*Affiliate links. Full disclaimer details here.
Last week, I was writing an article for a national magazine on affordable beauty products and it got me analyzing my collection and realizing quite a few things I constantly repurchase (or recommend). The following 5 drugstore product must haves are not just Holy Grails (aka I’ve purchased them countless times over and over again), but items that my friends and family also have told me are incredible after I’ve recommended them. Since this blog is all about transparency and spilling my secrets, here’s my 5 drugstore product must haves you need to try…
These 5 products are affordable (hello, drugstore), high-performing, long-lasting, durable and no-nonsense. I’ve got you covered in skin care, face makeup, tools, and eyes. Ready?
I can’t stop raving about this L’Oreal True Match foundation. It was in my February 2017 favorites (here) and I also used it in this NYE Super Glam Makeup Look and each time I go back to it after using a high-end formula, I’m blown away by how much better it performs. It glides onto the skin seamlessly, natural-looking and withstands my oily skin so I can’t ask for much more. Plus, the shade range is impeccable. You’d be hard-pressed to NOT find your right shade. I am usually shade W6 but if I’m extra pale (or haven’t self-tanned in a few weeks) can use W5.
Sometimes, this huge bottle of CeraVe face wash priced at the upper tier of cleansers at the drugstore can throw shoppers off. I remember when I first say the price tag and wondered what made this basic cleanser better than my $4.99 one. Well, it’s the amazing ability to remove all of your makeup without drying out/irritating your skin, as well as, the inclusion of hyaluronic acid (to soften/plump skin), niacinamide (to tone texture) and ceramides (to strengthen skin and hydrate). One bottle usually lasts me 6-9 months if I use it AM/PM (and we all know my ass is wearing a full face of makeup 98% of the time).
This essence gel eye pencil appears on my blog often because it’s hands down the best. I have the black and brown shades and have absolutely zero reason to spend any more money on a pricier pencil. Lasts absolutely all day long in the water line or on the lash line, super rich in pigment, and no need for a sharpener (it’s automatic/twist up); there are literally no flaws with this product – except you have to hunt it down at your local Target or Ulta, and you better stock up when your favorite shade is in stock.
I keep coming back to this Maybelline Lash Sensational mascara time and time again and it’s the only mascara I recommend from any price point because it’s awesome. Super volumizing in one coat, layers well, rich black color and holds a curl… what more can you ask for? A long time ago, I wrote a post comparing this (pink tube) formula to the (black tube) Lucious formula here, but I prefer the pink one because I like the brush/wand shape better. Mascara is a product I rarely (if ever) go high-end on and with a formula as great as Lash Sensational, I don’t see that changing.
A lot of my friends, family, and readers ask about brushes often. These days, you can get quality brushes at such affordable prices and Real Techniques have been my most durable (out of my Sigma, Morphe and ELF brushes… all on the affordable side). They’re all synthetic bristles – which is good for cream products, vegans and those who are sensitive to natural hair brushes – and this one is top-notch at buffing foundation into the skin to give a perfected, airbrushed appearance. Stop using your fingers when applying foundation and pick up this Expert Face Brush today… you’ll never go back.
Those are my top 5 drugstore product must haves! Have you tried these – what do you think? Would you add a few other must tries for me? Let me know in the comments below and share this post on social media or with a friend if you found it helpful. I appreciate the love!
-Steffanie
