When it comes to drugstore beauty, your options are ever-expanding, so I compiled this group of must-have beauty products that are tried and true. While this list is not inclusive, it covers the basics for a minimalist makeup routine. These staples will help make your daily routine a breeze, and you never know, you just may find a new favorite.
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Revlon ColorStay Makeup for Combination/Oily Skin SPF 15
Revlon ColorStay Makeup for Combination / Oily Skin SPF 15 is designed for up to 24 hours of wear, is matte and oil-free for combination/oily skin. It comes in a whopping 43 shades and is medium to full coverage that is buildable. Currently, touted as America’s #1 long-wearing foundation, it is oil-free with added SPF 15.
This foundation has great coverage and I especially love it because I found a color match for my skin tone (180). It is mattifying and the color really does stay in place all day. This continues to be one of my favorite drugstore foundations. I always have this foundation on hand, even if only to mix with another foundation to even out the color.
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer
Sometimes tried and true favorites really are must-haves. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer has been on the market for some time now, and it still stands up as one of the best drugstore concealers. The formula is infused with goji berry and Haloxyl™ peptide blend.
It helps to reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness and smooths the undereye area. It doesn’t sink into fine lines and wrinkles and lasts all day. Honestly, this concealer really outperforms most, even pricey high-end concealers.
The only issue I have with this product is the packaging. It has a sponge applicator which I don’t find sanitary. You need to twist the collar of the applicator for the product to be dispensed into the sponge. I opt to remove the sponge completely and apply the product to my finger and then pat the product on my skin with my finger. This is not how it was designed to be used, but it works for me.
Related: Easy 5 Step Natural Drugstore Makeup Routine
L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer
L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer is a highlighter that brightens and hydrates for an all-over glowing complexion. It contains glycerin and shea butter for moisture and provides a natural illuminating hint of color to enhance your natural skin tone.
This lotion comes in four shades and can also be used as a targeted treatment to accentuate your cheekbones or other areas of your face that you want to highlight.
I love mixing this in with my moisturizer, and then apply foundation on top, although it also can be worn alone. In fact, on days where applying makeup is too much effort, this glow enhancer is the perfect option for a natural glow that isn’t doesn’t look too heavy or overdone.
Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer
Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer is an all-star bronzer that is enriched with murumuru butter, cupuacu butter and tucuma butter, exotic oils from the Amazon. It contains ultra-refined pearl and soft-focus pigments for a blurring effect and essential fatty acids and pro-vitamins to enrich and provide moisture to the skin.
The sponge applicator does not work for me, so I use a powder brush. The color is buildable and not quite matte. It has a somewhat pearly sheen but is also pigmented. The first thing I do when I open the compact is to smell the bronzer! Never did I think I would love a bronzer’s scent, but this bronzer reminds me of a tropical getaway and smells like a dream.
NYX Butter Gloss
NYX Butter Gloss is a beautifully pigmented high-shine lip gloss. The coverage is described as sheer to medium. It comes in 25 shades and is so affordable. You can buy a few for the price of one other drugstore lip gloss.
This lip gloss is not the least bit sticky and has great pigmented color. I find myself collecting colors since I know I will love the formula.
Revlon Powder Blush
Revlon Powder Blush is made with highly pigmented powder to provide a natural flushed look. The smooth color is buildable for better dimension and a “true to life” color. A little goes a long way since the color is so pigmented.
A must-have if I’ve ever heard of one, especially on those days with little sleep and when you don’t have a lot of time to do your makeup. My favorite is a silky rich deep berry (Very Berry) which provides a healthy-looking color and flush to your cheeks. A few light swipes of this blush will do the trick!
L’Oreal Paris Lash Paradise Mascara
Volume and length are the secrets to best-selling L’Oreal Paris Lash Paradise Mascara. L’Oreal claims that one tube of this mascara is sold every 5 seconds. The wand has 200 bristles to create a dramatic and voluminous effect on your lashes without flaking, smudging or clumping.
This mascara makes my lashes really feathering and super soft without any clumping. It provides great definition and is perfect for when I don’t want a mascara to be too heavy.
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder is a shine control powder that works up to 12 hours to make your skin tone and texture appear poreless. It mattifies with blurring micro-powders. The coverage is buildable and oil-free. It comes in 24 colors including translucent which sets your makeup without adding any color.
This powder has a natural finish and leaves your skin smooth and matte. It really works to blur imperfections and lasts for several hours.
Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Tinted Face Sunscreen Lotion
I would be remiss if I didn’t include sunscreen as a beauty essential. While you may consider sunscreen also as a skincare essential, this sunscreen works really well with makeup. As I discussed in this post on an anti-aging drugstore skincare routine, Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Tinted Face Sunscreen Lotion is crucial for not only anti-aging but also for safe skincare. Prior to applying your makeup, this is a must.
Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Tinted Face Sunscreen Lotion is a tinted mineral sunscreen made from Titanium Dioxide 4% and Zinc Oxide 4%. It provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays and is water-resistant up to 80 minutes.
It has a matte finish and the tint really just cancels out the white cast that comes along with a mineral sunscreen. This sunscreen wears so well and just disappears into my skin after application. It works hand in hand with makeup and is the perfect base for your color cosmetics.
I hope you enjoyed reading about these drugstore beauty must-haves. What are your must-haves? I would love to know!!
Thanks for reading!
Sarah Roberts is the founder, writer, and photographer behind A Beauty Edit. With over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, Sarah is an avid skincare and beauty enthusiast who shares the best beauty finds to help you save time and money!