Recently (as in, 2 days ago) I collaborated with a couple of awesome friends of mine – Ashley and Keira – for a Spring photo shoot. Man – I have really, really super talented friends. The shoot was a blast, and I’m certain that the photos will be amazing (and I will share them with you soon! :))
Let me get back on track here.
I did hair and makeup for the shoot, so I had several things that I had to bring with me – hair products and tools, bobby pins, brushes, makeup, gum (that’s just courtesy when you’re going to be all up in someone’s face). I had almost everything I needed well before the shoot date. And I had every intention of going to Ulta or Sephora or MAC before the shoot and picking up those last minute items. But…you know how those intentions are. They’re so unreliable.
Here I was, the day of the shoot, scrambling to grab last minute things. So where did I turn (since I live in a town where a major makeup store is a good 45 minutes away)? The drugstore, of course. I grabbed eyeliner, mascara, lipstick, and eyeshadow (along with some Sour Patch Kids and a copy of US Weekly, but that’s neither here nor there) and headed to the shoot.
The drugstore picks (which weren’t my first choices originally) worked beautifully and delivered fantastic results. I was extremely happy with how the makeup looked off camera and on, and it really got me thinking about how often I overlook over-the-counter options as adequate alternatives in comparison to high end brands. There are certainly some cases when the greater investment is worth it, but in the same respect, there are times when spending the extra cash just isn’t necessary.
So now let’s play show and tell. :)
Below, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite skin care drugstore picks. I didn’t want to overwhelm you (or myself) with hair and skin care all in one, so we’ll break it up like this. Look at me being all organized.
1. Lipstick (a tie) – Maybelline Colorsensational Lipstick in Coral Crush {$4.99} OR CoverGirl Lip Perfection Lipstick in Hot {$6.00} : I couldn’t decide between these two brands, so I included them both. The Maybelline lipstick may be one of my absolute favorites of all time (I even mentioned it in a previous post). But I used this exact CoverGirl lipstick for the shoot the other day and it won me over. The red is beautifully vibrant and creamy. Both lipsticks are exceptionally moisturizing and don’t have issues with wearing off too soon in the day. You’ve got a winner with either one.
2. Lip Gloss – Neutrogena Moistureshine Gloss in Healthy Peach {$7.99} : This lip gloss literally feels like you’re giving your lips a drink of water. It’s super moisturizing, and silky smooth. And it’s not sticky. Hallelujah. How many times have you put on gloss, stepped out of your car, had a huge gust of wind come through and promptly sweep your hair right onto your freshly glossed lips? Yeah. So cute. This lip gloss saves you from any possible breezy, hair-eating issues.
3. Mascara - Maybelline Falsies Volum’ Express Mascara in Blackest Black {$6.99} : Another item I used on the shoot, I love this mascara because of it’s wand. It’s scoop-shaped, which helps give that ‘lift’ to your lashes. It doesn’t clump, and it lives up to it’s promises of volume and fullness.
4. Blush (& bronzer) – Neutrogena Healthy Skin Custom Glow Blush and Bronzer in Rosy Glow {11.49} : I don’t use a ton of blush or bronzer on a regular basis, so this product works really well for me. It’s a complimentary duo of colors that gives the perfect amount of glow to your skin.
5. Eyeshadow – Maybelline Eyeshadow Quads in Amethyst Smokes {$5.49} : This was a tough one. There are a lot of really great over-the-counter eyeshadows out there. But, in my opinion, none do the trick quite like Maybelline Eyeshadow Quads. The color palettes are thoughtfully created, and the shadows are pretty blends of mattes and shimmers. The aspect I like the most about these shadows is their ease of use. They basically spell out how to use the product by labeling each palette square with the location of the eye that it is applied to (i.e. brow bone, lid, etc). Even the most anti-makeup chicks can’t complain about this one. :)
6. Face Wash - Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser {$9.00} : This is possibly my favorite product on this list. I have been using Cetaphil for years. Earlier on in my life, I had some skin issues. Mild acne, sensitivity, etc. After a dermatologist recommended Cetaphil to me and I got on a new regimen, my skin literally did a 180. I rarely ever get a pimple, and if I do, it’s extremely manageable. Cetaphil is gentle, and the perfect balance of cleansing and moisturizing. I actually use the gentle cleanser paired with the bar soap (I use the bar to remove makeup, the cleanser as a follow-up) and I’m consistently happy with the way my skin looks and feels. I’m a huge fan, if you couldn’t tell.
7. Foundation and Powder - Neutrogena Skinclearing Liquid Makeup {$11.99} and Mineral Sheers Loose Powder Foundation {$11.99} : I won’t lie – I haven’t used these two particular products. Since I have pretty sensitive skin, I stick with my tried and true Clinique foundation and powder. However, I have used Neutrogena in a pinch, and I love their product. I chose these two to feature for foundational makeup, because I know that Neutrogena makes a point to develop products that maintain healthy skin. The liquid foundation treats and prevents breakouts, and the powder has SPF included and reduces the appearance of redness. Awesome choices.
8.Eyeliner - CoverGirl Perfect Blend Eyeliner in Basic Black {$4.00} : In my last video tutorial, I raved about Clinique’s eyeliner (I believe my exact words were ‘Clinique’s pencil is my favorite eyeliner EV-ERRRRR.‘ I’m so dramatic). I do love that eyeliner. But CoverGirl has made me a believer with their product. I have no complaints about this eyeliner. Seriously. It goes on smooth and dark, produces a great ‘smudged’ smokey eye, doesn’t make you look raccoon-ish halfway through the day, and is outrageously cost efficient.
9. Moisturizer – Purpose Dual Treatment Moisture Lotion (with SPF 15) {$9.49} : Another product I’ve been using for years, this moisturizer never disappoints me. It’s the perfect hydrating formula – without the grease. Who wants to feel like a greaseball? Gross. It has SPF (super important) and is gentle on sensitive skin. I can’t say enough positive things about this moisturizer.
10. Lipstain – Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain in Passion {$7.00} : For the ladies out there who like a little color, without the heaviness that sometimes comes with lipstick or gloss, here’s your pick. Stain in one end of the tube, balm in the other – your lips are properly nourished and have a pop of color that doesn’t wear off.
So there you have it! Your makeup bag can be filled with quality products that don’t break the bank. :)
I’d love to hear from you guys – any drugstore picks that you can’t live without?
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