Makeup is a work of art, and definitely one of the funnest things to do is watch tutorial after tutorial on Youtube, but we just can’t really afford to go breaking the bank every time we want something new. Mecca and Sephora are amazing, but you always end up walking out broke. These drugstore cosmetic products rival the high end ones, and are way easier on your budget.
NYX Loose pearl eyeshadow
Looking to grab some of that MAC pigment, but not willing to splurge the $40 for one colour? Check out NYX’s version, which go for $5 a pot. The highly pigmented loose powders are perfect for adding that pop of colour or shimmer to your eyes. NYX is currently struggling with stockists in Australia, but you can still grab a lot of their products off eBay or Crush Cosmetics.
Nude by Nature Pointed Precision Brush #12
A good brush is essential to getting the proper application of your makeup, but quality brushes for less than $30 each are incredibly hard to come by. The great thing about this Nude by Nature brush is the precision tip, but wider sides, meaning it can be used for a range of different applications. Also, it’s $18.
Maybelline Eye Studio Master Precise Liquid Liner
This one is a personal favourite of mine, and I’m still yet to find a high end eyeliner I love as much as this one. The thin tip of this eyeliner as well as the deep black, highly pigmented product makes for the easiest application of liquid eyeliner I’ve ever experienced. This is the only way I can get the ever elusive winged tip, and get into the smaller areas of my inner eye. $15 for perfect eyeliner? Yes please.
Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream
SPF, moisturiser and coverage, this one product is an absolute necessity on those no makeup makeup days. Especially in summer, BB cream is the perfect go-to for everyday makeup wear, and the small packaging means you can throw it into your bag to reapply if you end up in the water somewhere.
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer
Known for being the dupe of the high end (and exorbitantly expensive) Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer, the Fit Me Concealer comes in a pretty wide range of shades, this concealer provides high coverage with a lightweight formula, but might take a couple more layers than the more expensive stuff.
Australis AC On Tour Cream Contour
Cream contouring is for when you want that real polished, Kardashian-esque look. It’s better in the winter months, as in the summer it can unfortunately slide and begin to melt (yeah, that actually happens). This kit is great because it’s not universal (you can get it for darker skin tones) and it has 6 shades in the palette to properly highlight and contour your face, while staying at a solid $25.
Garnier 2in1 Express Eye-Makeup Remover
Never look past a good makeup remover. They’re hard to come by, but they are essential. I love this one because you don’t need to rub to get your eye makeup off, and usually it only needs a couple of swipes – depending on how heavy your makeup was of course. It’s great for sensitive skin/eyes, and actually feels really nice and hydrating.
