As a beauty editor, I’m around makeup products all the time. And even with all the new brands popping up, I’ll never forget my drugstore staples, many of which have been around for decades. As a teenager obsessed with everything girly, I found my happy place spending hours browsing the makeup aisles in drugstores. These budget-friendly finds were my entryway into my love of all things beauty. I even remember the first makeup product I ever used: Revlon’s Rum Raisin lip gloss.
I’ve used a lot of makeup brands over the years and I find myself (for the most part) staying loyal to the tried-and-true drugstore brands. Below, I’m sharing my top 10 drugstore products that are worth trying and keeping in steady rotation. In my experience, I’ve found the quality of these to be better than or equal to some higher-end brands.
[SEE ALSO: I Tried the Sold-Out Rare Beauty Lip Oil]
Wet ‘n Wild Megaglow Highlighter Powder
I am a highlighter lover and I don’t feel my look is complete until I’ve applied it on my cheeks, inner eyes, and nose. I love to glow. Over the years I’ve tried many highlighters and I always come back to my true fave: Wet n Wild Megaglow Highlighter Powder in Crown of My Canopy. I’ve been wearing this for over 8 years. It gives a beautiful glow that compliments my chocolate complexion.
Burts Bees Moisturizing Lip Balm
If you’re a lipstick lover like myself you know the value of good quality, long-lasting lip balm. It leaves your lips moisturized, and soft—the perfect canvas for liquid lipsticks, lip stains, and gloss. For the past decade, my favorite lip balm has been this one by Burts Bees in Watermelon. I’ve tried the other flavors but the watermelon flavor seems to give me the most moisture and feels like it lasts the longest. Plus, it smells delicious.
CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara
My lashes are very curly but lack length so mascara is a must for me. For years I’ve been using CoverGirl’s Lash Blast Volume Mascara in Very Black to get my eyes to pop. It’s continued to be my fave in the way it lengthens my lashes all while creating volume. A win-win.
NYX Professional Epic Ink Liner
My signature go-to eye look is a sexy cat eye so I’m always on the lookout for products that will give me that sharp line along my lids. NYX Professional Epic Ink Liner is a new fave and I love it because it’s great for when I need a quick, no-fuss cat eye but also when I’m pulling all the drama. It comes in a convenient pen form and has a sleek, glossy finish.
NYX Professional Micro Brow Pencil
If you’re looking for a long-lasting brow pencil that will create hair-like strokes, you will love NYX Professional’s Micro Brow Pencil. I use the shade Espresso and find myself repurchasing when I’m running low.
Revlon ColorStay Foundation
I have oily combination skin and for the days where I don’t want my makeup to budge, I use Revlon’s ColorStay Makeup. This has been my go-to foundation for years. It literally lasts all day and gives my skin a beautiful matte finish.
L’Oreal Paris Infallible ProMatte Liquid Lipstick
I was looking to try a new liquid lipstick one day while browsing my local Target when I came across L’Oreal Paris Infallible ProMatte Liquid Lipstick. I love the pop of color and how smooth it goes on. It layers well under gloss and I recently found myself purchasing another shade. She’s a keeper!
NYX Professional HD Photogenic Concealer
NYX Professional HD Photogenic Undereye Concealer Wand is my favorite under eye concealer because it has a high quality finish and is full coverage. This concealer looks amazing every time I use it, so much so that I haven’t tried another for over six years.
Black Radiance True Complexion Contour Palette
I am obsessed with contour and nothing makes me more excited about a full beat face than chiseled cheeks. That’s why the Black Radiance True Complexion Contour Palette has been a staple in my makeup arsenal for years. I love the shade range and how well it sets my cream contour. Plus, the compact is so cute.
Real Techniques Flawless Base 2.0 Brush Set
If you are looking for quality brushes to add to your makeup bag, my faves have been from Real Techniques. They are inexpensive yet high quality and long lasting. I love the girly colors they come in and the large range of brush styles.
