My Four Favorite Drugstore Products
As I left Sephora this past weekend feeling rather accomplished with a shopping bag full of new purchases in tow, I thought to myself (and definitely not for the first time), Wow, makeup is *such* an expensive hobby. Unfortunately, it’s true. As a makeup lover, I am constantly surrounded and tempted by videos of YouTubers sharing their monthly favorites, Kylie Jenner swatching out her latest lip kits, and Too Faced releasing the cutest new palettes. While I love to occasionally splurge on high-end makeup, there are quite a few cheaper alternatives that work just as well. Seriously. As much as I’d love to be the proud owner of La Mer’s $175 moisturizer (for that price, it’d better guarantee the fountain of youth), drugstore moisturizers often have the same effect. Here are a few affordable products for you to consider before you swipe your card on that overpriced makeup:
1. CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion ($12.99) - Repeat after me. You do not have to splurge on high-end moisturizers. Here’s why: A lot of the moisturizers that you’re buying at the drugstore have the same ingredients as high-end moisturizers. I use this CeraVe moisturizer every morning and night. It’s wonderful because it has SPF, provides hydration, and keeps my skin looking fresh. Oh, and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
2. Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream ($7.49) - I hate buying high-end foundations because half the year my skin is one shade, and the other half of the year, it’s completely different! I love using BB cream on my skin because it’s not as heavy as foundation, but still provides considerable coverage. If you find that you need a little more coverage than what BB cream gives, try out Maybelline’s FitMe foundation. I’ve used this as well, and it works wonders! Everyone I know who uses it loves it.
3. Maybelline Volum’ Express The Rocket Mascara ($4.89) - I have naturally long lashes, and constantly get asked if I’m wearing falsies. Nope! It’s Maybelline’s Rocket mascara, which has always been a favorite of mine. Honestly, I prefer it over cult high-end mascaras, such as Better Than Sex (Sorry, Too Faced!). The spiky brush is designed to lengthen lashes while promising a burst of volume. Even better yet, I never get clumps or fallout with this product. To deliver a more dramatic look, I pump my lashes a couple times with an eyelash curler before swiping a few coats on.
4. Coty Airspun Powder ($5.99) - Not quite ready to drop $40 on Laura Mercier’s translucent setting powder? Try this loose powder instead! YouTuber PatrickStarrr absolutely swears by this stuff and uses it in practically every look! It’s amazing for baking your face, or even swiping it over those problem areas if you want a little extra coverage. I use it every day to set my under eyes. Fair warning: It does have a strong baby powder odor, however it’s unnoticeable after about 15 minutes!
