Who says you have to sacrifice your sensibilities and set your wallet on fire to find truly fabulous beauty products? Whoever they are, ignore them. Please. Because they have no idea what they’re talking about. 🙂
There are many marvelous drugstore makeup products out there, and here are five of my current favorites. I use ’em and love ’em a lot.
Maybelline Color Sensational The Buffs ($7.49)
Is it possible to own too many nude lipsticks? — like, where someone would come over to your house, see your makeup collection and say, “No, no, no! You cannot have that many nude lipsticks! I’m sorry, but it’s against the rules, and I’m telling on you…”
A girl can never have too many nude lipsticks. Am I right?! Maybelline’s Color Sensational The Buffs lipsticks have a smooth, satiny finish and lots of pigment, and they apply fully opaque. Basically, they’re the ish.
They’re available in 10 shades and various nude tones, but my top love is warm peachy beige Stormy Sahara. I ESPECIALLY love it with smokey eyes. It’s available now online and at drugstores and Ulta.
Oh! — and FYI, Ulta is currently offering a buy one, get one for 50% off deal on these.
L’Oreal True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Foundation ($12.99)
I’ve raved about this foundation before, and you know what? I’m going to rave about it again. Because it’s the very definition of a drugstore gem.
If you like that dewy skin look, try L’Oreal True Match Lumi. I think it’s the best drugstore foundation on the market, hands-down. It’s great. I swear on my tabby’s fluffy thighs… Yes, it’s that serious, boo-boo!
It’s $12.99 and comes in a bunch of shades, and the formula applies effortlessly and looks natural, so you won’t end up with fake-@ss cyborg skin. Just real skin that looks more even toned and luminous.
I love this stuff so much that I’m getting another bottle in a darker shade to mix with my current bottle of Sun Beige and customize my own color. It’s available now online and at drugstores, Target and Ulta (note: it’s currently on sale at Ulta right meow for $7.79).
Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in Blackest Black ($9.99)
An intense, rich black gel liner with all-day staying power, Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in Blackest Black is easily one of the best gel liners around. Period. It’s also easy to draw crisp edges with it (FYI, though, you may as well ditch the included brush).
Oh, and it also doubles as an eyeshadow base. I use it all the time under jewel-toned greens and blues to boost the intensity of those colors. Available now online and at drugstores, Target and Ulta.
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer ($6.99)
Creamy Maybelline Fit Me Concealer doesn’t look like caked-on plaster because it blends and buffs beautifully.
I’m very picky about my under-eye concealers, and this is the only drugstore one I’ve ever repurchased. Because it’s just plain good and affordable. It’s also available in six shades, with a couple that are ideal for darker skin tones, which is great. None of them are too pink or beige, so they’re all pretty neutral. Available now online and at drugstores and Ulta (there’s also a buy one, get one for 50% off deal now at Ulta).
Rimmel London Natural Bronzer in Sun Bronze ($4.99)
I’ve mentioned Rimmel London Natural Bronzer in Sun Bronze not too long ago. Basically, it’s a matte golden tan bronzer that blends well, doesn’t look excessively orange, and it’s only $4.99, BAM! In other words, it’s a pan filled with awesome sauce, and it’s available online now and at drugstores and Ulta.
These definitely aren’t the only drugstore products I like, but they’re the first five that just came to mind. And I lurve them all.
What about your drugstore faves? Anything you think I really need to try? Come on, rock my world! 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Lauren S. says
June 29th, 2015 at 3:36 pmAll of these look absolutely beautiful, lurve!!!
Have you tried the Maybelline Dr. Rescue lip balms? They saved my “textured” lip life and they also come in some really pretty sheer colors! I think they’d be great for you!
Karen says
June 29th, 2015 at 6:12 pmHi Lauren!
Oh, my lips are extra “textured” right now and it sounds like I could use that balm! It’s BOG at Ulta right now, which is pretty darn tempting. 😀
I hope you had a nice weekend. What did you do?
Lauren S. says
June 30th, 2015 at 4:48 pmThis weekend I mostly had rehearsals for a show I’m in at my local theater company called Little Shop of Horrors. It’s taking place in the Bay Area so you should come check it out if you’re interested! lgyt.net
Cindy says
June 29th, 2015 at 3:38 pmI see several of my favorites here! The only things I haven’t tried are the Maybelline Gel Liner and the Rimmel Bronzer but with ulta 40% off, this might change; )
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Karen says
June 29th, 2015 at 6:10 pmHi Cindy,
You have to try the gel liner! It’s one of the best. Do you have a liner brush on hand? Because the one that comes with the pot isn’t very good.
Vanessa Bernadette says
June 29th, 2015 at 4:04 pmI absolutely love L’Oreal’s foundations so it’s no surprise to see one of theirs here. I’ve been loving the Infallible 24 hr one from L’Oreal.
Best wishes,
Vanessa
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Karen says
June 29th, 2015 at 6:10 pmI haven’t tried that yet, Vanessa, so thanks for the recommendation!
Maria says
June 29th, 2015 at 4:05 pmI’m a big fan of Revlon Photo Ready concealer stick. I’ve been using it for a few years because it feels light and it’s easily buildable.
Karen says
June 29th, 2015 at 6:09 pmHi Maria,
You’re the second person I’ve run into in a week who’s raved about that concealer! I really need to try one soon.
Kelly B. says
June 29th, 2015 at 4:05 pmI really love the clear eyebrow gel/mascara by elf, it’s seriously such a good find for $2!
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Karen says
June 29th, 2015 at 6:08 pmI haven’t tried that one yet, Kelly! Thanks for the rec. How is the hold? I need strong hold to tame my brows in place.
Heloisa says
June 29th, 2015 at 4:13 pmGreat suggestions, Karen! I love a bargain, so usually, the only reason for me to buy an expensive piece of makeup is related to the luxurious packing 🙂
I’m sure you already know them, but I ADORE the Maybelline Color Tattoo eyeshadows. The can double as eyebrow filler (tough as taupe), highligher (any of the lighter shades) or basically anything you want (face paint, artistic makeup, whatever). Once they settle, it doesn’t come off for anything in the world.
Another great one is Maybelline Fit Me foundation. The original kind is perfect for normal to dry skin or combo skin when in a dryer climate/winter season. There is also the Fit Me Matte and Poreless version, which I will definitely want when my current foundations are finished. Have a great week 🙂
Karen says
June 29th, 2015 at 6:07 pmHi Heloisa,
Thank you for reminding me about Maybelline Fit Me Foundation! I bought a bottle a while back and stuck it in a drawer and forgot about it. Time to take that bad boy out. 🙂
So, question for you. Do you have a favorite drugstore face powder?
Heloisa says
June 29th, 2015 at 10:38 pmYou’re welcome 🙂
It’s a shame I bought it in the wrong shade and that it doesn’t come with a pump, though. I’d pay a bit more if it came with one.
Wooaah, when it comes to powders, I’m clueless! Of all the questions I could answer with proper knowledge… haha. I don’t know why I’ve actually never had the habit of wearing powder, even though I have combo to oily skin mostly all year round. I had an AVON face powder a long time ago, but it was cr4p. However, I do wear Bare Minerals the Original foundation on my T zone when I’m feeling extra greasy, or that super-fine milled powder that comes with Laura Mercier Concealer Pot 🙂
Rachel says
June 30th, 2015 at 12:49 amThe Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless Powder is awesome! It does have some coverage so don’t get the translucent as it leaves a white cast (ok for me!), get the one that corresponds to your skin tone
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Jen C says
June 29th, 2015 at 4:20 pmI love me more drugstore gems! MOAR.
Speaking of which, have you heard of the brand Sleek Makeup? They’re mostly online but ship affordably. My BFF got me their eyeshadow palette in Oh So Special and they’re divine! I’m eyeing their Storm palette next since it looks especially good for that smokey eye look.
Miki says
June 29th, 2015 at 4:51 pmI always wanted to try Sleek makeup!
Karen says
June 29th, 2015 at 6:05 pmHi Jen C,
Got it! 🙂
So, I have tried Sleek, but it was ages ago and I can’t really remember if I liked it or if I didn’t. I do remember liking the price.
What are your drugstore makeup faves?
Jen C says
June 29th, 2015 at 8:51 pmSome of my drugstore makeup favs include the nyx eyebrow cake powder, Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation and Maybellone Dream Pure BB!
Chelsea says
June 29th, 2015 at 4:25 pmDo the Maybelline lippies have a smell? I’ve never actually purchased a Maybelline lipstick, but those colors are lovely!
I often use Maybelline Dream Lumi concealer in Ivory! FitMe didn’t really have a color for me. I have weird undertones.
Karen says
June 29th, 2015 at 6:05 pmHi Chelsea,
Yeah, the do. It’s kind of vanilla-y and faintly plastic. Smells like it too. It goes away fast.
Do you think Dream Lumi would be enough for heavy duty dark circles?
Chelsea says
June 29th, 2015 at 6:42 pmDefinitely not enough for heavy duty circles!
Vanilla plastic isn’t bad, as long as it’s not the terrible L’Oréal lipstick smell.
Lulle says
June 29th, 2015 at 4:38 pmDuh, I haven’t tried a single one of these! The foundation is very tempting, especially for the sale price… I just never buy drugstore foundations because of the lack of testers, it’s hard to guess which shade is right by just looking at the bottle! I’ve bought a completely wrong shade a few times and then gave up on drugstore foundation as a whole because of it.
Lulle recently posted … My Summer Beauty Essentials: 10 Makeup Products I Can’t Live Without
Karen says
June 29th, 2015 at 6:03 pmHi Lulle,
Do you live near an Ulta? They have a great return policy!
Miki says
June 29th, 2015 at 4:50 pmAwesome list! I agree!! Although I haven’t tried L’Oreal Lumi foundation, my skin is oily enough to make all foundations dewy on me lol
Karen says
June 29th, 2015 at 6:03 pmHi Miki,
There’s a matte version in the L’Oreal line called True Match Super Blendable Makeup; I haven’t tried it yet but have heard great things. 🙂
Miki says
June 30th, 2015 at 1:40 amWell! I will have to look into that! 🙂 The only other trouble with me is, I have such a tough time finding matte foundations that don’t cake up on me :'( Ugh! Thanks! 🙂 <3
Cherie says
June 29th, 2015 at 4:56 pmOh, the lipsticks look really pretty. I’m going to have to look into these the next time I’m at Ulta. I’m not a fan of drugstore foundations. I have such weird undertones (green, yellow and some pink) that I never get anything I can’t test. I ended up getting a custom-blend foundation from Prescriptives online. Other than that my go-to is Nars tinted moisturizer in St. Moritz.
Karen says
June 29th, 2015 at 6:01 pmHi Cherie,
Back in the day I wasn’t a fan of them, either. The color selection was really, really limited. Things have gotten better in the last few years, it seems.
So tell me about your custom-blend foundation. Was it a exact match right off the bat?
Btw, I love NARS Tinted Moisturizer too! I need to get another bottle.
Cherie says
June 29th, 2015 at 7:09 pmThe custom blend foundation was great match for my skin. I chatted with a foundation expert online (they are super super knowledgeable) and I took a few selfies in natural light and sent it over to them. I got a powder and foundation and this included travel sizes of each. The foundations are normally kinda pricey but they had a promotion of 30% off all purchases and so it was worth it for me. The foundation itself seemed way too light in the bottle and even when I streaked it on, but once I blended it into my skin it completely disappeared and it really dried nicely. My main problem with foundations is that I’m lighter than I seem and I get matched to darker foundations that leave me with a tan face after it dries, I’m guessing that’s due to the green and the foundations I get matched to have too much pink or tan. I think a lot of women in the Asian diaspora have this problem. I decided to go with Prescriptives because I had wasted so much money on foundation (except for Nars). The nice thing is that if you aren’t happy with the foundation you can return it and get it reformulated for free – I found that they have great customer service. With the summer, I’m just using the tinted moisturizer if I need an extra polished look. I normally use Perricone’s No Foundation foundation on my face with Nars concealer in Ginger – perfect and really perks me up.
Mallory says
June 29th, 2015 at 5:42 pmI love all the Maybelline lipsticks! They’re my go-to lippies. I also really like L’Oreal’s new long lasting liquid lipsticks – they aren’t transfer proof, but last SUCH a long time and don’t feel heavy or drying. OH, and Milani lipsticks too. And L’Oreal’s true match blushes. I haven’t had any luck with drugstore foundations or mascaras 🙁
Karen says
June 29th, 2015 at 6:18 pmHi Mallory,
They Maybelline lippes are great! What are your favorite colors?
Mallory says
June 30th, 2015 at 6:22 pmIn general, I like the Buffs the best, because I’m a big nude lip gal. My favorite colors currently are Touch of Spice and Warm Me Up, but I have my eye on a couple coral colors, too. And the Blushing Bud from the Rebel Bloom release is the only pink lipstick I actually like. Maybelline and Milani are definitely tied for favorite lipsticks, but Maybelline has so many more colors!
KK says
June 29th, 2015 at 6:13 pmI could go on and on!
I love jordana fabulash mascara SO much! Neutrogena micro mist self tanner, Revlon lip butters, and the classic 2 foot long wet n wild liners!
I’m so hooked on Mac fac and body (thanks to you) that I can’t bring myself to try and newer foundations. Back in the day I loved me some Revlon color stay!
Karen says
June 29th, 2015 at 6:17 pmHi KK,
Ahh, Face & Body is sooooo good! I haven’t worn it in ages; gotta bust it out. Have you ever tried it with MAC Mineralize Skinfinish on top? The two together are magic.
I kind of love that you mention the Wet ‘n’ Wild liners. They used to have a lip liner that I used for FOREVER called 666. I wonder if it’s still around…
Anywho, I’m always on the hunt for a good mascara. Next time I’m at Walgreens I’ll look for that Jordana one.
KK says
June 29th, 2015 at 7:05 pmOops! Sorry, it’s Best lash Extreme by jordana.
And yes, I love adding skin finish on top. For the summer though (I live in tx where it’s 100 degrees) I like to just use good old studio fix as my foundation with soliè de tan bronzer. Such a pretty look!
Maggie says
June 29th, 2015 at 6:28 pmAutomatic Lip liners from Rimmel, Revlon and Ulta (brand).
L’oreal Butterfly Mascara
Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Foundation
Maybelline Dream Lumi Concealer
Nail polish!!
Ardell Lashes and Revlon Lash glue
Brushes from Elf, Real Techniques and Sonia Kashuk
L’oreal Evercreme Shampoo and Conditioner
Katherine M says
June 29th, 2015 at 6:40 pmHmmmm, I haven’t tried some of these, either, but have heard great things about the foundation and liner!
These are my Ulta/CVS/Target picks to try if you haven’t already:
~Garnier BB Cream with 2% salicylic acid – blends well and helps with breakouts.
~Physician’s Formula bronzers with SPF 30 – blend well and now have protection from the sun!
~L’Oreal Silkissime Liner in True Teal – Stays on all day and is a great summer color.
~Rimmel Argan Oil mascara – keeps my lashes soft, doesn’t clump and stays put all day.
kristen @ glambunctious says
June 29th, 2015 at 8:24 pmGah, you look gorgeous here! Stormy Sahara is your shade, girlfriend.
I love The Buffs, too. I’m partial to Touchable Taupe. The True Match Lumi is a great drugstore dupe for Lancome Teint Miracle, in my book. I love it in the winter when my oily skin can do with a little luminescence. Great round-up, Karen!
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Rachel R. says
June 29th, 2015 at 8:50 pmYay for drug store makeup love! Some of my favorites: ColourPop, Nyx, e.l.f., Wet n Wild, Hard Candy, Profusion eyeshadows (amazing!), Sonia Kashuk, City Color Cosmetics (especially the Intense Exposure Highlighting Powder, Be Matte Blushes, and Intense Shine Eye Shadow Palette), Bourjois, Sleek, Makeup Revolution (and their new pro brand Freedom: I’ve only tried a few of its lipsticks and eyeshadow monos so far, but I love them & the price is so inexpensive). Max Factor lipsticks. Almay and Physician’s Formula for mascaras that I’m not allergic to. L’oreal Infallible Silkissime eyeliner pencils: Fabulous! As good as my Urban Decay 24/7 pencils. Bhcosmetics, especially the Waterproof Lip Liners (the best).
Efrain says
June 29th, 2015 at 9:36 pmMy recent drugstore crushes are both from Revlon: the whipped cream colorstay foundation (I wear the shade 370 Natural tan which I think would be a good match for you too) and the cream blushes, I haven’t tried others but I prefer using them rather than the powders ones.
Can you believe that now we don’t get Rimmel’s bronzer we only have a big one with shimmer and also that we get the European version of the L’orèal foundation, rather than the US one.
Kwmechelle says
June 30th, 2015 at 3:48 amLove this list. And this series. I’ve heard awesome things about the foundation & the concealer. I wasn’t sure if it was just hype so I never bought either. But now that I know they are MBB-approved, I’ll pick up the concealer. I’m picky about my under eye concealer, too. I tried the LA Girl under eye concealer but became unimpressed after a while. I now use and love the NARS version. And I second that emotion about the eyeliner (and the crappy brush). 🙂
JennySue Makeup says
June 30th, 2015 at 10:44 amI recently did a similar post on my drugstore faves!! They range from the NYX butter glosses (the bomb! lip glosses on the cheap) to the L’Oreal Infallible eyeshadows that stay on forever!! I agree with your Rimmel bronzer choice and I’ll need to check out the rest of your recs!
LindaLibraLoca says
June 30th, 2015 at 11:15 amAgree with you on the Fit Me Concealer and pinned this post for my next shopping trip!
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KATHERINE says
June 30th, 2015 at 12:39 pmL’Oreal True Match powder is amazing. It is great on my mature skin. You can apply several applications with the sponge and still looks natural.
Trude says
June 30th, 2015 at 1:07 pmI’d have to say Revlon Colorburst Balm Stain in Honey is my top drugstore makeup product because I keep repurchasing it. I don’t know why on earth they called the color Honey, it’s really the perfect “your lips but better”, at least for me! Great wear time, feels good on and no crazy scent. Ditto on the Maybelline gel liner! NYX butter glosses are also fantastic. And I recently picked up L’Oreal Infallible eyeliner and I really love how creamy it is going on, but then doesn’t move. Great in the waterline too.
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Kelly says
June 30th, 2015 at 2:50 pmI love Nyx for their setting spray, eyeliner and cream blush. My favorite drugstore powder is NYC Color Wheel in Pink Bronze. I keep backups of that one. I broke one & put it in a different container to still use as face powder but it also works as a great basic eyeshadow too!
Natalye says
June 30th, 2015 at 4:09 pmI have to try out that bronzer!
http://natalyepronio.com
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Joyce says
June 30th, 2015 at 5:35 pmNYX eyebrow powder! 2 shades and wax, plus a mini brush and spoolie.
Fancie says
June 30th, 2015 at 8:32 pmAs if I needed to add anything else to my CVS list lol. Drugstore makeup is pretty darn good these days! I also love the Fit Me concealer and have gone through almost 2 tubes of it. It was one of the first concealers I ever tried and I still use it years later. Next on my list is that L’Oreal foundation and the Maybelline lipstick you’re wearing. It’s gorgeous on you!
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April Walker says
July 1st, 2015 at 12:26 pmHi Karen, this probably won’t get an answer but if anyone could that would be nice!! I need a mascara! But..hate wet ones!! I need a dry one! I don’t even wear it because they all seem to be so wet, get all over me! Any suggestions? Would love to start wearing it!! Thanks!!
Daisy says
August 25th, 2015 at 1:19 pmHi Karen! I was wondering, which shade of the maybelline fit me concealer do you use? I’m having a hard time choosing my shade since my drugstore doesn’t have testers 🙁