As someone who doesn’t always wear makeup, and not much when I do, I avoid spending too much on makeup. Some big brand items are absolutely worth every penny, but often I can find an alternative that works just as well or sometimes even better in the drugstore. Many of my favorite skincare items have also come from the drugstore. I never travel without these drugstore items. Most of the products I buy are on the pricier end of drugstore makeup. And by this I mean I can’t buy them with the wrinkled 5 dollar bill I found in my back pocket. While I am not willing to give $5o for 10 eyeshadow shades, I will happily (still sweating it a little) give $12 for a great product. Below are some of the drugstore products that I use almost daily! Any fellow cheap-o ladies out there will appreciate this!
Revlon Brow Fantasy in Dark Brown has been my favorite eyebrow pencil for years now.
I love the consistency of pencil, and find I can get a natural look with it. I only use the gel if my eyebrows are doing something wonky, but it works great when I need it. It’s usually around $10, unless I can get it on sale, and it lasts a good while.
I remember when everyone first started using highlighter and Benefit’s High Beam was all the rage. Every time I went to the mall I would fawn over the creamy, shimmering formulas. Alas, I never got my Benefit High Beam. I did get the Almay Instant Glow highlighting duo ($12), with a stick highlighter on one end, and a liquid highlighter on the other. I use the stick on my cheekbones, and the liquid anywhere else. The formula is perfect, and it gives a super natural glow.
Another Almay product I love, is their Smart Shade Primer.
I love it for the price (only $12!), as well as the formula and staying power. My L’Oréal Lumi Glotion ($15) goes over perfectly!
I’m not a big fan of foundation. I can’t stand the feeling of it basically sinking into my pores throughout the day, so I substitute with this if I feel the need to put makeup on my whole face. Most days, I just use concealer under my eyes and on any blemishes. I like that the glotion’s formula isn’t sticky like foundation, and it gives me a natural, even look.
Most days, I give my eyelids a little pop from my Sonia Kashuk palette.
Using a single, matte shade in my crease gives my eyes a natural-looking dimension. This takes me about 30 seconds (I love quick makeup), and doesn’t give the impression that I’m wearing much makeup. Shimmery eyeshadows are not a daily thing for me, although I really do love doing eye makeup the best. I’ve only seen Sonia Kashuk sold in Target, but really lots of neutral eyeshadow palettes will do. Nyx also has some great ones.
The last product that I absolutely could not live without is the Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara from L’Oréal ($10). I rave about this mascara. I’m actually not even wearing it yet in the photos, but this mascara gives me the boldest, clump-free lashes I’ve ever seen from a drugstore mascara. I can play it down for the daytime, or build up my lashes like crazy for a stop-you-in-your-tracks dramatic eye. It is not a rubber bristled brush as has become popular, but still doesn’t start to clump until it reaches the end of its lifespan. I can’t tell you how many bottles of this I’ve gotten. I’m never switching! Not only is the mascara to die for, the packaging is beautiful! I am a sucker for a beautifully packaged item, as well as a sucker for anything in light pink. I swear, they made this just for me (I wish).
