Drugstore makeup has received a bad rap for having crappy products in past years. However, there are some good products there. It can be quite overwhelming to walk in to aisles of products with very little information. No testers, and no one to assist you. The only way to know if something is good quality and works for you is if you purchase it. Below, you will find the most underrated and over looked products to help guide you when you go to shop.
1. Wet'n'Wild Color Icon Blush ($3)
With five perfect pink shades ranging from pastel to peach to mauve. There is a shade for any look. There are mattes, satins and shimmers. It is a pigmented powder without being over powering; it blends effortlessly and give a natural flush. Wet'n'Wild is cruelty free as well. It can be purchased on their website, select Ulta's and on their website and most drugstores.
2. NYX Micro Brow Pencil ($10)
For over half the price of the prestigious brands' brow pencils, you can get a product with pretty much the same quality. You get a fine tip to create hair like strokes. It is pigmented and creamy, but doesn't rub off or apply heavily. It comes in eight shades with many different undertones so it will be easy to find a color that actually matches your brow color. It can be purchased at most drugstores, NYX's website, Ulta in stores and online. NYX is cruelty free, as well.
3. ESSENCE Superfine Waterproof Eyeliner Pen ($3)
This blacker than black liquid liner makes lining your eyes easier than ever. It has a longer than average felt tip that comes to a super fine tip, but is till firm. It is good for amateurs who are trying to do a winged liner. It is long lasting and doesn't bleed or flake off. Essence is cruelty free, as well. It can be purchased as Target, Ulta and on their website.
4. ELF Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder ($4)
This near perfect dupe of a prestigious brand's product, is a diamond in the rough. There are four shades that each come with two unique shades. They are very pigmented, so for best application go in with a light hand. It can be purchased at select drugstores and convenience stores, and the ELF website.
5. Milani 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer ($9)
The only downfall is that there is only 19 shades, but if you can find a color that matches your skin, you are in luck. This medium to full coverage oil-free foundation is extremely long lasting and has a natural finish. It never looks heavy or cakey. Target sells the least amount of shades, Walmart has all but approximately five; the only place to purchase all the shades is their website. Milani is also cruelty free.
6. Maybelline City Mini Eyeshadow Palette ($9)
These are some of the absolute best shadows at the drugstore and can be better than some high end shadows. In each palette, there are six shades. There are eight variations of the palette all inspired by different parts of cities. There are a mix of mattes and metallic shades that all have equally high quality. It can be purchased at pretty much all drugstores.
7. MAKEUP REVOLUTION Vivid Baked Highlighters ($6)
These original drugstore highlighters are still some of the most beautiful ones. They apply super smooth and lightweight. It doesn't accentuate texture. It can be applied lightly for a natural gloss or built up for a blinding glow. There are five shades with all different undertones for every look. It is an Ulta exclusive. Makeup Revolution is cruelty free.
8. Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss ($5)
These sheer, high-shine glosses comes in eight shades. It can be layered over lipsticks or applied on bare lips. It doesn't get gunky in the corners of your mouth or get sticky through out the day. It is very extremely moisturizing and plumps your lips. It can be purchased at most drugstores.
9. L'Oreal Lash Paradise Mascara ($10)
This mascara gives you insane volume and lengthens each, individual lash. When it dries, it doesn't get stiff or crunchy and doesn't flake through out the day. It is many people's holy grail and quickly became a cult favorite. It can be purchased at the majority of drugstores.
The drugstore constantly surprises us with out of the ordinary products. Yes, there are many duds, but many amazing items. It just takes some trial and error.
