Best Drugstore Beauty Products of 2016
Wet n’ Wild Megaglo Illuminating Palette– Forget paying $50 or more for a highlighting palette when you can get this one for $5 and it works amazing! Each shade is gorgeous and whether you’re looking to add a little bit of sparkle or a bronzed glowy look on the cheeks, it looks beautiful either way. Check out the full review over here with swatches.
Wet n’ Wild Megaglow Contouring Palette– I’m not joking when I say I use this palette on a daily basis for contouring. The contour shade is the perfect matte tone and the highlight shade works nicely as a setting powder. Again, at $5 you can’t beat it! I went through 3 of these puppies in 2016, so you could definitely say I’m a fan. Full review over here.
NYX Gotcha Covered Concealer– I just started using this a few months ago, but I always notice a difference in photos when I’m wearing this on my undereye area (a good difference). It conceals and brightens and a little bit goes a long way. Full review over here.
elf High Definition Translucent Setting Powder– When it comes to my undereye area, setting it with powder is a must. But because I have dry skin, I need something that isn’t going to make it look cakey which is why I’m in love with this product. Again, I use this on a daily basis and it was reviewed as a monthly favorite back in September.
Garnier Whole Blends Honey Treasures Repairing Mask– It was hard just choosing one favorite hair product for the year, but if I had to choose this Garnier repairing mask would be it. Every time I use it, my hair feels so silky, soft, and moisturized. I definitely recommend it.
Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer– I know you’re probably thinking I’m biased with this product, but seriously it works amazing at locking in that moisture during the winter months. I’ve been using it non-stop lately with the cold weather we’ve been having, and I can honestly say my legs are so smooth. See my full review + DIY with the Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer over here.
Rimmel BB Cream– When I want light/medium coverage for day-to-day wear, I always find myself reaching for this BB cream by Rimmel. I’ve also heard nothing but great things about the matte version of this too, and it was a beauty favorite of mine back in February.
Covergirl Lash Blast Supersizer Mascara– If you’re looking for a mascara that’s going to give you amazing length and volume at the same time, this mascara is perfect for you! I personally love how the wand is shaped to coat every tiny lash, making my lashes look gorgeous and long.
NYX Liquid Suede Lip Cream– I’ve really grown to love and prefer matte lip creams here lately, and this one is the best in its class. It glides on effortlessly and within just a few seconds it dries to a beautiful matte finish that is built to last.
Jordana Matte Lipstick– Last but certainly not least is my favorite lipstick brand of the year. Jordana matte lipsticks are amazing quality and they seriously last all day long. If you follow me on Instagram, 9 times out of 10 a Jordana lipstick is what I’m rocking in my photos.
Have you tried any of these awesome products yet?! If not, what are you waiting for? You can shop all my faves below!
Hope you have an awesome week beauties! Thanks for stopping by!- Cara
How is it possible that I only have 1 of the items on this list? The horror!
I use the Laura Mercier Secret Brightening powder for the undereye area. I love it but everytime I use it I remind myself I spent $38 on powder for my eyes haha. Once I’m out will have to try the elf.
OH no! You’ll have to try some of these out! haha and yes the elf powder is awesome! 🙂
I love the NYX liquid suede! It’s seriously my favorite. I’ve been using Jergens Wet Skin since your last post and it’s been a game changer!
Aw yay! I love to hear when my readers find products that work for them! 🙂
Thanks for sharing Cara! I’m always in search of a good moisturizer for the winter months around here especially. I will need to try the Jergens.
I think you’ll like it, Jennifer! They have several different scents to choose from too!
All of these products look so great! I need a new concealer, so I might try this one. Thanks for sharing!
Sarah
Bows & Clothes
You’re welcome Sarah!
That Wet N Wild contouring duo has been on my list forever. Definitely need to buy it now! It’s an amazing bargain.
It has the best pigmentation too! 🙂
I don’t know what I would do without my wet skin moisturizer! I can’t, for the life of me, remember to put moisturizer on 5 minutes after I get out of the shower. Being able to put this stuff on when I’m still wet is a dream. I also hate how moisturizer typically feels on your skin.
That’s why I love mine too! Plus nobody has the time to wait for lotion to dry for 5 minutes lol.
I love the Rimmel BB Cream and the Garnier Whole Blends!! I have the honey one and the cranberry one and they are both so good!
Oh there’s a cranberry one?! Must try that one out!
Great picks! Back when I first started my blog I was a huge high end makeup snob. But as time went on I have purchased more and more drugstore makeup. I still like SOME high end things but I MOSTLY wear drugstore too! Love the WnW Contour Kit and Highlight Kit and the Rimmel BB Cream.
Yay! Don’t get me wrong there are certain items I won’t buy in drugstore like eyeshadow palettes, but the way I see it is if you can find something for $10 that works awesome, why not choose it over something that is the same thing for $87 lol. It just makes logical sense. 🙂
I 100% agree on the Covergirl Supersizer mascara and Liquid Suede from NYX…both are AMAZING in my book!!!! I’m wearing that mascara today, actually. 🙂
Coming Up Roses
Yay! It does an awesome job at lengthening! 🙂
So many good choices here! I definitely want to try the Wet n Wild contour. I like the one I have now but my darker shade is just a tad off so maybe this will be better…and if it’s not its only $5! Thanks! Also, I need to try that lotion. Living in the north in the winter my skin is a messssss! Thank you for the suggestions.
I think it comes in 3 different shade choices, so hopefully you can find one that works! 🙂
I’ll have to try the Jordana matte! I love drug store picks haha the fancy stuff overwhelms/ confuses me!
Rachel | The Confused Millennial
It’s awesome! I pretty much pick up a new shade every time I make a K-mart run lol.
Other than a few purchases, I have always used “drug store” brand products. They aren’t as nice, but many products (like or similar to the one’s you’ve picked) still do a great job and I am thankful for that because I just don’t have a big budget for makeup.
I agree! My big thing is trying to help others understand that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get good quality makeup products that look great! I’m all about sharing my fave products, and glad you found this helpful Kristin! 🙂
I loved reading this! Drugstore brands are really all I ever buy, so when people write posts about these really nice but insanely expensive products I’m always a little put out haha. I’ve never tried any of these but I definitely want to now!
I know what you mean. Makeup is intimidating enough without adding a $100 or more price tag to it! Glad you loved it!
I love seeing which drugstore products other beauty bloggers are using. This is a great list and there are a few here I’ve been meaning to try! NYX is one of my fave inexpensive brands. Have a great 2017. 🙂
erin | sandsunandmessybuns.com
Thanks Erin, you too! 🙂
These are all amazing! I actually really love drugstore beauty products. Great round up
Liz
http://Www.lizzieinlace.com
Thank-you Liz!
Great post and I love this one because sometimes I don’t want to spend $25 on mascara!!
xo, Jessica || The Petite Diaries
Thank-you! Mascara’s shelf life is so short, I don’t like spending a huge amount on it so I love finding drugstore options! 🙂
Love reading about drugstore products! Jasmine and I are working on a drugstore-only face post for Friday. And that Liquid Suede is one of my favorite products ever!
Oh I’ll have to check it out now! 🙂
great round up of products, i love a good drugstore product!
http://www.layersofchic.com
Thanks! Me too!
I may have to try the wet skin moisturizer. I’ve been working my way through a giant bottle of unscented something or other for the last two years ha ha.
Yeah, they’re pretty awesome and I love that they dry so fast on the skin so you’re not waiting for your lotion to dry forever lol (I’m impatient). Plus they come in several different scents!
Jergens’ brand moisturizers are seriously the best! I use the tinted moisturizer but my skin has never been so smooth. And you can’t beat drug store prices!
I agree, Claire! 🙂
I like to mix things up in the beauty depo and every now and every now and then I find some great deals on drug store products! I always seem to go for the BB or CC creams! Thank you for sharing your list, these are all good products!
You’re welcome! It’s always good to know what’s available at the drugstore! 🙂
I have used a few of these products and they really help the budget. No point paying an insane amount of money for something you can buy for under $10!
Exactly! Plus when it’s something I’m not sure whether or not I’ll love, I’d much rather spend $5 than $50. lol
I have been thinking of trying to find a new concealer. I’m going to have to check that NYX one out!
It has great coverage! Works especially great for under eye circles (The struggle is real over here! haha) 😉
I so LOVE that your products are affordable, and what YOU use!!! Your photos are always so pretty, I am going to start using these! Especially the lipstick. I have been looking for a good one!
Aw thank-you! I’m all about finding inexpensive products that work well! 🙂
The super sizer is my absolute favorite mascara!
It is the BEST lengthener! Love it!
Awesome round up! I still need to try that wet skin moisturizer, everyone keeps raving about it <3
Green Fashionista
It’s been so amazing here lately with the colder weather!
Cara thank goodness you are not a make up snob. So nice to see a person can get great products from local drug store.
Haha I’m absolutely not a makeup snob. I’d much rather buy something at the drugstore! 🙂
Thank you! What a fab post. When I run in a drugstore in a hurry, I’m usually overwhelmed with the cosmetic options. It’s so helpful to know some of the best picks. I’ve had great success with NYX and with Elf. So excited to try a few new ones.
You’re so welcome! Both NYX and elf are awesome! I also swear by Wet n’ Wild products! 🙂
I love all of my NYX products, definitely will try some of the other ones!
It’s good to try out new brands every now and then! You never know what you might find and love! 😉
I’m with you on the Wet’n Wild Contouring palette. I freaking love that palette. So pigmented too.
I know! I originally bought it thinking it wasn’t going to be that great, but man I was wrong! lol
Awesome! Love the NYX concealer too, it’s magic
So glad you love it too!
I’m almost out of BB cream, maybe I’ll try Rimmel!
It’s a definite fave of mine!
I have been using the NYX Suedes for forever and love them! I will have to check out these other ones though.
They work amazing!
That is my go to mascara too! So how do you use the translucent powder? I bought some a while back and have yet to really use it…so you put your under eye concealer on and then use that setting powder so it stays all day? Do you pat it on or brush it on? Thanks!
I apply my concealer, then I either take my damp beauty blender and dip it in the translucent powder and pat it on the under eye area to “Bake” for a few minutes before brushing off, or if I’m in a hurry I’ll take a small brush dipped in the powder and lightly dab it on in a stippling motion under the eyes. This makes sure I’m not removing any of the concealer product but instead I’m filling in any potential creases. Hope that helps! 🙂
I really like NYX products! After reading your thoughts on the Wet n’ Wild Megaglow Contouring Palette, I am going to have to give it a try! I always love your recommendations!
Both the contouring palette and the megaglow palette are amazing! I use them constantly and love how it adds color/glow to my skin! 🙂
I see tons of my favorites! I’ve also been using the Jergens moisturizer daily…it’s amazing!
xo, Lily
Beauty With Lily
Yay! It’s the best for combating winter dryness!
I swear by Rimmel’s BB cream! That is amazing. I always have to get a new tube.
Agreed! I think I’m on my 3rd one right now! 🙂
NYX Liquid Suede was one of my favorite drugstore beauty products from 2016 as well! I have 4 or 5 different shades and I love them all!
I’ve yet to find anything else that beats them! They’re awesome! 🙂
I have not used any of these products before! I have heard great things about the Jergens lotion though. I have been tempted to purchase it. I have also heard good things about the Garnier honey line. I think I’ll have to go purchase these products soon!!!
Normally my skin is just sad in the winter (especially my legs) due to dryness, so the Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer has been amazing. Hope you find some great products! 🙂
I love the entire Whole Honey hair products. I dont care for the other blends in that line – but the honey? YES!
I agree, it’s awesome! 🙂
Love drugstore beauty product roundups! There are some items here I really want to try!
Glad you liked today’s post, Jamie! These products are all faves of mine! 🙂
I’m on the lookout for a new concealer so I’ll have to check out that one from NYX. 🙂 I’m using a Maybelline one right now and I don’t use it much because I can’t stand it.
Oh no! This one works awesome, but I’ll warn you a little of it goes a LONG way, so start out with a little and add more as needed. 🙂
NYX seriously killed it this year!
Agreed! They just keep getting better and better!
I keep seeing great things about the elf setting powder. Do you just use on eyes or all over? I have very sensitive skin so afraid to try new cosmetics but this one keeps coming up again and again!
I mainly use it under the eyes and a little on the t-zone to keep everything set for the day. I also have sensitive skin and haven’t noticed any issues. Maybe give it a try over a weekend to see if it works for your skin- I love it! 🙂
Love, love, love the wet skin moisturizer!! That Jordana Matte looks cute. I’ll have to try that!
So glad to hear you love the Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer! It’s a definite fave of mine! 🙂
I love trying out drugstore products! Great picks!
Belle | One Awesome Momma
Thanks Belle!
Wonderful list. A couple of these products I already use and love. Think I’ll have to try some others on your list as well. I would add oil of olay products to the list. Always been a huge fan of their products.
I haven’t tried any of their products in a long time, but might have to again. Thanks for the recommendation! 🙂
Love posts about drugstore beauty products! You are so good at reviewing them. Love the lash blast and anything Jordana. Happy Wednesday!
Jordana lipsticks are the best!
Oh this is awesome! I’m always trying new make-up so I love finding new products that don’t break the bank.
Glad you enjoyed today’s post! 🙂
So glad to hear about that concealer- I need something new for my under eye area!!
Happy to help! It works wonders for me! 🙂
That Jordana matte is one of my faves!
I swear by those lip sticks! 🙂
Great post! Like every gal I enjoy splurging on higher end products every once and a while but it is hard to afford those products for everything. It is nice to have more affordable options. It seems less and less people are leaving these kinds of reviews on blogs. Thanks for the help.
Thank-you! Like you said, we all can’t buy high end products all the time, so I love being able to find great quality drugstore options. Glad you enjoyed today’s post! 🙂
I love this post! I am not one to spend a lot of money on makeup, so it’s like you wrote this post just for me 🙂 Thanks!
You’re so welcome! I’m all about great products at a low price! 😉
Thanks for the post, I am always looking for new products to try! What type of drugstore brushes would you recommend? I am in desperate need of a replacement
I really love e.l.f. professional brushes (they have a black handle) or wet n’ wild’s eyeshadow brushes. Both are inexpensive options $1-$3 each and I’ve been using several of them for a couple years now and swear by them! Hope that helps! 🙂
Great Post!
Thanks!
I’ve been meaning to try the granier whole blends range, but I haven’t been able to find it at my local CVS. Hopefully I’ll be able to pick it up to try! Loved reading your favorites, Cara!
Thanks Kiara! I actually found mine at Wal-mart, so try there if you still can’t locate it! 🙂