The more I have become involved in the beauty world, I have realized that higher prices do not always mean higher quality. I’ll admit, I fell into the ideology that drugstore, typically cheaper makeup, was not of high quality. However, I have come to recognize that the pricing of a product does not always reflect its quality. Over the past few years, I have discovered some great companies with cost efficient, yet high quality products. Here is 10 of them:
01. SMOLDER COSTMETICS LOOSE GLITTER (SHADE: STILLETO)
Price: $6.00
Where to find: https://smoldercosmetics.com/collections/eyes?sort_by=price-ascending&variant=3412657078296
Smolder Cosmetics is a fairly new company that is now carried in some Walmarts. I have tried several of their products and I have never been disappointed. If you can imagine a color, they most likely have it! The best part is that these products last a very long time. Smolder also works with Unidays which is currently offering 20% off all Smolder Costemtics products.
02. L’OREAL PARIS BERRY MATTE LIPSTICK (SHADE: PINK)
Price: $5.97
Where to find: Walmart
One of the hardest products to buy for a bargain is lipstick because you want it to last, but don’t want it to stain. Even though this is a matte lipstick, the texture remains silky smooth on your lips all day, while appearing matte. This is my favorite shade, but all of the lipsticks last for several hours. I have taken naps and eaten snacks with this lipstick on and it has stayed put.
03. MAYBELLINE FITME MATTE FOUNDATION
Price: $5.94
Where to find: Walmart
I think this product was one of the most shocking to me. I have always struggled with finding a foundation that is able to deal cover my combination skin without creating dry patches or oil spots. I had seen this foundation in several reviews, each beauty guru swearing by it. I can confidently say, my skin has never looked better. This foundation has replaces by high-end foundation that cost about 5 times the amount of this one. Another great thing about this product is that it is offered in 40 different shades.
04. MAYBELLINE FITME CONCEALER
Price: $5.94
Where to find: Walmart
The main reason I suggest this product is because I have listen the Maybelline FitMe Matte Foundation. I have come to find that these two products work best together, most likely because they’re the same brand. My only qualm with this product is that it is the same price as the foundation, yet you do not receive the same amount of product. However, if you are trying to attain flawless FitMe skin, this is the concealer for you. Similar to the foundation, the concealer is also offered in an array of about 40 shades.
05. PACIFICA LIP BALM (SCENT: PINEAPPLE SPLASH)
Price: $5.00
Where to find: https://www.pacificabeauty.com/collections/lip-care
I received this lip balm as a birthday present from a friend and I have been in love ever since. Pacifica is a completely vegan and cruelty free company, that produces afforable makeup. What more could you want? Not only does this lip balm mosturize your lips, but it smells and tastes amazing.
06. NYX FINISHING POWDER (SHADE: TRANSLUCENT)
Price: $4.99
Where to find: Amazon
I have used this powder since I was in high school and have yet to find something better. Every other powder I have tried has clung to my skin and left flakey, dry skin behind. Not this powder. It works with both drugstore and high-end brands without a problem.
07. COLOURPOP LIP GLOSS (SHADE: JUST SURFED)
Price: $4.80
Where to find: https://colourpop.com/
I have bought this particular shade about 2 or three times because I love it so much. I have never been much of a lip gloss wearer, but these are so beautiful. I like this lip gloss because it is functional on its own or on top of a matte lipstick. This shade is on sale right now and Colourpop also participates in Unidays so you can get 10% as well.
08. MAYBELLINE WATERPROOF MASCARA
Price: $4.44
Where to find: Walmart
I’m going to be completely honest, this is not my favorite mascara. However, this is my favorite bargain mascara. Even though it doesn’t make my lashes look as beautiful as some of my higher-end mascaras, it definitely gets the job done. Unlike other cheaper products, this one is truly waterproof. I have never had an issue with smuding or it bleeding over and I am quite fond of the application brush as well.
09. ELF COSMETICS BAKED HIGHLIGHTER (SHADE: MOONLIGHT PEARLS)
Price: $4.00
Where to find: https://www.elfcosmetics.com/face/highlight/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-vKtjeXS4AIVeh6tBh0PxwcoEAAYASAAEgK6YvD_BwE
Elf has been a long-time favorite of mine. This company is also vegan and cruelty-free. I have bought many highlighters over the years and Elf’s baked product is absolutely stunning. I use this highlighter all over my face and it lasts all day long. Not only does it last, but this highlight is very bright. Elf also gives a 15% discount to students.
10. ELF COSMETICS
Price: $2.00
Where to find: https://www.elfcosmetics.com/eyes/eyeliner/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_9vcmOXS4AIV1CCtBh1i4AVVEAAYASAAEgJZHvD_BwE
This product is my holy-grail and all-time favorite product. Even on those days where I don’t feel like putting on makeup, I know I can reach into my makeup bag, pull this out, and have a perfect winged liner in under 5 minutes. The application is unbelievably smooth and consistent. I used to buy an eyeliner that was over 10 times the cost of this one and it wasn’t as good. Even though it’s liquid liner, it doesn’t trasnfer or smudge all day. One time, I wore my makeup to bed (gross, I know) and when I woke up, my eyeliner was perfectly intact. Yet again, Elf Cosmetics offers a 15% discount for students, so take advantage!