"Department Store vs. Drug Store Cosmetics"

So many products, how do you select those that will work for you?

First you must determine your skin type. Next, is to decide what concerns you may have and what you will need to make your skin look its best.

Facial Care Products are based from Normal skin to Dry to Anti-Aging Products. Choosing one that works with your skin type, be it Normal, Dry, or Oily, is essential.

Dry skin needs moisture. Creams with a sunblock work best for the Dry skin type. Both in the cleanser and moisturizer.

Normal skin responds well to a lighter weight cleanser and can use a light-weight moisturizer with a sunblock. Oil-free is also an appropriate way to eliminate the possibility of breakouts or developing enlarged pores.

Oily skin can have problems. For a cleanser, use oil-free, gel based products only. Use an oil-free/oil-control moisturizer with sunblock. Acne skin would benefit by using products containing Salicylic Acid. Keeping your skin clean, not overly drying it out, and eating properly, is the best way to balancing the Oily skin type.

There are a broad range of Anti-Aging products on the market. If you have Dry or Normal skin, you can choose from a variety of brands. However, if you are looking for a good product and have Oily skin, this becomes a challenge, to find Anti-Aging Products that are not too heavy.
Once again, go by your particular skin type. Check to see if it is Oil-free or of a light-weight nature.

To find a good Eye Cream, you may have to experiment to see which one works best for you, and one that will not irritate your eye area.

Shopping for your Foundation :

Normal /Dry /Oily

Liquids, Cream To Powder
Oil-free Liquid, Powder, Powder/Plus foundation
Whatever you choose, you must match it as close as possible to your neck. This way, your face will match your neck and look natural. Department Stores have a great selection, offer better coverage, and you have the benefit of trying on the makeup, before purchasing products.

Some great brands I would recommend:

Revlon Color Stay liquid makeup--- Dry/Normal or Oily/Normal
Cover Girl Liquid Clean Makeup for each skin type
These are two good products, with nice coverage and the matching Powders are equally wonderful.

Mac Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation, is my very favorite. With super coverage, oil free, this one-step application, is easy, natural-looking and long-lasting.

All Eye Liners are not created equal.
Almay Automatic Pencil, that lasts for 16 hours is a great find, that will not melt or disappear until removed.

Mascara
L'oreal  Telescopic in the Gold or Black tube. This mascara not only lengthens, but also thickens your lashes.
The best one ever!

Eye Shadows, Blushers, Lipliners, Lipsticks, Lipglosses,
there are so many wonderful choices.

Department Stores or Drug Stores selections, there is something for everyone.

Even though you cannot try on the Drug Store cosmetics, you may be able to return them if they do not work for you.