For those of you new to the list and/or the site, the $10 Challenge was started back in October 1996 with the mission of finding as many cool, unique products I could in one shopping trip for a total cost of $10 or less. Now, almost 5 years later, prices and choices are a bit different, so for future Challenges, I've decided to stick to individual products that are $10 or less. I've also branched out from strictly drugstore to also include small, boutique or private label brands that are well priced.

L'Oreal Longitude Lash Out mascara (special $3.99)
Lash Out has always been a great mascara, but L'Oreal decided it needed some improvement, so Longitude Lash Out was born. Honestly I don't notice much of a difference, which is fine because it's just as lengthening, clump-free, and notice-me as before! To me, the biggest selling point is the money you are saving - this is a great product and so much cheaper than any department store counterpart.

You can find out more and see all the latest from L'Oreal at Loreal-Paris.com

Bath & Body Works Instant Anti-Bacterial Hand Gel ($4)
I am constantly finding myself in spots where I need to wash my hands but can't, but most anti-bacterial gels are so drying and smells so strongly of alcohol, I'd almost rather be dirty. B&BW got smart and put aloe and vitamin E in theirs, plus they make it in scents like kitchen lemon (my choice), ripe raspberry, cucumber melon, and orange blossom. My skin is so much softer with this than any other I've tried. If you need a quick clean fix for the car, purse, or office, this is a nice product to try.

Maybelline True Illusion Undetectable Concealer ($4.99)
Maybelline has had this concealer for a long time, but at some point either reformulated or just renamed it as part of their True Illusion line. I picked up Light Beige hoping it would work for both dark circles and blemishes; unfortunately the color is too dark for me. The texture works, though - it sets quickly, doesn't crease or migrate, and you only need a tiny dab (and I mean tiny) to cover just about anything. It does dry down when it sets, so take care using it on any very dry or flaky areas on your face. You can get Undetectable Concealer in Ivory, Light Beige, Medium Beige and Deep Beige. I bought mine at Longs Drugs here in Portland, but you can also find it online at Ulta.com.

Skin Market Lip Paint ($7.95)
I got two of these free after purchasing several other products at SkinMarket.com. They have 151 shades - some pretty unusual - so I thought I could find two for me. Spoiled, described as a burnt pink cream, ended up being way too light, and The One, described as a true red cream, was too bright pink with little red. The texture is creamy with a nice medium-weight feel, so now all I need to do is find some better colors :) .

You can see these and more Skin Market products at SkinMarket.com.