Drugstore Diamonds

As you all know, I don’t discriminate when it comes to the drugstore. Some products are, of course, duds but sometimes you find some diamonds in the rough. Here are the ones I reach for;

Covergirl Lashblast Volume Mascara. Someone once told me that it isn’t necessarily the formula of the mascara that’s important, but the wand. I have been using this mascara for over four years and I’m yet to find something else from the drugstore that I prefer over it. The wand is a rubber/silicone sort of deal, rather than a spoolie/brush style, and for me that makes a huge difference. I’ve included a picture of a brand new, never opened package so you can see the wand perfectly. It’s easy to use, doesn’t clump and because the brush has the flex that rubber offers, it’s easy to remove some product from the wand in order to ensure no clumps. I find that you can tell when a mascara is coming to the end of its life because it seems to clump more and more on the brush as it starts to dry out.

Maybelline Define & Fill Duo. This is my current go to brow product. I’ve yet to find something that works as well as this one does, is as inexpensive and a perfect shade match. It’s easy to use, pigmented and lasts all day. I would highly recommend it to anyone, especially a beginner brow-er (yes I just made up that word), because it is such a great product.

Physicians Formula MuruMuru Butter Bronzer. If you’ve read my bronzer post you’ll know this is one of my faves already. It’s buttery soft, the perfect shade for my skin tone and blends effortlessly. It’s subtle enough for beginners but can be built up for a really healthy glow. It’s a little pricey for the drugstore but for the amount of product you get and the quality it’s a definite winner!

Rimmel Provocalips 16HR Lip Colour. This lipstick is the absolute bomb diggity. It lasts the proclaimed sixteen hours, it’s the epitome of matte lipsticks and has a great shade range for my tastes. It doesn’t feel drying on the lips either, quite the opposite in fact. When I did a wear test with this lipstick I was so impressed I went and bought 4 more shades. I ate greasy food, drank from glasses and of course kissed and it didn’t transfer AT ALL!

Sukin Paw Paw Ointment. This is a handbag staple. I keep it on hand at all times and often wear it in lieu of lipstick with my everyday makeup. Because of my love for matte lipsticks my lips sometimes need some nourishment and this is my go to. It comes in a tube, another thing I love about it, so no dipping in and getting it under your fingernails or having to always carry tissues to clean off your finger after application.

Chi Chi Cosmetics Ombré Blush. This one is another staple, for a few reasons. Most obvious (to me anyway) is the number of blushes you get for the price point. 9 in total, with 6 individual and 3 with an ombré effect. A must have for anyone but especially for someone new to blush. The shades are all beautiful and most importantly for beginners, subtle. Easily blended and buildable.

BYS Contour Stick and BYS Contour On the Go Palette. As most of you probably remember, I’m not a contour everyday person but if I was, this would be my go to product. It’s ridiculously inexpensive for the quality and amount of product you get and what I love about it is that it has cool undertones. I’m quite fair and find most contour products run to warm for me, but not this one. It’s a cream formula so those with dry skin will love it and easily blended without looking obvious.

Australis Translucent Powder. I love this powder to have in my little makeup kit in my handbag. It’s great for touch ups on the go and is available in loose or pressed powder. I prefer the pressed option for my handbag and also love it for setting the under eyes. It’s a white powder (hence the name translucent) so my only warning could be that it possibly causes flashback. I use a foundation that contains SPF so I’m unsure if it’s the foundation or the powder that causes the flashback.

E.L.F Baked Highlighter. I love these highlighters. Beautiful finish, buildable and pigmented. My only criticism, as I said in my highlighter post, is the top layer that needs to be scraped off in order to get that gorgeous glow. For the price point and quality once you get past that layer, it’s totally worth it.

BYS Eyeshadow Palettes. I’ve got 4 of these palettes and I have to say, when I first got them I was new to the game and still dubious. Pictured below are (top row, left to right) the Matte Palette and the Peach Palette and (bottom row, left to right) the Berries Palette and the Nude 3 Palette. Each palette contained 12 shades, a mix of shimmer and matte (except obviously for the all matte palette) and I have to say, for the RRP they’re not bad! Sure, they could be slightly more pigmented, but they blend really well and are buildable. If you’re just starting out, I would definitely recommend these palettes.

Phew! There’s a lot I love from the drugstore; but I’m sure that isn’t a surprise to most of you. What are your favourite drugstore products? Let me know in the comments below.

Until next time, Beauties xx