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Daily Make-up Ritual
I swear by Nars products. The Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer is my absolute favorite and I use the multiple sticks in G-spot and Copacabana. Their products allow me to be out the door in five minutes (all the time I have) with a fresh face. However, when I travel, I bring drugstore beauty finds with me. I do this because I have more a little more time to try new make-up AND because things are getting lost left and right when traveling, whether it’s the airline’s fault or just constant moving around with the kids. I’m less sad if I lose a six dollar highlighter than a $36 one. Yes, Nars, I love you, but you are not cheap.
I appreciate, love and respect luxury brands and their specialty and I will always buy what I love. However, drugstore beauty is a thing and the goods are extremely comparable to luxury formulas. In addition to having the accessibility to develop, test and distribute, drugstore brands have the budgets and the ability to create new products using cutting-edge technology.
Everything is less than $20, with the exception of #10. BUT it is still attainable for less than $20. Keep reading.
Drugstore Beauty Finds
Drugstore beauty finds are affordable and accessible! I found most of my products at Target. You know, because I love Target. See my Target clothing haul post here. And because I get an extra 5% off when I used their credit card. You know, I LOVE a good deal. AND because Target has a very generous no questions asked return policy when it comes to cosmetics. What does that mean? If you opened it, tried it and didn’t like, you can return it to Target, no questions asked and they will refund you your money. Link to official policy here.
Everything I took with me on vacation is also available at CVS, Walmart, Walgreens, Amazon…everywhere.
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint Foundation with Hyaluronic Acid. Try saying that fast three times. Love this. I use a foundation brush to apply and it feels divine.
- Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 20. I also took this because I like SPF built into whatever base I put on my face. This one felt like it covered more, even though it’s a thinner liquid to start.
- L’Oreal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder. I didn’t love this one. I did at first because it felt so light and had good coverage. But, it didn’t hold. After some time, it felt a little cakey. I would try it again, maybe just over moisturizer and skip the foundation.
- essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara. Five dollar mascara. This cannot be beat at this price. I would use this drugstore beauty find every day. This fattens lashes and makes them long.
- Makeup Revolution Glow Splendour Highlighter. Six dollars. Amazing. It’s buildable, but one swipe is all you need to have enough color. Sometimes when you see/hear “buildable” that means it takes a lot of product to build to get to the look you want. I say this is buildable because you only need one swipe, BUT if you want a more intense look or a different look, you can keep going. I got this in So Glazed and Soft Glam. I’m new to a dedicated highlighter so I wanted to try different shades.
- e.l.f. Everyday Smoky Eyeshadow Palette. Obsessed with this palette. This has everything you need and more for an every day look or a glam smoky eye for a night out. AND this is ten dollars! It’s comparable to Urban Decay’s Smoky palette, which I also love. This drugstore beauty find is less than one third the price!
- e.l.f. Ultimate Blending Brush. You can use this for everything. I use it to apply foundation and tinted moisturizer. Most of the e.l.f brushes I try feel luxe and are so soft. These are BETTER than the more expensive brushes.
- e.l.f. Blush Brush. I bought this to replace an old brush. Again, super soft. I love the shape. I use this to blend my blush and use as a highlighter brush. If you do the same, remember to clean the blush color off first. I do it on a towel between applications.
- e.l.f. Smoky Eye Brush Kit – 5pc. I bought the whole kid because it was the better deal. I took only the c brush and the blending brush with me. I try to edit when I travel.
- Vichy Mineral 89 Fortifying and Hydrating Daily Skin Booster, Face Serum with Hyaluronic Acid. I use this every day and every night, whether on vacation or not. I swear by it. It does everything it says it will. The best deal on this serum is shopping in store at CVS when they’re doing an extrabucks offer. Meaning, if this is $30 at CVS AND they’re offering $10 back if you spend $30, stack it with a 20/30/40% coupon. They are bound to give you these offers every week if you shop often. The final math. $30 with a 40% coupon = $18. So, you spend $18 and get $10 in extra bucks to on something else. You’re welcome.
Drugstore Beauty Finds Verdict
Did I need everything I took? No, but it was nice to have when I travelled. Whether you’re in search of a quick replacement or want a more budget friendly version of what you already own, the drugstore is a treasure trove of insanely great makeup deals. Bonus for me: I LOVE trying new products. The Makeup Revolution highlighter is definitely sticking around in my routine when I have more time. I live for good drugstore beauty finds.
Check out more of my picks below. Happy shopping!
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