A few years back I got into a CVS makeup kick! They send out 30% off coupons nearly every other week and I couldn’t resist stocking up on their makeup goodies at that price. One of the nice, and dangerous, things about buying drugstore makeup is that you’re not making a huge commitment. You can try out that bright coral lipstick trend, or a new contour palette, and if it’s not your favorite you’re only out $10.

Stores like Target, Walgreens and CVS have a huge selection of makeup and recently CVS has been carrying Korean Beauty beauty lines with sheet masks and cushion application items. So with so much out there you can try something out without the lux price tag. Pro tip: Target has the cheapest prices of most places for the same item but with the CVS coupon it is about the same!

Below are a handful of my favorite drugstore makeup items. Some I prefer over top brands (looking at you NYX eyebrow gel) and others are a great alternative for a more budget friendly version of my favorite high end brands.

Foundation:

Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation with spf 15 … $5.79

This was the first liquid foundation I started using. Throughout college, I used powdered SPF foundations like Smashbox, Tarte or Physicians Formula. Then I bought a set of Oval Brushes that were more compatible with liquid makeup so I gave this a try.

I bought shades 115 and 120 and they both worked great. The coverage is full but natural looking and it stays put all day. It’s also nice that there is some built in SPF. I prefer the dewy and smooth finish over the matte and poreless because it’s hydrating but you don’t look shiny.

Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Pressed Powder SPF 30 …. $9.79

Like I said, I used to only wear a powdered base. It is super fast to apply but can be drying and not look as nice as a liquid foundation. When I made the switch to the above foundation I still used this as a finishing powder to hold everything in place and for added SPF. I also like to apply this over sunscreen when I’m at the beach because it holds in the sunscreen, cuts the shine and gives me some coverage.

Brows:

NYX Tinted Brow Mascara…. $3.77 – $6.29 (depending where you buy it)

This was one of the first brow products I started using a few years ago. I loved that it was easy to apply and still gives a pretty defined and filled in look. Since 2016 I’ve gotten more familiar and comfortable with brow pencils, powders and gels, but this is a staple in my makeup bag. I prefer it to cult favorite Glossier Boy Brow and the Benefit brow gel. I use it alone for a quick brow or layer it over my favorite Anastasia Brow Wiz or Benefit brow pencil for a darker, more defined look.

e.l.f. Instant Lift Brow Pencil … $2

I bought this at the drug store on vacation a couple years ago when I realized I forgot to pack any brow products. You really can’t beat the price tag and it comes in 6 colors which is a pretty big range for brows. I got neutral brown because I like my brows a little darker and was impressed by the pigment and how quick it was to apply. The twist top makes it easy to keep sharp without needing a sharpener and the built in spoolie is all you need for a full brushed and shaped brow.

Lips:

Maybelline SuperStay 24 hour liquid lipstick… $9.49

I wrote an entire post on this lipstick a couple years back because I was actually blown away by the staying power. Since then, this has been my go to for a red lip that does not budge!! It last all day and night through eating, drinking, kissing, you name it.

Covergirl Katy Kat Matte Lipstick… $4.69

This line has a good range of colors for trying something different. Magenta Minx and Pink Paws are great for a statement lip these are great.

Eyes:

Revlon Super Length Mascara in brown … $5.83

This mascara is my favorite! The brush is huge and coats all of your lashes in one swipe for a natural look or you can apply several coats for a full dramatic lash. I love the brown color because I have light eyes and hair so I only wear black on occasions where I want a more pronounced or dramatic lash.

L’Oréal Lash Paradise… $9.99

People compare this to Benefit’s “Better Than Sex” mascara and it really is a good dupe. The brush shapes are similar and so is the delivery and staying power. This is a great black mascara.

Milani Pure Passion Eyeshadow Palette … $19.99

This is a bit pricier for a drugstore item but a fraction of the cost of a brand name palette that would cost more like $60. This has a lot of colors similar to an Anastasia Beverly Hills palette I put together and the Naked Heat palette. I love the purple pink colors for green eyes. It really makes them pop!

CoverGirl Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner… $4.40

I have this in brown and love it. It glides on smoothly and it works really well for a Smokey eye or just adding a crisp line over my eyeshadow. The sponge tip is perfect for blending it out and the color lasts a  long time.

Cheeks:

Milani Rose Powder Blush In Romantic … $8.99

I love the color of this blush. It gives your face a natural flush and the dusty rose color really warms up my pale complexion.

Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer … $9.99

This bronzer is very pigmented. A little of this goes a long way so I usually just dust a small amount under my cheekbones and the temples of my face to warm everything up. The color is on the warmer side so it might not be the best fit if you have cooler undertones.

Highlight and Contour:

Maybelline Facestudio Master Strobing Stick … $6.49

This stick highlighter is very easy to apply. I blend it out with a brush or my fingertips and it gives a really nice pinky pearly sheen to my cheekbones.

Wet n Wild MegaGlo Contouring Palette … $2.99

This is one of the first items I bought when I tried to contour in 2016. It was super cheap so I figured it was the perfect intro product for me to play around with. I apply this with a small tip brush and buff it out with my foundation brush after tracing the sides of my nose, cheekbones and under my lower lip. I now prefer a stick like Benefit’s Hoola Quickie Contour stick or NudeStix all over face stick. But this is still a great product that gets the job done.

Skincare:

Thayers Witch Hazel … $6.99

I have used the plain version of this stuff since high school. Over the summer I saw the cucumber aloe type and fell in love. This is so refreshing to put on after washing your face as a toner and I also like to use it on my legs after I shave and apply it to breakouts.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Oil Free Makeup Removing Wipes … $5.99

These are my favorite makeup removing wipes. I always bring them on trips or overnights when I don’t want to deal with packing my face wash.