Drugstore Makeup Starter Kit
Shop My Makeup Bag:
Foundation: Wet n Wild Photofocus Foundation, $6
I’ll admit I’m an Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation snob to the 9th degree. My skintone on my face is uneven – so I like full coverage. The only drugstore foundation that can compare is Wet n Wild Photofocus Foundation. If you can’t stomach the $43 price tag of the Estee Lauder foundation, I’d suggest grabbing the Wet n Wild $6 dupe. You read that correctly… $6! I love this foundation as it’s entirely full coverage. A little goes a long way – so you don’t need to use much product. It has a matte finish and it’s staying power is impressive. A must-have in a drugstore makeup starter kit. For reference, I use shade Cream Beige.
Concealer: L’Oreal Infallible Full Wear Waterproof Concealer, $13
I’m a stickler when it comes to concealer. I like my concealer full coverage and crease proof. I’ve tried nearly every drugstore concealer on the market and dislike them all. Except… for the L’Oreal Infallible Full Wear Waterproof Concealer. This stuff actually conceals dark circles while brightening your eyes. It also blends well into your foundation. The best part… it doesn’t crease when you use a setting powder. It’s available in 25 shades (I use shade cashew).
Mascara: L’Oreal Lash Paradise, $9
My all-time favorite mascara – hands down. High end or drugstore – my favorite mascara. Not only is the packaging super cute (hi pink!) but the formula is downright heavenly. I can’t get enough! This formula lengthens and volumizes my lashes and there is no fall out. This formula is available in 6 shades (I use Blackest Black). If you need extra staying power (if you’re sweating in the gym or expecting to cry it is also available in a waterproof formula.
Mascara Primer: L’Oreal Lash Paradise Primer, $9
If you’re looking for thicker, more intense lashes – I’d suggest using a mascara primer. The L’Oreal Lash Paradise Primer is my favorite drugstore option on the market. It’s lightweight, has no smell and has pretty packaging!
Liquid Eyeliner: Covergirl Get In Line Liquid Eyeliner, $6
While I typically stick to high end liquid eyeliners – I do COVERGIRL Get In Line Liquid Eyeliner. This eyeliner has an easy to use applicator (it’s super fine) so it can create a crisp line. It’s jet black and completely opaque so you don’t have to use much product. Finally, it doesn’t transfer onto your lids which is perfect – especially when you have hooded eyes like me!
Eyeshadow Palette: Covergirl truNAKED Nudes, $9
There are plenty of gorgeous drugstore eyeshadow palettes on the market! My favorite eyeshadow palettes is the Covergirl truNaked Collection! The Nudes palette is an almost exact dupe of the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette ($54)! I use it often – the shades are gorgeous, the formula is velvety and the staying power is awesome! I also use the Covergirl truNAKED Peach Punch Palette and Covergirl truNAKED Smoky Palette often! My runner up is the Rimmel Magnif’Eyes Eyeshadow Palette collection (all of them!)
Lipstick: Wet N Wild MegaLast Lip Color in ‘Bare It All”, $2
One of my all-time favorite finds! This $2 MAC Velvet Teddy Dupe is the real deal. The formula is great (has great staying power, very opaque), it is safe for sensitive skin and you can’t beat the price tag! I found this gem years ago and have been repurchasing ever since. For more MAC lipstick dupes, check out my MAC Lipstick Dupe Guide here.
Lip Liner: NYX Plumping Lip Line in “Rose The Day”, $4
While I don’t always wear lip liner (mostly because I’m lazy) my most worn drugstore lip liner is NYX Plumping Lip Line in “Rose The Day”. I love the velvety formula and how it prolongs the life of my lipstick (I apply it across my entire lips before applying lipstick). It’s a goodie!
Lipgloss: Almay Goddess Gloss Lip Gloss, $8
I’m not a huge fan of lip gloss – what can I say I’m a total lipstick junkie! I do enjoy the Almay Goddess Gloss Lip Gloss collection even though they do have shimmer. I love the formula (feels good on my lips, not too sticky) and the moisture level.
Highlighter Palette: L’Oreal True Match Lumi Glow Nude, $12
Oh hi most gorgeous drugstore highlighter palette I’ve ever seen! The L’Oreal True Match Lumi Glow Nude in “Sunkissed” is breathtaking! I do use this palette often. I love the formula (it has a lot of pigment) and it’s staying power is impressive. It gives my cheekbones the perfect lift. I also like applying it underneath my eyebrows for a brow life!
Loose Powder Highlighter: L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Shimmerista in “Sunlight”, $12
If you prefer a loose powder highlighter you’ll love the L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Shimmerista Highlighting Powder in “Sunlight”! The pigment is next level (more dramatic than the Glow Palette above) and it also helps to set my foundation!
Bronzer: Wet n Wild MegaGlo Contouring Palette, $6
This contouring palette is next level. I love how pigmented it is! I contour every single day so I am a contour palette snob! The Wet n Wild MegaGlo Contouring Palette is a great purchase as its highly pigmented and applies smoothly to the skin. It blends evenly into my foundation and has no fragrance.
Blush: Covergirl TruBlend Contour Palette in “Bloom Babe”, $4
When it comes to blush – I prefer palettes! I love mixing the colors to create a more well rounded shade. The Covergirl TruBlend Contour Palette in “Bloom Babe” is just gorgeous. I love all three shades as they’re super natural but gives you the perfect glow!
Setting Powder: NYX HD Finishing Powder, $10
This setting powder is pure magic! It’ the only drugstore setting powder I trust. Living in Florida for 5 years, I can tell you this setting powder holds up against some of the most brutal humidity. And I have oily skin! It’s a must-have in your drugstore makeup kit!
Eyebrow Pencil: NYX Professional Microbrow Pencil, $9
I was on vacation and forgot my eyebrow pencil so I hopped into Target and grabbed this NYX Professional Microbrow Pencil. It was love at first use! The color is very pigmented (so you don’t have to use much product) and it comes in 8 colors.
Makeup Brushes: BH Cosmetics Sculpt & Blend Set, $19
If you’re looking for drugstore makeup brushes – BH Cosmetics is where it’s at! Their brushes are soft, aesthetically pleasing (these ones in particular are black and gold) and the perfect edition to your makeup vanity. This set in particular has 10 brushes for under $20 so you’re all set!
Fake Eyelashes: Kiss Ever EZ Lashes #11, $12
Hands down my favorite false lashes! I’m a bit germaphobic, so I only like to use fake lashes a few times before disposal. For this reason, drugstore lashes are the best for me. Kiss lashes are my favorite as they come in sets of 5! This pack in particular I love as the lashes are long but they look very natural!
Makeup Bag: Beige Checkered Bag, $23
Y’all. I’m obsessed with this makeup bag! I’m in love! Since it’s only $23 I don’t mind throwing my makeup in it. You should see the inside of my bag – not a pretty sight! But since the price tag is so low I’m not bothered. Plus, it comes in 3 colors!