I love Sephora as much as the next gal (actually let’s be honest, maybe more. It’s an addiction really) but sometimes I just want to run into Target and grab a few makeup items that won’t cost me my entire paycheck. In my random trips to the drugstore I have found some great products that definitely give their more expensive counterparts a run for their money. Here are some of the best drugstore makeup products! (Not including brushes, but you can find that post here.)
Other posts you might like:
Top 10 Favorite Makeup Products
Top 10 Non-Makeup beauty Staples
Eyes
L’Oreal Lineur Intense
I love this liner! Like I mentioned in my favorite beauty products post, my liner preference is liquid. This liner has great staying power and glides on easily. The felt tip is not too thick and not too thin which helps in making the perfect sized line. It also has some give to it so that it’s flexible when I am swiping across my lash line. It stays mostly matte but has a teeny tiny sheen to it so I typically just press a little matte black shadow into my lash line and I’m good to go. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a reasonably priced liquid liner. Price: $7-8
Maybelline Studio Stiletto Gel Liner
Even though I am a lover of liquid liner in terms of application, I love the matte intense look of gel liner. This gel liner is super matte and super DARK! I use this on my lower lash line or upper lash line when I want to tightline and it lasts all day. For those who may not know, tightlining is when you add liner to that little area right underneath your upper lash line. Feels a little weird at first but it helps darken my natural lash line and creates a thicker and more lush looking lashes at the root. I honestly don’t notice a huge difference between this liner and my MAC Fluidline. It also comes with a little brush. Bonus! Price: $7
Cover Girl Full Lash Bloom
Cover Girl Full Lash Bloom lengthens and thickens my lashes. It doesn’t smudge and it holds my curl all day. What more do you need in a mascara anyway? It also does a great job of separating my lashes due to the wand which has plastic bristles and has a stiffer feel. Price: $5-6 Maybelline Volum Express Big Shot Colossal comes in at a close second!
Ardell Demi Wispies False Lashes
These are hands down my absolute favorite false lashes. They are super cheap, easy to apply, last forever and they look natural but with a little oomph! The perfect false lash in my opinion. I buy mine in bulk on amazon but they have them individually at drugstores as well as Target and Wal-Mart. I haven’t really needed to use these as often since I have been using the lash serum I mentioned in my previous post but if my lashes ever go back to the skinny little sticks they used to be, I will be busting out these babies again. Price: $3 for singles, $9 for pack of 4
Lips
NYX butter gloss
I love these little guys! The color payoff is great and so is the color selection. Although as you can see from the picture, I tend to grab everything in the same color family. You can never have too many nude glosses! The feel is super slick and non sticky on my lips. The only downside is they don’t have as much staying power as something a little more sticky but for $5 a gloss, I’m ok with it! Price: $5
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream
Clearly I am a fan of NYX lip products. What I love about these is I get the nice matte look but my lips stay soft. Usually matte liquid lip products can be very drying but these keep some moisture on your lips while still giving off the matte look. They have an awesome color selection too! I find that 2 coats is usually best for a more blended opaque look. Price: $5
Face
Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation
I’ve used this foundation for years! Until I discovered Estee Lauder Double Wear it was my go to foundation. The coverage is amazing and it stays put all day long. Once this baby is on, it’s not moving. They have options for normal/dry skin or combination/oily skin and I usually go with the oily. I use a synthetic haired buffer brush to apply. Tip: You do have to be quick when blending in this foundation. It dries super quick so if you aren’t careful you could end up with some splotches. If you blend quick enough though you won’t have an issue. The other trick I use with this foundation is to spray a little setting spray on the brush before applying. This sheers it out a little and adds some moisture so it doesn’t dry as quickly. It also keeps the foundation from feeling heavy on your face since it is very full coverage. I still keep one on hand at all times when I need great coverage but I am running low on my double wear. For reference I use shade 240/Medium Beige. Price: $7-9
L’oreal Infallible Pro-Matte 24 Hour Wear Foundation
This is second favorite drug store foundation. It gives me all the same great full coverage that I like and the lasting power is decent. It doesn’t last as long as the Revlon Color Stay but when I am heading out for a short time versus getting ready for a full day at work, I can use this and know it will last me at least 6 hours before starting to slightly break up. This foundation feels really lightweight and glides on and blends very easily. There is a Pro Glow version for more dry skin. I tried that one out but it lasted only a couple hours before my oil starting to break through. Price: $10
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser
This is a very decent option for drugstore concealer. There is no heavy feel to it so it’s nice and light but still hides dark circles well. When set with a powder it doesn’t settle into fine lines and lasts all day. The application is a little different with the sponge tip and you twist to get the product out. Price: $6-7
Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge
This is an awesome little sponge! It works just as well (if not better) as a BeautyBlender and I love that it has different angles for certain types of application. I use the pointed tip for blending out concealer or spot treating. The angled side is also good for blending out concealer or for creating a good contoured cheek line when I am setting my counter with loose powder. The other flatter side I use when blending foundation all over. Such a good deal compared to $20 for a regular BeautyBlender and you can find them on amazon too. Easy Peasy. Price: $5
Those are the main drugstore items I buy over and over. There are a ton of drugstore makeup brushes I love as well but you can read about those in this post. If there is an amazing drugstore gem I am missing out on, definitely let me know! I am always on the hunt for anything great in the world of beauty to add to my daily routine and I most definitely can’t turn down a good bargain!
Shop My faves!
Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. The products linked are ones I use personally and wholeheartedly recommend. Thank you for your continued support!
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