In the last five years I've experimented with a lot of different makeup brands. When I first started buying makeup, drugstore products were all I could afford. Over the years I've found a few drugstore favorites that won't break the bank and will still have people commenting "Slayyy" on Instagram selfies.

Eyeliner

SHOP: L’Oreal Super Liner Superstar Felt Tip Eyeliner

I bought this eyeliner on vacation when the airport lost my beloved Kat Von D Trooper eyeliner, but I honestly think I prefer this one. Sometimes liquid liner fades, but this liner applies and dries a very dark black. The felt tip is great quality and thin enough to make a killer cat eye.

SKIP: L’Oreal Telescopic Precision Liquid Eyeliner

Before I played around with other liquid eyeliners, this one was my go-to. The problem with it is that when you reach the end of it, the eyeliner gets watery. In fact, I used to have to apply another eyeliner on top when I was reaching the end of my pot. Not worth it.

Foundation

SHOP: L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation

A few months ago I decided to stop buying expensive foundation and go with something cheaper. I bought a few options and stuck with this one. The coverage is pretty good for a drugstore foundation and matched my skin type really well. L'Oreal also has a pro-matte option if you're prone to oily skin.

SKIP: Maybelline “Fit Me” Foundation

Unpopular opinion time: I know people love this stuff, but I was pretty disappointed. It didn't cover my acne very well and oxidized when I wore it outside, leaving me looking orange.

Primer

SHOP: Maybelline Face Studio Master Prime, Blur + Redness Control

This primer is light, cheap and a good thing to have on hand if you're prone to redness like I am.

SKIP: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Primer

I bought this primer expecting it to be fantastic. It's twice as expensive as the Maybelline option above--it's $14!--and promises to make your skin clearer and healthier. The tube did not last me very long and I didn't think it helped my skin.

Powder

SHOP: Covergirl Professional Loose Powder

This is one of those products that I continue to use even after trying high-end powders from Sephora. The powder comes in a few different shades and helps get rid of any shininess.

SKIP: L’Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Powder

My biggest problem with this powder is that it is pressed. I personally don't think pressed powder goes on as nicely as loose powder. I also didn't see a difference on my shininess after applying it.

Eyeshadow

SHOP: L’Oreal La Palette Nude 1

Before I bought the Naked palette, I bought L'Oreal's "La Palette Nude 1." Honestly, I choose the L'Oreal palette over the Naked palette sometimes. For a fraction of the price, you receive 10 heavily pigmented nudes.

SKIP: Maybelline Eye Shadow Palette - The Nudes

I was very disappointed with this nude palette. I had to apply several layers of shadow to get any color whatsoever. Also, none of the sparkly shadows actually retained their sparkle when applied.

Mascara

SHOP: L’Oreal Power Volume 24 Hour Mascara

I love this mascara and use it on a regular basis. It is also available in a waterproof formula.

SKIP: Maybelline Spider Effect Mascara

I was hoping I would love this mascara because I have liked Maybelline mascaras in the past, but the Spider Effect fell short. The wand's unique shape makes for an awkward application and the mascara is extremely clumpy.

Eyebrow pencil

SHOP: Maybelline Brow Define + Fill Duo

This was my go-to brow tool for a long time. I like that it has a definer on one end and powder on the other so that you can customize your brows.

SKIP: Maybelline Eye Studio Brow Precise Shaping Pencil

In general, eyebrow pencils are a let down. It's really annoying to have to sharpen the pencil every couple of days. When this pencil was running low it would scratch my skin. No thanks.

Lipstick

SHOP: Rimmel London Kate Moss lipsticks

I don't buy many Rimmel London products but I love their Kate Moss lipsticks. The shades are so pretty and the color lasts for a long time. I have two different Kate Moss shades that I wear regularly.

SKIP: Covergirl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm

Covergirl's lip products are either a hit or miss. In my opinion, their jumbo lip balms are a miss. They make my lips look cracked and dry. Also, every color I've tried looked absolutely awful. If you're looking for a Covergirl lip product that doesn't suck, I recommend their lipstains.