Even if you only wear a tiny bit of makeup for special occasions, you nevertheless probably know there are some major differences between buying makeup at places like Sephora and places like your local drugstore. The brands are different and the prices are definitely different. Some people shop exclusively at CVS or Walgreen's, while others swear that only products carried at Sephora or Ulta are worthy of being put on their face.
However, I am one of the people who can see the merit in both high-end and drugstore makeup. So, I've compiled this list of my favorite makeup, both drugstore and high end, to show you it all depends on what you're looking for. Even if you want to splurge on that one lipstick, the sale mascara may still look just as good.
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Mascara
Drugstore: Covergirl LashBlast Volume Mascara
I've tried so many drugstore mascaras and I've never been 100 percent happy with any of them, so I end up switching them out quite frequently. However, lately I keep coming back to this one. The brush has much smaller bristles than most of the ones I've used, which surprisingly works really well.
High-End: Smashbox X-Rated Mascara
I got this mascara in an ipsy box and I'm obsessed with it. It makes my lashes super full-looking without having that crunchy effect you get from a lot of mascaras.
Eyeshadow
Drugstore: e.l.f. Smudge Pot Cream Eyeshadow
e.l.f. gets a lot of hate for being so cheap, but honestly some of their products are my absolute favorites. I use these smudge pots (Ain't That Sweet is one of the best, in my opinion) when I don't feel like doing a full eye makeup look and just want something quick. You seriously just have to dip your finger in and swipe it over your eyelid. Super easy.
High-End: Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette
For the longest time, I debated about buying one of the Urban Decay Naked palettes. I finally decided to try one and I'm so glad I did. The colors in Naked 3 are gorgeous and they last forever. Plus, the brush that the palette comes with is practically worth the $54 itself with how well it works.
Blush
Drugstore: Milani Rose Powder Blush
For starters, this blush is just pretty to look at. I practically hate using it because I don't want to ruin the design. But I definitely still do use it because the formula is great! You don't need a lot, and this shade is flattering on many different skin tones.
High-End: NARS Pressed Powder Blush
While I personally haven't tried this blush, makeup lovers everywhere are crazy about it! I don't use blush every day, so I don't really feel the need to spend money on a high-end product when my Milani ones work well, but for some people blush is their must-have makeup product, in which case the NARS one may be the best option!
Foundation
Drugstore: Maybelline Dream Velvet
I bought this foundation on a whim because I had a coupon at CVS, but I'm so glad I did! It's lightweight enough to wear in the summer, but still provides a good amount of coverage. There are actually many different Maybelline foundations that people swear by; this one just happens to be my favorite! I use a flat foundation brush to apply it and then blend it with my $3 beauty blender knockoff.
High-End: IT Cosmetics Celebration Illumination Foundation
I love this foundation. With a tiny bit of concealer on tough spots underneath it, I'm able to get really great coverage. It's pricey, but it's definitely worth it. I've yet to find another powder foundation that I like as much as this one. Plus, the brush that it comes with when you buy the set is great.
Concealer
Drugstore: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer
This concealer was another makeup product I tried because I had a coupon and ended up loving. Technically it's made for dark circles under your eyes, but I was really impressed with the coverage when I tried it, so I end up using it on other problem areas as well.
High-End: Merle Norman Liquid Cover Up
This concealer was one of the first I found that I really liked. You don't need a ton of it, but it still provides good coverage. It blends really well with a concealer brush or a beauty blender. The tube is small, but it lasts a fairly long time, making the price worth it.
Eyeliner
Drugstore: NYC High Definition Liquid Eyeliner
I'm guilty of having used a cheap eyeliner pencil for far too long. The good thing about this NYC one, though, is that it's still very cheap, but it works well! The felt tip makes it easy to apply, but you still get the same look as a traditional liquid liner.
High-End: Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner
This eyeliner goes on so smooth! All you have to do is glide it over your eye once and it's done. Plus, it stays put really well, at least from my own experience!
Eybrow Filler
Drugstore: e.l.f. Eyebrow Kit
Even though big, thick eyebrows are all the rage right now, I've never been one for filling in my tiny brows or trying to make them bigger than the tiny lines they are. However, when I do a full face of makeup and feel like my brows are getting just a little too lost, this kit works really well! The brush isn't great, but the gel works well to fill in lightly and the powder helps to set the gel in place.
High-End: Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel
I've only tried this gel a handful of times, but I really do like it! Again, it's not over-the-top like some brow products. However, it does help long brows stay put, and it gives a slight tint to even out and darken the color a bit.
Highlighter
Drugstore: Pixi by Petra Beauty Blush Duo
This duo has blush on one side and highlighter on the other. I'm not a huge fan of the blush (perhaps just because of my skin tone and the shade that came in my ipsy bag), but the highlighter's pretty efficient! It's not super pigmented, but it's good for a day-to-day highlight when you want a little color but don't want to be too dramatic.
High-End: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Champagne Pop
This highlighter is one of the newest additions to my makeup collection and I am obsessed with it. The color is gorgeous, it stays on forever, and it's super pigmented. The price is high, but it's definitely worth it! Plus, the compact is huge and you only need a tiny bit of product, so it'll last forever.
Liquid Lipstick
Drugstore: NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream
I swear I'm tempted to buy one of these every single time I walk into a CVS. They're a fan favorite and it's no surprise why! They're not super drying, but they are definitely very matte, which is a hard combination to find. Plus, they stay on for quite a long time! NYX has a ton of different shades, from pinks (try Milan) to reds (try Amsterdam) to nudes (try Stockholm) to brights to metals! Honestly I wouldn't be surprised if I eventually own every single color.
High-End: Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick
There's a reason this lipstick is called everlasting. It really does stay on forever. I applied it once and it stayed on perfectly through lots of shopping and fitting rooms, plus an entire dinner. The designer is a tattoo artist, so it's no surprise she was able to come up with a formula that's as close to permanent as you're going to find. What's even better is that Lolita, the most popular shade, seems to flatter literally every single skin tone. I thought my super pale pink-ish skin was the exception, but I loved it!
Lipstick
Drugstore: Wet N Wild Silk Finish Lipstick
Wet N Wild has recently gained quite a following because of their great prices and cruelty-free production. These lipsticks are under $1 each, so it's the perfect way to try out a ton of colors. I love trying out bold colors that I otherwise would be afraid to buy, so I can pick favorites that way. Plus, for the price, they're pretty good lipsticks! I wore one today and only had to reapply a few times.
High-End: Marc Jacobs Le Marc Lip Creme Lipstick
This lipstick was another one I got as a sample and was immediately obsessed with. The formula is super creamy, it has pretty great staying power, and the colors are gorgeous!
I hope this list led you to a few new favorites, whether they be high end or drugstore. In reality, both ends of the makeup spectrum can be equally as effective; it really depends on what you're looking for! Some drugstore brands have better products for a fraction of the price, while some high-end brands create products where you really are paying for top quality. CVS and Sephora both have great return policies that extend to opened, used products, so don't be afraid to try things out and see what you like!
