The Best Drugstore Makeup (2026): What I Actually Buy at CVS and Walgreens

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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

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.

Shop L’Oréal Panorama Mascara

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.

Written by

Sofia de Diaz

Follow on Instagram @by_sofiadediaz

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