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My Favorite Bargain Makeup Products

By Courtney 40 Comments

It’s time for some more makeup talk!

Last week, I shared some of my favorite Sephora makeup products and, as promised, this week I’m sharing some of my favorite bargain (aka, more affordable) makeup loves.

bargain makeup

Some of these I’ve been using forever, and others have become favorites over the past year or two, but all currently always refreshed in my makeup bag, so let’s get to it.

Revlon ColorStay Makeup for Normal/Dry Skin in shade 250

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I actually started using this foundation on the recommendations from so many of YOU after me asking you guys for your favorites about a year and a half ago. I’ll occasionally get bored with it and want to try something new, but I never do because I hate finding new foundation. I’ve tend to use the one for Normal/Dry Skin in the winter and Combination/Oily Skin in the summer, based on what is usually happening with my skin during those seasons. Great coverage, good price.

Maybelline Expert Wear Brow & Eye Liner in Light Brown

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Ohhh, junior high. Back when I was in about, oh I don’t know, 7th or 8th grade, I got a little crazy with the tweezers. Ever since then, my eyebrows have just not grown back the same. Sure, I still need to tweeze some, but many of them just never returned. (Don’t worry, it’s not like my eyebrows don’t exist when I’m not wearing the stuff). This just helps fill them in a bit.

Maybelline New York Expert Wear Eyeshadow in Champagne Fizz

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This one has been in my rotation for years and is just a little something that I use to brush on my eyebrows. I swear, every single time I get my makeup done by someone else, they always want to darken my eyebrows and it just makes me look downright scary. This gives them just a little bit of lightness which I really like.

Maybelline New York Unstoppable Eyeliner in Espresso

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I don’t always wear eyeliner, but when I do (cue the most interesting man in the world there, right?) I really like this one by Maybelline. A major selling point for me is that you don’t need to sharpen it like regular pencils (it’s a twist up) so that saves on time for sure. It glides on really smooth and lasts all day.

CoverGirl Lash Curler

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I can’t go without my eye lash curler! I’ve tried a few different ones but I just like the feel of this one when I’m using it. I typically curl my lashes before putting on mascara and after all of my foundation/base makeup is on. I do three pumps; one at the base, one midway up the lash, and one at the tip. Then I go back and curl once more midway to give an extra boost.

CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara in Very Black

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I’ve also been a loyal fan of Cover Girl mascara for a long time now. I just really like the way it looks on my lashes, and while I’ve tried other more expensive brands that work just as well, this is one item that I just prefer to buy cheaper.

Sonia Kashuk brushes from Target

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I own a few different types of brushes (some are from Sephora) but I am really loving the Sonia Kashuk brand. This is a bit of a newer find for me, but I am in need of a new bronzer and blush brush, so I’m planning on picking those up, too. Good quality, good price.

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So there’s that! My favorite bargain makeup finds. Now let’s hear from you guys…what are some of your favorites?!? Any recommendations?

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Related

October 21, 2014 Filed Under: Fashion, Makeup Tagged With: CoverGirl Lash Curler, Covergirl Lashblast Fusion Water Resistant Mascara in Very Black, Maybelline New York Expert Wear Eyeshadow in Champagne Fizz, Maybelline New York Unstoppable Eyeliner in Espresso, Revlon ColorStay Makeup in Fresh Beige 250, Sonia Kashuk

About Courtney

I'm a working mom of two beautiful little boys, Lucas and Alex, and I began writing Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life in April 2010. I enjoy chronicling my love of food (healthy and indulgent!), baking, motherhood, fitness, fashion, and everything in between!

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Comments

  1. Linz @ Itz Linz says

    October 21, 2014 at 6:57 am

    i love almay's eyeliner - you don't have to sharpen it either - you just roll it on and it stays put forever!!
    Reply
  2. Shel@PeachyPalate says

    October 21, 2014 at 7:17 am

    Do you guys have Bourjois there? I love their healthy balance foundation!
    Reply
    • Courtney says

      October 21, 2014 at 11:58 am

      Hmmm, I don't think so??
      Reply
  3. Brynn says

    October 21, 2014 at 8:22 am

    Mascara and lipsticks are my favorite items to but at the drug store (probably because I have so many and would go broke otherwise). I like Maybelline and Loreal mascara and Maybelline butter lips and NYX lipsticks.
    Reply
  4. Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections says

    October 21, 2014 at 8:26 am

    I love seeing other people's "normal" make up finds. I dislike seeing these posts with like $50 foundation and all this high end stuff that I would never buy! I do have some nice make up, but usually I go for drugstore stuff. I want to try that light eye shadow now, I'm always running out!
    Reply
  5. Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says

    October 21, 2014 at 8:27 am

    L'Oreal's Miss Manga Mascara is my current favorite. Which reminds me that I'm out and need to go get some more pronto because the mascara I'm using now juts isn't cutting it!
    Reply
  6. Parita Kuttappan says

    October 21, 2014 at 8:32 am

    If you ever want to upgrade your brow pencil, I highly recommend you try Anastasia of Hollywood Brow Whiz. It's a bit on the pricier side but it gives a super natural look. And this is coming from someone who resisted brow pencils for a very long time!
    Reply
    • Courtney says

      October 21, 2014 at 11:58 am

      Thanks for the tip, Parita! :)
      Reply
      • Noelle says

        October 22, 2014 at 8:11 pm

        LOVE Anastasia brow wiz pencil!!! I have very sparse eyebrows and this makes them look very natural. I panic when I'm running low!
        Reply
  7. Erin says

    October 21, 2014 at 9:28 am

    I LOVE the Expert brow pencil. I literally had the same brow drama years ago and it's been a super reliable tool to getting them er.. normal looking. My fiance is British so whenever it's my turn to visit I stock up my fave (very inexpensive) Brit makeup line, MUA. They have this amazing tinted brow mascara, which is my new obsession. It takes seconds to apply and it makes brows look perfectly shaped and full. http://www.muastore.co.uk/eyes/brows I think you can also buy some of their products over here now at CVS as well.
    Reply
  8. Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says

    October 21, 2014 at 9:33 am

    I really like the new lip colors by Burt's Bees - the pencil crayons. I am also a big fan of Physician's Formula mascara.
    Reply
  9. Ilene says

    October 21, 2014 at 9:36 am

    Love love love NYX glosses and lipsticks! Great price and quality. Also really love using Real Techniques brushes from Ulta and possibly target? They're great quality and very affordable too!
    Reply
  10. Alexa @ Simple Eats says

    October 21, 2014 at 9:46 am

    I love NYC's black liquid eyeliner. It's super cheap and it's black but has a little hint of shimmer. I've tried other drugstore brands and expensive ones, but I keep coming back to this!
    Reply
    • Courtney says

      October 21, 2014 at 11:58 am

      I think I used to use that one back in the day, if I remember correctly...?!
      Reply
  11. Chelsea@TableForOne says

    October 21, 2014 at 10:23 am

    I think I have finally nailed down my favorite makeup finds (most of them are drugstore brands). I have used Cover Girl eye shadow in shimmering sands forever and also love Almay's eyeliner. Their liquid eyeliner rocks too and is so easy to apply. My go-to foundation is Loreal True Match Powder. I have super light skin that is prone to dryness and this one works like a charm for me!
    Reply
  12. Carrie (This Fit Chick) says

    October 21, 2014 at 10:29 am

    we use the same eyeliner! I love that one! I'm all about basic, cheap products--- I dont use anything fancy!
    Reply
    • Courtney says

      October 21, 2014 at 11:57 am

      Twinsies!! :)
      Reply
  13. lauren says

    October 21, 2014 at 10:32 am

    LOVE these posts. Seriously, I'm makeup stupid. I need help! I just went back and watched your vlog this morning too. I was clinique obsessed pre-mortgage/baby, I loved perfectly real foundation and stay matte powder. I've been using neutrogena tinted moisturizer - which is awesome on the weekend - but I need something more for weekdays. What's the thickness like on that revlon one? Is it thick or watery? Do you use powder or compact makeup ever? If I don't, my forehead looks shiny. Any recommendations? Any blending tips? I'm always afraid I'll mess everything up by blending it all together. I think you should do some more vlogs. And keep up the posts like this! Did you ever do a hair one? I'd love to hear how you store everything too. My bathroom drawer is a nightmare.
    Reply
    • Courtney says

      October 21, 2014 at 11:56 am

      Thanks, Lauren! -The foundation isn't too thick, in my opinion. The one for normal/dry skin actually is a bit thicker than the one for combination/oily so if you like a lighter feel, I think the one for oily would be better. -I don't use power or compact makeup, just bronzer. Sorry I can't really help there! Maybe someone else in the comments...? -Blending tips...hmmm. I don't get too crazy, really. I honestly do a lot of blending with my fingertips once applied (especially blush...don't wanna end up with a clown-like complexion!) -I haven't done any vlogs or posts really about hair, but I'm hoping to eventually! ;)
      Reply
      • lauren says

        October 21, 2014 at 12:24 pm

        Thanks for responding! I'll try your "3" trick with the bronzer. I'd love to skip a step with the powder. I kind of like the thicker ones, the last drugstore foundation I tried was way to thin (L'oreal true match). I'd completely forgotten that most drugstores have a great return policy! I love that eyeliner by the way and I'm also guilty of lining the inner rim. That and mascara are my faves!
        Reply
  14. Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says

    October 21, 2014 at 10:33 am

    Bargain makeup is right up my alley. Tarjay is where it's at. ;) I use that same foundation too after reading the recommendations from everyone on your blog post over a year ago and still love it! Another one of my all time favorites is Revlon ColorStay eyeliner. I get asked all the time what kind it is. It doesn't smear and is super easy to apply. I've been using it since high school and still love it to this day.
    Reply
    • Courtney says

      October 21, 2014 at 11:49 am

      I was just looking at that eyeliner recently! Glad to know that it's a good one in case I ever decide to make a switcherooo ;)
      Reply
  15. Danica @ It's Progression says

    October 21, 2014 at 10:38 am

    I love the eyeliner from 100% Pure. It doesn't appear to be a bargain by its price, but it's the best quality and one stick lasts SO SO long, like over a year and I wear it every single day!
    Reply
  16. Dena says

    October 21, 2014 at 10:39 am

    I tried that Revlon make-up, too, after reading all the recommendations, but I think it smells like paint thinner. Is it just me? lol
    Reply
    • Courtney says

      October 21, 2014 at 11:48 am

      Haha! I never got that smell from it but hey, you can't help what you're smellin'! ;)
      Reply
  17. Jasmine @ a cupcake for my thoughts says

    October 21, 2014 at 10:57 am

    I can't go a day without my eyelash curler, I always use it!! My favourite mascara is Maybelliene Great Lash Big, I love it and it's the only one I've used for the past two years! I stopped wearing foundation because I never liked the feel of it on my skin, now I use Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser and it makes my skin SO soft and hides imperfections!!
    Reply
    • Courtney says

      October 21, 2014 at 11:48 am

      I've never heard of the Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser - may have to check that out! Thanks for sharing :)
      Reply
      • Dena says

        October 21, 2014 at 11:50 am

        Maybe I should try it again....maybe I got a "bad" bottle? Acccckkkkkkk!
        Reply
      • Jasmine @ a cupcake for my thoughts says

        October 21, 2014 at 12:45 pm

        Some of my friends thought it was greasy, but a little goes a super long way! I find on days where I need foundation, I'll put this underneath and the foundation sits on my skin so much better :)
        Reply
  18. Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says

    October 21, 2014 at 10:59 am

    I'm right there with you on so many of these. Other than my concealer, I get all of my make-up from Target. And I'm always trying to grow my poor brows back in heavier!
    Reply
  19. Stacey M. says

    October 21, 2014 at 11:12 am

    I'm not a huge makeup person. Most days, the only makeup I apply is mascara and some kind of eye shadow. However, I will admit that I do go to a greater effort with my makeup routine every once in a while, usually for special events. Even in these cases, I like to look as natural as possible. I am currently in love with Maybelline's The Colossal Volum' Express mascara, in glam black. This is the only (drugstore) mascara I've found that applies evenly and without clumping and gives me a major boost in terms of volume. I have pretty wimpy and short eyelashes, so I need all the help I can get in the volume department. I've been wearing it for quite a few years now and absolutely love it. When I'm looking for some coverage on my otherwise bare face, I do like to use Revlon Age Defying CC Cream. I find it provides enough coverage for my face, but not so much that I feel like I'm wearing a mask. I just apply a thin layer wear I need it most, and top it off with some powder.
    Reply
    • Courtney says

      October 21, 2014 at 11:47 am

      I love a natural look! As much as I enjoy wearing makeup, some days it's just SO much easier to go without, haha!
      Reply
  20. Sabs says

    October 21, 2014 at 11:40 am

    My fave products are MAC Cosemetics but I find you're able to get some good bargains at Target as well!
    Reply
  21. Angela @ HonestlyAngela says

    October 21, 2014 at 11:55 am

    I have sensitive skin that also breaks out if I use make-up that contains oils. I mostly use smashbox make-up. I do like L'Oréal mascara. I am going to check out make-up brushes next time I am at target!
    Reply
  22. Christa says

    October 21, 2014 at 12:41 pm

    I started using that foundation because of your recommendation and I LOVE it!! I also use the brow pencil and seriously feel naked without filling them in. I was wondering if you put powder of anything on top of the foundation to set it? I am always looking for a good one.
    Reply
  23. Ashley @ Sweet Carolina Belle says

    October 21, 2014 at 2:45 pm

    I am a huge mascara girl. Covergirl is my favorite brand at the drugstore. I wish I could do eyeliner but feel so strange with it on! Target is my go to for quick makeup needs.
    Reply
  24. Emily @ Sweets and Beets says

    October 21, 2014 at 2:45 pm

    Thanks for sharing! I love Ulta and Sephora, but it's so nice to see some great bargain makeup! I also went a little crazy on the brows in middle school, hehe.
    Reply
  25. Erica says

    October 21, 2014 at 9:01 pm

    Revlons color stay liquid eyeliner in black out has been a MUST in my makeup bag for a decade. Hands down the BEST liquid eyeliner! Love it for a little definition or a big cat eye look!
    Reply
  26. Amanda @ A Latte Learn says

    October 21, 2014 at 9:33 pm

    I have acne prone skin and for years I was never happy with my foundation until I found that Revlon Colorstay! Love it and the Sonia Kashuk brushes!
    Reply
  27. Angela Han says

    October 21, 2014 at 9:35 pm

    Maybe you can do a step by step tutorial on your make up routine?
    Reply

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Sweet Tooth Sweet Life
Court Profile CircleI'm Courtney, a 30-something wife and working mom living in upstate NY. I'm a food lover, fitness enthusiast, baker extraordinaire and lover of all things sweet.
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