I have always loved searching Drugstore aisles for anything cool — magazines, candy, face masks, and of course, makeup! It truly is a bit of a guilty pleasure (although I don’t feel that guilty for it).

So, I wanted to round up my favorite Drugstore makeup products that I consistently buy over and over. Fact: these are ACTUAL drugstore brands. I feel like I see articles or videos promising drugstore products but they aren’t.

For example, Ulta brand (which I love) or even Makeup Revolution. Their pricing may qualify, but if you can’t walk into Walgreen’s or CVS and find them, it doesn’t count for my list!

This post is not sponsored, but there are some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission at no additional cost to you. And if you are a makeup brand and want to sponsor me, well, you know where to find me (only if I get free stuff) – ha!

Best Drugstore Primer

NYX Shine Killer ($9) – I’m always trying new primers and this one is very similar to the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer ($26). It’s a clear, smooth gel and lays the perfect foundation for your makeup.

I have also been using the NYX glitter primer ($4) and it is amazing if you use loose glitter on your eyelids (or anywhere #festivalseason)!

Best Drugstore Foundation

I bought the Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer ($8) after watching a Jaclyn Hill video where she recommended it, along with other Milani products.

I will admit, I don’t understand how it’s also a concealer, but I used it along with a concealer — do what works best for you. The texture is so smooth and it is full coverage, which is what I always go for!

Best Drugstore Concealer

This was a recent find after watching a video from Manny MUA (can you tell I love YouTube beauty bloggers?!) – he loved the e.l.f 16hr Camo Concealer ($5) and I had to try it.

It’s obviously not going to beat everyone’s love of Shape Tape, but if you’re looking for the next best thing at an affordable price, this is it. I love the applicator (giant sponge doe-foot) and it’s completely full coverage. I use it for contouring!

Best Drugstore Powder

This was another choice from Jaclyn Hill and I’m so glad I tried it because it makes your skin look flawless! It’s the Maybelline Fit Me! Loose Finishing Powder ($6). I use it to set any of my liquid foundations and it could also be used for baking.

I’ll be honest, I have never purchased a high-end Powder — BareMinerals and Laura Geller are likely the most expensive as I’ve gone, so my comparison may be off here, but for $6, you can beat it!

I also use the e.l.f Mineral Pearls ($8), mostly if I use a powder foundation. I have the “Skin Balancing” ones, but the “Natural” look great, too! Anytime you get pearls or a compact with different colors in it, it’s going to give your skin some natural-looking dimension that really enhances your look.

Best Drugstore Bronzer

This is another recent grab and it’s also fairly new and it is amazing: Wet n Wild Color Icon Bronzer ($5). I have used this every day since I bought it! I got the shade “Sunset Striptease” and it’s very similar to my Smashbox bronzer, which was my favorite until I tried this!

It comes in three colors and I used online reviews to pick my color. Some people said this shade was too shimmery, but I really never got that from it. I don’t mind shimmer, but this is a nice warm shade and I don’t notice any sheen to it.

Another bonus? Wet n Wild is cruelty free!

Best Drugstore Blush

I have been trying Burt’s Bees skincare products, so I was really excited to give their makeup a try. First, I went for the 100% Natural Blush with Vitamin E ($10) because they have some really pretty colors — I got the shade “Bare Peach”.

I will note that this blush is very pigmented! It’s a little on the pricier side for drugstore makeup, but a very little bit goes a long way, so one compact will last you awhile.

Best Drugstore Highlighters

I LIVE for a good highlight and my two drugstore picks come from years in the trenches – ha! My top pick is Wet n Wild Megaglo Illuminating Palette ($5) — I have shade “Catwalk Pink”.

For starters, this is a huge amount of product for the price! Since the colors are all in one pan, you can swirl around your brush or use one color at a time. I’ve used high-end highlighters and this one is just as great!

My next pick is Covergirl Vitalist Healthy Glow Highlighter ($4), which comes in five different colors. I have the shade “Candlelit”, which is sort of a pink shade. This feels almost creamy to the touch, but when you put it on it feels like a powder, so it goes on very easily and gives a targeted highlight.

Best Drugstore Eyeshadow

Drugstore eyeshadow has gotten a bad rap ever since eyeshadow palettes became all the rage, but I’m sticking with a classic choice here: Covergirl Eye Enhancers — you can get a single shadow ($3) or a small quad ($4) for full blending. Either way, you’ll be in great shape!

Last summer, I also bought NYX Foil Play ($7) and have been using it as an eyeshadow, or smudging it along the top and lower lash line for a smoky look — I have the shade “Dauntless”.

Best Drugstore Brow Pencil

Right now, I’m using one of my Covergirl eyeshadows to fill in my eyebrows — seriously! But I recently bought the Burt’s Bees Brow Pencil ($10), which is all natural with nourishing oils. I love it for travel because it has the built-in spoolie.

Best Drugstore Eyeliners

It’s e.l.f for the win! I’m still working on perfecting my eyeliner wings, but if you’re really good at staying steady, go for the e.l.f Expert Liquid Liner ($2). Look for sets of these during the holidays when they have obscure colors, such as navy or glitter!

If you’re still working on your lining skills, get the e.l.f Eyeliner Pen ($2), which is more like a felt tip. It gives you a straight line, no tugging, and you can easily build it up.

Best Drugstore Mascara

Good mascara is tough to find, but I’ve got some goodies to try. The first is Covergirl Total Tease Mascara ($8). I particularly like the brush on this one because it’s half normal size and half tiny for bottom lashes!

Next is the L’Oreal Million Glitter Topcoat ($10) by Voluminous Million lashes, which gives your lashes just a hint of sparkle. I have the gold and although it’s perfect for parties, I wear it anytime!

Best Drugstore Makeup Setting Spray

This one goes to the NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray ($6). It was the first setting spray I ever tried and honestly I couldn’t believe how much it changed my makeup game! This one definitely keeps things in place, looking fresh all day.

Best Drugstore Lip Products

Okay, so I definitely couldn’t pick just one here — you need variety depending on the look you’re going for.

For lipsticks, my top picks are NYX Velvet Matte Lipstick, Almay Lip Vibes Cream Lipstick, NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick, and Covergirl Exhibitionist Lipstick.

The NYX Velvet Matte ($6) is very matte and has great pigment. I love the shade “Beach Casual” if you’re looking for a very pale nude. Almay’s Lip Vibes Cream Lipstick ($6) is creamy and slightly sheer, so you can go for the fun colors if you wish.

I got the NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick ($5) in a kit and I love it! I use the shade “Soft Spoken” and will definitely be adding more to my collection. Covergirl’s Exhibitionist Lipstick ($3) comes in all sorts of different colors and finishes, but I think the metallic ones are so fun — I have the shade “Getaway”.

For glosses, I’d go with NYX Butter Gloss ($5) for a very delicious, creamy finish, and e.l.f Jelly Pop Juicy Gloss ($5) for a heavier gloss with subtle color.

Ta-da! It’s my drugstore faves… but what products do you love from the drugstore? There’s so many good ones to choose from!

For more beauty recommendations, be sure to subscribe to the blog (look to the right) and follow me on Instagram @Orangejulius7 – where I share more of my daily life. Live in the Baton Rouge area? I’m teaching a Blogging Boot Camp this September. If you don’t live in Baton Rouge, you can always schedule a Creative Session with me!