So, beauty products can be expensive. Don’t get me wrong, I love my high-end makeup. I used to be what I call a “drugstore snob”. Once I started working as a makeup artist, I felt like drugstore makeup just wasn’t good enough. Well, that is very incorrect. As a working makeup artist, in my kit you will find everything from professional airbrush makeup and high-end products to a $2.99 drugstore eyeliner that I have repurchased time and time again. It is safe to say that I love my drugstore makeup, and I have no shame in that. I am all about using products that work well without breaking the bank whenever I can.
All that being said, I’m going to share my top 10 beauty products under $10. Some are drugstore items, and some are not. Again, we are all about using what works!
P.S.- It was very hard for me to narrow it down to ten. These are not ranked in order of which I like best, because let’s be real, I can’t choose!
Man, is that a long name or what? You saw me mention this one last month and yes, here we go again! This gem will forever be my favorite medium to full coverage foundation. When I first started trying to target my oily skin, I thought using a high-end foundation was the only answer, until I found this guy. It gives a flawless demi-matte finish that lasts all day long. Stay Fabulous is my go-to over all of my “pro” or high end foundations for that reason. Although I have oily skin and this foundation works great for my skin type, it really works well on anyone. And did I mention the fact that it has a primer and concealer built in? See? We’re saving time and money!
When I was at IMATS (International Makeup Artist Trade Show) in April, I picked up LA Girl’s Matte Pigment Gloss after swatching it on my hand and having trouble removing it with a makeup wipe. To some that may be a red flag, but to me that’s rainbows and butterflies. I personally like a lipstick that is going to stay all day while wearing comfortably, and that’s exactly what these do. Like the name suggests, this product goes on like a gloss and dries down to a comfortable matte finish that lasts all day long. These are by far my favorite liquid lipsticks.
This product is another one of my high-end conversions. I was addicted to MAC’s Pro Longwear Concealer, until I found this. Great coverage and brightening? Yes please! If you use your undereye concealer for highlighting, then this concealer is going to be your best friend. Its creamy formula gives amazing coverage, even on the darkest of dark circles. It doesn’t crease, and also gives a bright look to the undereye. Advertised as a “pro” item, I’d say this item definitely lives up to it’s “pro” status.
I know a lot of makeup artists that use this liner, which tells you right there that it must be good. It’s super black, easy to apply, and super cheap. What could be better than that? You’ll get a smudge-free, precise line every time.
This is another product I raved about last month. Hey, I can’t help preaching about budget-friendly products that work. What can I say? I won’t go on too long about this one, because it speaks for itself. Use this lightweight powder to set your foundation, and also to blot throughout the day for a flawless matte finish. You can also wear this alone to lightly even out the skintone and stay shine-free.
This is the only brow pencil I have tried from the drugstore and actually liked. The slightly waxy texture allows the formula to stay put all day long. The pencil is also very precise, which makes it easy to make hair-like strokes to create that perfect brow.
As far as high-end lashes go, prices can run pretty high. Another affordable product I discovered at IMATS was the KoKo lashes. They are a pro brand, and have similar styles to other popular brands without the high price tag. These lashes are great quality, and can be worn more than 10 times (in my experience). The more you take care of your lashes, the longer they will last. My favorite style by KoKo is Goddess.
Mascara is another product that I was sure needed to come from a high-end brand. Nope, wrong again. While there are many great mascaras in the drugstore, Best Lash is definitely my favorite. I look for a mascara that is thickening and lengthening, and this product meets my high standards. It is super black, and the brush is just the right size for both top and bottom lashes.
I had to include a little skincare in here somewhere! This is a pearlized gel cleanser, with makeup remover formulated in. I like to have makeup remover in my cleanser to ensure all traces of makeup are removed from my skin before bed. This cleanser can be used daily, and it is great for any skin type, especially sensitive.
Matte lipsticks are a huge trend right now. The only problem is that sometimes they can be a little drying and uncomfortable. This is because matte lipsticks generally require certain ingredients which can be drying in order to allow a long wear. I am all about finding comfortable, long-wearing lipsticks, and Maybelline could not have done it better. These bold lipsticks are so creamy it’s unbelievable. They remind me of velvet or silk. When wearing these lipsticks you’ll forget there is anything on your lips until you smack them together to feel the amazing velvety finish.
As I mentioned before, it was extremely difficult for me to choose only ten affordable products I love, so these are ones I grab for most. Tell me all about your favorite products under $10 in the comments below!
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Brittany Lima | Beauty Bartender
Brittany is a full time professional makeup artist & educator from Philadelphia. Whether she’s working on a client or filming YouTube videos, she’s always finding a way to share her industry knowledge. Her sassy yet congenial Northern attitude is what makes her most relate-able to her viewers. She can’t live without music, YouTube, cheesecake, Instagram, pasta, and laughing.
Twitter: @itsBrittLyn | Instagram: @itsBrittLyn | Youtube Channel: itsBrittLyn
