It wasn't too long ago that I would walk into Ulta or Sephora and drop hundreds of dollars on the newest high-end makeup. As a self-proclaimed makeup enthusiast, this was a purchase that I could totally justify to myself just a few years ago (even though I was in college and shouldn't have). While I still do splurge on certain beauty products, I have definitely toned down my exorbitant spending habits. With that, I wanted to share what my favorite drug store beauty products are. Most of the products I mention are tried and true products that I've used for at least a year, but some are products that are new to me!
The first product I want to mention is the e.l.f. Poreless Primer Putty. Many people say this product is a dupe for the Tatcha Silk Canvas primer ($8 vs. $52). Although I haven't tried the Tatcha primer, I'm such a fan of the Primer Putty, that I truly don't feel the need to even buy the Tatcha one. The e.l.f. Primer Putty is first of all, SO velvety on the skin. It is a thick putty consistency, but it does blend well. Also important to mention, it's very lightweight on the skin, and I do notice that it provides a smoother application of foundation. Plus, this product will last you because you really only need a small amount per application. I used e.l.f. back in middle/high school, and back then I don't remember being overly impressed with their products. The brand has absolutely stepped up their game since, and I really love this product!
Next, let's talk about the brand Real Techniques. I have used their makeup brushes in the past which were great brushes and still are, but the product I love most from this brand is the Miracle Complexion Sponge. In the past, the only sponge I would use was a Beauty Blender. Don't get me wrong, Beauty Blender is a great sponge, but I can honestly say that I prefer the Real Techniques one. Not only is the RT sponge a fraction of the cost ($5 vs. $20), but I really like that the RT sponge has a slanted edge. I feel like foundation/concealer and even setting powder applies just as well (if not better) with the RT sponge, and because you want to replace face sponges often for hygienic purposes, I would way rather spend less money on them!
Another amazing drugstore makeup brand is NYX. While this brand has a lot of noteworthy products, today I want to talk about their lip products. First off, I love the fact that this brand has a lot of different formulations, as well as an amazing shade range. In terms of a matte product, I love the Lip Lingerie Liquid Lipstick. This product is perfect if you're looking for an affordable ($7) liquid lipstick option that has great pigmentation and also has impressive staying power. Also, the NYX Butter Gloss is a game changer, especially considering the price ($5). My favorite shade is Crème Brulee and I find that it not only looks amazing with just a lip liner or on its own, but it's also a great topper for other matte lip products! Speaking of lip liners... it's no surprise that NYX delivers in this department as well. My favorites are the Suede Matte Lip Liner in Dainty Daze and the Slim Lip Pencils in Natural and Pale Pink ($4).
My fave drugstore beauty products list would not be complete without mentioning Physician's Formula. This is a brand I was introduced to in college, and I still use multiple of their products on a daily basis. First off, I have to mention their Murumuru Butter Bronzer ($15). Not only does this product smell like you're on a tropical vacation, but it truly performs better than the high-end bronzers I have tried in the past. Like the name implies, this product blends like a dream. Like really, will melt into your skin. The bronzer isn't matte, but also isn't over the top with shine. It gives you the perfectly natural glow. I use the shade called Bronzer, and there are seven other shades to choose from. I also absolutely love the Murumuru Butter Blush and find it has a very similar formulation as the bronzer ($13). In the blush, I use the shade Vintage Rouge. I will say though, there are only a few shades for the blush, so I'd definitely love to see a wider variety here.
This rounds up my current favorite drugstore beauty items! I wanted to mention that although I didn't mention certain categories of makeup (concealer, foundation, eyebrow products, highlight, etc.), there are amazing products in these categories at the drugstore. For me personally, these are the areas where I tend to invest in products from other higher-end brands. In regards to mascara specifically, I feel like I've yet to find a product that I'm thoroughly impressed with whether its high-end or drug store. I think my eyelashes just honestly don't cooperate no matter what my mascara I use because they're so straight and don't hold curl well (lash extensions may be in my future)! With all that said, I think it is so important to remember that a higher price point does not automatically mean the product will be of higher quality. There are tons of hidden gems that are affordable from the drugstore. Please let us know what your favorite drugstore beauty products are, we would love to know!
