My Favorite Drugstore Makeup
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1. Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth
I’ve tried SO many foundations over the years (both $$$ and $) and I keep coming back to this one. It blends beautifully, provides a buildable medium coverage, and is perfect for my combo/sensitive skin. Other foundations end up looking cakey and this one lasts all day without flaking or looking blotchy. If I need the finish to be a little bit more matte I will swap over to the matte formula or just use a little more setting powder.
2. e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer
This stuff is amazing! It melts into your skin and makes it so smooth, but not oil slick smooth like most silicone based primers. There’s definitely a huge difference in the way my foundation stays put all day when I use this. Hell yes, to no more feeling like my makeup is sliding right off my face.
3. Revlon PhotoReady Candid Setting Powder
I bought this to do wedding makeup and it quickly became one of my favorites. I layer a bit on the oiler sections of my face with a beauty blender and reapply later in the day if needed. Looks great in photos and does not leave the dreaded white flashback.
4. NYX Matte Bronzer
I buy this in “Deep Tan” – I know, my skin is definitely light, but it’s the perfect shade for contouring and it stays all day! There’s no orange tint (apparently other shades look orange-ish), but it is super pigmented so a little goes a long way. I start with a tiny bit of product and build up the color (more so when I’m using a fake tanner).
5. Milani Baked Blush
The shade Luminous is a fantastic dupe for NARS Orgasm and is by far one of my favorites blushes. It’s a subtle shade of shimmery pink that looks great for daily wear or a night out.
6. e.l.f Hydrating Camo Concealer
Most concealers end up getting flaky and settle into lines and dry spots by the end of the day. This one is super moisturizing, blends easily, and still looks great when I get home from work.
7. Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer
When I don’t want to contour, this is my go to bronzer for a natural glow. It has a smooth, creamy consistency and lasts forever! Definitely a good value for your buck.
9. e.l.f. Baked Highlighter
My favorite dupe for The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer! This has a nice creamy finish and gives you a subtle highlight without making you look like a disco ball.
10. NYX Micro Brow Pencil
I’m a diehard Anastasia dip brow girl, but this product is so awesome for the days that I want a quick and easy natural look.
12. NYX Control Freak Eyebrow Gel
I never understood the importance of brow gel until I bought this! My eyebrows are curly and they don’t stay put which is obnoxious. How did I not know about this stuff?? Anyway, it does what it’s supposed to do and it’s a cheap alternative to Glossier Boy Brow.
11. NYX Butter Gloss
This is such a great lip gloss. They aren’t sticky, glide on smooth, and come in a bunch of beautiful colors.
13. NYX Epic Ink Liner
Pretty sure this is the perfect liquid liner. It’s affordable, easy to use, and will stay on no matter what you put it through…smudge proof, waterproof, cry a bucket of tears proof – you name it.
14. Milani Bold Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette
I scored this palette at TJMAXX for a few bucks and I was so impressed with it that I went back for more. The colors are perfect for day/night, are highly pigmented, blend beautifully, and there is little to no fallout.
15. NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray
This is a pretty close dupe for Urban Decay’s All Nighter setting spray for less than 1/3 of the price. I’ve been using this and the dewy formula for years and I love them both!
Bonus: These incredibly affordable brushes and the the best makeup case
I love the clean look of these brushes! They are a great value for the price and perfect if you need a set for your travel case or just want to try some new brush styles.
If you’re looking for a makeup case to help keep your stash organized, this one is fantastic. I have this one for traveling and the larger version to keep everything organized at home. The dividers can be arranged however you like and it is surprisingly sturdy.
I hope you enjoyed my roundup! What are some of your budget makeup favorites?
