Have you ever been wandering the aisles of Target, looking at all the different sections of the store. You make your way to the makeup/beauty section and you are starstruck by all of the different kinds of lipsticks and mascaras and eyeshadows you just don't even know where to start. So many brands and formulas to choose from, the possibilities are endless. If there was a way that you could get an honest opinion and review on things, that is something you'd be interested in, right?
I am here to tell you about all of the drugstore makeup I have tried and that I love, plus my honest thoughts. These are products that I use every single day, and what that means for you is that they have been put to the test by someone who is going to give you the truth and so you'll know whether it is even worth spending your hard earned money on. And the real value? No more guessing, you will have the knowledge you need to make a confident purchase when searching your local drugstore's makeup section.
Foundations
First thing first... foundations. I have three that I have used over the course of the last year or so. I have actually talked about them on my stories a couple of times, so they might look familiar to you.
BB Pure by Maybelline-- Whenever I first got this, I got it because A Southern Drawl recommended it. I mainly used it to adjust the color of my other foundations (e.g. to make them darker if needed... you know, to match my fake tan). But one thing that is really good about this one is that it has 2% salicylic acid which helps clear up acne. This foundation has been so helpful over the last year because of my skin issues. It is a light to medium coverage but also buildable. Sometimes I use it by itself, but the majority of the time, I mix it with the Revlon Colorstay foundation. These two together are the perfect dynamic duo. This foundation is also good for all skin types, especially your skin. Also, if you are concerned about the chemicals and things that are going on your face, then you will be happy to know that BB pure foundation is Sulfate-free and phthalate-free. There are only 3 colors to choose from in this one but don't be intimidated by that. Once you put the color on it adjusts slightly to your skin. I use the Medium tint and it is perfect.
Revlon Color Stay-- This was one that I had seen in stores before and contemplated buying a few times, but it wasn't until ASD raved about it that I was sold on it. Like I said before, the Colorstay and thte BB Pure are perfect to mix together and they stay on SO well. I wear both of these all day and my makeup still looks fresh. Both of them are also workout approved soooo that's a huge bonus!! I wear the shade 220, which in the bottle it looks a little darker then I would normally buy, but it actually works really well. Whenever I first purchased it, I actually got a shade lighter (210) but I found myself using more of the BB Pure to try and correct that color, so 220 is perfect for me. All of that to say, don't be taken back by the color in the bottle, it is actually a little lighter than it appears. Something else that is amazing about this foundation is that it is SPF 20 in it so you know that your skin will be protected whenever you are out in the sun.
Rimmel Stay Matte-- this is actually my least favorite foundation of the three. I have had this bottle for a little while and just keep it on hand in case of emergencies. (LOL) This foundation actually has a good matte finish and GREAT coverage, but it is better worn for shorter times. I have found that by the end of the day it is almost sliding off my face. But if you need a cheap full coverage foundation to wear, maybe for a shorter time length, then this one is a good one.
Concealer
Not going to lie, I was a little hesitant to venture away from my Tarte Shape Tape, but I finally pulled the trigger and I am so impressed with the quality and coverage of this drugstore concealer.
Maybelline Dark Circle Treatment Concealer-- this concealer is an AMAZING dupe for the Shape Tape concealer. I would even go as far to say that they have an almost identical formula. It is no secret that I struggle with dark circles and puffy eyes, so I have high expectations for concealer and a lot of requirements that it has to meet. And let me tell you this product passes all the tests!! It is a little newer to me but I am so shocked at how well it has performed so far. It stays on all day (and in place), it has great coverage, and I love all of color options as well. I got the Cool Ivory color, which is one of the lightest shades and I love it because it would make anyone's eyes POP. Did you know that this concealer was "America's number 1 concealer, based on Nielsen Scantrack Service for the 52 week period ending February 3, 2018." like WHAT?! An $8 concealer was AMERICA'S #1 PICK?!!! You know what that means to you? That you don't have to spend a fortune to get the same quality to cover up those dark circles any more, sister!
Face Powder
I am sure that a lot of you have heard of this face powder by now, but if by chance if you haven't, then I am here to tell you all the things.
Airspun Loose Face Powder-- I use this powder to set all of my makeup (in the shade translucent). I use this powder for my everyday makeup and then I use the Laura Mercier translucent setting powder whenever I have an event or photoshoot. The Airspun Powder is VERY comparable to the Laura Mercier, in my opinion. I think that they preform the same, except you get a little more for your money with the Airspun. It is long lasting and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and what that means for you is, you are getting a high quality product for a fraction of the price of a high end brand.
Bronzer + Blush
Butter Bronzer-- This is a product by Physicians Formula and it smells like coconuts and paradise. Everytime I open the container, it makes me feel like I'm at the beach (not joke or over exaggerating). Not only is the smell of this bronzer amazing, it is also very pigmented and the color lasts all day.
Milani Blush-- I am so picky about blush because they either aren't a good color or aren't very pigmented, especially cheap ones. Milani is an awesome drugstore brand and that I found one day and I love the color of it. It is a perfect peachy pink color that lasts all day. PLUS, I don't have to puncture my brush into the compact just to get some color. The pigmentation of this baked blush is perfect for an everyday look.
Eyebrows
NYX Brow Pencil-- Like my concealer, I was nervous to leave my high end Anastasia brow pencil. This NYX brow pencil really gets the job done though. I think it is a very good dupe to the Anastasia brand. My only complaint is that I do have to go over it a little more than with the higher end one, but that could be because I need a darker color. For the price, I think that it is a really good quality. I love the skinny tip because you don't have to worry about sharpening a pencil. On the opposite end of the pencil, it has a spoolie which is super convenient because you dont have to have a separate tool to keep up with.
Mascara
I have never been a "high end mascara" buyer, so I have pretty much tried all of the drug store mascaras, and these two are my favorite. I use both of them together every day because they do different things.
Telescopic by L'Oreal-- I start my lash routine with this one because it lengthens my lashes and kind of primes them for the next mascara (which is the volume one). The comb on the end of it helps separate all of the lashes to avoid from clumping.
Lash Sensational by Maybelline-- I have been using this for as long as I can remember and it is the perfect mascara for adding that volume and definition that everyone wants. It has two different sides to the comb that are designed perfectly for both your top and bottom lashes.
Lip Gloss
Confession; I am a HUGE chapstick kind of gal (Aquaphor to be exact). I can give or take lip glosses, but I think a little color is fun so I have been venturing out and trying a few new lip glosses lately. Here are a few of my favorites that I have been using and y'all have actually noticed and have been asking me allllll about these lately, so here is the deets.
NYX butter gloss-- My all time favorite drug store lip gloss (here is my more expensive go-to lip gloss). I have two colors in this lip gloss. I love the formula and texture of it, very smooth and not too sticky. I have two shades; Creme Brulee and Fortune Cookie. These two colors are fairly neutral and look good on everyone.
Milani Lip Gloss-- I am not in love with the color I snagged in this, it is just a little dark for me. But I do like the lip gloss as a whole. Like I stated before, Milani is a good quality drug store makeup brand.
Finishing Spray
I actually JUST ran out of my Urban Decay Setting Spray so I was desperate for a new setting spray ASAP so I snagged this one by NYX. While I have not been using this for long, I don't have any complaints. The one I got is a matte finish, but they had one that had more of a glowy finish. So far, I have been very impressed of how it holds my makeup in place all day. The matte one is very lightweight and perfect for normal to oily skin. The dewy setting spray is recommended for normal skin.
Just a little disclaimer, these are my personal opinions and what works for me. Different colors and products may be different for everyone. I hope this was helpful in guiding you when shopping for drug store makeup.
