There is a constant struggle over which is better: Drugstore or high-end beauty products? Many say high-end because of the big price tag and great formulas, but many get along just fine with their $5 lipsticks.
As someone who has loved to try her fair share of both – loading up my Sephora basket more than once a week or sticking strictly to Target for big beauty hauls – I have found products on both ends of the spectrum that are amazing. So amazing that when needing to restock the only thing that matters is how much is in my bank account.
Today I’m going to share the products that have made it into my makeup bag, whether they cost $5 or $50.
The Enthusiast Does Beauty: Drugstore v High-End Products
Foundation
CoverGirl Ready, Set, Gorgeous Powder Foundation ($7)
Of all the drugstore foundations I use (I think there’s at least four in my bag now) this is the one I know will always look good.
Laura Mercier Candleglow Soft Luminous Foundation ($48)
For the price tag, this is worth it for full coverage that still makes your skin look healthy and glowing.
Concealer
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer ($8)
This covers all my imperfections and dark circles and is the easiest thing to apply ever. Plus coverage is always smooth.
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer ($29)
This concealer always makes dark spots look bright and covers everything and everything.
Blush
e.l.f. Cosmetics Studio Blush ($3)
The blush is super pigmented, and comes in so many colours that you can find a dupe for almost any high-end blush!
tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush ($28)
I love this blush because a little goes a very long way. And the variation of shades makes it available for every season.
Bronzer
Maybelline FIT ME Bronzer ($5)
Practically wore this every day this summer for a very subtle bronze with a soft brush.
Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzer ($29)
I wear this almost all the time because of easy application and flattering shade for almost any skin tone, even my super pale one.
Eyebrow gel
NYX Control Freak Eyebrow Gel ($6)
A great clear gel that stays put literally all day.
Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel ($24)
I live for this stuff! It fixes almost any eyebrow problem and stays perfect all day.
Eyeshadow palette
Maybelline The Blushed Nudes Eyeshadow Palette ($9)
Perfect for subtle or smoky eyes and is great for beginners and experts. Some of these are always down to the pan for me.
Tartelette in Bloom Clay Eyeshadow Palette ($45)
This is the palette I always have with me because of the variation of shades for literally any look, plus the warm shades are always my go-to. I struggle to find other palettes with this balance.
Eyeliner
e.l.f. Cosmetics Precision Liquid Eyeliner ($3)
Perfect for little flicks of cat-eye and Halloween cat-whiskers.
This stuff scares me with how precise it is, plus the staying power lasted running errands for eight hours. Scary.
Mascara
CoverGirl LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara ($7)
I wear this every day for individual lashes that pack tons of boom!
Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara ($22)
Actually, after I apply my CoverGirl mascara I usually apply a coat or two of this for fully drama. The brush isn’t that scary.
Liquid lipstick
Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor ($7)
It literally stays on all day and leaves lips with a full matte look in tons of different shades. I love Kisses and Seduction.
stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick ($24)
This stuff is really fantastic because it never dries out and literally stays all day. Think red lips from your 8am media history lecture through lunch all the way to ice cream with roommates.
Lipstick
Rimmel London Lasting Finish Matte ($5)
I own three of these now and wear them so much that I’m thinking of investing in stock for these great matte shades that will last all Christmas party long.
These feel amazing when applied (which I never thought I’d say about a lipstick) and I recommend everyone buying one shade to always have in your bag. Anita and Jane are universally flattering.
Dry shampoo
Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Dry Shampoo ($5)
I use this 3/5 days a week at work and no one knows that I almost never wash my hair.
Klorane Dry Shampoo With Oat Milk ($20)
Perfect for every early morning lecture I had to go to in college and smells so good that my friends wanted to know my shampoo.
Face wash
Neutrogena Deep Clean Cream Cleanser ($6)
Gets every lick of makeup off of my face and leaves skin always feeling fresh.
I’d almost given up on simple cleansers before using this one. It makes my skin feel like royalty.
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