I have a serious love affair with Sally Beauty.
Sephora and Ulta are great, and there’s nothing quite like the OG makeup counters, but I feel super invigorated heading into Sally’s on a pay day Friday night. You might associate Sally with salon equipment or dupes of professional styling products (Sally’s even had dupes before they were dupes), but the store also is stocked with skin care, hair care, makeup and more of brands that range from industry vets to indie darlings.
Here are five products you should check out the next time you make a Sally’s run. Products may vary by store, so check with your local Sally Beauty. All items also are available on sallybeauty.com.
Nails.Inc 45 Second Speedy Gloss
Maybe it’s because I’m an impatient monster, but I hate at-home manis because I feel like they take forever to dry. I am so in love with these polishes, though, that deliver the perfect dry-to-the-touch mani in just 45 seconds. Not only do they come in gorgeous shades (names with English references), they’re also enriched with calcium and magnesium to help strengthen your nails and a two-fold resin complex of polyester and acrylic, which means they’re less likely to chip. The brand also is known for its patented wide-hugging brush and full-coverage pigment, which make these perfect for on-the-go, last-minute manicures. ($8.99)
Tanwise Sunless Self-Tanning Water Foam
I am a firm believer that sunless tans can brighten your mood, especially this gem for under $15. This ultra lightweight, water-based formula ensures it won’t leave behind streaks but will deliver a perfect bronzing while hydrating your skin. For best results, exfoliate and shave at least 24 hours prior to application and use a mitt to ensure the color is evenly distributed. Apply before bed and wake like you just came back from a tropical getaway. ($14.99)
Kokie Cosmetics Duo Metallic Eyeshadow
Ever since I heard Beyonce’s makeup artist, Sir John, spill that his secret to making Bey’s makeup last through performances is cream under powder, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it every time I do my makeup. This little two-in-one eye kit is based in that school of thought. You start by applying the cream-based pigmented primer before locking down some major sparkle with the loose glitter pigment. This ensures your shadow doesn’t move and stays fresh all night long, Coachella or not. ($8.99)
EvaNYC Therapy Session Hair Mask
Colder weather means parched strands. There’s nothing like a good hair mask, but this includes plant protein, argan oil and jojoba seed oil to deep condition and hydrate hair for a fraction of the cost of the prestige brands. Leave on for 10 minutes and then rinse. Or, for an extra-deep conditioning treatment, cover masked hair with a shower cap and wrap your whole head in a warm towel for 20 minutes. ($13.99)
Good Dye Young Poser Paste Temporary Hair Makeup
Box color can get dicey, but temporary hair colors are a super fun and casual way to change up your look. Luckily, emo queen Hayley Williams, lead singer of Paramore, created these vegan and cruelty-free hair color and color-safe products so we could all live out our rock start beauty fantasies. Use these vibrant colored pastes to transform your hair and express your artistry in shades like neon green or hot pink. The colors also can be mixed together for a custom hue. The best part? These shades wash out in a few shampoos, so you don’t have to worry about commitment. ($17.99)
Gia Mazur is an award-winning staff writer and beauty obsessive who joined The Times-Tribune’s Lifestyles department in 2015. She’s a product enthusiast who can’t live without an eyelash curler. A proud Virgo, Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk is her go-to. Contact: gmazur@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9127; @gmazurTT
