Everyone spends their money differently and personally, as much as I love beauty products, I cannot bring myself to splurge on makeup. Since seventh grade, I have been on an endless quest to find the best and most effective drugstore makeup products that won’t break the bank. Below I have compiled a list of the greatest products that I’ve used for years and have never let me down. The greatest part, most of them can be found at your local Pharmaprix or Jean-Coutu!
1. Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser, $11.99
This super lightweight primer is perfect for days you apply a full coverage look with liquid foundation or even days you barely wear makeup. A little bit of product goes a long way, making the tube last forever, and it makes your skin so soft.
2. Maybelline Total Temptation Eyebrow Defining Pencil, $11.99
I have light blonde and sparse eyebrows, and I like a darker, more defined look when it comes to my brows. When I finally found the Maybelline Total Temptation pencil, I was not disappointed. It features a variety of basic colours, making it easy to shop for, and it lasts all day. It even comes with a brush on the end to make prepping and blending your brows easier!
3. Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Color, $9.99
I’ve loved wearing lip colour since I was 13, and it took me so many years to find a lipstick that would last all day and wouldn’t smudge. Maybelline’s Color Sensational stays on all day and rarely smudges, and I always get compliments when I wear one of their colours! They also sell a wide variety of shades, from subtle neutrals to more dramatic reds and pinks.
4. Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder, $10.49
Rimmel London’s Stay Matte pressed powder is a fantastic way to keep your makeup in place all day and to help reduce shine. I use the transparent shade, but they also sell a variety of shades if you want more coverage. It’s natural looking and light feeling, so it won’t leave you feeling like your makeup is caked on.
5. Elf Shadow Lock Eyelid Primer, $2.00
Elf’s Shadow Lock primer is applied before your eyeshadow and helps make sure it doesn’t budge. It’s incredibly lightweight and helps avoid creasing and makes your eyeshadow pop. Plus, you can’t beat the price!
Although Sephora can be enticing, there are plenty of cheaper options if you’re looking to save money on makeup! Brands like Elf offer many more products for a fraction of high-end makeup costs, and even websites like Well.ca sell a wide selection of affordable beauty products.
Edited by: Amanda Cloutier-Santos