Bargain Drugstore Beauty Essentials
In our opinion, the only thing better than falling in love with a beauty product is falling head over heels for a beauty bargain that totally works. Yes, drugstore miracles do exist! And here are our picks of best drugstore makeup!
ZA Total Hydration BB Cream UV ($15.90)
This multi-functional product is long-lasting (even in our weather, which is something) and skin is left matte and smooth. The lightweight texture and its SPF 43 PA +++ are additional plus points to try this BB cream.
Kate by Kanebo Super Sharp Eyeliner ($17)
A more affordable line by the Japanese luxury skincare brand, this liquid liner has a precise applicator tip (good for cat eye lovers!). Smudge-proof and tear-proof, the colour remains intense at the end of the day.
Neutrogena Revitalizing Pink Grapefruit Ultra Foam Cleanser ($17.60)
We all need an anti-aging cleanser and this is one of our more pocket-friendly options for our little dose of skin revitalization everyday.
Maybelline Magnum Volum’ Express Ultracomb ($19.90)
Maybelline has been dubbed the best drugstore brand for mascara and we‘re all onboard with that! We voted for the Ultracomb because it’s a rare comb mascara that multitasks well (it adds volume, extends length, and holds curl).
Revlon Colorstay Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain ($18.90)
Easy to apply, this lip crayon is perfect for everyday wear regardless of shade. Plus, with the gorgeous Emma Stone fronting the campaign, how do we resist?
Biore Marshmallow Whip Facial Wash ($13.90)
Bouncy, creamy, and not the least drippy – describes this deep cleanser (with tiny bubbles!) perfectly. Biore has upgraded this range so now it caters to almost everyone with the original/normal, Extra Moist, and Acne Care.
Liese Bubble Hair Colour Dye (19.90)
The Japanese are really innovative when it comes to foam and bubbles. We like that this comes with a pair of gloves and treatment. Although the process is easy, we think this could be a fun activity with the girls..
Bourjois Healthy Balance Unifying Powder ($19.50)
This powder is so finely milled that it feels like you’re rubbing velvet on your face! Great for setting liquid foundation, as well as on its own if you just want a light coverage to even out your skin tone.
L’Oreal Paris Colour Infallible ($14.90)
With great texture and pigmentation, this product is best described as the love child between powder eye shadow and loose pigments. It’s also been called a dupe for Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill at a fraction of the price.
Sunplay SPF 75 Water Cool Mist Sunblock ($17.90)
Spray on sunblocks are all the rage – it saves times and provides an even finish. High UVA and UVB protection, non-greasy texture, and the refreshing relief the menthol formulation provides make this product a must-buy.
Elite Models Must Have Crème Waterproof Gel liner ($15.90)
Waterproof and smudge-proof, this creamy gel liner has great consistency, which goes on the lid smoothly without pulling skin. The liner brush is not the best, but it’s a lot better than other drugstore brands we’ve tried!
ZA Perfect Fit Concealer ($13.90)
ZA Perfect Fit Concealer offers high coverage and is easily blended without drying or caking.
Rock Beauty London Nail Wraps ($9.90 – $14.90)
If you love nail art but don’t have the patience, or (like us) are simply not ambidextrous, Rock Beauty nail wraps are what you need. They last up to 10 days and came in a variety of designs like python prints, leopard prints, and chevron patterns.
Tsubaki Damage Care Shampoo ($18.90)
The secret ingredient to this shampoo is camellia oil, which has been used in Japan to smooth and protect hair for a really long time. Chemically treated and damaged hair is visibly smoother, softer, and more manageable after use!
Sally Hansen Firming Hand Crème ($17.50)
Not only does it firm and hydrate, your nails and cuticles will also benefit from this hand cream. is the secret lies in the ceramides that help to lock in nutrients.
Maybelline Baby Skin Pore Eraser ($19.90)
The translucent gel is more reminiscent of primers than the more famous (and expensive) Benefit Porefessional, which also promises to make pores less visible. We prefer this consistency – plus, a little birdie told us that when used over makeup, it acts like a dupe for Laura Mercier’s Secret Finish.
Bourjois Kohl and Contour ($13.30)
If you still like a good ol’ fashioned kohl pencil for an eyeliner as opposed to the newfangled gel and liquid stuff, this is for you. Suitable for sensitive eyes, the colour payoff is intense and easy to use, even for the waterline.
Bifesta Non-Rinse Cleansing Lotion ($16.90/$18.90)
Brilliantly made for lazy people who want to head straight to bed, there are 4 types of cleansing solution – age care, moist, bright up, and sebum. We love that it’s water based, non-comedogenic, and paraben-free.
Revlon Colorstay Ultimate Suede Lipstick ($19.90)
Suede on your lips might sound too matte, but in reality, these lippies are semi-matte. Colour coverage is excellent, with a lasting wear of at least 6 hours. Even if you have really dry lips, this lipstick will work for you with a little clear gloss over.
Lucido-L Hair Wax Curl ($9.90)
One of the best complements there is to your curling iron; this hair wax feels more like a conditioner. It keeps wavy curls curly and light– and washes out easily as well.