Budget Beauty: The Best Drugstore Finds for a Full Face of Makeup
When it comes to beauty, you don't have to break the bank to look fabulous. In life, I'm a bigbeliever in investing in good quality items that you will treasure, but that doesn't always mean spending a fortune. “Drugstore” makeup has come a long way, offering high-quality products at a fraction of the price of luxury brands. Here's a guide to the best drugstore makeup finds for a complete face look.
Foundation: Maybelline Super Stay 24hr Skin Tint £13.99
Foundation can be tricky to get right. I remember when the only cheap option was Maybelline’s Dream Matte Mousse (if you know, you know!). I’m pleased to now recommend a more modern foundation by Maybelline. Their Super Stay range offers a fantastic option for a flawless base. It’s blendable and helps you achieve a smooth finish for just £13.99! I love a foundation that offers skin-loving ingredients, so it’s a bonus that this is Vitamin C infused and vegan.
Concealer: NYX Cosmetics Pro Fix Stick £6
This medium-coverage concealer is long-lasting and highly pigmented, making it perfect for covering dark circles and blemishes. It is surprisingly lightweight, earning it a spot on this list as it doesn’t become cakey or streaky! I love that NYX offers this in 24 shades.
Bronzer: 17. Glow + Define £4
17. is a good brand with an extensive range of affordable makeup. Their bronzer is a fantastic option for even the most sensitive skin and better yet, it’s just £4! I love that this is super gentle but also has pearl pigments for a beachy glow. Also, I need to know what they put in this as it smells divine!
Blush: Sleek Makeup £4.99
This is a bit of a hidden gem, so it wouldn’t surprise me if you guys sell it out! These blushes are cheaper than buying a coffee and pastry on your morning commute. They’re super pigmented, long-lasting and have a glitter that makes you feel radiant. With these, it’s all about building up your colour. My favourite shade is “Flushed”.
Mascara: L’Oréal Paris Volume Million Lashes £11.99
L'Oréal dominates the drugstore mascara world, with a range of mascaras starting at £5 and going up to just £13.99. A few weeks ago I ran out the house in 2 minutes (with the plan of doing my makeup on the train, not unusual for me!) and I realised I had forgotten my makeup bag. I ran into Boots at the station and discovered this baby - the L'Oréal Paris Volume Million Lashes Mascara. I love the shape of the brush for really capturing every lash whilst giving fantastic volume and separation. I also love that this is easy to take off without drying out your lashes!
Eyeshadow: E.L.F Perfect 10 Pallet £10
ELF is a fantastic brand and I particularly love their eyeshadows. The combination of matte and subtle glitter shades makes this a lovely pallet for everyday looks. It is also perfect as a first pallet for those just starting out with makeup. It’s fun for creating a range of looks and easy to blend!
Lipstick: Revlon Super Lustrous £8.99
When it comes to lipstick, there are SO many to choose from, but one I have loved for the longest time is Revlon’s Super Lustrous Lipstick. Nana Potter could usually be found with one of these in her purse, so I feel nostalgic looking at the black and gold packaging. The formula is creamy but doesn’t sacrifice on high impact colour. I can’t believe it now comes in 35 shades and four finishes – crème, matte, pearl, and sheer. It’s just under £9 so hopefully this might allow you to get a few shades.
This summer I have been loving “Kiss Me Coral”, but for a timeless nude, it has to be “Base Affair” or “Cappuccino”. Remember, when choosing a nude shade, don’t go more than two shades deeper than your natural lip tone.
Brushes: Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Set £10.50
Ok, so that’s all the makeup you need to create a fabulous full face, but you might be asking “Lis, how should I apply it all?!” Fear not, Real Techniques has made an amazing essentials kit which will last you forever (if you take care of them AND clean them!), including three face brushes, an eye brush and a beauty blender.
With these budget-friendly products, you can achieve a stunning full-face look. From a flawless foundation to a bold lip, these drugstore gems prove that beauty doesn't have to come at a high price. Give them a try and find your new favourite makeup staples!
Love,
Lisa xx