Best Beauty Finds of 2010

I hope everyone had a fabulous New Year! I started this post at the end of December, and didn't get around to finishing it until now. Whoopsie.

I learned a lot in the beauty department in 2010. I definitely cut back on the amount of money I spent on beauty products and went on a search for more budget-friendly alternatives. I was pleasantly surprised that many drugstore brands can hold their own to the pricier department store products. While I still had my little splurges, I managed to find some great stuff out in the sometimes overwhelming beauty arena. Let's take a peek at a couple of my faves:

Cover Girl Lash Blast Fusion Mascara

I call this my "miracle in a purple tube." Not only does it give me thicker, fuller-looking lashes but it doesn't clump either. I traded in my beloved BeneFit BadGal Lash mascara ($19) for the same effect with a smaller price tag of only $8.99. This way I can afford to have one at home and one in my purse. I've even had a woman ask me if my eyelashes were fake - Compliment indeed!

Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner

I have been waiting for a cheaper, yet comparable eyeliner to hit the market and here it is! This baby glides on smooth with the help of my flat liner brush (the eyeliner comes with a small brush, but I chose to forgo it) and rarely needs a touch up. I was previously spending $14 for M.A.C.'s Fluidline eyeliner, but got this for half the price, with the same effect.

L'Oreal Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base Primer

This little jar of primer is an all-in-one wonder for prepping my face before I apply makeup. It's great for hiding unwanted fine lines and smoothing your skin for a perfect canvas. And for all of those Urban Decay Primer Potion fanatics, this one can hold its own for applying eyeshadow as well. I had previously been using the department store products at $18-$30 for a small tube, but scored this 0.5 ounce jar for $10.99. L'Oreal usually has coupons in the Sunday newspaper circulars or on their website, so you could get it for much cheaper. Score!

Too Faced Lip of Luxury (*splurge*)

I'm usually a lip-loss-only type of gal, but after reading some stellar reviews for Too Faced Lip of Luxury lipstick, I had to see what all the fuss was about. I scooped up this lipstick at Sephora for $20 in Free Love (pale pink) and it's been a staple in my purse since. This lipstick glides on smooth, is easily buildable, and leaves my lips feeling smooth. If I wear it out at night, I put a little clear gloss over it to make it shine. While the price may be more than the drugstore brand, this stick is worth it!

I'll be keeping my eye out in 2011 for more great beauty deals. Do you have a favorite product you just can't live without?