While I love it when the girls go all out and showcase the expensive things that are in their makeup kits, for many of us that just ain’t it. Though I do have quite a few pricey pieces that have become staples in my beauty routine, for the most part all of the makeup I do is beauty on a budget.

For the girls not trying to break the bank on products they might not use everyday and the girls looking to level up without taking out a loan I have a few drug store gems for you to go and snatch up.

Foundation

Maybelline is my go-to when selecting a drugstore foundation. I love their formulas, they’re pricing is fair, and their shade range really spreads a lot better than many other brands. For a natural, even skin look I would definitely recommend their ‘Fit Me” foundation. This formula is great because it’s a light and buildable. You also get a pretty decent length of wear. The foundation comes in two finishes- Matte & Poreless + Dewy. I am super oily so Matte & Poreless is my go-to. However, I have worn the dewy for a quick event and really enjoyed the glow.

If you’re looking for full coverage foundation my recommendation is still within the Maybelline family. Maybelline SUPER STAY® FULL COVERAGE FOUNDATION is the bomb.com/EVERYTHING. The coverage is incredible. It really holds its own against some of the more high-end brands. In addition to it being full coverage, it is also long wear. Yes! Full coverage AND long wear for under $20

Lipstick

I personally would choose a matte lip any day of the week, so my number one pick for drug store lipstick would no doubt be wet n wild liquid catsuit line. Their formula dance is somewhere between a cream and liquid to a matte. It is smooth and Glides on easy but is thick enough to control and create crisp lines.

These beauties don’t just come in matte though. You can get their amazing color range in matte, metallic, and high shine. With all of the ones I’ve tried (I own about 30) the pigment you see is exactly what you get on your first swipe. For the mattes drying is medium quick. You have a minute or two of manipulation time before it’s completely frozen.

All of the formulas are well made. None of them become uncomfortable or excessively dry. For $5 I couldn’t ask for a more well-made lipstick.

Highlighter

For black girls, it can be tough to find a highlighter that actually makes you look like the light is magically hitting you in all the right places. Usually, we are stuck with either a super white highlighter that as an awkward halo on our beautifully done makeup or a strange yellow-gold highlighter that doesn’t look natural.

My pick for best drug store highlighter is Wet n Wild megaglo Highlighting Powder in “Awesome Blossom” and whew chilé “when the light hits the ice it twinkles and glistens”

I love this highlighter because instead of having white, yellow, or even pink undertone it’s more bronze. This compliments brown skin so well and really gives a sunkissed glow.

Eyebrow pencil

Y’all have seen the videos and y’all know that I swear by the wet and wild Color Icon Kohl Liner pencils. I have tried every pomade and mechanical pencil out there and nothing does it for me like this basic wood pencil. For under $2 you can get the perfect eyebrows. Whether you like them super neutral or extra glammed up I promise it’ll work. I buy a few at a time because I sharpen it with almost every use, but still a month with is cheaper than most brow products.

Alright, baby loves! I really hope this helps. With these basics, you have a solid foundation for creating any look. Spice them up with some of your favorites and your makeup game will really be something to talk about.

Share your favorite drug store products with me in the comments. I’d love to know what you’re using.

Like | Follow | Watch