Holy Grail Drugstore Makeup Staples

There are certain products that just have a constant rotation in our makeup bags. These are products we rely on, repurchase, and recommend to others because they keep us feeling and looking our best. Additionally, there are certain products that are budget friendly as well and that’s what this list contains. These are my favorite drugstore products that are tried and true and at an affordable price. Many of these have been repurchased for years and are items I use currently in my everyday makeup looks.

L’Oreal Paris Makeup Voluminous Original Volume Building Mascara, Carbon Black

This is a go-to mascara since I was in high-school and there’s so many reasons why. First off, it’s affordable and around $5.00, depending on your retailer. The color carbon black alludes to this rich true black that creates depth and shine in the lashes. The brush itself is thick and creates this beautiful and buildable coat on my lashes, plus the packaging itself hardly ever dries out. And if you don’t believe me, this mascara has over 48,000 four star reviews on Amazon to convince you.

Airspun Loose Face Translucent Powder

This is an enormous amount of product and it’s actually my second one I’ve purchased, as I used the first one completely. What I love about this product is how lightweight it is and how it completely sets my makeup effortlessly. I’ve tested going through the day without it and my T-zone immediately gets oily and my foundation moves around. With this, the product stays and my makeup stays fresh without creasing. The only con to this is the packaging itself can get a little messy, so make sure you open it safely to avoid spillage.

Elf Expert Liquid Liner

This is such an underrated product and I don’t know why. First off, it will last you forever and it’s only $3.00. The liner itself it incredibly rich and dark, unlike other grayish black liners. Once applied, it won’t budge and the color itself will stay strong all day. My only caveat is there is a lot of product that comes out, so have a light hand, otherwise you will be waiting for it to dry for a long time. There are so many other products I’ve tried that dry up quickly or don’t have a dark enough black color and that’s why I love this one from Elf.

Maybelline FitMe Matte and Poreless Foundation

I purchase this and then forget about it and then repurchase it and remember how much I love it. Honestly, it’s just a classic product that’s under $10.00 and gives you a beautiful coverage, finish, and color overall. The sleek packaging holds a substantial amount of product that is easy to move around and the color range is exceptional for the drugstore variety. I think this is a perfect foundation to have in your arsenal for an everyday look because it’s lightweight, affordable, great coverage, and a beautiful finish.

Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer

Okay, me and the entire internet beauty population love this concealer. I buy several at a time because it runs out quickly, but it truly is an incredible product. The applicator is effortless, the consistency is creamy, and the brightness it creates is so critical to a solid under-eye. I’m always impressed with this formula and currently have three of them in my makeup bag on rotation, but have probably purchased this product over 10 times.

Profusion Cosmetics Blush I Palette

This is a very recent buy, but I am already hooked. I have tried several blushes from Milani, Nars, Wet n’ Wild, and several others, but I love this palette. The version I got has a small contour bronzer color and the remaining blushes are these gorgeous, pigmented, and peach based blushes that lay beautifully on the skin. With just the slightest amount of shimmer, you get a little glow without the obnoxious highlight that some heavier blushes bring on. It’s under $5.00 for this much product, so you have to pick it up next time to build your collection.

Wet n Wild Contouring and Highlight Powder

This is my second or third time repurchasing this product and it’s a staple for me. The highlight powder is a banana based color that is perfect for brightening the under-eye. It’s also very rare to find a great banana powder in the drugstore. But the true standout is the matte contour color that is highly pigmented and settles effortlessly onto the skin. I love to contour all over my face and find this color blends incredibly well all over. I’ve also tried many high-end and drugstore bronzers and find this one to be the most consistent at creating an overall flawless finish without looking muddy or too dark. A little goes a long way, so start light and build up the color from there.

Final Thoughts

We are long gone from the days of the Claire’s makeup palettes and the drugstore offers so many affordable and high quality products that can take your day-to-day look to the next level. These are some of my top favorite products that I constantly repurchase and keep within my makeup arsenal. What I love about this particular combination of items is the diversity of brands that can curate a full face at a budget friendly price.