In the ever-evolving world of accessible makeup, drugstore beauty aisles have become treasure troves of hidden gems. There’s nothing better than finding high-quality products without breaking the bank — but it takes a bit of research to filter out the best drugstore brands and the best drugstore makeup.
Whether you shop at CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, Health Mart, or Rite Aid, we’ll equip you with insights from professional makeup artist Ashleigh Ciucci, alongside the virtual community of Reddit beauty enthusiasts, to guide you to your holy grail drugstore finds.
Read on for a comprehensive guide to the best drugstore makeup brands, blending expert recommendations with the wisdom of the crowd to create a makeup bag that’s both budget-friendly and beauty-approved. Get ready to discover the beauty aisle’s best-kept secrets.
Rules of thumb: Drugstore vs. prestige
Wondering which products are best when it comes to drugstore buys versus prestige picks? According to professional makeup artist Ashleigh Ciucci, (who has worked on shoots for Adidas, Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Versace, and more) cream products are almost always foolproof. “Drugstore powders can be tricky when it comes to blendability but creams are consistently easy to work with,” she explains.
Long-wearing pencils from the drugstore can also dry out easily, because mass packaging isn’t always as airtight as more luxe brands, she adds.
As for what’s worth the splurge? “Always, always, always splurge on skincare and complexion products,” Ciucci advises. “It’s easy to slap on an inexpensive red lip and get great payoff, but your makeup look should always start with your skin.” There tends to be more research and development that goes into skin products, more textures and finishes, more skin-improving ingredients so it’s worth the added cost, she adds.
7 Knockout Drugstore Beauty Brands To Try
Lash and brow picks for pros: Ardell
Ciucci’s Picks:
- Ardell Knot-Free Individual Lashes – These are Ciucci’s favorite way to create a natural lash look. “I use a combo of Short, Medium and Long to create the perfect flirty eye,” she says.
- Ardell Lash Demi Wispies – Says Ciucci, these strip lashes are super lightweight and are easily trimmable to fit any eye shape.
- Ardell Stroke-a-Brow – “This brow pen has a fine-tipped brush that creates the most natural hair-like feathery strokes,” Ciucci says.
Defined full-face collections: BLK/OPL
Ciucci’s Picks:
- BLK/OPL Flawless Concealer – “These shades are perfect for deep/dark skin tones and the lipstick-like packaging is super convenient and portable,” Ciucci says.
- BLK/OPL Precision Liquid Eye Definer Blk Nite – “This pen has a super sharp felt tip and the formula is smudgeproof,” Ciucci notes.
- BLK/OPL Haute Heat High Impact Eyeshadow Palette – “Not only does this palette have a range of shades to create a variety of looks, but the shadows themselves are super pigmented and can be used wet or dry,” explains Ciucci.
Holy grail essentials: e.l.f. Cosmetics
Redditor Picks:
- e.l.f. Cosmetics Instant Lift Brow Pencil – A fantastic brow pencil for the price, redditor themasalaisburning says.
- e.l.f. Cosmetics No Budge Shadow Stick – “These are so easy to blend, don’t crease and again, last all day, themasalaisburning adds.
- e.l.f. Cosmetics Srsly Satin Lipstick – “I’ve been picking these over my Mac lipsticks recently. Great color selection, surprisingly long lasting, flattering and very comfortable,” themasalaisburning notes.
Author’s Pick:
- e.l.f. Power Grip Primer – This is the best drugstore primer if you want your makeup to last all day without creasing or fading, by far. This one has been my go-to for years.
An established favorite: Maybelline
Ciucci’s Picks:
- Maybelline The Falsies Surreal Extensions Mascara – There are so many great Maybelline selections, as it’s definitely the best drugstore mascara. This is the favorite drugstore mascara of makeup artist Ashleigh Ciucci. “It gives major volume and length and the Meta Black packs a major pigment punch,” she explains.
- Maybelline Lifter Plump Gloss – Ciucci notes that this gloss is super shiny and the variety of shades all have their own personality. “But it’s all about the chili pepper that heats up your lips and plumps for real,” Ciucci says.
- Maybelline Color Tattoo Eye Sticks – Ciucci says she almost always uses cream shadows and these sticks don’t disappoint. “From neutrals to bolds, these shades blend easily and don’t budge!” she says.
Redditor Picks:
- Maybelline Volum’ Express Rocket Mascara – Reddit user Butterfly_Pea3 says, “Unbelievable length and volume. I’ve tried so many, high-end and drugstore, and this one is my go to. A fluttery length w/out clumping. It’s ‘your lashes but better’,” she says.
- Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Sky High Mascara – Says redditor gullyfoyle777, “’I’ve had a lot of people ask me where I got my fake lashes from when I’ve been wearing that mascara.”
Pull the look together: NYX
Redditor Picks:
- NYX Bare with Me Concealer – This is the best drugstore concealer. Says redditor alcoholicpear, “I was going to say this, but looked through the comments first to see if it was mentioned. I never see this mentioned on Reddit, but I’m obsessed. I discovered it earlier this year and I think I’m on my 3rd tube.”
- NYX Setting Spray – Says redditor bbblonde_CPA, “So far this is my favorite setting spray. I don’t know why I was wasting money on Urban Decay’s.” In other words, look no further — this is the best drugstore setting spray.
Get that glow: Physicians Formula
Redditor Pick:
- Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer – Says redditor heyemilyoh, “Hands down. I’ve hit pan so many times.” Redditor makeupaddictnicole is also a fan.
Honorable mention: Wet ‘n Wild
Redditor Pick:
- Wet ‘n Wild Contour Sticks – Says redditor bebita-crossing, “I’ve repurchased Wet n Wild Megaglo Contour Sticks so many times. I love that they’re so creamy and blendable and actually come with a lot of product.”
The best beauty on a budget: Dupes to try
Looking to get celeb-level glow without paying celeb-level prices? Ciucci says some top-level dupes that do the job at a great price. Ciucci has been impressed by Maybelline Matte+Poreless Foundation as a stand-in for NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation. She also likes Ardell Wispies as a cheaper alternative to MAC Cosmetics #7 Lashes, which are her favorite. Last but not least, BLK/OPL COLORSPLURGE Liquid Matte Lipstick is a great dupe for Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick, she says.
The key to buying drugstore makeup in 2024
Drugstore makeup brands have truly stepped up, offering quality and variety that rival their high-end counterparts. From the natural lashes of Ardell to the inclusive shades of BLK/OPL, and the budget-friendly innovations of e.l.f. Cosmetics and Maybelline, there’s something for everyone in the aisles of your local drugstore. Whether you’re a makeup novice or a seasoned beauty enthusiast, these brands prove that stunning makeup doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
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