15

($8;

avon.com

)

A lipstick that feels as good as it looks-now that's something our testers unanimously loved! "My lips felt soft and healthy," reported one after trying one of the 10 shades. "I love that it has SPF; your lips can get sunburned too," said Tedaldi.

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Essie Nail Polish in Angora Cardi

($8;

essie.com

)

This deep, dusty rose was the testers' fave: "it felt trendy, but not too 'out there' to wear to work," said one. Like all of Essie's polishes, it's free of potentially harmful chemicals like DBP, formaldehyde, and toluene.

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Sally Hansen Continuous Growth Treatment

($9; at drugstores)

This treatment feeds nails what they need to grow (blue algae and marine minerals) and strengthens them with vitamins. "My nails were stronger and longer after a week," raved one tester.

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John Frieda Frizz-Ease Smooth Start Hydrating Shampoo

($7; at drugstores)

This latest addition to the Frizz-Ease line gives those with dry, damaged hair another weapon in their arsenal. Packed with moisturizing essential oils and proteins, this formula keeps fuzz at bay. "My dry, over-worked ends often look fried and frayed, but this left my hair feeling silky smooth," said a tester.

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Garnier Fructis Flexible Control Anti-Humidity Strong Hold Hairspray

($4; at drugstores)

Strong hold is not usually synonymous with touchable texture—unless of course you're using this spray. "The bamboo extract ensures your style still has movement," says spa expert Mary Bemis. And, it has fruit waxes to seal out humidity and boost shine.

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Best single process: Garnier Herbashine Color Créme with Bamboo Extract

($8; at drugstores)

This ammonia-free formula contains avocado and shea butter that actually condition hair. "It easily covered my grays without an icky odor," said a staffer.

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Clairol Natural Instincts Rich Color Crème

($8; at drugstores)

Even first-timers were able to achieve sophisticated color with this vitamin-infused formula. "It wasn't messy and the color I ended up with was exactly what was pictured on the box," said one.

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Dove Ultimate Beauty Care Anti-Perspirant Deodorant in Light Radiance

($4; at drugstores)

This product promises to keep skin soft and soothe post-shave irritation - and delivers. "The combination of dimethicone and silica helps alleviate skin dryness," said Downie. "It stops sweat, goes on smooth, and doesn't get on my black tops," said one tester. "What more could you ask for?"

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Secret Sheer Mineral Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant

($4; at drugstores)

The encapsulated talc in this product makes it glide on smooth and dry instantly. "It feels lighter on my skin than other deodorants do," reported a tester. Plus, it provides 24-hour protection against odor and wetness, thanks to potent sweat-blockers like aluminum zirconium.

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Nair Silky Sensations Hair Remover for Legs and Body

($7; at drugstores)

Rich in pomegranate and soy extracts, this creamy formula leaves skin smooth for days without the pain of waxing. And, unlike hair removal products of the past - which were often smelly and prone to dripping-testers gave this one high marks. "It has a fresh scent and left my skin touchable," said one.

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Gillette Venus Embrace Disposable

($9 for three; at drugstores)

This has all the bells and whistles of the classic—five blades, a moisture ribbon, an easy-to-grip handle—but with on-the-go convenience. "I got a stubble-free, nick-free shave, and I could toss it into my gym bag," said a tester.

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Skintimate Signature Scents Moisturizing Shave Gel in Luscious Kiwi Splash

($3; at drugstores)

The thick, "whipped cream-like lather," helps your razor glide against skin, plus, the mix of olive butter and vitamin E leaves legs incredibly hydrated. The "fresh, fruity smell" was the icing on the cake.

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Colgate Pro Clinical Daily Renewal for Enamel

($4; at drugstores)

Testers loved that this pleasantly minty paste made their teeth feel "just-from-the-dentist clean." Plus, it has the highest level of fluoride available OTC, which protects teeth from cavity-causing food acids.

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Listerine Whitening Plus Restoring Fluoride Rinse

($7; at drugstores)

This mouth rinse kills germs, brightens your smile, and strengthens tooth enamel with fluoride. "I loved that it didn't have a medicine-y aftertaste," said a tester.

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