In case I haven’t made this fact pretty crystal clear… I love me some cheap drugstore makeup. And it seems like the good people at places like Revlon, Maybelline, Rimmel, etc. have really been stepping up their game lately, and for this I am grateful.
As someone who has a hard time shelling out over $10 for beauty products, the fact that you can find some really amazing products at your friendly neighborhood CVS or Target makes me a very happy camper. I’ve raved about a few of these little gems to y’all before, but just in case you’d like a more thorough glimpse into my all-time faves, here are a few for your viewing pleasure!

Favorite lip product: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains. Minty, pigmented, wonderful little tubes of joy. Just buy some. Trust me.

Best Makeup Bargain: ANYTHING by elf. I mean for $3 or less, you can’t really go wrong here. But especially if you’re looking for some quality makeup brushes, these guys are my go-to-two.

Favorite Face Product: This is one of the two I mention in the video, but I am really really loving this Revlon ColorStay Foundation. I’m still using my BareMinerals Ready foundation most days, but I like to switch it up, and when I want a little less of a “full-face” look, this is a great liquid foundation. It’s SUPER buildable, so you can wear it really light or work it on to get lots of coverage. Plus i think it’s like $9.99…soooo…. yeah.
If you want to see the rest, check out the video below!
As always, thanks for stopping by, and let me know what your favorites are- or if you’ve tried any of these, what did you think?
February 18, 2013 at 6:35 am
I will definitely try some of the lip balms!
I ended up really liking the maybeline yellow mascara i bought ( i really need to check on the actual name). I can stop spending $50 on Dior Mascara.
February 18, 2013 at 8:16 am
LOVE those lip stains. Since buying a couple for myself, I’ve convinced 3 other people to jump on the bandwagon!
February 18, 2013 at 9:32 am
I’ve been loving Elf products recently! $1 for concealer that actually works! You can not beat it!
February 18, 2013 at 9:45 am
I’m a little scared of the stains…how hard are they to remove if you hate the color or just did a really terrible job applying?
February 18, 2013 at 10:00 am
I think one of the reasons I love them so much is because they’re so easy to apply, so don’t worry too much about that part
But the reds/bright pinks are pretty durable so they last quite a few hours, which is what I like, so really it’s preference I suppose! (I would still recommend Honey if you want less of a “stain” since it’s a little lighter and doesn’t last as long.)
February 18, 2013 at 10:27 am
I literally about to walk out the door to Target and I fully blame you for what will happen there. Smooch.
February 18, 2013 at 10:28 am
*I’m* jesus Kel.
February 18, 2013 at 11:00 am
Gah I love that lip stain! I only have one right now though. Such a slacker.
I really should buy some ELF brushes. I’ve had the same blush brush since high school. I was it semi-regularly but that still can’t be very sanitary.
February 18, 2013 at 11:03 pm
I had some super old ones too that I just had to throw out and replace. You should def check out these ones!
February 18, 2013 at 11:06 am
Loreal Voluminous mascara is my MUST item. Also, the CVS brand of the Cetaphil cream moisturizer. My face would crack and fall off it I didn’t use it every day – seriously. And, my new obsession – the Maybelline vivid lipstick line. Talk about a SHOT of color. I have 3 colors – so far. I’m going to try the lipstains next. I promise….
February 18, 2013 at 11:03 pm
I am seriously scared to try those vivid lipsticks. It is going to be a major problem for my wallet.
February 18, 2013 at 11:48 am
Yep, drugstore makeup is the best. I’m all about saving money, and why wouldn’t I want 40 different shades of lipgloss? I mean really, it’s just the right thing to do.
February 18, 2013 at 11:04 pm
Hahaha yes, exactly.
February 18, 2013 at 9:12 pm
ok so what i’m wondering is – how do you get lip stain off your lips?? i want to buy it but it scares me that it’s a “stain” and i’ve heard horror stories haha, so any tips would be appreciated
thanks! xoxo
February 18, 2013 at 11:05 pm
Don’t be scurred, these ones don’t stain them for more than a few hours, I swear. And if you need to use a washcloth to scrub a little, they will totally come off. And put a swipe of Chapstick on first so it creates a little barrier
February 19, 2013 at 7:46 am
your video doesn’t work for me, it says “no longer available.” But makeup junkie to makeup junkie you need to check out the maybelline color vivids. I got hot plum, wore it everyday all weekend, (even the day i didn’t leave the house). And now i need to get my hands on “pink pop…”
February 19, 2013 at 8:43 am
really?? That’s so weird! And I am planning on scooping up a few (dozen) of them for spring
February 19, 2013 at 8:53 am
I love this video, very helpful. My only issue is I CAN’T EVER find the right shade for foundation/concealer/powder and such. I always buy the wrong shade and end up hating it and giving up on the product entirely. :-/ Any suggestions on finding the right shade??!
February 19, 2013 at 5:05 pm
L’Oreal 24hr Lacquer Liner is my new favorite. Pretty much foolproof and the only liner that lasts on my bottom waterline the ENTIRE day. No joke.
Other drugstore favorites … L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black, Elf Eyeshadow “C” Brush, and Maybelline Dream Lumi Highlighting Concealer <— MIRACLE WORKER! Oh! And two lip products, not exactly drugstore but affordable – from Bath + Body Works. CO Bigelow's Rose Salve and also the Lemon Lip Balm. Always keep both on me.
February 21, 2013 at 11:57 am
You really can’t go wrong with elf for stuff like brushes – it appeals to my extremely cheap side.
I’m going to have to try those lip stain balms. I don’t usually do color on my lips b/c I’m so addicted to lip balm, so that sounds like a nice compromise!