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You don’t need to spend a lot to look good. Some of the best makeup I own came from a drugstore aisle at CVS or Walgreens.
My daily makeup routine is very simple. It’s just 4 drugstore products, and I really love all of them. Here’s the best drugstore makeup I actually use, plus one product I’d skip.
The quick list: best drugstore makeup
- Mascara: L’Oréal Panorama in Brown Leather
- Brows: e.l.f. Instant Lift Brow Pencil in Neutral Brown
- Lips: L’Oréal Plump Ambition Lip Oil
- Blush: Revlon Powder Blush in Tickled Pink
- Skip: L’Oréal Butterfly Mascara
You can find all of these at CVS, Walgreens and most drugstores.
Best drugstore mascara: L’Oréal Panorama in Brown Leather
This is my everyday mascara. I wear it in Brown Leather, a soft brown that looks more natural than black for daytime. And it doesn’t smudge, so no black specks by the end of the day.
Want more? I wrote a whole post on the best drugstore mascara, including the one I’d never buy again.
Best drugstore brow pencil: e.l.f. Instant Lift Brow Pencil
This is seriously the best brow product I’ve ever tried, at any price. I use it in Neutral Brown. And it comes in a pack of two, so you get a backup.
Shop e.l.f. Instant Lift Brow Pencil
Best drugstore lip oil: L’Oréal Plump Ambition Lip Oil
This lip oil is really good. I first heard about it from Bethenny Frankel, so you know it’s good. It’s the easiest last step: a little shine and you’re done.
Shop L’Oréal Plump Ambition Lip Oil
Best drugstore blush: Revlon Powder Blush in Tickled Pink
Tickled Pink is a pretty, everyday pink. A little on the cheeks makes you look fresh and awake.
What not to buy: L’Oréal Butterfly Mascara
Not every drugstore mascara is a winner. The L’Oréal Butterfly mascara runs on me. By the end of the day, it leaves black specks all over my face. I’d skip it.
What I don’t buy at the drugstore: concealer
Concealer is the one thing I spend more on. It’s right on your face, under your eyes and over breakouts, so I want the best. Here are the ones I use:
My simple drugstore makeup routine
That’s it. Brows, mascara, blush and lip oil. Four drugstore products, a few minutes, and I’m out the door.
Drugstore makeup: quick answers
Is drugstore makeup as good as high-end makeup?
For a lot of products, yes. My everyday brows, mascara, blush and lip all come from the drugstore. I only spend more on concealer.
What are the best drugstore makeup brands?
My favorites are L’Oréal, e.l.f. and Revlon. You’ll find all three at CVS and Walgreens.

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