This year I’ve been more into makeup than ever before. For that reason, I thought I’d share some of my favorites that can be found right at your local drugstore that work just as well, if not better than higher end brands for a much lower price point.
NYC Individual Eyes Custom Compact in Bryant Park (for blue eyes)
I purchased this on a whim being that it was under $6 and I’d heard some positive reviews on it. Once I tried it out, I realized that I’d hit the eyeshadow jackpot. The colors are gorgeous, pigmented and it also comes with a primer and illuminator. The illuminator is great not just for eyes, but also to highlight cheekbones and use on Cupid’s bow. It’s also the perfect size for travel. They make these in different shades for different eye colors and the colors in this palette are very flattering for blue eyes. They definitely got it right.
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick/Lipgloss
It’s no secret that I have a lipstick/gloss obsession and I’m very picky when it comes to this category. I’ve come to love Revlon’s lip products. They’re Super Lustrous Lipstick is creamy, doesn’t dry out my lips and they have a ton of shades to chose from. You can usually find these for about $5. My favorite shades are Luminous Pink and Silver City Pink. I usually wear it with a pinky nude lipgloss on top for the perfect color.
The Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss is another favorite of mine in the shade Peach Petal. It’s a peachy nude and it also has an SPF 15, which makes it very nice for spring and summer. You can usually find these under $7 and I find them very similar to higher end glosses like Chanel’s Glossimers that are over $20.
Revlon also makes another formula of lipstick called Revlon Colorburst and there is a shade called Soft Nude that’s great. It’s very similar to MAC’s Crème d’Nude for half the price.
Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse Foundation
This was another one I bought thinking nothing of it and has become my go to foundation. I don’t think I’ve used one from a drugstore since I was a teenager, but I find myself reaching for this more and more. It’s very creamy and almost melts into your skin. I wouldn’t recommend this for ladies with oily skin, but for normal to dry skin, it works really well. It provides decent coverage and evens out my complexion. For around $8, it is a beauty bargain.
NYC Blushable Crème Stick
Yes, another NYC Product, but this is just as good as the first. These crème sticks are no more that $4 and are comparable to the NARS Multiple that costs more than $30. The NYC sticks come in a variety of shades. Some can be used as a blush while others are better as a bronzer. I have this in the shade Pink Flash and it adds the perfect amount of natural looking flush to my cheeks. Another great shade is Plaza Pink. It’s a more toned down shade of Pink Flash and is a light peachy pink. They’re very easy to blend out with a blush brush and are my favorite drugstore find this year.
Milani Liquif'Eye Metallic Eye Liner Pencils
These pencils from Milani glide on like a dream are comparable to Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils. The Milani pencils are less than $7, while the Urban Decay pencils cost about $17. Because the Milani pencils are metallic, they’re not safe for use on the waterline, however, these are great for the upper lashline. I only wish they came in more shades.
Essence XXXL Lipgloss in Rising Star
The only place I’ve found these glosses is Ulta, but it’s worth the trip. They are only $1.99!! It deserves two exclamation points because they’re that unbelievable. Rising Star is a beautiful milky pink shade with a slight iridescence. It can be worn on its own or over lipstick. It has a pleasant scent that isn’t overpowering and they’re not at all sticky.
I hope some of these recommendations were helpful!
What are some of your favorites?
