Now listen, before I really got into makeup and my pockets were way lighter, I survived off of finding everything in the drugstore. I went to every "urban" drugstore I could find to try any and everything. And if you are looking back at that sentence and saying "urban"? Well let me explain. If you know anything about marketing, stores/brands must focus on their target market in that particular area. So in your surburban area the chances of you finding CoverGirl Queen collection are slim to none. You have to take your butt to the surrounding areas where all the black people live. Sad but true. I mean I get it because why provide a product that will not be purchased. But you are also saying black people don't live in the suburbs with that strategy. I am black and I live in a suburban area, so why not find a way to cater to me too? I don't want to go to my local drugstore and walk out frustrated because I can't find a shade that works for me.
But whew chile, that is not what this post is about. This post is about the golden products I found when I was learning about makeup and trying to save a buck! So let's start with foundation. I found some great drugstore foundations! My all time fave that I still use today and is in my makeup kit for clients is Black Opal Foundation Stick. This foundation is full coverage, matte and easy to apply because it comes as a stick. It gives the most flawless finish. My second foundation is Loreal Lumi Foundation. This is a medium coverage, dewy foundation that I love. Doesn't come in as deep tones as Black Opal but still a hit.
Now for concealers. When I came across LA Girl Concealer I fell in love. First of all you can find this concealer for only $2.99! It gives great coverage and has an easy applicator. You usually can find them in Beauty Supply stores, not really drugstores.
Powders used to be a huge issue because deeper tones were nonexistent or when you found a deeper tone the pigment was fair. But now you have some options. Iman Cosmetics and CoverGirl Queen Collection have some great ones. I also love True Radiance. They have a contour palette that is amazing. Plus, their contour palette also includes highlighter which helps me Segway into my favorite makeup part, HIGHLIGHT. Honestly I go for broke for highlighter but the True Radiance will do. I've never searched for another drugstore brand.
For blush I love NYX Cosmetics or Milani Cosmetics especially their Primavera & Dolce Pink! These blushes are very pigmented and great colors to choose from.
Mascaras from Maybelline are always the wave! I think they have the best drugstore mascaras out. The L'oreal Voluminous Mascara does give them a run for their money. Lipstick you can literally have your choice! Revlon has great options. Lip Bar is taking over Target (technically not drugstore but close enough). But you also have great options from NYX.
The one thing I have not found is something for my brows. I think I just love Anasstasia and Mac products so much that I can't cheat on them. But look you can complete 95% of your makeup look just using drugstore products. I know the downfall can be that you can't swatch and test the colors but take the risk, it's worth the savings. Plus I found a website that if you know your foundation color in one brand, you can find out your shade in all the other brands. Check it out. Foundation Matrix
What's you favorite drugstore purchases? Let a girl know!