For years I struggled walking up and down the makeup aisle because I had no idea what was right to buy and what wasn't. It turns out, the only real way to find out what is best for you is to try out a little of everything until you know how your skin reacts with certain types of makeup. Everyone is different and what might work well for one person may not necessarily work well for another, but I did my best to try to create a list of 15 of my favorite drug store makeup for the girls who don't have $100 to spend every weekend at Sephora.
1. Maybelline Fit Me Concealer
This concealer works really well for underneath the eyes as well as for random blemishes. It does crease a little bit so it is best to set it with a powder afterwards, but it is super creamy and hydrating and it doesn't dry up your skin at all.
Price: $4-$5
Where to find: any drugstore
2. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer
Another great concealer that has been on the market for a while. While it is just as hydrating as the fit me concealer, it is the best for covering dark circles underneath the eyes.
Price: $6-$8
Where: any drugstore
3. Milani Baked Blushes
I don't use blush a lot for my face, but when I do these are my favorite to use. They make your skin look glowing and they are perfect for the Spring/Summer time. They're pretty pigmented so you don't have to use a lot and they blend super easily.
Price: $6-$8
Where: any drugstores, mostly Walgreens or Target
4. NYX Micro Brow Pencil
This is my all time favorite drugstore product for my brows. It comes in many different colors and it is easy to blend so you don't end up looking like a cartoon character. The only downside is that it's harder to find in most drugstores. I've seen it in certain Walgreens stores, but the best place to go if you're specifically looking for this is Ulta.
Price: $8-$10
Where: Ulta
5. Jordana Best Lash Extreme Mascara
This mascara is super cheap when it comes to drugstore mascaras and it gives you the best volume for your price. If you want more lengthening lashes, I would not recommend this product but if you're looking for more volume I would highly suggest getting this!
Price: $2-$4
Where: mostly Walgreens or Wal-Mart
6. Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara
This mascara is amazing when it comes to lengthening and I've found that it works extremely well when it is paired with the Jordana Best Lash Mascara! It rarely clumps up and gives your lashes a well-defined look.
Price: $8-$9
Where: any drugstore
7. Revlon ColorStay Foundation
This foundation is amazing if you're looking for something that is full coverage and will last you all day without creasing or smearing. It blends very well into the skin and gives you a hydrating, sheer finish without making your skin look or feel oily.
Price: $10
Where: Target or Walgreens
8. Jane Cosmetics Bronzer
Definitely one of the best formulas for bronzers when it comes to drugstore makeup. It is super easy to blend, super pigmented and it doesn't make your skin look blotchy or dirty which is a big issue you can run into when buying drugstore bronzer.
Price: $10
Where: Kohls
9. Maybelline Master Drama Eyeliner
This eyeliner is super dark and it works very well for the waterline. It stays put and it doesn't smear as easily as other liners.
Price: $5-$6
Where: any drugstore
10. NYC Liquid Eyeliner
If you're looking for a liquid eyeliner for the top of the eye, I would highly recommend this product. I don't like a lot of NYC brand cosmetics but this eyeliner is super easy to apply and it goes on very matte and the brush at the end makes it easy to do a winged look.
Price: $2-$3
Where: any drugstore
11. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipsticks
I'm a lipstick junkie, and I own so many of these lipsticks that they are by far some of my favorite from the drugstore. Revlon has an amazing formula for their lipsticks and they have so many shades the options are limitless. They go on very well and stay on without drying out your lips.
Price: $5-$8
Where: any drugstore
12. Physicians Formula Shimmer Strip
As a highlighter, this is one of the best when it comes to drugstores. Although the best place to buy it is at Ulta, and it is a litter priceier when it comes to drugstore highlighters, I promise it will be worth your money. It creates a beautiful shimmer on your face and you can use it for almost any skin tone.
Price: $12-$13
Where: Ulta
13. Maybelline Color Tattoo Eye Shadow
One of the best creme shadows at the drugstore. They're super pigmented and they are easy to blend with other colors. Some colors you have to apply in layers, but they don't crease and they prime your eyelids well.
Price: $7
Where: any drugstore
14. Hard Candy Setting Spray
A cheaper setting spray that sets your makeup really well if you're someone who sweats a lot or has very oily skin! Although, it comes out very fast, so you'll want to avoid using too much.
Price: $10
Where: Wal-Mart
15. Elf Brushes
There are a lot of Elf products I don’t like because I think they’re made very cheap and not well, but some of their brushes are honestly my favorite. I don’t think when it comes to makeup we should have to spend hundreds of dollars on our brushes and elf does such a great job at making this possible.
The two that are my favorite are the Elf Complexion Brush and the Elf Small-Tapered Brush. The Small-Tapered Brush is amazing for setting your under eye canceler and for highlighting your face and the Complexion Brush is nice to bronze your whole face and add a very soft contour.
Price: $2-$3
Where: Target
