Today's post is my Drugstore Top 10. Please note, I was not paid to promote these items, I bought them with my own money... and MOST IMPORTANTLY... these are actually items I use on a regular basis! I had a hard time narrowing the list down to 10 and so within the next couple weeks, you'll probably see another Top 10, along side a "Top 10 Skincare" post.
And my FAVORITE drugstore products are:
1. Revlon Colorstay Oil-Free Foundation
This stuff covers JUST AS GOOD as the crazy-expensive foundations out there and because this formula is oil-free, it won't cause breakouts! Offers full coverage and won't "white out" your face in photos because the SPF is only around 6 in this stuff. Note to buyers: I hear complaints that this product is too thick and dries too fast. You must apply this foundation with either a damp sponge or a foundation brush like this one Crown Brush - Flat Bronzer You'll be amazed at the finish!
2. L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara, Carbon Black
Be prepared for lashes so thick, they'll look fake. I've tried A LOT of mascaras and this is the one I always go back to! If you are looking for a "light" mascara, skip this one by because it gives lashes fullness and drama with a very intense black pigment.
3. Revlon Colorstay Lipliner in Nude
I've been using this mechanical lipliner since it first launched. It is the perfect pinky/nude color that blends with both taupe and pink shades of lipstick. The best part? It lasts forever!
4. Wet N Wild Color Icon Singles and Palettes
Yes, you read that correctly, Wet N Wild has produced some incredible eyeshadow for DIRT CHEAP!!! The internet is all a-buzz at how heavily pigmented these shadows, meaning a little bit goes a long way with these babies! Top palette is called Lust and it's the steel gray color that's my favorite here. The second palette is called Vanity and it's full of some beautiful neutrals and rich browns. The single shadow in the photo above is such a bargain it should be outlawed. Nutty is an incredibly pigmented, frosty, metallic, taupe. Not kidding, this stuff is as beautiful as some of my Urban Decay colors and it lasts just as long! And FYI, Kmart has Wet N Wild on sale as a "Buy one, get one FREE" right now... go shop!
5. Hard Candy Glamoflauge Concealer (at Walmart)
It took me FOREVER to find a heavy concealer at a rock-bottom price. Enter Hard Candy's Glamoflauge. I read a couple reviews online and since I'm in Walmart every other day, I picked up a tube of the light. This is a set that comes with a cream concealer in a tube and a pencil concealer. The pencil is perfect for thin scars or veins. Ok ladies, this stuff should have been called THE BOMB! It covers everything and lasts all day. Remember, it's a very heavy concealer so pat it on with you fingers or sponge lightly or you'll get all cakey. If you want cakey... go down to aisle 12, that's where the baking stuff is! LOL
6. L'Oreal Infallible Lipgloss
Another great product from this company. My favorite is the Petal color above. This is the perfect lipgloss... not to thick, not too thin, and it stays on & in place all day. The colors are not totally transparent and I believe that all them are frosted. These look good on their own and really pretty over lipstick. Oh, and the doe-foot applicator has a cool shape that hugs your lips... bonus!
7. Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick
Now I love all the lip products that Rimmel makes, but this my favorite lipstick by them and my favorite color is Airy Fairy (a frosty/sheer pink). These colors last all day and aren't drying. They do have a sort of fruity smell and taste but it's one I can live with.
An eyeliner that stays on for 24 hrs? Count me in! I was a devotee of L'Oreal's Gel Liner until I tried this one a couple weeks ago. It's heavily pigmented, stays on until you take it off, and it's under $5. You can't beat that with a stick! Tip: toss the brush it comes with and invest in a better quality angled liner brush. The longer handle makes application a lot easier!
9. Rimmel Natural Bronzer
As a bronzer, blush, or contouring powder... this stuff rocks! Honestly one of the most natural colored bronzers on the drugstore shelves right now. You can get this product with or without a shimmer. For all over, daytime wear, choose the NO shimmer. Save the shimmer for summer nights and weddings... and don't over do it or you'll look like a tan version of Edward Cullens as you glitter in the moonlight!
10. N.Y.C. Smooth Skin Loose Powder
Unless you are going for a "dewy look", you'll need to matify and set your foundation with a loose powder. Just about every company has one on the market. For around $3... this gets the job done! Get the translucent shade as it will work without adding additional color to the skin.Drugstore Shopping Tips
- All of the above items can be found at Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, and/or KMart (except for Hard Candy which is only at Wally World). Look at the weekly ads for these stores to get the best sales prices. And heads up: Walmart honors competitive store prices now!
- Google before you go!!!! 98% of the time, there is a coupon out there for many of the drugstore cosmetic items. Go to one of the search engines and type in something like "Revlon Colorstay Foundation Coupon 2011" to get the links. Also sign up on the manufacturer's websites and FB pages for exclusive coupons. Final note for Walgreens shoppers - Checkout in their beauty department! That cashier has STACKS of manufacturer issued coupons behind that register... YAY! Ask them if they have any coupons for the items you're buying before they ring you up. Pair up coupons + weekly sales and that's how you get the real deals!
- Give it the once over. Make sure all the products you are purchasing are sealed!!!!! Because the stock is open to the public... the public feels free to open stuff up! So, check to make sure that package seals are sealed and if there isn't a seal, open the product up at the checkout counter before the cashier rings it up.
- Go into the light. When trying to match up your foundation shade or check the shade of a lipstick, take it by the windows of the store to check the hue in natural lighting. Trust me... colors can change dramatically when they leave the florescent lit shop floor.
- Finally, return it if it doesn't work for you. I'm not a big "returner" due to laziness LOL But, all these stores will take back an opened item if you have the receipt. So buy it, try it and if you don't like it... return it.
- Pay it forward. Chances are pretty good that you will run into other people sifting through the makeup aisle too. Offer your new found knowledge. If they shag you off... it's their loss. But you'd be surprised at how many people welcome your advice on what products are good and what to stay away from. You are doing them a favor by saving them time and money.
So what's your favorite drugstore cosmetic item?
Post it in the comment section below
and let's learn from each other!
~ Lisa B.
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