Recently, I've rediscovered how great some of the cruelty free "drugstore" brands can be! There is something to be said for higher end makeup, however, I think you can always find great options in most product categories at more wallet-friendly prices too.
I wanted to share some of the items I've picked up over the past couple weeks from places like Target, CVS, and Walgreens. Some of the products I am loving and using daily, and some of them have fallen a bit flat - but it's okay because it is much less heartbreaking to be let down by a $4.00 lipstick rather than a $20 one! ;)
The face products I picked up included... {swatches below}
// e.l.f. Highlighter in Moonlight Pearls ($4.00)
// Milani Blush in Luminoso ($8.00)
// Physicians Formula Bronzer in Butter Bronzer ($14.95)
I think all three of these products have been amazing, especially for their price points! If I had to pick a favorite, it would be the bronzer - it is just the perfect shade to give fairer skin tones a lovely glow. I've been using it every day since purchasing.
The blush is very nice, but a TINY bit goes a very long way. Not a problem though because it is really easy to blend out. I love the coral shade, especially to give my cheeks a little pop to liven my skin up (during the gloomy winter).
The highlighter is really pretty - my only complaint is that I wish the color payoff was as pigmented on my cheeks as it is on my finger when I swatch it. I do have to put a couple layers on to get the desired "glowy" effect, but for $4.00 I'm not going to complain too much! I discovered if you pat it on with a brush (instead of swiping) it works much better.
The lip products were the only slightly disappointing purchase...
// Milani Lip Pencil in Nude ($5.00)
// Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Rose Creme ($6.00)
The products themselves aren't bad at all - but it is just the shades that are a bit off for me. I was really excited about the lipstick after seeing it on one of Alexandrea Garza's recent YouTube videos, so I ran out the next day at lunch and picked it up. Once I got a chance to try it on though...whomp whomp...the color just wasn't right on me. I would recommend checking this line out anyway though because the color range and formula are great! I am going to try and find a shade that works better for me.
Then, when we did our errands at Target over the weekend, I snuck over to the beauty aisles and grabbed a couple of things...because, of course right? No one can go into Target and only come out with what was on their shopping list.
I picked up two brushes and one eye product:
// EcoTools Full Powder Brush ($8.99)
// EcoTools Precision Blush Brush ($7.99)
// Pixi Beauty Endless Silky Eye Pen in Bronze Beam ($12.00)
As for the bronze eye pencil - I am wearing it for the first time today, smudged out on my lid and lower lash line in sort of a cream shadow effect. It is a really nice consistency and the color is gorgeous. I haven't noticed any creasing so far which is a good sign as I've already had it on for 4 hours! This silky pencil is perfect for a daytime smokey look without going full-blown smokey eye!
*As always, all products are from cruelty-free companies that do not test on animals or sell in countries where animal testing is required by law.
Have you ladies tried any of these brands? What are some of your favorite drugstore beauty finds?? xx
That butter bronzer is my absolute favorite!! The smell is amazing and I was so scared they would discontinue it - I bought 2 more just in case LOL! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston
ReplyDeleteI used to love luminoso but got rid of it because it was too old- definitely should pick up another one though! I've heard so many good things about that bronzer and am tempted to try it. Sometimes I feel like my other bronzers are a tad too dark for me in the winter.
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