Drugstore Favorites - Beauty Edition
Beauty and makeup prices have reached an all-time high, even our favorites from the drugstore. With limited funds, we want to spend our hard earned money on things that will work. Let me introduce a few of my favorite drugstore makeup items that have been worth every penny.
No. 7 Hydraluminous Dark Circle Concealer
Currently $13.99 at Walgreens.com
This concealer has a decent shade range, when you can find them in stock.
When I was introduced to this product from Lisa J, Youtube Creator, she sold me on the hydrating properties, and since I have very dry under eyes, it sounded like just what I needed. I couldn’t find it in my local drugstore and eventually ordered several shades from the No. 7 website. These concealers are very hydrating, as promised. I like the twist and click applicator with a sponge tip, which makes it easy to place the product directly under the eyes, though I still put it on the back of my hand so I can control the amount applied. (My daily struggle is if I put too much concealer on, it just cakes up and I have to remove everything and start over.) A small amount works to cover my persistent dark circles and redness around my nose. I like to top off my concealer with a light finishing powder - - and my favorite powder is coming up next.
Wet n Wild photofocus Loose Setting Powder
Currently $6.39 at Walgreens.com
Three colors available, including translucent (shown).
This was another influenced purchase (I can’t recall by who, though😜). I almost didn’t purchase once I saw it in the store, due to the large container and what – to me – is a huge amount of product. I like to pay attention to shelf-life dates on beauty and skincare, so I generally look for smaller packaging and I love minis or travel sizes. Obviously, I did purchase this and haven’t regretted it. It is a silky weightless setting powder, and can be used to set, mattify and absorb oil. I like to use a puff to set my undereye concealer, then lightly pat in my T Zone to set my makeup for the day. Tip: Tape over half of the holes in the dispenser to limit the amount of powder you dispense. Otherwise lookout, it can get messy.
NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray
Currently $8.00 at Walmart
This setting spray comes in 4 formulas.
As someone with an oily T zone, I am always on the lookout for the next viral product to absorb or limit the amount of oil my skin produces. This matte finish spray has been perfect for setting my makeup and keeping the look fresh and matte for 8+ hours. In addition to setting my makeup, I use it to blend foundation, with a makeup sponge, and use it again to when I add blush, bronzer or contour. It is sheer and doesn’t give the feel of adding yet another layer of makeup. It not only keeps the oil at bay but helps to blend my makeup for an airbrushed finish. Tip: after applying concealer, spray some Matte Finish into your palm, then tap your finger into the spray and lightly tap your concealer to keep it crease free all day.
L'Oréal Paris Infallible Matte-Lock
Currently $11.99 on Amazon
A white formula that dries clear.
Living with oily skin has its ups and downs. When I was in my 20’s I battled acne as many people do. But now in my 50’s, I appreciate that my oily skin has helped keep wrinkles at bay. But it is still a struggle to keep makeup looking good and preventing the oil from breaking through. When I thought about primer, I didn’t like the idea of adding yet another layer of makeup to my daily routine, but then I realized I could just put the primer in those areas that produce excess oil (duh!). L’Oréal to the rescue with Infallible Matte-Lock Mattifying Primer. I was introduced to this by Risa of Risa Does Makeup, another Youtube creator. She has very oily skin and often talks of her quest to find a mattifying primer that works under makeup. I had a little trouble finding this product, but good old Amazon came through. I like the feel of the product; it is easy to blend in, it is not scented and is a white to clear formula. It has a slight blurring effect on my pores, too, which is a nice feature. I usually wait 30 seconds or less for it to dry down, then apply my tinted sunscreen and wow! No pilling, no excessive drying, just a smooth and slightly blurred look. If you have been on the fence about using a primer, I highly recommend you try this one for oily skin.
Maybelline Sky High Mascara
Currently $8.89 at Walmart (this is a steal!)
It’s viral for a reason!
This has become a favorite mascara of mine. I have discussed it in previous blogs, and it is so great I want to share it again. I am not usually one to follow trends, but this was featured at my local Walgreen’s as a “viral” product. I love to try mascaras, since I seem to have a lot of trouble finding one that truly works for me due to “normal” aging which can cause lashes to be shorter and thinner (see my blog post on lash serums for help with this!).
This mascara has a unique brush with lots of little teeth to grab every lash. The brush is also flexible, so it bends and helps you reach the inner and outer corners. It doesn’t smudge while applying – a common problem for me – and it doesn’t clump. Most mascaras require me to comb through after application, but this does not. The formula is not too wet and dries quickly.
Makeup, along with every else, has become more expensive. But with a little searching, and some trial and error, you can keep your beauty costs down by shopping at the drugstore for most of the items you need. And don’t forget to check out Ulta, since they have both prestige and drug store brands on site.
I hope this was helpful! Enjoy, and remember to wear sunscreen, everyday!
~Kelly😎
