Drugstore makeup is my saving grace. As a student, I rarely bought makeup from Sephora or high-end beauty brands. I bought almost all of my beauty products at Shoppers Drug Mart (the Canadian equivalent of Walgreens) and for the most part, I still do. There are amazing drugstore makeup products that do just as good a job as their high-priced counterparts, and there’s nothing as good as finding those products and knowing you’re saving yourself tons of cash.
While I don’t mind paying a little more for an oil-free face cream or a tinted moisturizer, most makeup doesn’t have to run your bank account dry. It’s nice to treat yourself every once in a while, but your everyday products don’t need to come with a high price tag. There are plenty of mascaras, lipsticks and powders that get the job done at a price you’re easily able to afford.
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You can look amazing without spending your life savings on makeup and these 15 beauty products prove just that. From a $7 cream blush to a $15 BB cream, these awesome drugstore makeup finds are all under $30!
1. CoverGirl LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara
Cost = $7
I love all CoverGirl mascaras. They provide amazing length and definition and this one promises zero clumps! I never find clumping to be a problem with CoverGirl, but it’s great that they created one specifically with that in mind. I also love the curved brush – it ensures your lashes get loads of product and that the mascara is evenly distributed.
2. Know Cosmetics Secret Lip Plumper
Cost = $18
If you have thin lips, this products is for you! It plumps the lips making them full and soft with natural ingredients including aloe oil and vitamin E. You’ll feel a gentle tingly sensation as they plump!
3. bareMinerals Blemish Ready Foundation
Cost = $28
This foundation offers great coverage at a totally affordable cost. It’s a mineral powder so you can build on it to reach your desired coverage. It blasts imperfection, redness and shine so your skin looks healthy and glowing.
4. Boots Botanics Rosewater Toning Spritz
Cost = $6
I’m totally obsessed with rosewater face mists these days – they’re so refreshing and they smell absolutely amazing. This skin toner spritz is organic and it naturally cleanses the skin leaving it nice and soft. Spray it on pre-moisturizer day and night to reap its nourishing benefits.
5. NYX Cream Blush
Cost = $7
Cream blush is easy to apply and provides a dewy glow to your complexion. I never go a day without blush – it really gives your face a fresh look. This NYX cream blush offers a silky feel and long-lasting colour so you can glow all day long.
6. Smashbox Matte Lipstick
Cost = $23
There’s no need to blow your pay cheque on an uber expensive lipstick. Especially when there are ones as good as this on hand at your drugstore. Available in an array of rich shades and infused with shea butter and vitamins C and E, its satin-smooth formula will keep your lips moisturized and pigmented all day.
7. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser
Cost = $7
Formulated with goji berry and haloxyl, Maybelline’s eye concealer works to reduce puffiness, dark circles and fine lines at one super low price tag. Bright eyes are key to a radiant face, and this concealer will have you looking refreshed.
8. Revlon Colorstay Eye Liner
Cost = $6
Adding definition to your eyes is easy with a proper eye liner. Revlon’s glides on smoothly, and it’s waterproof so it won’t smear or smudge throughout the day. I find that can be a major problem with some of the eyeliners I’ve used, so if you’re looking for an affordable eye liner that stays put, this one’s for you.
9. Japonesque Color Makeup Setting Spray
Cost = $29
Setting your makeup is key whether you have a long day of work, or are hitting the town at night. This spray absorbs instantly and will prevent your makeup from fading. So your 8-hour makeup will look like it was just freshly applied.
10. Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towlettes
Cost = $8
It’s important to remove your makeup each night with cleansing cloths that will get the job done. These towlettes dissolve dirt, oil and makeup so you’re left with a fresh face. They also remove waterproof mascara, which as you probably know can often be a pain in the butt!
11. Lumene Vitamin C BB Cream
Cost = $15
If you’ve hopped on the BB cream bandwagon, you’re going to love this product. Infused with vitamin C and SPF 20, it hydrates, brightens and covers the skin, as well as protecting it from the sun’s rays. Suitable for all skin types it’s just the drugstore buy you need in your life.
12. Clarins Lip Comfort OilCost = $25
If your lips are craving extra nourishment, try this lip oil, formulated with plant oil for a shiny, yet non-stick look. You can use it on its own or over your favourite lipstick for added sheen.
13. Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder
Cost = $4
A face powder for only $4? I’m in! Rimmel’s formula evens out your complexion and minimizes pores without setting into your imperfections. It absorbs excess oil for shine control and calms the skin, making it ideal for sensitive and oily skin.
14. Marcelle Eyeshadow Quad
Cost $16
With so many quads to choose from, your eyes are bound to pop! This eye shadow is hypo-allergenic and fragrance free, formulated with an extra silky texture. Create a subtle or dramatic look with four shades for only $16!
15. Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss
Cost = $16
Lip gloss is no longer to be left in the memories of our high school days – it’s back in full force. This creamy formula ensures your lips have full colour coverage with a weightless formula. And the sponge-tip applicator allows you to put it on neatly for a defined lip look. You can also layer it over your favourite lipstick for a unique colour and extra shine.
So what are you waiting for? Throw these drugstore makeup finds in your virtual shopping cart and look your best on budget!
