BEST DRUGSTORE FOUNDATIONS - by DrugstorePrincess

I’ve created this list of mini reviews for you keeping in mind every skin type and specific need.  These foundations are liquid or cream, and include only options from the major drugstore brands.  Yes, it is a lengthy list (in no particular order, mind you) and different foundations will work better for different people.  I’ve tried to list all of the pros, color ranges, and other details, as well as any notable cons for your consideration.  Hopefully this list will be helpful!  Enjoy!

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I have EXTREMELY dry skin, and I can't going a good, cheap foundation.. Any recommendations❓
◥		myshadow1216

When you have dry skin, look for foundations that claim to be “anti-aging”, because they tend to have more emollient, hydrating formulas. In the drugstore, you aren’t going to find a lot of products that claim to be good for dry skin, but you will find lots for aging skin!  Others to look for are cream compacts - they hold a lot more moisture and won’t cling to your dry spots as much.

Revlon Age Defying Liquid Makeup

L’Oreal Visible Lift Liquid Foundation

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Liquid Makeup

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Compact

Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse

Covergirl Simply Ageless Foundation

Revlon Colorstay Whipped

Please remember that makeup does NOT work as skincare.  If you have dry skin, you should never rely on your foundation to keep your skin hydrated.  Always spend more on skincare products than your makeup, because that should always be your priority.  :)

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My daughter have terrible back acne and is embraced to wear low cut tops, bathing suits etc. She is very self conscious about this problem. Can you make any recommendation? Thanks!
◥		alice-unwritten

Back acne is not uncommon and can be caused by many things, the worst being hormones (in that it’s almost impossible to treat topically).  Often, it is simply caused by daily life.  Here are a few causes and remedies that could help:

1.  When showering, conditioner gets on your back and isn’t washed off properly.  Conditioner has oils and fragrances in it that can irritate your skin, especially if they stay on your skin all day.  To prevent this from happening, make sure to wash your back well after you’ve rinsed all of the products out of your hair.

2.  After athletic activity, sweat remains on the skin, and is irritated by clothing.  This can break out your skin in a matter of hours.  So if you work out (or simply get a little hot), make sure you shower in a timely fashion.  If you don’t have time, buy some clarifying wipes and use them on your skin.

3.  Your body, like your face, needs some anti-acne assistance.  Use a clarifying body wash with salicylic acid in it on a regular basis to keep your skin as clear as possible.

Neutrogena Rapid Clear Treatment Pads - $7 for 60

Neutrogena Body Clear Pink Grapefruit Body Wash - $6

I hope this helps!  :)

Affordable Autumn Beauty Picks!

Colder weather is upon us!  As the leaves and seasons change, so must our beauty choices.  Here are my favorite products that I’ll be getting a ton of use out of this fall!  

If you want to see my post about my favorite Autumn 2012 Beauty Trends, click HERE!

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Face:

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Compact Foundation - $10

This is one of my old favorites, and I always bring it back out right around this time of year.  Once the cold weather hits (and hell, does it hit in Upstate NY!) my skin tends to dry out.  This keeps my complexion looking & feeling fresh and moisturized without caking.

ELF Studio HD Blush - $3

With the trendiest shades and beautiful color payoff, these blushes take the cake. They’re new and definitely worth checking out.  Their cream consistency blends beautifully into the skin and highlights your face unlike any other.

NYX Matte Bronzer - $8

This is a luscious, matte finish bronzer with no orange undertones, making it perfect for contouring or simply maintaining your summer glow!  This will sculpt your face and it blends beautifully, always looking natural.

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Eyes:

Wet n Wild Limited Edition Sparkle Til Morning Palette - $5 (photo cred GlossandGab)

Wet n Wild’s Color Icon eyeshadows never fail to please me.  They’ve recently released three Limited Edition 8-pan palettes, and this is my personal favorite.  The colors are all about fall (with the blue defining color as a little hint of pizzaz), and they blend beautifully.  Highly suggest you get it while you can!

Maybelline Line Stiletto Liquid Eyeliner - $6

Graphic eyes are very in this season, and I’m always up for the challenge!  This liner is perfect for creating my everyday flick, as well as more dramatic cat eyes and designs.  It’s affordable, pigmented, and easy to use!

Milani Brow Fix Brow Kit - $8

This brow kit has it all… three shades, two applicators, and even a set of mini tweezers!  The little mirror and tool rack is built right into the kit.  This kit comes in three different shades for different brow colors, and each kit provides a highlight for under the brows, as well as two shades to mix to create the perfect color for your brows.  Bold brows are a staple for any look these days!

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Lips:

Wet n Wild Mega Last Lipstick in Wine Room - $2

I absolutely adore these lippies… they’re so affordable, but are truly marvelous.  The formula is opaque, matte, and truly lasts on the lips longer than any other I’ve tried.  This shade is a gorgeous merlot shade that compliments all skin tones and is the perfect ode to fall.

Revlon SuperLustrous Lipstick in Black Cherry - $7

This creamy lipstick is dark, vampy, and absolutely luscious.  It goes on smooth and opaque, and the color is simply to die for.   This shade is so popular this season, and is really fun to wear.

Essence Stay With Me Lipgloss in My Favorite Milkshake - $2

These longwearing glosses are full of color and don’t make your lips stick together! This shade is a glorious natural pink, perfect for all skin colors and is a more flattering version of a nude lip.  

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Happy fall!  Stay beautiful and stay within your budget!

BUY THESE PRODUCTS:

Neutrogena

ELF

NYX

Wet n Wild

Maybelline

Milani

Revlon

Essence

If your company would like to have a product reviewed by DrugstorePrincess, please visit the PR Contact page.

Hi (: Is there a cheaper version of smashbox's antu-shine? Please and thanks!
◥		jcatalma

Hey there!

Smashbox Anti-Shine - $27

I love Smashbox Anti-Shine, simply because it REALLY works.  There isn’t much else out there that compares.

The only drugstore product that’s remotely similar is Neutrogena’s new Shine Control Primer.  It does work to control oil throughout the day, but it is not nearly as effective as the Smashbox version.  Fortunately it’s MUCH cheaper

Neutrogena Shine Control Primer - $11

For iloveyouwhore, I agree with drugstoreprincess's choice on Neutrogena's alcohol free toner. My face is extremely oily and it is my HG toner. Does not have a strong scent, it is not drying at all. And if anything, it is moisturizing and renews my skin. I even noticed my pores reducing in size. :)
◥		deactglamourwithpriscilla

It’s one of my favorites too!  :)

Have you tried any of the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Cutom Glow Blush and Bronzer combos? What did you think?
◥		takeitwithme

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Custom Glow - $9

Hello :)

I have one, which I purchased quite a while ago.  Of course I can’t speak for all of the shades offered, I did like the blush color that came with it!  It is a really pretty coral shade with a satin finish, and is nicely pigmented. (Natural Glow, I think it’s called… I’m not in the mood to go digging through my blush drawer to find it, haha) They are very smooth to apply and look very natural on the skin (not powdery).  However I don’t particularly care for the bronzer, simply because the one that I had was a bit orange-toned.  If I had selected a different duo, perhaps it would have been great as well!

The formula of them is very nice and did not cause any skin issues for me.  The idea of this kit is very handy - you have a separate blush and bronzer that you can use separately, or you can blend the two shades together to truly make the “custom glow”.  The colors themselves are rather buildable.

The only true negative to this was the small brush that came with it… it wasn’t soft or nicely shaped, and really detracted from the overall blush experience.  But I didn’t purchase the duo for the brush, anyway!

Overall I think they’re really great (and all of the other reviews I’ve read have been wholly positive as well), and I would recommend them.  :)

Hi, love love love your blog!! I was wondering if you had any suggestions for mascaras that are good for sensitive eyes and contact wearers?? Obviously Clinique is a high end go to for sensitivity, but how about drugstore brands???
◥		monicabowers

Hi, thanks!!

Neutrogena, Almay, and Physician’s Formula all are great for people with sensitivity.

Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara - $8  (Opthamologist tested)

Almay Get Up And Grow Mascara - $8 (“Made for sensitive eyes; Opthamologist tested)

Physician’s Formula Organic Wear Mascara - $9 (Hypoallergenic and “safe for sensitive eyes and contact wearers”)

Hope that helps you!

Best foundation for dry medium-tone skin? Best product to use for dark spots?
◥		Anonymous

My picks for dry skin:

Revlon Age Defying Spa Makeup - $8

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup - $9

Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse - $6

Covergirl NatureLuxe Foundation - $7

If your dark spots are caused by old acne marks, try Neutrogena Rapid Clear Fight & Fade Gel

Otherwise try Garnier Nutrisse Skin Renew Clinical Dark Spot Correcter

hi :) i know you have a section for mascaras but i was wondering if you've come across any good mascaras lately (preferably drugstore). i've been browsing reviews on makeupalley and the highest rated that i've found so far was maybelline's full 'n soft (any thoughts?). i like more of a natural look so that one seems perfect but i read that it has harmful chemicals so i don't feel too comfortable applying it on my eyes. do you know of any other safe/good ones? thanks in advance!! :)
◥		Anonymous

Hello!  I’ve tried so many mascaras it’s kind of pitiful to think about.  Full ‘n Soft was actually the first mascara that I ever used and LOVED to the point that I repurchased it for years.  I highly recommend it, although I wish the brush was thinner (it’s kind of fat, making it harder to use for people with shorter lashes).  The formula doesn’t flake and feels really light!

All mascaras, all makeup (even “organic” or “natural” makeup), has tons of chemicals in it, because that’s how it’s made.  You won’t be able to find anything without it!

Other mascaras that give a great, natural look…

Maybelline Lash Stiletto

Maybelline Mega Plush

L’Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes (original)

Neutrogena Healthy Volume

Rimmel Lash Accelerator

I need a new mascara for volume that doesn't clump or flake or feel too hard. I don't need lengthening. What should I get? Thanks!!
◥		jillypepper

To make your lashes look voluminous and full, you will need a mascara with a slightly thick formula, and a brush that is rather narrow with bristles.

Try:

L’Oreal Voluminous Original (or Carbon Black) - $8

Maybelline Full n’ Soft - $6

Neutrogena Healthy Volume - $8

Do you know any drug store products that hide blushing/redness without making your skin look over covered? (hope you get what I mean and love your blog!) :)
◥		themadhattergirl

Try a tinted moisturizer or BB cream!  They have very light coverage that barely looks like you have anything on, but when set with powder will cover imperfections like redness easily.  **Note that most American brands of “BB creams” aren’t the same as Asian brand BB creams, and are much more like a regular tinted moisturizer**

 Try:

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream - $8

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer - $9

Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfecter BB Cream - $10

Physician’s Formula Organic Wear Tinted Moisturizer - $9

These products contain SPF as well as good-for-your-skin moisturizers, giving you a fresh, dewy complexion that looks natural and glowing.  Since tinted moisturizers are much lighter than regular liquid foundation, they are nicer to your skin, and allow your pores to breathe.  If you have any spots, you can simply dab on a little concealer and set with powder for a completely flawless look!  

*I’ll be uploading a video on a Tinted Moisturizer face routine on my YouTube Channel soon!*

What's a great pressed powder for us combination girls for the summer? I've had no luck so far finding one that stays during the day and it's not even that hot yet? Thanks! :)
◥		theessentialeccentricity

Hello!  It’s not hot for you yet?  I’ve been melting the last week here!  haha

I highly recommend L’Oreal True Match as a pressed powder foundation.  It gives good coverage and you’ll definitely find the right color for you, as they have separated the shades by undertone.  It is also oil-free.

L’Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Compact Makeup - $7

Since you have combination skin, it is essential for you to apply a moisturizer beforehand!  I prefer oil-free versions, but ones for sensitive skin also do well for combo-skinned lovelies!

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture for Combination Skin - $9

Simple Hydrating Light Moisturizer - $8

To make powder last a long time, try a setting spray!  These take the chalky, cakey factor out of powder and leave skin looking fresh and natural.  They also help your makeup last all day.

ELF Makeup Mist & Set - $3

Hope this helps you!  :)

hi there,love your blog! im having a problem finding a natural looking foundation that will last all day, i have been using a tinted moisturiser but after applying in the morning i look in the mirror byt the afternoon and its all gone. Something that may also take away the redness of the cheeks. and im from the uk so preferably products that are available ! thanks, :)
◥		browneyed-bird

Hello, thank you!

I’m going to answer your question in two ways.  The first being how I make my tinted moisturizer last all day, and give me the look of perfect skin.

1.  I don’t put primer underneath a tinted moisturizer, because the moisturizing effect of my TM will be cancelled out, and the moisturizer won’t make the primer as effective!  

2.  Apply the TM all over your face, and then use a concealer on dark spots or blemishes.  Set everything with a nice face powder, which will help control shine and oil, making the whole look last longer.

3.  Setting sprays are my private miracle.  For everyday I just use my $3 ELF spray, which you can get online at http://eyeslipsface.co.uk -  setting sprays work like magic to control oil and keep your whole look in place for hours.

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As for natural-looking, light foundations, I’m not 100% positive on what’s available to you in the UK.   In general I would look for cream foundations, which will have buildable coverage.  You can buff these on lightly or create a more full-coverage look. Like I said, not sure on brands, but here are some suggestions anyway:

Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Foundation - $8

Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse - $6

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Cream Compact - $9

Hope this helps!  :)  And I must add, wearing a moisturizer underneath your foundation will keep you from looking cakey or heavy.