For makeup lovers like myself, we will find any reason to justify spending unreasonable amounts of money on high-end makeup, but over the years I have put many drugstore products through trial-and-error in order to find the best products available at or below $15. While expensive makeup has a reputation for being better quality, I have come to find that many low-end products perform well and are quite comparable to high-end brands. So for those of you on a budget, I'm right there with you. Here are some of the best makeup products available at the drugstore.
1. L'OREAL True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup
For those looking for a dewy and glow-like finish to their skin, this foundation is perfect. Blendable and natural, this foundation gives a buildable coverage look without feeling heavy on the skin. For an airbrushed finish, I recommend using a damp beauty sponge to apply this foundation--this method leaves a beautiful finish. If your skin is on the oily side, I would not recommend wearing this product for a long period of time; it does not prevent oil.
Retail price: $12.99
2. NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick
The matte lip look is definitely in right now, but I will admit that it is difficult to find an affordable liquid-to-matte lipstick that doesn't turn your lips into the Sahara Desert. The NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick is the best liquid-to-matte lipstick created by a drugstore brand. With high pigmentation and a non-drying effect, this product stays on the lips all day with no reapplication required.
My favorite shade: Sandstorm
Retail price: $7.00
3. L'OREAL True Match Lumi Powder Glow Illuminator
Another look that is all the rage right now is the look of glowy skin. To achieve this look, many people rely on expensive highlighting powders. While Jaclyn Hill's 'Champagne Pop' is certainly beautiful, L'OREAL's Lumi highlight is also gorgeous, at a fraction of the price. By putting this product on the high points of the face, such as the top of the cheekbones, the end of the nose, and the cupid's bow, the glowing effect can be achieved, which makes the skin appear healthier and pulls the entire makeup look together.
Retail price: $12.99
4. Physician's Formula Butter Bronzer
This bronzer makes your skin look sun kissed, even in the dead of winter. While most bronzers end up being too orange for fair skin, this bronzer's cool tone works beautifully for those with fairer skin. Place this product underneath your cheekbones for a contoured effect, or place on your cheeks and temples for a bronzing effect.
Retail price: $14.95
5. Maybelline Illegal Length Mascara
This mascara is made with fiber extensions that attach to your lashes to add noticeable length. This product is buildable with multiple coats, and doesn't clump easily.
Retail price: $8.95
6. Milani Moisture Matte Lipstick
Milani's matte lipsticks feel like lip balm, which is a unique quality in a matte lip product. The buttery feel and high pigmentation of this product makes me a huge fan, but these lipsticks don't last nearly as long as a liquid-to-matte product.
My favorite shade: Naked
Retail price: $5.99
7. Covergirl TruBlend Makeup Primer
With 3 different formulas available (dry, oily, and combination skin) this primer works for every skin type. While some primers feel thick or sticky after application, this primer absorbs into the skin and goes unnoticed throughout the day. Along with this, the TruBlend primer keeps makeup in place for hours and prevents it from wearing off quickly.
Retail price: $9.24
8. Milani Everyday Eyes Powder Eyeshadow Collection
To be fair, some drugstore shadow palettes are a hit or miss, but the Milani eyeshadow palettes are a definite hit. With a variety of shades in each, these palettes are able to create multiple different looks. The shadows themselves are incredibly smooth and blendable as well as highly pigmented. These shadows are easily comparable to high-end brands.
Retail price: $9.99
