Beauty On A Budget: Drugstore Products I Swear By

As someone who has struggled with skin issues for as long as I can remember, believe me when I tell you that I have searched high and low for products that my face can tolerate. People tend to think that in order to get quality products you have to pay a hefty price, but that’s not always the case.

I’ll admit, I splurge on makeup at Sephora, but honestly, I don’t have the time (or money) to keep that up. Luckily, I believe I’ve found some “holy grail-esqe” products at Walgreens that work just as well and last just as long. Save yourself the bucks, the drive and the hassle and head on over to your local drug store.

1) Maybelline Cover Stick Corrector/Concealer 

If you have any imperfection you want to make disappear, whether that be redness, dark marks or blemishes, this is the product you absolutely need. Apply some directly onto the imperfection, blend, finish with your foundation on top and you’re left with a flawless finish. It seems bizarre that you would put green makeup on your face, but the green contracts the redness and makes it appear less irritated.

Price: $6.49 at Walgreens 

2) Albolene 

I used to use makeup wipes from the drug store because they’re so cheap, but no matter how long I spent removing my eye makeup, I would still wake up with traces of my eyeliner and mascara under my eyes. Albolene is typically used as a moisturizer for extremely dry skin, but when used with a cotton ball, my makeup glides right off. It has a Vaseline like consistency and can leave the skin feeling greasy, so I usually follow with my regular face wash. 14 bucks seems a bit pricey, but the jar is so large it will last you for months.

Price: $13.99 at Walgreens 

3) L’Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Makeup 

While I tend to spend more money on my foundation, I have to say that the True Match is just as good as some of the higher end products I’ve used. It doesn’t look cakey on skin and it’s oil free, perfect for oily and acne prone types like myself. Plus, it’s SPF 17 and comes in 33 different shades.

Price: $10.49 at Walgreens 

4) Revlon Super Lustrous Matte Lipstick 

I’ve noticed the recent craze for MAC products, particularly their lipsticks, in what I believe is an attempt by teenage girls to achieve Kylie Jenner’s pouty look. However, this Revlon lipstick provides the same look and effect, unfortunately without the lip injections. Sorry girls. If you’re a little lipstick crazy like me though, Revlon is the way to go because they’re half as expensive as MAC and just as nice.

Price: $8.79 at Walgreens 

5) Maybelline Gel Eyeliner

Drugstore eyeliners tend to be cheap looking and not long lasting. This product was a pleasant surprise because it goes on so nicely and it stays on for hours at a time. With this eyeliner you won’t look like a washed up raccoon after a few hours out because it doesn’t smudge easily. An absolute must.

Price: $9.49 at Walgreens 

6) NYX Mega Shine Lipgloss 

I usually avoid lipgloss at all costs because my hair gets stuck to my mouth and then the gloss ends up all over my hands. It’s a disaster. I have to say this went on smoothly and it wasn’t at all sticky like I expected it be. There’s a variety of colors and it lasts throughout the night, plus it smells good.

Price: $4.99 at Target 

7) L’Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara 

Hands down the best mascara I’ve ever used. A few swipes up and down make a huge difference, and this is coming from someone whose eyelashes are not that impressively long. It doesn’t have that awful clumping effect that most mascaras tends to, and the lashes look even and fuller without having to apply an obnoxious amount.

Price: $8.99 at Walgreens 

8) e.l.f. Studio High Definition Powder 

If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this article, it’s the importance of this product. I cannot get enough of it. I apply a little bit with my mineral brush after I’ve finished all of my makeup and it keeps my foundation looking fresh for hours. It truly masks fine lines and imperfections. It creates a soft effect so that skin looks flawless in photos and without a trace of that stubborn shine. Love!

Price: $6.99 at Walgreens