The Free Store doesn't look like much from the outside; just a hole-in-the-wall at 99 Nassau Street. The close proximity to both Ground Zero and Wall Street is no mistake -- the area is affordable and poignant.

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The Free Store creators, Athena Robles and Anna Stein, welcomed us into the shop for a quick chat before the doors opened and masses of New Yorkers flooded in. "The items are free for us," they said, "we replenish through donations." Their rule is "If you find something you like and you think you need it, feel free to take it."

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Athena Robles talked about how the store was actually about a year and a half in the making. They received a $9,000 grant from Grants for Arts in Public Spaces, and then the recession hit. "The recession was actually kind of a good thing for us," said Robles.

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Once the doors were opened, New Yorkers who had been waiting for up to two hours to get in poured inside the Free Store. No one could move. It was like a sale at Bloomingdales, only people were saying "do you have any laptops?" "Any dvd players?" Robles and Stein smiled and shook their heads. "Not yet."

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Originally, they were worried they might run out of stuff to give away at the free store, but Robles said "After day two, we weren't worried. People showed up with bags of stuff." The store has been open since February 22nd, and will remain open through March 22nd. "We don't make any money from this," said Robles, "it's an art project. We think this is a creative way for people to use their resources."

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Every item had a "I'M FREE" tag on it, which we thought was cute. The store was full of the same sort of things you might find at Goodwill -- and everyone knows you can find crazy awesome stuff at Goodwill.

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These chic, rocker-style t-shirts were among the first items to go. There were stacks of clothes to rifle through, but at first, it was almost too crowded to do so!

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All kinds of people loaded up on all kinds of loot, from "we don't know if it's real, sorry" jewelry to a hot pink book called "Sex Tips." Free!

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Because this is an art project, fellow artists from Robles' and Stein's network were among the first to donate goods. We saw lots of art supplies, like this snowflake, and some jewelry that looked like it may have been made just to donate.

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This man made off with a yellow blanket. He looked like it was just what he needed -- and that's what this project is all about!

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Save money and still be as adorable as ever, thanks to this honest feedback from your fellow shoppers. Read their beauty product reviews to find budget-friendly buys from Neutrogena, Olay, L'Oreal and more! (Note: Ratings at time of publication.)

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20. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes, $8.09

Avg. rating: 9
Why it's great: "I used to only use eye makeup remover but realized that my cleanser, Cetaphil, is just too gentle to remove all of my foundation, blush, etc. I bought these wipes to do a 'once over' before cleansing and I will never be without them again! I was pleasantly surprised at how well they removed stubborn eye makeup -- even my waterproof mascara!" -- Tangerine3, TotalBeauty.com member

Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

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19. Olay Regenerist Thermal Contour and Lift, $29.99

Avg. rating: 9*
Why it's great: "Short of an expensive spa treatment, this product cannot be beat. It's easy to use (you can apply this treatment in the shower or bath, or over the sink); it is not time consuming; and the results are phenomenal! ... It left my skin instantly firmer, more supple [and] wonderfully hydrated, and [took] care of some tiny wrinkles that, at 36, I might have had to squint to see." -- lsmith, TotalBeauty.com member

Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

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18. Maybelline New York Full 'N Soft Washable Mascara, $5.99

Avg. rating: 9.1*
Why it's great: "I've spent top dollar on mascaras -- but I keep coming back to this. It doesn't clump, it goes on smooth, it builds and lengthens, and it stays all day without irritating my eyes or flaking off. Perfect! Several color choices -- perfect price!" -- BlackberryAddict, TotalBeauty.com member

Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

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17. Conair ION Shine Ceramic Turbo 1875 Watts Dryer, $32.99

Avg. rating: 9.1*
Why it's great: "I have used a zillion different hair dryers and this one is the best. It leaves my rather coarse, very curly, unruly hair shiny and smooth. And it costs considerably less than what I have paid for other dryers!" -- CSMark, TotalBeauty.com member

Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

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16. Revlon ColorStay Makeup with Softplex, $11.69

Avg. rating: 9.1*
Why it's great: "I try many foundations looking for one with a good price that looks natural and has staying power. This is the best yet. I used the one for oily/normal skin. Very good foundation and stays looking good for an entire day." -- mgbaloo, TotalBeauty.com member

Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

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15. Wet n Wild Ultimate Expressions Eyeshadow Palette, $4.99

Avg. rating: 9.1*
Why it's great: "I like the combos in these little sets. They are super cheap and much better quality than they look. I would like a 'brights' palette from them because all the choices they have now are very natural. If you're looking for a good neutral everyday office/school look, you'll have some good options here." -- corizotti, TotalBeauty.com member

Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

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14. Suave Professionals Sleek Shampoo, $2.99

Avg. rating: 9.2*
Why it's great: "I ONLY use this shampoo on my hair. I have tried numerous other products, just to find that I paid a lot of money unnecessarily. I lighten my hair but with shampoo, my hair isn't as dry and straw-like. And the price is very affordable." -- MarieMatthews, TotalBeauty.com member

Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

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13. Herbal Essences Color-Me-Happy Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair, $7.49

Avg. rating: 9.2*
Why it's great: "It's not heavy like a lot of thick conditioners are. It rinses clean and doesn't make my hair feel heavy or greasy. And the smell is amazing. Very subtle but very delicious. My hair shines and has way less frizzies. I'd use this product even if my hair wasn't colored." -- Chicka, TotalBeauty.com member

Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

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12. Jane Lipkick Rich Color, $4.49

Avg. rating: 9.3*
Why it's great: "I have tried expensive lipsticks that could not come close to Jane lipstick it has staying power and great colors. The bonus is for the price of one of the more costly brands I can get 4-5 Jane lipsticks." -- mistressfaerie, TotalBeauty.com member

Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

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