My T.J. Maxx habit is genetic. My grandma took me with her when I was a kid, and those trips are half the reason I love shopping the way I do — the treasure hunt of it, the not knowing what’s going to be on the shelf.
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The beauty aisle was always my spot then, and it’s still my spot now. One trip it’s K-beauty I’d normally have to order online, the next it’s a new fragrance I’ve never heard of that smells like old money, for a third of the price.
After all these years, here’s what I’ve learned never to pass up when searching the duds and scores of T.J. Maxx.
The best collagen night cream I’ve ever used
I’m 40, which means I need a seven-step routine in order to not look like the Crypt Keeper. And my husband has started following suit, snatching all of my expensive skincare before I’ve even had the chance to use it — this Elemis Pro-Collagen night cream included.
This is one I picked up at T.J.’s because I know and trust the brand, and have still been surprised by how well this cream works. My skin doesn’t feel tight or dry when I wake up anymore, which used to happen every morning. It’s thick in a way that feels luxurious upon application, but doesn’t sit heavy on your skin while you sleep.
T.J. Maxx has it for $80, and it’s normally $114, which honestly still feels like a lot until you realize the jar is 1.7 ounces and I’ve barely made a dent since March. If you find this brand, and this product, on your T.J. trips (or while shopping online) — snatch it up! It’s rarely ever in stock.
The most glowing K-beauty sheet masks
I use a sheet or clay mask every single night. That’s the one thing my Korean coworker told me to do when I asked what she does to have such perfect skin (that’s not just genetics). The problem is that a nightly habit at $5 a sheet adds up fast, and I was nearing financial ruin with my normal go-to masks. Then I found this five-pack of Holika Holika glutathione sheet masks for $13 at T.J. Maxx (normally $20), and haven’t looked back since. They’re about $2.60 a mask, so I don’t feel so guilty treating myself every single day.
These soft full-face masks cover everything, hug the sides of my nose, and don’t slide off my chin or cheeks while I’m moving around. My skin looks brighter and less blotchy in the morning. I bought three packs and I’ll buy three more if they’re still there.
My signature scent at an unbelievable price
I found Givenchy Irresistible Rose Velvet in a duty-free shop, sprayed it on my wrist, and then stood there for a good 10 minutes trying to justify the price to myself, because it was $150. News flash, though, I could not pull the trigger and buy it. Then I smelled my own wrist for the entire flight home and thought about it every day since. It smells like old money, and I’ve gotten more compliments on this perfume than any other I’ve worn. A sumptuous blend of black currant, patchouli and something warm and woody, it’s a true all-season, all-over fragrance.
Luckily for me, I found the 2.7-ounce bottle at T.J. Maxx for $80, down from their regular price of $100 (and the retail price of $150). I bought it on the spot without thinking. It’s now my signature scent, and I try to replace it every time it sinks below one fourth of the bottle.
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This Mario Badescu set for an instant face lift
I went through two jade rollers before I figured out the problem was the material and not just user error. The stone ones warm up in about 30 seconds and then you’re just pushing a room-temperature rock around your face. This Mario Badescu set is stainless steel, so it actually stays cold, and if you keep it in the fridge it stays cold the whole time you’re using it. It truly takes care of all my morning puffiness, even the under-eye bags I have from parenting a strong-willed 7-year-old. The gua sha has a good weight to it and feels more high-end than it really is. You get both pieces for under $20 at T.J. Maxx, compared to the $30 price at Ulta.
The ultimate skin care gift set
I love finding box sets because they’re the best gifts, and Elizabeth Arden is a trusted name. This set is a go-to for mature skin, because it really has everything you need to get started on a skin care routine, or try some new products.
Each product comes with retinol for ultimate skin renewal, helping to bring a youthful glow to your skin after each use. This kit comes with water cream, line-erasing eye cream, and 30 ceramide capsules, so it’s a whole routine. The capsules, which hold a smoothing serum, come out in single-serve portions, so you know you’re getting the right amount each time (without waste). It’s good for a mom just getting into skin care, or a husband who keeps helping himself to yours.
It’s $40 at T.J. Maxx, down from $63, and it comes already boxed, which is its own gift.
The quickest eye de-puffer
I got a sample of the Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado years ago and immediately understood why people are obsessed and it went mega-viral on TikTok. It’s thick and rich, almost like a little pot of frosting, but doesn’t feel heavy when you apply it. The problem is, it’s $40 for half an ounce, and every time I get to the checkout I put it back and tell myself I’ll find something cheaper.
Thankfully, it’s now at T.J.’s for just $25, which is a number I can actually talk myself into. Plus, a jar this small lasts a long time because you only need a dot under each eye.
A professional brush on a budget
My sister-in-law is a makeup fanatic and told me years ago that I needed to invest in a good foundation brush. I nodded and kept using my dollar bin brush, and kept wondering why my foundation always looked cakey. She was right, obviously.
This Smashbox blurring brush is dense and flat-tipped, so it pushes product into the skin instead of streaking it across. My makeup looks almost flawless after every application. It works for pressed and loose powder too, so you can use one brush instead of three. It’s normally $38, which is exactly why I put off purchasing it for so long. T.J. Maxx has it for a wild $15 — a steal you rarely find for this brand.
A bougie lipstick for nights out
I never buy high-end or fancy makeup because it never seems worth it, and then I tried this Christian Louboutin lipstick and understood what everyone’s been going on about. It goes on like butter and velvet at the same time. No dragging, no settling into the lines on my lips or sticking to my teeth. The color is a real, rich fire-engine red with a satin finish, so it’s a HUGE pop without looking like I dipped my mouth in wax, and it stays put for hours. The tube alone feels like something you’d want to pull out of your bag in public.
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It’s $105 normally, but T.J, Maxx has it for $40.
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