Ok, let’s be real for a second. Makeup can be expensive. I’m talking $54 for an eyeshadow palette kind of expensive. But…is all makeup worth the splurge? Well, I am about to let you all in on a secret. The answer is no. Price doesn’t always equal quality. Coming from a girl with dry, sensitive skin who usually has to return products to Ulta and confess to the workers that, yes, I had an allergic reaction, and, yes, I am returning all of the makeup I had bought the previous day…just trust me. Here are some amazing drugstore and cruelty-free items I think all makeup lovers should try!
- Catrice Goodbye Pores Primer
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This product lives up to its claims of leaving my skin blurred and poreless. I tend to put this just on the T-zone of my face, and it works wonders for making my foundation last all day long. The primer itself is a super smooth texture that doesn’t dry out my skin. A little goes a long way, so it will last as long as the expiration date will allow it to, without me having to constantly repurchase it. For $8 at Ulta, it can’t be beat.
- Essence Shine, Shine, Shine Lipgloss
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Ok, so I know we are all wearing masks nowadays, but sometimes we want to look good for a Zoom call, right? This gloss reads quite well on my camera and makes my lips look super plump and juicy. Just like the title, this gloss is very shiny. It lasts a while and comes in many different shades! On most days, I reach for the clear shade (01 behind the scenes) for the everyday no-makeup-makeup vibe, and for more glam looks I use one of their pink shades (02 smile, sparkle, shine). The formulas for both the clear and colored gloss aren’t sticky and won’t dry out your lips! The best part is the price tag, retailing for only $3.29 at Ulta.
- Milani Soft & Sultry Eyeshadow Palette
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Ok, so somehow I managed to pick this one up at a TJ Maxx for $5, but on the Milani Cosmetics website it retails for $10.99. Even so, I swear it’s worth every single penny. With a total of 12 buttery, blendable shades, this neutral-toned palette has 4 shimmery shades and 8 matte shades that you can create both beautiful everyday looks and dramatic smokey eyes with. It comes with a mirror and is great for travel, as it is not too large and has sturdy packaging. This palette is a must-buy!
- Essence “The Blush”
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Finding a pigmented, long-lasting blush can be tricky, but with just three dollars, my search has come to an end. This blush comes in a few different shades, so choose based on your skin tone or the look you’re going for. A little goes a long way, so use a light hand for an everyday look, or use a bit more if you love blush—it will look pretty either way. It gives the perfect wash of color on the days in which you need it the most. Personally, I love the shade 10, Befitting. This blush has a natural matte finish. You seriously can’t go wrong with this one.
- Milani Afterglow Highlighter
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To finish off this list of holy grails, the Milani Afterglow highlighter is great for everyday use and is very pigmented. A light hand is great for simple looks, and the more you build on it, the more blinding it becomes. It has more of a shimmery finish. I use the shade 01 Afterglow, but they have different shades. I tend to reach for more rose-gold/icy looking highlighters, so if that’s what you’re into, give this shade a shot. Overall, the formula is great and only costs $9.99 on the Milani Cosmetics website.
Ladies, thank me later. I just saved you some serious cash!