Beauty on Budget: 2016 Drugstore Must Haves

New Year means New Makeup, DUH! But spending money to buy new makeup is no fun when you have to spend every penny of your tax return on one foundation bottle and a mascara. Thankfully, life doesn't have to be so tough. Phew! Drugstore makeup to the rescue!

When you buy brand name products, let say from Sephora.. you are usually spending the money for the brand name itself. Many drugstore products are exact dupes to brand name products. And here is why....

Let's say we have two foundations... Product A is a big brand name and product B is from your local drugstore. You compare product A to product B and you realize they have the exact same ingredients. You then check out where the product was made. One says it is made in ....let's say Korea... and the other says made in South Korea. Same ingredients + same location = HUGE chance it is made in the same exact laboratory thus producing the exact same product...you just end up paying for the brand name and the pretty decorative packaging.

SO, to get more bang for your buck, check out these products below that will be sure to have you AND your wallet looking fabulous!  I compared each product at the major drugstores (CVS, Walgreens, and Target) , so the link next to the product is the drugstore with the lowest price! (Hint: Target wins the money savings race.)



L'Oreal Paris Infallible Eyeshadow: ($4.79-$6.99)
I cannot say enough good things about this shadow. SO beautifully pigmented and so long lasting! A velvety cream touch, this powder shadow sits second to none!  Waterproof, crease resistant, fade resistant. A true must have! Bonus points: Kim K. wore this in the color "Eternal Sunshine" for her wedding!





L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Mascara: ($5.89) Yes, this made the list again from my 2015 list- because it deserves to!! A big buy for the best beauty gurus in the industry, this mascara comes in the blackest black! Available in a waterproof formula as well and takes your look from day to night in one single coat. Did someone say "no clumping!" - Ill take two please! Bonus point: This is a favorite of celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic!





Ardell Demi Wispies: ($9.99 for 4x multipack- buy one get one 50%off)
Again, a favorite in the industry, the Demi Wispies (and regular Wispies) are perfect for brides or just a night out on the town. The thin band looks very natural on the eye while the flared ends of the lashes create an illusion of lifted and almond shape eyes. Want more va-va-voom? Simply tack them up! Place the Wispies as the first layer of lashes and then add the Demi Wispies on top for even more glam!




Maybelline Fit Me Concealer: ($5.49)  Making a second appearance in the 2016 list, the Maybelline Fit me Concealer really puts up a fight against the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. The consistency is more fluid, but that makes it easier to blend. You won't see any caking here and coverage is definitely buildable! With an impressive array of colors, this concealer is also a must have! My personal every day go-to!







Revlon ColorStay Makeup: ($9.99)  A foundation that looks the same in the wee hours of the morning and the same in the wee hours of the night? Who wouldn't want that? This foundation has amazing coverage, good color options, and comes in two different formulas for normal/dry skin and combo/oily skin!






Physicians Formula Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing Argan Oil Blush: ($11.79)
One word needed- obsessed. Not only are you nourishing your skin with the Argan oil infused blush, the radiance it gives off is so beautiful and reflects such a healthy glow! Don't be afraid of the golden flecks overspray. You can just wipe them right off as they are only on the top surface just to make the packaging look prettier. Ha! Just trust me and go get it, you won't be sorry!











Physicians Formula Mineral Glow Pearls: ($12.79)
We all know highlighting is the name of the game and many products out there (even eyeshadows) can help you achieve the look! But this non-comedogenic formula is one my favorites! Because it is so buildable, you can achieve either a subtle glow, or pack on more to for the Instagram highlight you see everywhere (insert Amrezy picture here. ha!)

Sonia Kashuk Lip Crayon: Matte and Lustourous Shine: ($7.59-$8.99) An exclusive Target brand, these lip colors are must haves! Both versions (matte and shine) apply so smoothly and have luxurious feel to the lips. Much like the NARS lip pencils, these can easily be sharpened. The thick pencil tip makes outlining your lips and filling them a piece of cake in one easy step. And the colors?? ohhhh the colors! Love!






Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser: ($5.99)
The Benefit Porefessional Face Primer has a new name; its called Maybelline Baby Instant Pore Eraser. No, not really...but really! Smooths out your face while filling in those tiny pores making them barely visible for a perfect canvas to apply your makeup! You can even wear this alone just to have a clean fresh look!

So basically, after reading this article, you can buy your entire New Year makeup kit for a total of $77.91 .....which is the same total price as a single foundation and  a bronzer from Sephora. You had me at "drugstore"....

Have you tried out these products?  Any suggestions on other drugstore brands? Let me know what you think! I love testing out new stuff , and who knows, you might suggest something that will end up being my next blog post! Comment below! xoxo!