Knowing the best drugstore makeup brands is key to a flawless look while saving money. Shopping at Sephora isn’t always affordable, especially as a busy college student. Luckily, you don’t need $50 eye shadow pallets and $45 foundation to glam up your look. Over the years, I’ve found the best makeup brands can be easily purchased at CVS or Target, and nobody would ever tell they’re not Kylie Cosmetics. I’ve put together a list of the best drugstore makeup brands every girl needs in their daily routine (Hint: All of these can be purchased at your local Target.)
I knew I needed a new foundation, but I didn’t have the money to run to the mall and purchase the most brand-name makeup I could find, so I headed to Target. It’s hard to know when the foundation will not only cover your blemishes but keep them covered all day. After squeezing a bit out on my hand and rubbing it in to match my skin color, I figured I’d take the chance and test this one out. Thank God I did because I can’t go a day without it, L’ORÉAL Infalliable Total Coverage Foundation is by far the longest-lasting foundation I have ever used. A huge benefit of this makeup is how natural and not-cakey it looks. And best of all, it’s yours for only $10.99.
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I don’t know about you, but when I wake up each morning I look as if I had aged 20 years overnight. Concealer is key to having a fresh and healthy glow after a long night’s sleep. After trying a variety of brands to see which would best cover up dark eye circles, COVERGIRL TruBLEND Undercover Concealer completely won me over. After washing your face in the morning, throw on a smidge of face lotion and completely rub it in. Then I draw two upside-down triangles under my eyes, using a beauty blender to completely blend it in. On mornings I’m in a rush, it’s not necessary to use foundation along with this concealer. Most times I just throw on this and some mascara and I instantly feel better about my reflection.
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On the coldest of winter days, this bronzer will have you looking fresh out of the sun. Rimmel London’s Natural Bronzer is my go-to when getting ready for a night out. I feel I always look and feel better when I’m tan, but unfortunately, it can’t always be sunny and 75 here in New Hampshire. Apply a layer of this on your face and neck and you’ll have the benefits of looking tan- without the harmful rays.
I’m obsessed with long eyelashes. I’ve considered extensions, but for a college student, they are just not in the budget right now. I’ve tried brand name mascaras, such as Too Faced Better Than Sex or NARS Climax Mascara, but honestly, I go through these products way too fast to be spending $30 each time I run out. After great reviews from my friends, I decided to try out L’Oréal’s Paris Voluminous Mascara for only $6.79. Amazing. I couldn’t ask for a more voluminous or long-lasting mascara to use, and I’ve never had a problem with clumps. After being on for almost 12 hours, my lashes still look long and perfectly curled.
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Though I’m usually not the biggest blush person, I am when I use Rimmel Maxi Blush. You only need to apply the smallest bit to the apples of your cheeks. These two colors, Wild Card (shown below), or Third Base look completely natural when applied and never clown-like. I use a kabuki brush to apply, but a powder brush or even a beauty blender works just as well. Why spend $40 plus on blush when you can create a flawless look for $4.29?
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Every girl needs a good quality contour kit. A contour kit that defines shape in your face and stays that way throughout the day/night for only $5.99. Due to the creaminess of this makeup, it blends like a dream. The highlight end of the stick will illuminate your face, while the darker end enhances and defines shape in your face. I seriously can not step foot out of the house on a night out without this product. It gives me beauty and confidence that lasts all night long!
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Over the last few years, highlighters have become essential in makeup routines. For that extra glow, turn to Wet N Wild MegaGlo Liquid Highlighter. I swear by this stuff. I think every girl should purchase this item to stand out in a room and feel her absolute best. Apply a dab to your nose, cheekbones, and under your eyebrows and blend it in. For $4.99, a little goes a long way. One tube can last you weeks without needing to run out and get a refill. You really can’t beat this price, so what are you waiting for?
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Get bold, beautiful eyes for only $4.49. Seriously- is there even more to say? This eyeliner will make your eyes pop and you’re bound to receive compliments all night long. My favorite color, “Blackest Black”, makes eyes appear much larger than they actually are, a look many girls spend a ton to achieve. The product applies very smoothly, and the smudge end is extremely helpful in soothing harsh lines. Pair this with the L’Oréal’s Paris Voluminous Mascara and you’ve created a stunning look, for just about $10.
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Like I mentioned earlier, I love long lashes. Though it’s not necessary to use more than one mascara, I find I almost always use two different types when getting ready in the morning. I like to know I’ve made them as long and voluminous as possible, so the more amazing products the better- right? Due to the thin, lengthy brush, your eyelashes will reach up to 60 percent longer thanks to L’Oréal Paris’ Telescopic Original Mascara. Achieve this intense look every day for just $9.39.
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