It’s simply no secret that some of our favored products are actually those found stacked in shelves at our local drugstore. Sure we enjoy the trips to the mall ’cause who doesn’t love playing with makeup and swatching the latest formulas. But let’s get real: Covid really ruined that for us (temporarily at least) and shopping for makeup at Target and Amazon soon became the most convenient. Needless to say, the PRICE of these products and the quality behind a lot of these brands is just something NOBODY should pass up on. This post definitely had to be made, and I’m here to help a sista out! Let me point you to some of my TOP drugstore products you need to include in your makeup bag, stat!
1.Real Techniques Beauty Sponge
First and foremost, if you’re still applying your makeup with brushes there is absolutely no problem in sticking with the traditional way. Buuuut, what if I told you this sponge could completely transform you makeup application…hmmm?
Not kidding. I’ve tried many drugstore beauty sponges over my 10 years in the industry and this is still the best in my opinion. Whats so great about it? To start, the size expands perfectly when wet allowing for a quick and easy makeup process. Your foundation will apply effortlessly with a bounce of a sponge. You will never have to struggle with foundation absorption, I know how annoying that is (first indicator of a terrible beauty sponge BTW). The softness of this sponge allows for a flawless, smooth application. You’ll never have to experience that hard, un-expandable material with this one. How do you use it? Simply wet your sponge and let it fully expand. Once wringed, apply a few drops of your fave foundation directly onto your face or the back of your hand and work from there.
Pro tip: Bounce the sponge directly onto the face, never strip or pull the skin. The best thing is that they’re usually under $6 bucks and depending how often you use it, replacing it isn’t too bad.
2. Morphe continuous setting mist
This one is particularly important to mention to ya’ll because I know the real struggle of finding a great setting mist. Problem is, most setting sprays were leaving my face either too dry or simply too messy after spraying. My biggest pet peeve was having huge dropletts of liquid spray dried onto my face basically ruining the whole purpose of a seamless fresh makeup application. Most formulas out there would drench the skin rather than melt the makeup enhancing the overall finish.
Discovering Morphe’s award winning setting mist was a total game changer. Its most unique feature is the continuous mist delivered by aerosol, whaaat!? No more splashes of liquid on my face? Win! another amazing feature is its multi functional use. I can skip the primer and spray this on, minimizing the appearance of pores while illuminating my skin. I love using this on my clients who prefer a glowy, dewy finish and I’m confident their makeup stays on all day. Side note: I’ve even used this spray to tame fly-aways on set and it does a mighty good job at it hehe.
I keep this in my kit at all times (along with a few others) and trust; it’ll be a staple in my makeup arsenal for a looooong time.
3. LA Girl Pro Coverage Foundation
Since were in the topic of dewy, glowy glam let me jump onto my next favorite: drugstore foundation. This formula is perfect for those who like a natural yet buildable coverage foundation with a luminous finish. Emphasis on COVERAGE. At first I was a bit skeptical with the color range as it was very limited compared to others in the market, but I purchased a few, mixed and played with it from there. First thoughts: Great coverage with a lightweight feel. I wore it throughout the day and surprisingly the color did not oxidize. bonus point for LA GIRL.
If you’re in need of a daily, grab and go foundation that stays on all day and leaves your skin feeling hydrated & even-toned, look no further. This is it. Added plus? its under $10!
4. Wet N Wild Mega Glo Highlight
I discovered this product a few years ago when social medias most popular beauty gurus raved about it. Let me tell you; finding this product was an entire dilemma on its own. It was sold out online for month! I remember hitting up my local Walgreens, Target and Walmart with no luck. Finally getting my hands on this product was like winning the lottery. There was one shade in particular that broke the internet, and that was “precious petals”. Holy cow! The pigment on this beauty is undeniable. Its creamy “wet skin” finish is what does it for me and its become one of my mostly used highlighters ever!
Wet N Wild heard our prayers and you can now find this in practically any drugstore. Retailing at just under $5, you cant go wrong with this baby.
5. Morphe Fluidity Concealer
Although this concealer is not found in drugstores its still worth mentioning due to its extremely great quality formula with the drugstore price tag. Find this and the entire Morphe collection at your nearby mall or Ulta retailer (ill link it in the post for fast and easy access).
If your’e looking for a demi-matte, buildable concealer that wont appear cakey or heavy on the skin, this ones for you boo! Its a creamy, FULL coverage concealer that is comfortable enough for all day wear without breaking you out and works on even the most sensitive skin. The shade range is quite extensive with 31 shades to be exact. Talk about inclusivity! This concealer is great for contouring, highlighting and concealing with a sweat-proof, transfer resistant formula. Reasonably priced at just around $10, you sure can’t skip on high quality and affordability with this one.
6. Essence Super Precise Eyeliner
I feel like this brand sort of crept on me as I shopped at Ulta one day. I had never heard of it before but the price was very much intriguing me. C’mon who doesn’t love a bargain? I first noticed their unbelievably low priced mascaras and liners. Being the hoarder of makeup that I am, you know I went in on it. Some were a hit some were a total miss in my opinion, but 2 products in particular really blew me away.
Essence has an amazing water resistant liquid liner (as a wing liner QWEEN, I can appreciate a good long lasting formula). What makes this so great? Let me tell ya, the formula does not crack or peel. It is black AF and there is no shiny finish. Prior to this liquid liner I was a die hard NYX gal in the drugstore eyeliner category. I was pleasantly surprised to discover their retractable long lasting eye pencil is just as amazing! its now a staple in my personal makeup bag. Best part? This liquid liner along with the others is only $3! Can’t beat that!
I’ve made it super easy for you to shop these drugstore favorites here, all linked and ready to go. If you have any questions please drop them in the comments below, I’m always here to assist!
I hope you find this useful on your next drugstore makeup haul! These suggestions are based solely on my opinion of the products and my experience over time. My content may contain affiliate links for products I use and love. If you purchase after clicking one of my links, I’ll earn some coffee money which I promise to drink while writing more posts such as this 🙂
Don’t miss my previous post on how to spring clean your makeup bag here!
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