The running joke about Target is less of a joke and more an admission of reality—when you go shopping there for just one thing (you swear!), you’re almost certain to return home with way more. It’s called the Target Effect; a phrase acknowledged by psychologists and observed directly by the ITG staff. Because when we all journeyed there last month, we left with several items—way more than we could possibly use. Though our impulse buys were bought largely for vanity’s sake, they certainly were not made in vain. With extra items to test and judge, it actually was easier for us to clearly determine which products we loved best, and would buy again. Bet you want to know what they are—let’s get to it.

Maybelline Dream Urban Cover: $13

“OK, so you can get this at Target, but you can also get it at other drugstores—it's just important to me that you know it exists. The internet says it's a dupe for the widely beloved IT Cosmetics CC Cream, but there are some major differences: the CC cream is very thick and fluffy, whereas Maybelline's is more liquidy. It feels lighter on my skin, and dries down to a not-quite-matte, not-quite-dewy finish. Use a few drops and it behaves like a tinted moisturizer, or more if you need more. There are 16 shades, and I matched myself well enough from just the display that I can wear it where I want coverage (my chin and lower cheeks). I love it just as much as expensive tinted moisturizers I own and it's under $20. A great place to start if you've been looking for some easy, daily coverage.”

Kristin Ess Scalp Purifying Micellar Shampoo: $12

“Remember when Kristin Ess ran a beauty blog with longtime client Lauren Conrad? I do—it's how she popped up on my radar when I was a wee adolescent. Now, Ess has an eponymous hair care line available exclusively at Target, and it's genuinely all good. The texture spray and moisturizing mask are standouts, but the Micellar Shampoo is the most recent one to solve a major hair problem for me. Which was: For the past few months, I really couldn't find a shampoo I liked. Expensive, French, treatment-y... I'd take them home and end up disappointed. This Target one actually cleans my hair, smells good, and looks great in my shower. A winner all around.”

Baby Foot: $21

“I'm not going to sit here and explain the week of skin-shedding horror that is Baby Foot. You know all that already. But I will say that your feet will never look better or feel softer, and since it's fall, your disgusting snake feet can be safely hidden away in socks and boots while they... molt. Did I mention your feet will never look better?”

—Ali Oshinsky

Differin Adapelene Gel : $13

“Whenever I interact with someone who wants to get on the retinoid train, they always ask two questions: 1) When’s the best age to start using retinoids and 2) Which one do I start with? For the first question, I say ASAP!! (with your dermatologist’s permission of course) For the latter question I say Differin, every time. It’s the OG, the first prescription-strength retinoid made available over the counter. Expect less acne, faded dark marks, and reduced inflammation. There are even more benefits, which you can read up on, here.”

Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso: $10

“I’m not here to say that Milani’s Baked Blush in Luminoso is a close dupe of NARS blush in Orgasm. But I will say its coral-rosy pressed pink shade that blends out into a rosy-gold will leave your cheeks pleased—elated even—especially for those who already love Nars’ Orgasm. Gorgeous on the apples on the cheeks, but also stunning when you extend the application to the ‘C’ perimeter of your eyes, above the cheekbone.”

—Utibe Mbagwu

Sonia Kashuk Medium Powder Brush: $21

“There are maybe three good brush brands around; Sonia Kashuk is one of them. What makes hers particularly alluring is the price. I mean, you can find cheapie brushes anywhere, and they’re literally given away with certain makeup. But a quality affordable brush? Incredibly rare. What I love about this brush in particular is that it picks up and deposits pigment so well—I hate it when I feel like I’m dragging my makeup all over my face, which is the sure fire method to mess up foundation and concealer underneath. Kashuk’s not-so-secret sauce is that each brush is densely packed with bristles, and they’re never too long or short, so the bristles don’t awkwardly bend or aggressively stab my skin. Of course there are even more affordable brushes from other brands to buy, but for certain satisfaction, it doesn’t getter better than this one.”

NYX Soft Matte Lipstick in Milan: $7

“Why do matte lipsticks need to be so...harsh? So many of them go the extra mile of matte-ness, and while that may be fine for me occasionally, what I really want is something with a little more give—especially as we journey into dry lips season. Call me biased, but I think Gen G does this best. NYX’s Soft Matte Lip Cream is a slightly different experience and texture (it is also more pigmented), but it ultimately gets to the heart of my matte lipstick desires. All of the nude shades are exceptional (nothing’s too pale or gray), and Milan is what I’ve been going for when I’m feeling more adventurous. The pink isn’t jarring, but it’s still pink enough to break up my nude look every now and then. A starter pink, if you will.”

—Ashley Weatherford

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle: $3

“I was on a mission during our group run to Target. I had planned to take out my box braids over the weekend, and needed to equip myself with the right tools. The uninstallation of over fifty braids in my head is a very tough thing to accomplish. I’ve got to lock away about five to six hours and get used to having my hands raised above my head for that extended period of time. (A physical feat that deserves a category in the Olympics, in my humble opinion.)

The only thing that helps the process move faster is investing in a good conditioner to add a bit of slip to the unraveling process. I grabbed Aussie’s conditioner to help me create an easy glide as I worked my way around my entire head. My pro tip is to apply the conditioner to your fingertips before you unbraid, so you can work quickly and add a little bit of moisture to your hair. Aussie’s conditioner is the best for this because of its creamy texture that never gets sticky or cakey. It’s also super cheap, so I don’t feel bad about buying an entire new conditioner and only using a quarter of it. Braids are out and I’m eternally grateful to Aussie.”

Cantu Hair and Scalp Masque: $2

“Wait, I’m not done talking braids! After removing my braids, I always like to give my hair some extra love. I try to leave my natural hair out for as long as I can to let it breathe and get a bit of sunshine. Once I get every last braid out, I grab a scalp treatment and a hair mask. This one from Cantu is a classic. It’s truly a scalp-saver. I love putting on the treatment and zoning out while watching trashy reality TV after hours of hard braid unistall work.”

—Chloe Hall

Photos via ITG (except for that glamorous Chanel one—that's all Getty). For more budget shopping trip ideas, check out everything we bought and loved at Trader Joe's and Whole Foods.