Budget Beauty: 9 Drugstore Gems That Outshine Luxury Brands

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Budget Beauty: 9 Drugstore Gems That Outshine Luxury Brands
white and black plastic bottle beside white heart shaped ornament
Photo by Viva Luna Studios on Unsplash

In today’s beauty industry, people generally mistakenly believe that high-end products are symbols of quality and efficacy. However, reality is often not like that – the products of drugstores compete fiercely with luxury goods. Faced with a dazzling array of affordable cosmetics, finding a product that can provide the best efficacy without spending too much money can be overwhelming. But don’t worry! As a senior makeup artist with nearly ten years of experience, I have discovered nine medicinal makeup products that not only rival high-end products, but often outperform them.

E.L.F. makeup set featuring foundation, primer stick, and brush on a magazine under sunlight.
Photo by
e.l.f. on Amazon

1. **E.L.F. Power Grip Primer**: This makeup primer can be considered a disruptive product in terms of long-lasting makeup effects. It has a viral viscosity and is infused with aloe vera and hyaluronic acid to ensure long-lasting makeup. This pre makeup lotion is safe and harmless for sensitive skin, creating a smooth and delicate makeup sensation for the skin, preparing for a perfect makeup look for the whole day. For anyone who wants to ensure that their makeup lasts regardless of weather, it is a must-have choice.

Product on Amazon: e.l.f. Power Grip Primer, Gel-Based & Hydrating Face Primer For Smoothing Skin & Gripping Makeup, Moisturizes & Primes, 0.811 Fl Oz 
Price: $10.00

Rating: 4.6 with 28,091 ratings
Brand: e.l.f. 

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Detailed close-up of a woman's eye with styled eyelashes and groomed eyebrow.
Photo by Ardell on Amazon

2. **Ardell Brow Glue**: When it comes to perfectly shaping eyebrows, Ardell brow glue is definitely the first choice. Professional eyebrow artists trust it, even the most difficult eyebrows can be easily controlled. This vegan product, rich in glycerin and panthenol, not only shapes eyebrows but also keeps them soft and elastic, maintaining a perfect state throughout the day.

Product on Amazon: Ardell Brow Glue Instant Lamination Lift and Styling Tool, Eyebrow Gel – Long-Lasting Hold Brow Gel for Fluffy Defined Brows
Price: $6.29
Rating: 4.4 with 437 ratings
Brand: Ardell

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L’Oréal Paris True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum
L’Oreal Paris, Photo by Amazon, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

3. **L’Oréal Paris True Match Hyaluronic Tinted serum**: This serum can be called a real multi-functional product, which has both skin care and makeup effects. Contains 1% hyaluronic acid, which can moisturize the skin, cover blemishes, and make the skin radiant. It is very suitable for neutral to dry skin, with a lightweight texture that is easy to apply and has sun protection effects.

Product on Amazon: L’Oreal Paris True Match Hyaluronic Tinted Serum Foundation with 1% Hyaluronic acid, Light-Medium 3-4, 1 fl. oz.
Price: $19.46
Rating: 4.4 with 16,740 ratings
Brand: L’Oreal Paris

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Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Multi-Use Concealer
Maybelline, Photo by Amazon, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

4. **Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Multi-Use Concealer**: This concealer is famous for its smooth and medium concealer power, which is an essential choice in any daily beauty step. It can effectively cover dark circles and blemishes, while having a lightweight texture. The addition of glycerin ensures its smooth application experience, making it the first choice for those who pursue the light concealer effect.

Product on Amazon: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Multi-Use Concealer, 120, 1 Count
Price: $8.78
Rating: 4.4 with 222,163 ratings
Brand: Maybelline

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Photo by
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP on Amazon

5. **NYX Buttermelt Blush**: For long-lasting bright colors, NYX Buttermelt Blush is definitely your best choice. It has a smooth creamy texture that can perfectly blend into the skin, presenting bright colors and not easily fading. This powder blusher is suitable for all skin colors and is a bold and affordable choice to help you create the coveted Sabrina Carpenter style makeup.

View “#NYX Buttermelt Blush” posted on instagram >>>

Product on Amazon: NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Buttermelt Glaze Soft Glow Skin Tint + SPF 30, Up To 12HR Wear, 02 Vanilla Bean Butta
Price: $15.97
Rating: 4.0 with 107 ratings
Brand: NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP

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white and black plastic bottle beside white heart shaped ornament
Photo by
essence on Amazon

6. **Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara**: This mascara can create realistic thick and long eyelashes, and the effect is comparable to that of false eyelashes. Its unique brush head design ensures that each eyelash is evenly applied without clumping, making it the first choice for those who want to easily create natural eyelashes.

Product on Amazon: essence | Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara | Volumizing & Lengthening | Cruelty Free & Paraben Free
Price: $4.99
Rating: 4.3 with 386,154 ratings
Brand: essence

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ColourPop Nude Mood Eyeshadow Palette
ColourPop, Photo by Amazon, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

7. **ColourPop Mood Eyeshadow Palette**: This eye shadow palette is a must-have item for eye shadow lovers. It provides a series of warm neutral colors to easily transition from day to night makeup. Its color rendering is comparable to more expensive brands, ensuring that your eye makeup always remains perfect without spending too much.

Product on Amazon: ColourPop Mood Shadow Palette – Brown & Copper Palette with Metallic and Matte Finishes – High-Pigment Makeup with a Long-Wearing Formula 
Price: $14.00
Rating: 4.2 with 336 ratings
Brand: ColourPop

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Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder
Maybelline, Photo by Amazon, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

8. **Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder**: Makeup has never been so cost-effective and effective. This loose powder can effectively cover oily shine and brighten the skin around the eyes. Its lightweight texture and mineral formula ensure long-lasting flawless makeup, maintaining perfection throughout the day.

Product on Amazon: Maybelline Fit Me Loose Setting Powder, Face Powder and Finishing Makeup, Fair Light, 1 Count
Price: $8.98
Rating: 4.6 with 47,734 ratings
Brand: Maybelline

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Stylish pink lipstick and blush makeup set on a white background, perfect for beauty and cosmetics branding.
Photo by REVLON on Amazon

9. **Revlon ColorStay Suede Ink Lipstick**: This lipstick is a perfect combination of moisturizing and lasting. It comes with a built-in pre makeup lotion and a variety of color options, ensuring long-lasting color retention and keeping lips shiny from morning till night. Its vegan formula allows you to enjoy quality without compromise.

Every product confirms that ‘beauty does not necessarily mean high prices’. The treasures of these pharmacy stores prove with their excellent efficacy that sometimes the best things do come from affordable packaging.

Product on Amazon: REVLON Lipstick, ColorStay Suede Ink, Built-in Primer, Infused with Vitamin E, Waterproof, Smudge-proof, Matte Color, 005 Hot Girl, 0.09 oz.
Price: $5.66
Rating: 4.3 with 8,085 ratings
Brand: REVLON

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