I’m gonna be real with you and let you in on a little secret of mine. When it comes to the makeup I use daily on my face, a lot of my makeup is drugstore brand. WHAT?!?! “But you’re a makeup artist! Don’t you know and use the best brands?” And the answer to that is yes and no. There are many middle and high-end products I love and use daily. And of course, my clients receive the best products. But, when it comes to my personal daily makeup I don’t want to break the bank. And so many drugstore formulas have improved or even rival high-end products while being a fraction of the price, and if you know me I love finding great products at a low price.
So what are the drugstore products that I use the most? Take a look!
Lip Stick
NYX Lingerie XXL Matte Liquid Lipstick
Now, not to be dramatic but, this lipstick changed my life!! I bought it in “Naughty Noir,” or in other words Black. And I mean black!! The night I bought it I put it through the ringer. I ate dinner, played games, and when I looked at the end of the night it hadn’t moved!! To be able to eat a meal without having to reapply or worry about transferring lipstick is HUGE!
The only catch I have found is that it stays best when applied on bare lips. Meaning, not even a remnant of chapstick on those bad boys. If there is anything on your lips it will stick to that instead of your lips and won’t stay. But that being said it passed the jet-back lip evening test so it’s an absolute winner for me and I can’t wait to buy more colors!
Buy HERE!
Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink
Now this is another great option if you want a lip that will last! Once again make sure to apply this to bare lips if you want it to truly stay. I have worn this color through multiple meals and get-togethers and it stays wonderfully, though there is a slight transfer when compared to NXY Lingerie XXL. That being said, this product has way more color options, as well as limited edition colors. So, if you want more options this is the product for you.
But HERE!
Maybelline Super Stay 24 Color
This is Maybelline’s lipgloss version of the product above. It is a lot less drying than the Matte Ink while still being very pigmented and again offering many color options.
It comes with two ends: the lipgloss and the top coat. From my experience, this product has longer staying power if you wait for the gloss to dry before applying the top coat. While this product doesn’t have the staying power of the others, it is still a fantastic option and one I wear often when I want a gloss that has gorgeous color.
Buy Here!
Mascara
Maybelline Great Lash Blackest Back
Now I know what you’re thinking, “My mom uses that mascara!” And yes mine does too! She is the one who hooked me and I’ve never looked back. I like this mascara because it gives your lashes volume and length without making them look chunky or lumpy. I would compare it in look and quality to the Tart Maneater mascara while being half the price.
Buy HERE!
Waterproof Maybelline Great Lash Blackest Back
If you’re someone who deals a lot with their mascara transferring to the upper lid I would suggest the waterproof version. I wear this any time I go swimming or know that I am going to sweat a lot. And after an entire day at the pool or a crazy session at the gym, it hasn’t moved an inch. Often I will use this exact mascara on my brides because I have tested its staying power through happy and sad tears and know that it works!
Buy HERE!
Eyeshadow
Eye shadow is my favorite part of any makeup look, especially my own. As a makeup artist, I have tried multiple drugstore eye shadow palettes and they just don’t compare in pigment, staying power, and formula to their higher-end counterparts.
The best one on the cheaper end I have used is the Revolution Instinct Pallete as I wanted all the colors it offers and it totally does the job. But in all reality, Anastasia, Aće Beauty, Violet Voss, and Natasha Denonna are what I would recommend if you’re willing to spend a bit more on a palette.
Contour and Highlight
E.L.F. Cream Contour Palette
I had a friend suggest this palette, and since I honestly love every E.L.F. brush and product I’ve tried so far it was an easy purchase to try out, and I am so glad I did!
The palette comes with three shades of contour and a highlighter. I usually use the middle shade but if I want something more dramatic I may go darker. It is extremely creamy and blends well into my skin. I’ve used it on many clients and find that this particular palette is perfect for most skin tones. But for my deeper-skinned ladies out there there is a deeper palette they offer as well. And if you are not a cream contour kind of person and like to stick to powder only they also have the same palette in powder (Amazon). Although it is one I have yet to try so I can’t vouch for it.
Buy HERE!
E.L.F. Jelly Highlighter
This product came in a little kit I bought and I never thought I would end up using it. Now I reach for it daily. It is the perfect amount of sparkle for me and so so so easy to just dab and rub in with your finger.
I haven’t tried using it to get a glowy skin look but if that is your thing I would bet that this would be great when mixed with your foundation. Overall l love the look but love the ease and price even more!
Buy HERE!
Blush
NYX Sweet Cheeks Soft Cheek Tint
A little goes a long way with these bad boys! With tons of color options, they are something I always have on hand for myself and my clients. I love being able to just dab a little on and build up as needed. It’s a creamy formula that easily blends and will last you SOOOO long! This is a must-have if you want a cream blush that you can take on the go and will blend seamlessly.
Buy HERE!
Overview
So there you have it! Those are some of my favorite drugstore products I use practically daily that will give you major quality while not breaking the bank! There are so many more products that I want to try as a Utah makeup artist and I am sure I will have more to report on soon. If you end up trying any of these products, let me know your experience with them!
Great suggestions!
Great suggestions!!