My dear friend, Allie, had tweeted me asking about less expensive beauty products. She was interested specifically in discovering a new face wash and moisturizer. Ever since I was little I have had an obsession with grazing the isles of CVS and loading my cart with anything that promised to do the trick. So, Al, I have tried practically everything. I also know that feeling of disappointment when you think you’ve found the ideal product, but it only proves to be just like the rest of them– no good.

With Alie’s request in mind, I made a stop at the drug store over the weekend to see if there was anything new and intriguing. Just as I was getting ready to leave, disappointed with no exciting finds, I remembered one product that had never let me down– Cetaphil. Pure and simple with no frills about it, Cetaphil is a nice cleanser and moisturizer combo. It’s super light and sans fragrance, which I like, however, there is something about it that just does not feel pampering. Do you know what I mean? It does the job, but you don’t feel like you’ve given yourself that quick mini facial that will keep you sparkling all day. I decided to leave the Cetaphil on the shelf and embark on a different adventure.

I happened to be in Katonah, NY that day (Where I grew up- (to be a whopping 5′ 1″ tall)). I spotted this fairly new, charming store, Eiluj. I had a really good feeling about going in and finding something special that I could write about and oh boy was I right!

My visit was infinitely more enchanting than those with CVS’s, more pampering than reading labels in Duane Reade, more luxurious than testing moisturizers on my hand in Wallgreens. The prices of the products I was testing out, however, were totally comparable. Sure, Eiluj had products available that were more costly, but the option for a less expensive selection certainly was there.

As I walked along the chock full shelves and read every little label of every little thing that was perfectly lined up along mahogany counter tops, I repeatedly told my mom (who was there with me), that I would be done in just 10 minutes. Well 10 minutes turned into 20, which turned into 40, which turned into 60… I couldn’t stop trying everything, smelling everything, discvoering everything. Just as I thought I had narrowed down my selection of beauty and skincare products I took a peak in the back corner to discover a line that I have come to love— Mario Badescu.

Flash forward another half hour and my mom and I are walking out. Mom- tired and ready for a cappuccino, me- energized and wanting to run home to try my new products. Well, I can always go for a cappuccino, so we did just that, and when we were all finished we went home to relax. After a long, muggy day of shopping I decided my face needed some pampering. I used my new products, the orange cleansing soap, and the glycolic acid toner. I don’t know how to describe it other than amazing! The cleanser and toner were so light and refreshing, yet I could feel them working. The best part- back to you, Al, was that together the wash and toner was only $30.00! Now… yes, that is a little bit more than a neutrogena wash and toner, but for just a few bucks more the product seems to be way more awesome and much better! The other great thing about the Badescu line is that you select your products according to skin type. (So, the ones that I selected may not suit your skin type well- check it out before you purchase). Also, you will still need a moisturizer, (I already had one, which is why I didn’t pick up a Badescu one)… The Badescu moisturizer line runs about $20.00 per 2 oz. container, which I realize is a little costly for a small moisturizer, but, again, for a few more bucks you are getting a wonderful product that truly suits your skin’s needs.

So. The moral of my unnecessarily lengthy story is that you should always pamper yourself, even if that means making a tiny splurge, and go for the product that will serve you best in the long run. Al, in the grand scheme of skincare, this line is really not that costly and you will be doing your skin a wonderful favor by treating it so well! I know, I know, I didn’t even really do a good job answering your question, but look at it this way… Instead of treating yourself to something small and expendable, use those extra few bucks on something you will be applying to your skincare regimen two times a day, every single day. right? Please– let me know what your thoughts are!