10 High-End vs Drugstore Makeup Products

If you’re looking to refresh your makeup this Spring this list of 10 high-end versus drugstore makeup products may come in handy.  I’m not an expert on beauty products and have always struggled with applying makeup.  I tend to sport a more au naturel look; however, as I get older I’m finding the need to define my eyes more despite my not so steady hand and apply a few other products.  I’m also not one who enjoys experimenting with makeup so I like to go into a store armed with a list of recommendations from friends or magazines.  A good friend of my daughter’s is passionate about makeup and  she loves to try different products.  I asked Lindsey if she’d be interested in sharing her favorite makeup products. Her makeup is always fresh looking to me, but not overly done.

Even though Lindsey is much younger  than I am the ten high-end and drugstore makeup products she has chosen aren’t limited to a certain age.  However, not all shades and colors look good on every skin type, but this list will give you some ideas of brands to try. I know there are several on Lindsey’s list that I plan on trying.

The following post is by Lindsey Tobin.

1.  Foundation 

High-End: NARS Sheer Glow ($45)

The NARS Sheer glow foundation will always be one of my favorites. It offers a very buildable coverage while leaving your skin with a healthy radiance. I suggest this more for people with dry to combination skin, but if you have oily then choosing a product like Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation ($37) will be better suited for you.

Drugstore: L’OREAL True Match Lumi ($12.99)

The True Match collection is one of the most well-known drugstore foundations. For me, the coverage is more light to medium, but, the hydration my skin feels after using this product is well worth it. For oily skin, lean more towards the original True Match ($9.99).

2.   Concealers

High- End: MAC Pro Longwear ($20)

If I could only use one Concealer for the rest of my life, this would for sure be it. I suffer from horrible under eye circles as well as some acne scarring, but this product completely diminishes the look of those problems. I place this over my problem areas after applying my foundation and set it with a powder and the coverage lasts almost all day, with few to none touch ups needed.

Drugstore: Maybelline Dream Lumi ($5.59)

This illuminating product works wonders for achieving bright skin. Use this to highlight under eyes, cheekbones, bridge of your nose, you name it and this product will do it. It’s the perfect product if I’m in a rush and need to make my skin tone look even, yet glowing and maintain a good complexion.

3.  Bronzer

 

High-End: Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer ($30)

This product is worth the price. Its small size fits perfectly in a makeup bag, as well as smelling incredible, but not to mention the fact that it applies the perfect finish. It’s easy to apply and blends beautifully.

Drugstore: NYC Smooth Skin Bronzer in Sunny ($2.79)

For such a low price, the quality of this product is outstanding. This applies as a natural look, and fits nicely in the hollows of your cheeks. Use this product for a sun-kissed glow.

4.  Blush

 

High-End: Lancome Miel Glace Blush Subtil ($30)

I lean more towards natural finishing blushes and typically pick up this product on the daily. The balance between my contour and blush blends very well together. It applies a youthful glow that lasts for hours and I’m always pleased with this product.

Drugstore: Milani Luminoso Baked Blush ($8.49)

I own every baked blush Milani offers but this one is my favorite. This blush is more peach toned, but still gives off a youthful finish. I apply this to the apples of my cheeks and then blend the product into my contour to not make my contour so harsh.

5.  Highlighter/Illuminizer

High-End: Dose of Color Pearl Dust Baked Highlighter ($28)

I cannot recommend this product enough. A small amount of this goes a long way. I use this product every day and my skin continuously looks healthy and clear. I apply this lightly over the tops of my cheeks, the middle of my forehead, and the bridge of my nose.

Drugstore: NYX Born to Glow Sunbeam Liquid Illuminator ($7.49)

On days when I want to keep up with a dewy skin finish, I lean towards this lightweight product. This can be used underneath foundation for an all over glow, or just as a basic illuminator.

6.  Eyebrows

High-End: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz ($21)

This is the first brow product that I ever used and the only one that has consistently stayed in my collection. The dual end product comes with the brow product and a brow comb at the opposite end. It’s perfect for filling in those sparse spots in your brows.

Drugstore: e.l.f Studio Eyebrow Kit ($3)

This is a product that includes a wax pomade and a setting powder. Brows look fuller and well-defined and the kit includes a brush to use, although I prefer to use my own full-sized brush as it gives me more control.

7.  Eyeshadow Palette

High-End: LORAC PRO Palette ($42)

An eyeshadow shade for everyone! This product includes 8 mattes and 8 shimmers. I’m still obsessed with this because it carries perfect shades from light to dark that you can really make some beautiful combinations. I’m almost in need of buying my second palette because I’ve hit the pan on most of the eyeshadows.

Drugstore: Maybelline Color Tattoo 24HR ($6.99)

Since I have yet to find a drugstore eyeshadow palette that I loved, I decided to share my favorite individual drugstore eyeshadow. The whole line of color tattoos are beautiful and apply with a smooth consistency

8.  Liquid Eyeliner

High-End: STILA Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner ($20)

If you can’t apply liquid eyeliner well, this felt tip liner is perfect for keeping a steady line. I wear winged eyeliner almost every day and this eyeliner ensures that the product won’t budge or smear.

Drugstore: NYC Liquid Eyeliner ($2.77)

This product is one for people who have a bit more control with a steady hand, as this is a complete liquid and not a felt tip. It’s long lasting and dries a complete matte black shade. The precision brush allows you to create a small line or a dramatic cat eye.

9.  Mascara

High-End: YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils Baby Doll ($30)

A pricey product that delivers what its worth. For me, this gives me long, thick and separated lashes. The small bristles offer an intense volume and coat your lashes from root to tip.

Drugstore: Maybelline The Rocket ($7.49)

The mascara I typically use, ‘The Rocket’ offers me smooth and thick lashes. It rarely clumps for me and is a cheap (price NOT quality) to the YSL Baby Doll mascara. This product is also very long-lasting.

10.  Lipstick/Lip Foundation

High-End: Buxom True Nude Lip Foundation in Revealed ($19)

To achieve that Kylie Jenner deep nude/brown this is the product I’m always grabbing. Pair it with a nude lip liner and your lips are set to achieve fuller, toned, and creamy finish.

Drugstore: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick #130 Rose Velvet ($8.99)

The mauve undertones are incredible. It applies exactly how the color looks in the lipstick tube. This lipstick rarely sets into the cracks of my lips, but just to ensure that it doesn’t I pair this with a chapstick underneath.

Do you have a favorite high-end or drugstore makeup product that you love? Please share in the comments.