top 5 drugstore beauty products

Wednesday, October 7, 2015
I'm not sure if I've shared this before, but I was a makeup artist for quite a few years before moving to Columbus to live with Aaron. My work spanned from live performance events, to TV commercials, to weddings...and honestly, one of my dream jobs would be doing character makeup for motion pictures...however that doesn't really happen when you are living in Ohio haha ;)

Over the years, I've tried what feels like literally every brand of makeup, and I've found my favorites along the way. Recently, as many of you know, I've started a new beauty journey - one that is cruelty free. This meant saying goodbye to many of my beloved products (I'm looking at you MAC eyeshadow *sniff sniff*) ...but hopefully some of these brands get on the band wagon one day soon and stop testing on animals so I can start using their products again!

What may come as a big surprise is that many of my favorite brands are actually drug store, and not high end! Don't get me wrong, I do love a good trip to Sephora for some Urban Decay or Bare Minerals...but many of my trusty day-to-day products can be purchased right at your local Target or drug store. 

It's true ladies, you can have flawless makeup with out breaking the bank or succumbing to name brand cosmetics! All of the products shared below I have used up and re-purchased multiple times.
 

crulety free drug store beauty
* All products come from cruelty free companies


// Physician's Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Fakeout Mascara $9.95
Geez  what I long name...lol 
Despite being long winded, this mascara provides great length and volume - and stays moisturized all day long. There are days where I put it on at 6:30 am, and it's still hasn't dried out or flaked by 10:00 pm at night!

// elf Studio Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder (in St. Lucia) $3.00
No joke, it's three bucks and I use it every single day - and it lasts for months.
I only use the bronzer side of this duo (I hate blush, but that's another story) and it is great for contouring! 

// NYX Dewy Finish Makeup Setting Spray $7.99
This is a new product for me, I discovered it this year by just randomly grabbing it a Target one day. And thank goodness for impulse shopping because it is awesome. I finish my makeup everyday with a spritz (or five) and it feels so nice. On top of that, it gives your skin a glowing look and helps my makeup look fresh and last throughout the day 

// Sonia Kashuk Perfecting Luminous Foundation $10.99
I'm in love with this foundation. It is light and dewey, but provides build-able coverage. It instantly brightens skin and is very moisturizing - which is so important to me since I have very dry skin. There is nothing worse then dry and cakey foundation! I apply this every morning with a stippling brush or beauty blender - and 2 or 3 pumps (depending on how much coverage I want that day) does the trick! 

// Wet 'n' Wild Fergie Shimmer Palette (in Rose Champagne) $5.99
I cannot rave about this highlighter enough. When I switched to cruelty free and stopped using my MAC Silver Dusk, I never thought I would find another pale pink highlighter that provided that perfect shimmer - but then I found this product. The packaging is terrible and gaudy, but don't let that fool you - the product is fantastic and provide the perfect all-day highlight to your cheekbones. I'm worried about this one being discontinued, just because it is a celebrity collaboration - so I'm going to stock up!
Organic wear®100% Natural Origin FakeOut™ Mascara
Organic wear®100% Natural Origin FakeOut™ Mascara



5 comments

  1. oooh i definitely want to try that setting spray and the elf powder. i've heard so much about it, but always forget to buy it when i'm at target lol. and i feel your pain about things being discontinued, i've never been smart enough to stock up haha but seriously so many of my favourite things get discontinued!

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  2. I have heard amazing things about NYX, so I think I'm going to have to check out their products. I'd LOVE to hear more about your makeup experiences and tips!!!! I love make up tips!

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  3. Everything is so well-priced! Love the honesty, lady. NYX is great! As is e.l.f., and I always buy the Wet and Wild nail polish since even essie doesn't last much longer, so why shell out $9!

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  4. ooh need to try! I've heard lots about the dewy finish spray. I love the matte! I think I'll give this a try too when I want to switch it up.

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  5. Thanks for listing these! I am on the lookout for inexpensive makeup with no parabens, talc, or mineral oil, as well as being cruelty free. Do you have any recommendations? I say inexpensive because up till now I have only been using Mineral Fusion, which I think is quite pricey, and Pacifica, which has lovely high standards but is a bit limited in color selections. Thanks for any advice you might have!

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emily kay