Let’s face it, not everyone has the luxury of spending thousands of dollars on makeup. Recently, drugstore makeup brands have elevated their quality, demonstrating their ability to perform just as effectively. I’ve compiled a selection of my preferred drugstore makeup items, offering you the opportunity to substitute pricey products with exceptional alternatives!
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CC Cream
Starting with essentials, a reliable CC cream is a must. I favor CC cream over foundation due to its lightweight application while still providing color correction and evening out skin tone. E.l.f. has an excellent option at a very reasonable cost.
Concealer
Now, let’s talk about concealer! The one from Covergirl stands out as the best I’ve personally tested. When applied with a damp beauty blender, it effectively conceals my dark circles and blemishes, leaving a flawless finish without any flakiness.
Blush
For those who adore blush, in my opinion, Milani offers the best options. With a diverse range of shades, when selected thoughtfully, it imparts a natural look.
Highlight
If you’re into a subtle highlight, my go-to choice is the one by e.l.f. I find it perfect for a touch of glow, and I also use it to highlight under my brow for an added glow.
Powder
On days when minimal coverage is the goal, I choose powder over cream, and my absolute favorite is the one by Morphe. It strikes the perfect balance, providing coverage without appearing thick or causing a cakey finish.
Brows
When it comes to brows, I lean towards a pencil over gel as it tends to create a more natural look for me, although preferences can vary. I particularly favor the one by e.l.f. due to its affordability and shade ranges.
Eyeshadow
When it comes to eyeshadow, I gravitate towards rose/pink tones as they complement my skin tone the best. ColourPop offers eyeshadow palettes in a variety of options, and what I appreciate most is the minimal fallout and long-lasting color, ensuring the vibrancy lasts.
Mascara
My ultimate favorite mascara is L’Oreal’s Lash Paradise for its volumizing effect. Given my naturally long lashes, I aim for added volume to enhance their fullness. However, if you have shorter lashes, I’d recommend considering a lengthening mascara like L’Oreal Telescopic.
Lip Gloss
When it comes to lips, I lean towards using a gloss, and my go-to choice that I consistently repurchase is e.l.f.’s lip lacquer. Simply choose a shade that complements your complexion, and you’re all set!
Setting Spray
The last and crucial touch to my routine is setting spray, and I swear by Milani Make It Last. Its perfect mist and lightweight application ensure a non-greasy finish, making it ideal for looking great in photos.
I encourage you to explore these products and experience the pleasure of using them. They might just become excellent substitutes for your more expensive makeup items.
Don’t miss out on learning how to seamlessly integrate your makeup and other healthy habits into your morning routine by checking out my blog post here!
