Do you need to spend a fortune on makeup? Not always. These drugstore finds do an amazing job for less.
A few months ago, we shared makeup favorites from a friend in the industry. Subsequent to that, so many of you asked, “What about the drugstore brands? Are there any hidden budget gems?” Here, Malkie Knopfler shares her favs. -BCP
This L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation provides beautiful coverage, perfect for every day. It lasts really nicely. Set with a finishing powder.
This Exhibitionist Mascara by Covergirl is my new favorite mascara. Every time I wear it, I get asked what I’m wearing. Other favorites include Maybelline Lash Temptation and L’Oreal Voluminous.
I’m a big fan of Stila Stay All Day Eyeliner but I need to constantly restock because I use it so much. This Unstoppable Eyeliner by Maybelline fills in when I’m trying to watch my budget.
This Creamy Colour Lip Liner by Kiko Milano is my favorite lip liner of all time. It’s creamy, long-wearing, and most of the time, if you ask me what color lipstick I’m wearing, it’s usually one of these lipliners, colored into my entire lip. For only $8, you can get a few. Though it’s not drugstore, it’s definitely drugstore price and one of my beauty secrets.
No need to spend $25 on shadow primer. This Wet n Wild Focus Eyeshadow Primer works so amazingly, it’s not normal! It’s less than $6 and works better than my expensive ones. This gets 10 stars from me for longevity, quality, and wearability.
Love this article! Any ideas for eyeshadow?
Thank you, I’m so glad you enjoyed the article! For eyeshadow, I’m a palette junkie, since they are so much easier to take on Location for makeup jobs. I have a lot of good quality ones, but none from the drugstore. That being said, there is a beautiful one from elf cosmetics and many ppl love L’oreal and Maybelline eyeshadows. Makeup geek shadows are worth checking out too, really inexpensive and great quality!
Malkie
any ideas for full face primer? (something like mac skin base visage)
I would love a long lasting lipstick idea. Thanks!
Hi! That’s something that is unfortunately very individualistic. Many ppl swear by certain brands and some ppl say it doesn’t do a thing for them! Trial and error is a must in this case! I like Rimmel tho, its a great price and works for me!
Hi! I actually like the honey dew me up primer from NYX cosmetics!
Love this post! how do you know which color/ shade to get for concealers? Drug stores don’t do sampling like makeup stores.
I go a drop lighter than my skin tone and I also make sure they have a good return policy. Once I know what works for me, I can grab the colors I need, whenever!
Thanks! great makeup tips!
Thank you!
This is a fantastic article! i already purchased 2 of the items – the L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation is amazing and is totally comparable to my $65 bottle. Going to look into getting some more of these stuff when i need things replaced. Love this!!
Thank you so much!
Do you know if the wet n wild eyeshadow base can be worn on its own? I usually use the Mac paint pot to have a base on my eyelids without any shadow just to have it there and reduce oily lids. Can this be worn on its own without shadows on top and look ok?
Thanks for a great article!
It can, but you would need to set it with a translucent powder. Otherwise it can crease if you are opening and closing your eyes while it’s still drying. Just sweep some powder over it and it will do great.
LOVE this post! I always found that drugstore stuff are sometime equal in qulity to the more expensive stuff.
What about lips? What are good quality lip stick choices?
love this article!!
bought 3 products fron usa to uk!
lov3 lookin good for less:)
I love hearing that!
As a makeup artist dealing with mainly light skinned ashkenaz clientele, which foundation colors are most important to have on hand? What else would you have on hand for the occasional client with darker skin?