As a makeup aficionado, I tend to prefer my higher end makeup products to those of the drugstore. That being said, I can’t always shell out the cash required for pricier products. When a month’s worth of Friday night pizza costs the same as a single item from Sephora, sometimes you have to question whether high-end products are worth the hefty price tag.
After years of trying different drugstore makeup products, this is a list of my favorite budget buys. For a fraction of the cost and nearly identical in performance, these drugstore purchases give their higher end counter parts a literal run for their money.
1.) Foundation. Two of my drugstore favorites are Lorel True Match Lumi and Neutrogena SkinClearing Liquid foundation. What I love about the True Match Lumi is the way it gives my skin an even coverage and natural radiance. This foundation is a medium coverage and is better for normal to dry skin. What is great about this foundation is that it gives your skin a beautiful glow without looking oily or artificially shimmery. It also comes in a range of shades to fit all skin tones. My other favorite foundation is Neutrogena SkinClearing, this is great for breakout prone skin as it contains salicylic acid to help prevent and control acne. It has a full coverage, without being heavy or cakey on the skin. This is better for normal to oily skin types and is a great for when you are having a breakout.
2.) Powder. Without a doubt my drugstore favorite powder is the Rimmel Stay Matte powder. This proudct is so cheap; we’re talking $4 cheap. With a wide range of shades, lasting finish, and its mattifying effect, this is a great powder to lay over a bb cream or moisturizer to set your skin or give you that extra coverage. This one is great for all skin types as the mattifying effect of the powder helps with oil, but its silky consistency won’t settle on dry skin.
3.) Concealer. So far I have nothing but love for my Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer. I never gave this concealer a second look in the drugstore because I assumed its “age rewind” label meant it was for older skin types. After reading rave reviews online, I decided to give this one a go and have not purchased a different concealer since. This concealer is amazing. Light enough to wear under your eyes, but creamy enough to cover imperfections, this concealer has multipurpose uses and covers under eye bags like a pro. Don’t let the label fool you; this is the perfect concealer for college girls, especially after an all-nighter or a late night out.
4.) Eye Shadow. Another Maybelline product I have fallen in love with are the Maybelline Color Tattoo, 24 Hour cream eyeshadows. These come in a variety of shades, my favorite one is Bad to the Bronze. They are perfect eyeshadow bases or just eye colors on their own. Their cream consistency allows them to hold up against sweat, water, and time, making these shadows perfect for summer, parties, and all-day wear. The only downside to these color tattoo’s are that they dry out easily if left open so always make sure to always close the lid!
5.) Eyeliner. Another Rimmel favorite of mine are the Rimmel Scandaleyes Khol Eyeliners. These come in a wide range of colors and are an absolute steal at $3 or under a pop. With a creamy gel-like consistency and lasting wear, these are great dupes for the Urban Decay 24/7 glide on liners. I always have a couple of these in my makeup collection because they are so cheap and yet perform so well.