BEAUTY ON A BUDGET 2.0: BEST DRUGSTORE MAKEUP PRODUCTS
What is more beautiful than finding a quality makeup product for a low price? Answer: NOTHING! If you have had the opportunity to visit the cosmetics side of social media, you’ve probably seen all the videos that showcase the best and worst products in beauty stores. This has led to conflicting opinions and a VERY confused audience. At least we can all be sure of one thing, that everyone seems to have strong distaste for St. Ives. However, for the purposes of this post, I want to showcase the best makeup products for the best price. I am going to provide you with the road map to success in conquering your makeup routine and your budget.
Let’s get to it!
BEST FOUNDATION: MAYBELLINE NEW YORK FIT ME FOUNDATION ($7.99)
Flawless skin has always been a coveted outcome of foundations. But as we all know, it can be incredibly hard to find the do-it-all product that complements skin type and the desired outcome. The Maybelline Fit Me Liquid Foundation comes in two finishes: Matte+Poreless (best for normal to oily skin) and Dewy+Smooth (best for dry to normal skin). Not only does it accommodate a broad spectrum of skin types, but it also happens to be a dupe for the cult favorite, Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte and Hydrating Longwear Foundations ($36.00). This foundation leaves skin looking soft, flawless, and radiant. Needless to say it is a favorite of mine.
BEST CONCEALER: MAYBELLINE NEW YORK INSTANT AGE REWIND CONCEALER ($9.99)
Let me (not) be the first to say…this concealer is EVERYTHING. This full coverage concealer not only works to make blemishes and dark spots disappear, but also introduces radiant brightness to your skin. This Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat dupe has become an increasingly popular preference (and with good reason too!) I loved this product so much that I purchased the concealer and under eye brightener.
BEST PRIMER: NYX ANGEL VEIL SKIN PERFECTING PRIMER ($16.00)
Now I know this product lies on the more costly side of drug store makeup BUT compared to its $54.00 sister (Hourglass Mineral Primer), this is a STEAL. I love this product so much that I use it on almost all of my clients. It eliminates pore depth and provides the most perfect canvas for foundation application. The product itself feels like silk when you apply it. Needless to say, I AM OBSESSED.
BEST BRONZER/CONTOUR: MAYBELLINE NEW YORK CITY BRONZER AND CONTOUR POWDER ($9.99)
Contouring is an art. An art that everyone can afford thanks to this bronzer. Want a sun kissed complexion? How about some Gigi Hadid cheekbones? If your answer is yes, this bronzer is your best girlfriend. Her matte finish allows for natural definition and supplemental warmth that makes skin look like you spend your days in the sun, even in the dead of the winter. If I haven’t convinced you of the magical powers of this bronzer yet, this gal just so happens to be the dupe for the Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzer ($17.00). *Drops Mic*
BEST BLUSH: COLOURPOP SUPERSHOCK BLUSH ($8.00)
Blush can either make or break a look. This supershock blush has a soft matte finish that features a healthy pink shade that seamlessly blends into the skin for a naturally feminine look. This beautiful product is sure to make you blush when you realize it is the dupe for M.A.C Powder Blush ($25.00)
BEST HIGHLIGHTER: MAYBELLINE NEW YORK MASTER CHROME METALLIC HIGHLIGHTER BY FACE STUDIO ($9.99)
If I could only have own one makeup product for the rest of my life it would be this one. I have all three of the available shades in my collection and is the only highlighter that I will ever purchase again. No dupes on this one because this is the luxury product. The 2018 Best of Beauty Award Winning Highlighter delivers a healthy pearl-based glow that leaves skin looking naturally radiant. I use it on all my clients and every time I do my own makeup. The highlight of this product isn’t the price, It is the quality you get for the price.
BEST MASCARA: MAYBELLINE NEW YORK VOLUM' EXPRESS THE FALSIES MASCARA ($8.77)
Who needs lash extensions when you have this mascara in your bag? I am incredibly picky when it comes to mascara. My favorite luxury brand is Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions, but $21.00 is sometimes not feasible. So my next go to is this SENSATIONAL product. This “little black dress” of the drug store mascaras not only lengthens but adds dimension and volume to any length of lashes. Don’t believe me? Try it out for yourself (wink).
BEST BROW GEL: NYX CONTROL FREAK EYEBROW GEL ($6.00)
I didn’t even have to think twice about this one because I carry it around with me EVERYWHERE. With only one application, this VEGAN gel keeps my eyebrows in place all day. Seriously though. No movement. All. Day. This product is the dupe for the Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel ($22.00). But why pay $22 when you can pay $6. The answer is CLEAR to me.
BEST EYESHADOW: 18T MORPHE TRUTH OR BARE ARTISTRY PALETTE ($18.00)
Now this one was a difficult pick. Even drug store eyeshadow palettes can get just as pricey as luxury brands. Not just that, but I tend to be an eyeshadow snob and do not normally opt for drugstore shadows. So electing a winner of this category was extremely difficult. However, when I do make a more price friendly shadow purchase, it is MORPHE. The Morphe Truth or Bare palette is a stunning rendition to any makeup collection. It includes 18 matte and shimmer shades all within a neutral spectrum of colors that you can feel confident wearing any day, every day. The quality of the shadows is just as good as any luxury palette and is a common product found in most makeup artists kits. This way nice price is just one more reason why Morphe and its broad range of palettes take the cake for best drug store shadows.
BEST EYELINER: MAYBELLINE NEW YORK HYPER EASY LIQUID EYELINER($8.99)
Lookin’ for the dupe to the Too Faced Better than Sex Liquid Eyeliner? Here she is! The precision and darkness of this fine-tipped eye liner pen is immaculate. In my videos I always use the Too Faced Better than Sex Line ($21.00) but when I don’t have time to run to my local Sephora, this gal’s got my back. This 2020 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner is the answer to all your eyeliner prayers.
BEST SETTING POWDER: COTY AIRSPUN LOOSE FACE POWDER ($6.99)
This setting powder is a must have in your collection. It makes skin look so luscious and silky. It's soft blurring effect makes you look as though your skin has been photoshopped. That’s how incredible this powder is! Not to mention it is the drugstore dupe for the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder ($39.00). I’m choosing to save $30.00 on this one, how about you?
Beauty doesn’t have to be expensive. You just have to look in the right places.
Stay inexpensively Beautiful,
XO
Alaina Katherine