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McKnights of Magnolia

Where Relatability Meets Luxury!

Beauty · April 4, 2023

Top Skincare Favorites & Budget-Friendly Drugstore Gems

Discover Amazing Products Under $20

Calling all potion-pouring, lotion-loving, cream-craving enthusiasts out there – this one’s for you! If you’ve ever found yourself waving goodbye to your hard-earned cash, hoping for a skincare miracle, only to be let down by empty promises, fear not, for you’re not alone. As a fellow skincare enthusiast, I’ve been there too, and let me tell you, the struggle is real.

It’s like a never-ending cycle of temptation – those alluring ads promising magical results, the allure of the latest concoction that claims to be “the one.” Oh, the number of times I’ve fallen for it, I’ve lost count! It’s almost like we’ve been bewitched by these captivating marketing tactics, leaving us with drawers filled with half-empty bottles and unfulfilled hopes.

But, you know what they say, “less is more,” and that mantra couldn’t ring truer in the world of skincare. It’s easy to get caught up in the hype and bombard our shelves with countless products, each one boasting about its miraculous powers. Yet, amidst all the marketing buzz, we often forget the essence of true skincare – simplicity and effectiveness.

I’ve narrowed down my favorite skincare products and can’t wait to share them with you. A solid skincare routine is crucial to me, especially since I wear makeup almost daily. A flawless canvas is an absolute must!

I’m also spilling the beans on my favorite drugstore cosmetics, and guess what? They all cost less than a Jackson! That’s right – beauty on a budget is coming right up!

Peter Thomas Roth Facewash

This luxurious cleanser is designed to combat the visible signs of aging while effectively removing impurities and makeup. This face wash helps to exfoliate, brighten, and rejuvenate the skin, leaving it smooth, radiant, and refreshed.

Silicone Facial Scrubber

A gentle yet effective skincare tool designed to provide a deep cleanse and exfoliation. Made from soft, non-abrasive silicone bristles, it helps remove dirt, oil, and makeup, unclog pores, and slough off dead skin cells. The flexible and hygienic material makes it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and it is easy to clean, ensuring a bacteria-free cleansing experience.

AAVRANI Balancing Restoring Serum

My skin can get super dry, especially in the colder months. I sleep with a satin pillowcase and apply moisturizer every night etc. Sometimes it’s just not enough. I use this serum just before my sunscreen and makeup. It makes my skin super smooth and hydrated and restores its youthful, supple look. Hydrated skin is happy skin!

eltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Moisturizer

I do not leave my house without sunscreen. I repeat: I do not leave my house without sunscreen. Many WOC feel they don’t need it, but I’m here to tell you we do. Sunscreen prevents skin cancer, sunburn, and hyperpigmentation. This sunscreen offers superior protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Formulated with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid, this lightweight, oil-free sunscreen not only shields your skin from sun damage but also helps to improve skin tone, texture, and hydration. It’s perfect for daily use and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. This formula is light enough to wear under my makeup.

Differin Acne Treatment Gel

For the most part, my skin is clear and free of acne. However, I’d be lying if I told you my face doesn’t randomly produce a zit or 2. When that happens, I spot-treat it with this gel before bed. I kid you not; the zit is visibly reduced by morning. What kind of hocus pocus witchcraft is this????? If I need another treatment, this gel is light enough to be applied just before my makeup.

Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum

I can hear y’all now: “This chic has lost her whole damn mind!” Trust me; I get it. I had dark hyperpigmentation marks on my cheeks – this serum lightened them! To be honest, they’d probably be gone if I used it 2 times a day as recommended. Not only does this lightweight serum work to even out skin tone, improve overall radiance, and minimize the visibility of dark spots it’s also suitable for all skin types.

With our canvas prepped to perfection, it’s time to let our inner beauty gurus shine and dive into the world of budget-friendly drugstore cosmetics that’ll make us look fabulous without breaking the bank! 💄✨

Revlon Colorstay 24 Hrs

This drug store find is a fantastic dupe for the pricier MAC Studio Fix. It offers similar coverage and long-lasting wear, making it a wallet-friendly alternative for achieving that flawless makeup look. *Tip – years ago a makeup artist told me to mix foundations. I’m hooked! I wear Toast and Toffee and get great coverage.

Milani Make It Last Setting Spray

This setting spray is an excellent dupe for the more expensive Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray. With its ability to lock in makeup and extend wear time, it offers a budget-friendly option for keeping your makeup looking fresh and fabulous all day long. $14 vs. $36? You decide.

Wet N Wild Photo Focus Banana Powder

I absolutely love using this powder to set my under-eye concealer. It doesn’t cake and doesn’t flashback in photos. There’s also a translucent formula that’s amazing for setting foundation.

Great Lash Mascara

I have probably been using this mascara on and off for more than 20 years. Whenever a new mascara comes out I admit I get and try it but I always come home to mama and she’s always waiting with open arms.

Kiss Wispy Eyelash’s #11

I was a get-your-lashes-done-at-the-salon kind of girl until Covid hit. I found myself struggling in quarantine on Zoom and Teams meetings. And I tried just about every strip eyelash in Walgreens and CVS until I found these babies. Here’s a link to my video showing how easy they are to apply.

Kiss Lash Glue Liner

This eyelash glue is so easy to use. It doesn’t get any simpler than this. You don’t have to worry about this formula running into your eyes and causing you to go blind. That’s happened to me a time or 2.

Real Techniques Brush Set

This Everyday Essential Brush Set is your one-and-done makeup brush kit. Can be used with foundation, concealer, blush, highlighter, setting powder, and eyeshadow. It also includes a Miracle Complexion Sponge to create an even, natural makeup look.

You might wanna read: 5 Amazing Skin care Tips to Try Now!

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Posted In: Beauty

Comments

  1. Tanja says

    February 1, 2024 at 10:53 am

    Great options……will give a few of these items a try.

    Reply
    • DanaDana says

      February 1, 2024 at 12:18 pm

      Please keep me posted. I’d love to hear how they work for you!

      Reply

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Welcome to McKnights of Magnolia! I’m Dana, a NC based blogger covering all things beauty, petite fashion, and relationships. Welcome to my corner of the internet where relatability is key and inspiration thrives. Let's dive into the realm of relatable style, the highs and lows of motherhood, and uncover some top-notch beauty gems together. Oh, and don't miss out on the vlogs and podcasts my daughters and I share on YouTube. Join me on this exciting journey of exploration and discovery! Whether you're a new reader or an old friend, I'm dedicated to making sure your time here is both enriching and entertaining.

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mcknightsofmagnolia

✨ʀᴇᴀʟ ʟɪғᴇ, ʀᴇᴀʟ sᴛʏʟᴇ, ʀᴇᴀʟ ᴍᴏᴍᴇɴᴛs✨
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It’s always the oldest daughter! 😂#mcknightso It’s always the oldest daughter! 😂#mcknightsofmagnolia #macadventcalendar #gso #ncblogger
At this point, we might as well be an equestrian a At this point, we might as well be an equestrian account with all the horse show content we’ve been sharing lately. 🐴

But that’s the beauty of family life—it’s ever-evolving, just like our priorities. Another weekend, another show, but being together is always in style. ❤️ 

How does your family stay connected during busy seasons?

#McKnightsofMagnolia #BookedNotBothered #FamilyLife #HorseShow #WeekendVibes #HorseRiding #FamilyTime #FamilyGoals #BusySeasons #greensboroblogger #momblogger
So much to unpack here, so let’s dive in: 1. N So much to unpack here, so let’s dive in:

	1.	Naiya had to have the viral @target fur coat. As soon as it arrived, she tore into the box like it was Christmas, threw it on, and immediately started strutting. 🧥 

	2.	My house? Let’s just say it’s not winning any awards for tidiness right now. Between horsehows every weekend, constant travel and all the daily chaos, tidying up has taken a back seat.  And the trash bag? Naiya tripped over it mid-strut, ending her runway dreams as fast as they started. And the coat still has the sensor on it. I can’t make this stuff up. 😂

Moral of the story: Life’s messy, houses get chaotic, and sometimes the trash bag wins. But moments like these? They’re what it’s all about. Embrace the chaos, laugh a little louder, and wear the fur coat—no one’s judging.

***No animals were harmed in the making of this video***
#mcknightsofmagnolia #family #targetstyle #targetfurcoat #relatable #blogger #bloggerstyle
POV: It may have been a work trip for him, but it POV: It may have been a work trip for him, but it was a much-needed reset for me. 

Life has been wild lately—horse shows, laundry, upcoming holidays, and everything in between—but even in the middle of it, I made sure to carve out a little time for myself. 

The chaos will always be there. Step away, breathe, and remind yourself you’re not just surviving—you’re thriving. Let’s stop glamorizing the grind and start glorifying the reset. 

#McKnightsofMagnolia #BookedNotBothered #Mexico #MexicoTrip #Trendingreels #MiniVacay #minivlog #adayinmylife #mexicotravel
Weekends used to mean sleeping in, slow mornings, Weekends used to mean sleeping in, slow mornings, and maybe even a boozy brunch. Now? They mean hauling tack bags, packing endless snacks, and mentally prepping for another round of “Mom, did you wash my show jacket?!”
 
Life with teens is no joke. There’s this assumption that once your kids hit the teenage years, it’s all smooth sailing—like they suddenly transform into these self-sufficient mini-adults. Who told that damn lie!?!?!? If you’ve ever parented a teenager, you know that’s the biggest myth out there. Sure, they might not need me to tie their shoes, but I’m still the go-to for everything from emotional pep talks to making sure they actually eat something that isn’t a bag of Flaming Hot Cheetos.
 
Honestly, older kids require even more of your time and energy. The stakes are higher, the emotions are bigger, and despite their (sometimes) too-cool-for-you attitude, they still look to you for reassurance and a little grounding when things get crazy. Between horse shows, navigating friendships, and figuring out who they want to be, it feels like parenting is more hands-on than ever.

So yeah, my weekends are a wild mix of barn runs, cheering from the sidelines, and sneaking in caffeine to keep up with it all. But as busy as it is, I wouldn’t trade these moments for anything. Because while they might not always say it, these teens still need us—maybe even more than they realize.

Drop your best survival tips in the comments! I can’t be the only one.  #mcknightsofmagnolia #teens #raisingteens #genx #bigkids #parenting #parentingtips #blogger #bloggerlife #momswhoblog
🌴 Every time we travel with the girls, we *alwa 🌴 Every time we travel with the girls, we *always* go for adjoining rooms—it’s seriously the best! 

If you’ve got older kids like we do, having that little extra space is a total game changer. The girls get their own room to chill, do their thing, and we get ours for a bit of peace and quiet. Perfect for those moments when you just need a break, but you’re still close enough to check in anytime.  If you know Eric, you know he’s got to have us all within his line of sight—like a dad-powered security camera!

It’s like having the best of both worlds—family time, plus a little privacy when you need it. 🙌 No hallway trips, no drama, just one door away! Highly recommend this setup if you’re planning a family vacay anytime soon.  Drop a comment if you have any travel tips to share.  I’d love to hear them.

Can’t wait to show y’all more of this resort and share our experience! 💕 Stay tuned! #FamilyVacation #GrandVelas #AdjoiningRooms #TravelWithKids #travelwithbigkids #mcknightsofmagnolia #blogger #vlogger #travelfamily #mexico #familyrelationships #rivieramaya
**Luxury Hotel or Budget Hotel: What’s Your Trav **Luxury Hotel or Budget Hotel: What’s Your Travel Style?**

On my trip to Charleston this weekend, I kept thinking about the different ways people approach travel, especially when it comes to accommodations. Some of us love the experience of staying in a luxury hotel—plush beds, room service, and on-site spas. It’s more than just a place to sleep; it’s part of the whole travel experience.

Then there are some of us who prefer budget-friendly options, choosing to save on accommodations to splurge on experiences—whether it’s local cuisine, sightseeing, or excursions. For them, a hotel is simply a place to recharge before diving into the next day’s excitement.

As we were checking out of the hotel, I overheard a gentleman proudly say that his family travels frequently and manages to fit everything they need into a single backpack. Immediately, no!! I had to laugh because, let’s be real—I’m definitely not a backpack kinda girl, lol. I need options, people! Like, WTF am I supposed to put my ballgown?  What if I get invited to a formal event.  And don’t even get me started with my power tower - where am I supposed to put it?🤔

So, what kind of traveler are you?

- **Luxury Hotel**: Do you enjoy the extra comfort and make your hotel stay part of the whole experience?
 
- **Budget Hotel**: Do you prefer practicality, keeping your travel budget focused on the adventure rather than the accommodations?

And could you ever pack your whole trip into just a backpack? Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear them! #mcknightsofmagnolia #travelblogger #greensboroblogger #blogger #charlestonsc #charlestonplacehotel #luxurytravel #budgetfriendly #backpacker #overpacker #minimalist
August was a month to remember! From celebrating m August was a month to remember! From celebrating my 50th birthday in style to watching Liya shine at her horse shows every weekend, it was all about milestones, memories, and moments of joy. Here’s to the adventures we had and the ones yet to come! #mcknightsofmagnolia #50thbirthday #leo #mexico #familytime #magnoliacontentstudios #augustdump #ncblogger
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