Hello Beauties!

As I was working on my drugstore blush post last week, (AKA looking like I had been attacked by a Blush Swatch Monster) I started thinking it might be helpful to also share the best drugstore foundations, concealers, and powders. I mean, what’s the point of blush if the rest of you is looking rough?

If you asked me what makeup product I could never give up, I would definitely say concealer and foundation. And lipstick. And mascara. And shimmery eye shadows.

So if you are also addicted to getting that flawless face, read on!

Disclosure: I don’t get paid to do any of these reviews. These products are bought with my sad grad school funds and opinions are my own!

 

1. Primer

Since my days during the academic year can have me away from my house from 10-14 hours, I always prime before I get started.

My personal favorite is Maybelline’s Baby Skin, $6. It applies very smoothly and I actually noticed my pores did look smaller.  Some people compare it to Benefit’s Porefessional, but the  formulas feel very different to me, although I guess this could be a cheaper alternative. I wouldn’t call it a true dupe, though.

A close runner up is NYX’s Studio Perfect Primer, $13. This one is a little bit more expensive, but I usually have good luck with it helping my makeup last longer.

2. Foundation

I touched on my favorite drugstore foundations in my post about skincare on a budget, which you can find here. But for a quick summary, I think Revlon’s Colorstay foundation($10) is perfect. It has full coverage and stays on all day without too much shine.

My runner up would be e.l.f.’s Studio Flawless Finish Foundation ($6). There are only a few shades available in this line which is a downside. However, it’s oil-free, and that’s a win in my book. It has medium coverage and doesn’t last as long as the Revlon foundation, placing it in second for my fave drugstore foundations.

3. Concealer (aka my best friend and soulmate.)

For my under eyes, I love using Maybelline’s Dream Lumi Touch in Radiant, $6. The orangeish/pinkish color helps hide my dark circles, and it doesn’t crease too badly in my fine lines from never sleeping during grad school. The color of this concealer actually reminds me of Benefit’s Erase Paste, but it’s much, much cheaper.

As for blemishes and anything else I feel like hiding on my face, I usually use e.l.f.’s Studio Concealer, $6. I like this product because it’s oil free, and has medium coverage that I can get to blend in well.

Now for days that something terrifying is happening on my face and I need maximum coverage, I use Hard Candy’s Glamoflauge, $6. This stuff is thick and very pigmented, a little bit will go a long way. If you’ve got something to hide, this is going to get the job done.

4. Powder

Now that you’re all spackled up, you need to set your makeup with something cheap. I’ve got you covered. No pun intended?

Rimmel’s Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transparent ($5) is my go-to for setting my make-up and staying shine free for up to 4-5 hours.

The internet loves e.l.f.’s Studio High Definition Powder, ($6) so I thought I would include it here. It sets my makeup but I have yet to see it do anything truly amazing and worthy of its’ internet praise. (I’m waiting for it to tapdance, tbh.) You also have to be careful, if you use too much you will have a ghost face.

5. Brush Cleaner

I don’t believe in setting spray, so I’m skipping that step. (If you have an amazing drugstore setting spray that you believe in, please share in the comments. But, I’ve tried e.l.f.’s and NYX’s and both of them had the same effect as spraying water on my face.)

So, you look gorgeous now. It’s time to clean your brushes up. My favorite cheap brush cleaners are e.l.f.’s Daily Brush Cleaner ($3) for daily use, and then when I remember once a week I use their Brush Shampoo ($3) for a deep clean.

Cleaning my brushes regularly also helps prevent those pesky breakouts (AKA my mortal enemies) so this is important step I try not to forget.

If you are in the market for some cheap, new makeup for making your face look flawless try these options out and let me know what you think!

Questions of the Day:
-Do you have a favorite drugstore foundation or concealer?
-What is the hype surrounded e.l.f.’s HD Powder? Do you know? Am I doing it wrong?
-What are your thoughts on setting sprays?

Love!

Rebs