If you’re anything like me, you spend way too much money on makeup. I love watching YouTube videos and Instagram tutorials from all of the greatest beauty gurus, but then I end up buying all of the newest products because I want to try them all.
Since coming to college, I’ve had to budget myself. What I often forget is that the drugstore has AMAZING products for a small fraction of the cost. So many people think buying makeup has to cost some serious cash, but that isn’t always the case. Yes, not all from the drugstore is great, but not all high-end makeup is of great quality either. Plus if you love exploring with makeup, the drugstore won’t break the bank.
My favorite eyebrow gel from elf cosmetics is $2, whereas the beloved Anastasia Beverly Hills one is a whopping $22. With these affordable prices, you can explore so much more because you’ll be able to buy more products. And who doesn’t love more makeup! If you aren’t intrigued yet, it is important to know that the quality of drugstore makeup has increased rapidly over the past few years. So if you’ve tried it in the past and weren’t a fan, I highly recommend grabbing a few new products the next time you’re out shopping because I guarantee you will be impressed.
Here are the links to some of my top recommendations to add to your makeup collection!
Primer ~ Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer
https://www.ulta.com/baby-skin-instant-pore-eraser-primer?productId=xlsImpprod6370971
Foundation ~ Revlon ColorStay
https://www.ulta.com/colorstay-makeup-combooily-skin?productId=xlsImpprod1810157
Concealer ~ elf 16 hr camo concealer
https://www.ulta.com/16hr-camo-concealer?productId=pimprod2002811&_requestid=2332527
Powder ~ Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder
https://www.ulta.com/fit-me-loose-finishing-powder?productId=xlsImpprod16211173
Bronzer ~ Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer Murumuru Butter Bronzer
https://www.ulta.com/butter-bronzer-murumuru-butter-bronzer?productId=xlsImpprod13621011
Highlighter ~ elf Baked Highlighter
https://www.ulta.com/baked-highlighter?productId=xlsImpprod14521191
Blush ~ Maybelline Fit Me Blush
https://www.ulta.com/fit-me-blush?productId=xlsImpprod16211171
Eyebrow Pencil ~ elf Instant Lift Brow Pencil
https://www.ulta.com/instant-lift-brow-pencil?productId=xlsImpprod14521105
Eyebrow gel ~ elf Clear Brow Lash Mascara
https://www.ulta.com/clear-brow-lash-mascara?productId=xlsImpprod14521111
Mascara ~ Maybelline Volum’ Express The Colossal Big Shot Mascara
https://www.ulta.com/volum-express-colossal-big-shot-mascara?productId=xlsImpprod15361173
Lipstick ~ NYX Lip Lingerie Liquid Lipstick
https://www.ulta.com/lip-lingerie-liquid-lipstick?productId=xlsImpprod13621063
Eye shadow
Honestly, I think ColourPop is your best best for affordable eyeshadow. It isn’t sold at the drugstore but is online and at Ulta. There are some options at the drugstore but if you want quality and a good price go straight for ColourPop. They have so many great 9-pan palettes for $12 that can do and every day or a night out look and everything in between. Or you can pick out some single shadows out of their amazing selection for only $4.50 each.
Tools/brushes
When it comes to brushes and sponges, Real Techniques and EcoTools have it figured out. They are very affordable AND never shed. I have heard great things about Morphe Brushes as well but haven’t tried them yet.