If you’re on a tight budget, you’ve probably tried your fair share of store brand products and generics. And you’ve probably come to the conclusion that these brands are absolutely hit or miss. Sometimes you’ll get amazing results from products that are 100% comparable to the more expensive brands, but you’ll just as often get itches and rashes from the off-brand stuff. Luckily, Balea, the store brand cosmetics line from DM-drogeriemarkt, a German drugstore (with a beauty department like CVS’s) has products that hold their own. I picked up mini travel-size products from their different collections (Professional and the super cute Young) to try out, and I’m really impressed. Read on to hear what I think!

Let’s put two years of German language classes to the test as I read the packaging, shall we?

• Balea Professional Repair + Pfelge Spülung: I don’t know what it all means, but I know what it does! It’s a super lightweight repair balm that smoothes and strengthens. It’s also anti-static, which I can’t wait to test out in the winter time, as static is my number one hair enemy in the colder months. This product is practically unscented, as well, which is much appreciated when I’m loading up my hair with a concoction of different sprays. And, in its most crazy feat: it makes my hair soft and silky without rendering it oily and greasy.
• Balea Young Lippen Pflege Never Ending Story: Remember when you were 9 years old and you wanted to be a princess? (Or, you know, last year, when you were watching Kate Middleton get married?) You can live out your girly fantasies in an age-appropriate way by swiping on some sparkly pink lippen pflege. (As I’ve said, shimmer and not outright glitter.) The tube is exactly like that of Nivea’s lip balms. It has a sugary/fruity scent that may not be for everyone, but I quite like it. And yes, it’s baby pink, but it goes on mostly clear.
• Balea Young Deospray Mademoiselle Chic: Spray deodorants are so not my thing. I mean, come on: it’s like hairspray for your pits, am I right? I only picked this up because of the adorable packaging. While I won’t be switching over to this deodorant long-term, I’m glad I gave it a try. The scent is a more intense version of the Never Ending Story lip balm (perhaps the only scent in the Young collection?) Not to be corny, but it Smells Like Teen Spirit to me. The package also claims that the deodorant works for 48 hours- but I strongly would advise against testing that out.

For about 1,50 Euro apiece, travel-size Balea products impress. The larger products aren’t that much more expensive, but the minis are a great way to test in multiples and get a better sense of the brand: and still manage to keep TSA happy when you’re bringing them home!