Do you ever catch yourself flipping through your favorite magazines in search of new beauty products, only to be disappointed by the price tags. I often find myself reading articles and ads about beauty products that are completely out of my price range. In fact, the majority of my favorite magazines are filled with products that are out of my realm of affordability. I admit – I will splurge on some things, but there is no way I could ever afford all the lavish beauty products that fill the pages of fashion magazines such as Vogue. So, how do you get amazing skin like Gwyneth Paltrow or lush lashes like Blake Lively without breaking the bank? Or better yet, what are some products that are not only amazing but also affordable?

While on the hunt to find amazing and affordable products, I decided to poll some of my closest friends on their favorite must-haves! Although they are not celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Blake Lively, they are real women with real suggestions – not to mention – total babes! So get your credit cards ready and be sure to check out all the great products below!

Essence | Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara – Amazon – $4.99

Kim recommends this gluten free & cruelty free mascara that adds dramatic volume and lasts all day long! The brand offers four mascaras to choose from and a Volume Booster Lash Primer. Kim swears by this mascara and has the lashes to prove it! – Kim Hall, Administrator, MedStar Georgetown University

dp HUE | Brightening Powder – dp HUE – $30.00

Nan loves this hair brightening powder to help remove the chlorine and hard water from her blonde hair. The powder is made with vitamin C and works by drawing out minerals, metals, chlorine, and other impurities to give hair a brighter and shinier appearance! – Nan McGoff, Elementary School Teacher

Dior | Diorshow Maximizer 3D Triple Volume Plumping Lash Primer – Sephora – $29.50

Amy recommends this maximizing lash primer. It adds volume, curl, and length. Studies show a lash length increase by 43% after daily use for one month! Amy loves how this product lasts all day long and into the night! – Amy Berryhill, Senior District Manager

Supergoop! | Glowscreen SPF 40 – Supergoop! – $17-$36

Jaime loves this hydrating broad spectrum SPF 40 that gives your face a dewy base layer and glow. The product is cruelty free and perfect for all skin types! Jaime swears by it and recommends it for the hot summer months! – Jaime Woltz, Senior Consult, CGI

Olaplex | No. 3 Hair Perfector – Sephora – $28.00

Jennie loves clean products and highly recommends this Olaplex Hair Prefector. This product is a concentrated treatment suitable for all hair types. It strengthens the hair while reducing hair breakage and damage and improving its appearance! – Jennie Gediman, Corporate Sales Recruiter, Gartner

Skinceuticals | C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid – Skinceuticals – $166.00

I admit, I am guilty of splurging on some expensive products – this is one of them! I spend a lot of time outside and this product helps protect my skin from all the sun damage! This Vitamin C Serum provides environmental protection while treating fine lines, wrinkles, and improving your skin’s complexion. The product works by neutralizing free radicals that are damaging to the skin. Although this product is expensive, it is worth every penny! – Cameron Walker, Nurse, Emergency Department

Too Faced | Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer – Too Faced – $32.00

Megan swears by this 100% cocoa infused matte bronzer. It offers Megan the 8-hour coverage she needs and and the perfect amount of summer glow! The product comes in three shades: Milk Chocolate Soleil, Chocolate Soleil, and Dark Chocolate Soleil. – Megan Howell, Nurse, Elementary School

Herbivore Botanicals | Rose Quartz Gua Sha – Herbivore Botanicals – $18.00

When it comes to skincare, I often call upon my friend Lauren for all the best recommendations. When asked what she couldn’t live without, Lauren recommended this 100% Rose Quartz Gua Sha that is used to encourage lymphatic drainage, resulting in smoother-looking skin. The technique dates back many years and is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. – Lauren Harrison, Nurse, Patient Care Coordinator

TAN-LUXE | THE FACE Illuminating Self-Tan Drops – Sephora – $49.00

Krista is a beach-loving nurse who manages to maintain the perfect sun-kissed complexion year-round. Her secret is the Illuminating Self-Tan drops. The drops are suitable for all skin types and are customizable to your desire. The hydrating oil can be added to any face moisturizer, oil, or serum to achieve your desired tone of color. – Krista Cabaniss, Nurse, Emergency Department

Benefit | They’re Real! Lengthening Mascara – Benefit Cosmetics – $26.00

Sara is in love with this lengthening mascara that gives you the perfect lengthening for a day at the office. You can easily transform into a sultry, sexy lash with a few extra brush strokes! This product offers a long-lasting formula that not only lengthens but volumizes and curls! – Sara Cohick, Social Services Director