Does anyone else wonder why some makeup is so expensive? Like what is in there… gold? magic? the secrets of the universe?

Don’t get me wrong, I do love my $47 foundation and $25 mascara, but I really hate spending that much money on stuff that gets washed down the drain every night! That’s why I usually save my high-end products for when I’m going out or when I’m taking pictures. For everyday activities, affordable drugstore makeup is where it’s at! These are the products that you will see me wearing 90% of the time (I don’t go out much, ok?). And some of them I even like more than their high-end competitors.

Side note: I consider “drugstore makeup” to be affordable products. Some of these you might not be able to find at every drugstore (Jewel Osco, Target, CVS, etc.) I buy most of my makeup from Ulta or Amazon!

 

 

My Favorite Affordable Makeup Products

The post contains affiliate links

 

 

Revlon ColorStay Foundation

This foundation is my true love of drugstore foundations. I have tried tons of others but I always end up returning to this one. It is super long-wearing and lasts all day without getting greasy or separating as most others do to me. They also have a Normal/Dry Skin version which I have never tried. I have combination skin and I like more of a matte finish so I always stick to the Oily/Combo Skin. This foundation has full coverage but is not cakey or thick. It also contains SPF 15, which is nice. Plus, It’s only $13.99 (on sale now for 8.39)! It’s just perfect, okay!?

 

 

Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer

A cult-favorite. If you don’t have the butter bronzer yet, I don’t know what you’re doing. I use the original “Bronze” color which is the perfect tone. Not too orange, not too brown, and not too gray. Just the most beautiful glowy-bronze! They do have one lighter shade and four darker shades as well.

 

 

Physician’s Formula Butter Blush

Obviously, after loving the Butter Bronzer I had to get myself some Butter Blush. The formula on these is amazing, but what makes this a favorite is the color, Plum Rose. It is the perfect everyday, natural color. And, just like the bronzer, it gives off this glow that just makes you look so much healthier!

 

 

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder

This is such a good setting powder and not just for the price! It sets liquid makeup, takes away any shine, and leaves a matte finish. I’ve used the translucent and the creamy natural shade and I can’t really decide which I like best. Both get the job done. For some reason, this powder is different prices at different stores. The cheapest I’ve found it was Amazon for $3.97 and Target for $3.99.

 

 

Revlon ColorStay Primer

I am pretty picky with my primers and I have tried soooo many. I want my primer to be thin, light, and melt into the skin and this one does that! It’s a nice liquidy texture that soaks right in and doesn’t feel like another layer sliding around on my face. I like that it’s the in the same line as the foundation I use because I know that they work well together.

 

 

Revlon PhotoReady Candid Concealer

This stuff reminds me of the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer, which is my holy grail (expensive) concealer. It’s easily blended and has a nice creamy finish. Not drying or cakey at all. I use the color “Vanilla” (also the name of the color I use in the Nars concealer, too), which is a perfect match. It’s also apparently infused with antioxidants, caffeine, anti-pollution, and anti-blue light ingredients so that’s super cool!

 

 

Maybelline The Falsies Mascara

I have purchased so so many of these little purple tubes throughout my lifetime. The waterproof one is usually my go-to because of the staying power, but they also have a washable version that I love, too! I love that my lashes still look natural after using this but also dark, dramatic, and full. This doesn’t clump too much and it doesn’t give you that stick-straight, spidery lash look, which I hate!

 

 

Morphe Eyeshadow Palettes

These eyeshadows are the most pigmented, blendable shadows that I’ve ever tried. Plus, the price is amazing for the number of shades you get in one palette! They have tons of different palette options, too. I have the 35O Nature Glow Palette, which is great for warm-toned looks and the Jaclyn Hill Ring The Alarm Palette, which has some of the most gorgeous shimmer shades. But really each one is so beautiful you can’t go wrong.

 

 

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream

I’m not a huge lipstick person, but I do really enjoy these little guys. They dry matte and are very long-wearing. I apply them with a lip brush to get a thinner application since they are cream and tend to be on the thicker side. There are 22 color options so something for everyone! My favorite everyday shades are London and Abu Dhabi.

 

 

The products mentioned above are my very favorite products; the ones I personally use on an everyday basis. But, I have tried quite a few drugstore products that I think are great! So if you didn’t find something you liked yet, check out these guys below.

 

More Honorable Mentions:

Garnier SkinActive BB Cream: full coverage and not greasy like most BB creams. Love this for summer

Morphe Continuous Setting Mist: Holy grail product. Have already raved about this here

Elf Eyebrow Kit: Easy to use and only $3.00

Milani Rose Powder Blush: Not only is the packaging gorgeous, but the colors and pigmentation are amazing too

ColourPop Super Shock Highlighter: great quality and 9 different colors

Makeup Revolution Conceal & Define Concealer: Full coverage, comparable to Shape Tape but not my favorite. 50 shades

ColourPop Lippie Stix: Super easy to apply and nice formula

 

 

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