These 10 Drugstore Products Beat The Luxury Options

When it comes to beauty, the price tag doesn’t always reflect the quality of a product. In fact, there are tons of uber-affordable drugstore products that are straight fire, and sometimes, they’re just as good or even better than the luxe options available. Here are 10 drugstore products that are absolutely bomb and better than tons of luxury alternatives.

1. L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara, $10

Source: L’Oreal

This has to be one of the greatest mascaras of all time, and it has the Beyoncé’s seal of approval. Oh, and one sells every five seconds! The hourglass-shaped, natural bristle brush separates and thickens each lash, leaving you with sexy, wispy lashes. The formula is easily buildable so you can wear it daily, or layer it up for a full glam feel. It doesn’t flake or smudge and it doesn’t look chunky either. It also comes in a waterproof formula (perfect for summer) and in three shades: Blackest Black, Black, and Black Brown. Everything about it, from the wand to the packaging, reminds us of the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, $25… Apart from the price tag!

2. Maybelline Fit Me Dewy & Smooth Foundation, $8

Source: Maybelline

As much as we love to splurge on designer foundation, this lightweight hydrating formula is one of our faves! It has the most stunning natural skin finish, which is similar to the Dior Dior Forever Skin Glow Foundation, $52. Just like the Dior foundation, it offers light to medium coverage, wears well through the day, and doesn’t crease or settle into fine lines. It’s also non-comedogenic (it won’t block your pores), contains SPF 18 and is fragrance-free.

3.Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer, $23

Source: Olay

Despite its low-price tag (YAY), this scientifically-backed formula delivers real results. The formula is packed with anti-aging ingredients including vitamin B3 and wrinkle-smoothing amino-peptides, plus mega hydrator hyaluronic acid, which is able to penetrate the skin 10 layers deep. It also boasts brightening antioxidant, niacinamide, to protect the skin from harmful free radicals that destroy collagen while also reducing redness. The rich and creamy texture makes it the perfect last step in your nighttime skincare routine.

4. L’Oreal La Vie En Glow, $12 

Source: L’Oreal

Our makeup routine wouldn’t be complete without layers and layers of highlighter (obvs), and this drugstore highlighter palette is the real deal. With two shade options, each palette contains four insanely shimmery highlighter shades that are perfect for highlighting different areas of the face in the most flattering tone. The formula is also infused with coconut oil, so it applies smoothly, plus the shimmer payoff is insane so you don’t have to layer too much.

5. Garnier Micellar Oil-Infused Cleansing Water, $8

Source: Garnier

Micellar water is a skincare staple, and this Garnier option takes it to the next level as it’s infused with oil to add an extra hit of hydration. The result? Use it with a cotton pad to wipe away every trace of dirt or makeup residue while leaving your skin feeling hella-smooth. Use it as the first step of your nightly double cleanse and then do a final cleanse with a water-based cleanser. If you love the Bioderma Micellar Water, $15, this is a great dupe.

6. e.l.f Cosmetic 16HR Camo Concealer, $5

Source: e.l.f

As far as concealers go, this $5 formula ranks higher than most luxury options. The full coverage concealer is super creamy and instantly covers dark circles or pimples. It dries down very matte and lasts all day long, although we do recommend setting with powder for long-lasting wear. There are 18 shades from fair to rich, however, it does oxidize a little, so test out the shade in store as it dries down a little darker than when it’s first applied. For more deets and application tips, read our full review.

7. Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Set, $20

Source: Real Techniques

The right brushes are essential for flawless makeup, and this brush set has everything you need. It includes the 300 Deluxe Crease brush, which is a great all-rounder that works well for applying and blending powder eyeshadow, the 400 Blush Brush, which we use to apply blush and bronzer daily, and our fave drugstore makeup sponge, the Miracle Complexion Sponge. It also includes the 200 Expert Face Brush for applying foundation and cream formulas and the 402 Setting Brush, which is ideal for applying highlighters and precision powder application.

8. Maybelline TattooStudio Brow Pomade, $10

When it comes to brow products, we’re pretty high maintenance: we need a long-lasting formula that’s smudge-proof, sweatproof, and is easy to apply. This $10 drugstore pomade ticks every box. The creamy, super-pigmented brow pomade is easily buildable and lasts for up to 24 hours. It comes in eight shades, ranging from Light Blonde and Auburn to Ash Brown and Black Brown – we found a match for all of our squad. It also comes with a double-ended tool: a spoolie to tame hair, and a densely-packed, angled brush for precise application. This is one of our fave dupes for the Anatasia Beverly Hills pomade.

9. NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream, $7

Source: NYX

This best-selling liquid lipstick is lightweight, insanely pigmented, and long-lasting, which explains why it’s so popular. It’s also ultra-creamy so it applies well and doesn’t leave your lips feeling dry. It’s available in 36 shades from soft nudes to eye-popping purples so you can find a hue to match your vibe. And, considering it only costs $7, you can choose more than one shade!

10. Maybelline Master Ink Liquid Eyeliner, $11

Source: Maybelline

With hundreds of drugstore eyeliners on offer, this has to be one of the best formulas we’ve tried. Firstly, the smart tip brush allows for easy application and as it’s so fine, precision application and fine lines are easy. The formula is also super intense, matte, smear-proof, and long-lasting, so you don’t have to worry about panda eyes – it’s almost as dark as our Life Liner, although it’s not as long-lasting or waterproof! The formula also comes in satin and glitter finishes.

For more amazing drugstore options, check out the drugstore skincare products dermatologists recommend.