Drugstore Makeup Must-Haves
I take the task of finding drugstore makeup VERY seriously. I’m so passionate about finding GOOD products for less and I promise it’s possible! Below are my very favorite tried and true holy grail drugstore makeup items. I can’t wait for you to discover some new must-haves! xoxo, ali
1. Primer:
Wet N Wild PhotoFocus Primer WATER: This is my favorite step in my makeup routine! I love spritzing my face before I apply my regular primer. It smells so good! Also works great to apply on your beauty blender and SO INEXPENSIVE!
Blue Elf Power Grip: The HOLY GRAIL of primers! Makes your skin look hydrated, makeup won’t budge/crease, and it makes everything go on so smoothly! This one is the best for smoothing and gripping.
Pink Elf Power Grip: The only difference is this one helps even skin and brighten!
NYX Plump Right Back: This one makes you hydrated, grips your makeup AND PLUMPS! This one is the best if you have very dry skin.
2. Moisturizer:
Elf Holy Hydration: One of my favorite items I own. This moisturizer is amazing in every way. Hydrates, plumps, and only $13!!! I use this day and night.
Loreal Lumi Glotion: I love mixing this with my moisturizer (or foundation) for a subtle glow that gives you that dewy look! Also works great as a highlighter.
3. Concealer:
NYX Bare with Me: My go-to concealer! Hydrating, doesn’t crease, and blends into your skin seamlessly.
Maybelline Fit Me: Smooth, buildable and only $3 right now! RUN!
ELF Hydrating Camo: This concealer blends so well, hydrates and lasts for 16 hours. (And only $7!)
4. Foundation:
Halo Glow Liquid Filter: If you don’t wear foundation, this is all you’ll need! It’s minimal coverage but gives you that no makeup glow. I love adding this as a tinted moisturizer base to my foundation.
Loreal True Match SERUM: OBSESSED with this! So similar to ILIA, but it’s not as greasy and matches my skin much better.
Wet N Wild Photo Finish: YOU GUYS. I have very uneven skin so I prefer to wear foundation, and I’ve tried anything and everything. I was SHOCKED how much I love this. It’s buildable and gives your face the ultimate flawless filter without looking cakey. AND IT IS $5.
5. Powder Foundation:
Loreal Infallible: If you don’t love wearing a liquid foundation, this TikTok viral powder gives you amazing coverage and looks so smooth.
Neutrogena Mineral Sheers: If you love Bare Minerals, this is for you! The best buildable coverage with the prettiest dewy/glowy finish. (and under $10!!)
6. Blush:
Wet N Wild Color Icon: The perfect pigmented powder blush that’s ONLY $3! I use shade: pinch me pink.
ELF Halo Glow: If you love Charlotte Tilbury, try this creme blush in shade: rose you slay
7. Bronzer:
Physicians Formula: The best buildable bronzer that smells like Hawaii. I use shade: sun kissed.
Covergirl Clean Powder: This is a technically a powder, but I use shade: rich for the perfect olive tone bronzer.
8. Highlighter:
Wet N Wild Megaglow: The best sheer shine and only $6.
9. Mascara:
Maybelline Sky High Primer: THE BEST EYELASH PRIMER! It’s tinted (not white like most primers), and can be used as your main mascara. BUT, when you pair it with the mascara below, your lashes will never look better.
Maybelline Sky High Mascara: Over 122k & under $10 reviews. Need I say more?
10. Eyeliner:
ELF No Budge: This is so easy to apply and doesn’t budge or smear. AND IT’s $4.
11. Eyeshadow:
Wet N Wild Color Icon 5 Palette: My favorite eyeshadow palette in 5 shades and it’s $3. My go-to is: Walking on Eggshells
Wet N Wild Color Icon 10 Palette: Same as above, but 5 more shades and still under $6. My go-to is: Nude Awakening
12. Brows:
Maybelline Total Temptation Pencil: The GOAT of eyebrow pencils. The tip is teardrop shaped and the spoolie on the other end blends it in perfectly. If you love filling in your brows with a natural look without breaking the bank, you’ll love this $8 purchase.
Elf Wow Brow Gel: If you love boy brow, this will be your new favorite and it’s only $5! Fills in your brows & makes them look so natural.
Essence Fix It Transparent Gel: Set your brows with this clear gel and they won't budge! Less than $5.
13. Lip Liner:
NYX Slim Pencil: Truly the best lip liner. Every makeup guru I know swears by it and it’s under $5 and comes in all the best shades.
Wet N Wild Retractable Gel Liner: If you prefer a retractable liner, this is for you. Goes on so smoothly and it’s $3.
14. Lip Gloss:
Maybelline Lifter Gloss: If you’re looking for something that reminds you of Fenty gloss balm, this will change your life! My very favorite gloss. I love every single shade but my favorites are: moon, brass, stone, and crystal.
Covergirl Clean Fresh Yummy: This gloss is also so good! It’s hydrating, doesn’t stick, and smells so good! I’ve only tried shades: coconuts about you and Havana a good time, but I’m beyond obsessed with them both.
15. Lip Stick:
Revlon Super Lustrous: The creamiest, prettiest lip stick. SO MANY AMAZING COLORS & only $6!! My favorite shades are bare it all, brazilian tan, and unapologetic
16. Setting Powder:
Elf Halo Glow Setting Powder: This blurs, reduces shine, minimizes pores and fine lines and gives you that no filter soft-focus finish. FOR EIGHT DOLLARS!! I have dry skin and this is my go-to.
Wet N Wild PhotoFocus Banana: If you have oily skin, this is for you! Truly better than any high end I’ve tried and it’s only $6.
17. Setting Spray:
Milani Make it Last: Everyone’s favorite setting spray. Makes your makeup last 16 hours with no creasing or smudging.
Milani Make it Last DEWY: Same as above but gives you an extra on the go glow.
NYX Bare With Me: This MELTS into your skin and makes it look so hydrated and soft. Also gives such a subtle glow.
18. Makeup Tools:
Best Eyelash Tools: The ultimate trio for $5! (I would spend that for the eyelash comb alone!)
Favorite Eyelash Curler: Less than $12 and will completely transform the look of your lashes!
Powder Puff: Love using for both pressed and loose powder in hard to reach spaces. You can wash them so they last a long time. Only $4 for 6!
Best Brushes: If you don’t already own these brushes, I’m about to change your life forever! Truly my favorite EVER. 18 brushes for less than $12, and there’s a $1 coupon to clip. THANK ME LATER! :)
Best Beauty Blender: The very best beauty blender you’ll use! I especially love that it comes with a case.
