15 Drugstore Beauty Essentials To Add To Your Makeup Bag

Over the years I’ve learned it’s not always necessary to spend a lot in order to have great products! While I may love the way my makeup bag looks when it’s filled with luxury brands, the reality is I actually PREFER drugstore products sometimes! Plus if I find a product I love, it’s so convenient being able to pop into my local drugstore to restock – rather than fighting crowds in a major department store.

Keep reading to learn about my all-time drugstore favorites for my everyday routine!

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1 – PIXI by Petra Glow Tonic ($15.04)

While moisturizers are my favorite product in my skincare routine, toners come in at a close second. They’re so fast and easy to use, plus I love how a toner really leaves my skin feeling so clean and refreshed! The PIXI Glow Tonic gently exfoliates and purifies your skin w glycolic acid to remove excess oils, leaving your skin brighter, balanced, and more radiant! Ever since I discovered PIXI products, I’ve been hooked. The Glow Tonic is one of their top-selling products, and you’ll see why after you try it!

2 – Garnier Micellar Water ($8.99)

I wrote a post about this micellar water years ago, and I’ve been using it daily ever since! It’s the miracle product in my makeup bag, because you can use it in so many ways! The micelles act like magnets to capture and lift away dirt and oil, leaving your skin ultra clean without needing to rinse with water after! Not only can I use this to take off my makeup or hydrate my skin, I can also use it to clean my makeup brushes, use it as a non-drying hand sanitizer, remove makeup stains, tone down a perfume scent if I spray too much, remove false eyelashes, and so much more! It’s the multi-purpose product you need in your makeup bag!

3 – Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes ($4.99)

You may think all makeup removing wipes are the same, but these are my favorite! They’re ultra-hydrating, plus they’re super soft on my skin. They remove all of my makeup easily, and my skin always feels to refreshed after!

4 – E.L.F. Face Primer ($6)

My skin tends to feel dry, so I am always hydrating my skin any chance I can get! I originally used the Smashbox primer, but I switched to the elf primer last year and love it! I apply it right before my foundation to help my makeup go on smoothly and last all day! E.L.F has a wide collection of primers, but the Hydrating and Poreless Primers are my top favorite!

5 – Olay Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer ($38.99)

If you’ve followed me for some time, you know I’ve been raving about Olay for a while! The Olay Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer is consistently one of the top-rated anti-aging moisturizers on the market, and it’s literally a moisturizing and plumping powerhouse! It’s ultra hydrating, but it’s lightweight and rich – without that heavy/greasy feel of other moisturizers. If you’re looking for a great everyday moisturizer with great anti-aging benefits, I highly recommend this one! Click here to read more about it! (Tip: it also comes in a fragrance-free version too! Read all about it here!)

6 – Almay Eye Makeup Removing Wipes ($4.99)

Whether I accidentally hit my mascara brush on my lids trying to amplify my lashes OR my eyeshadow falls beneath my eyes when I’m doing a smokey eye, these little eye makeup removing wipes are so convenient! I don’t waste a full makeup towelette, and the Almay pads are so much more concise than cotton balls for getting the job done without messing up the rest of my makeup!

7 – Maybelline Fit Me Foundation ($7.99)

I always keep a mix of foundations in my makeup bag to switch up for the day or occasion ranging from light BB creams to long-wear full coverage. For my everyday wear, I love the Maybelline Fit Me Foundation. It provides great coverage, it has built in SPF, and it creates a smooth finish. It comes in both “Dewy + Smooth” or “Matte + Poreless”, but I typically use the Dewy + Smooth for extra hydration. Since it’s such a great price point, I use it every morning – even if I’m not leaving the house!

8 – E.L.F. Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder ($4)

Yes, there’s a bronzer out there for $4, and it’s actually really great! I use the Turks & Caicos duo, and the bronzer delivers great color and the highlighter really brightens my complexion! I’ve been disappointed with way too many drugstore bronzers that don’t provide much color, but this one is fantastic! Plus since it’s only $4, I love keeping one in my purse h, so I can have a quick touch up when I’m out and about!

9 – E.L.F. Total Face Sponge ($4)

Some of y’all may disagree, but I feel like the original Beautyblender sponge is a bit overpriced for a small sponge – which is why I love the E.L.F. Total Face Sponge! I can use it with powder or liquid makeup, and it does the trick! I use the Anastasia Beverly Hills contour kit, and this sponge makes blending a breeze!

10 – Maybelline Great Lash Mascara ($5.99)

I remember my mom always used this mascara when I was a little girl, and it’s still my top pick to this day!

11 – Ardell Duo Eyelash Glue ($6.49)

False eyelashes are my favorite beauty trick for a night out, and the Duo eyelash glue is essential! I apply a thin line of the Duo glue before applying my lashes, and it will keep my lashes on all night! In fact, I’ve fallen asleep in my lashes many times, and they will still be on the next day! If you ever try false eyelashes, don’t forget this glue!

12 – Ardell Eyelashes ($4.99)

Speaking of lashes, the Ardell lashes are my favorite! I usually wear the Demi Wispies for a night out, and the Baby Wispies for daytime. Ardell has so many styles to try, so definitely pick up a pair next time you’re getting dolled up! Tip: I always cut a centimeter or two off the lashes so they fit my lids better! (And don’t forget the Duo glue!)

13 – Wet & Wild 1 Step Gel Polish ($5.29)

I’ll be honest, I’m not the best at painting my own nails (thank goodness for salons!), but this polish from the drugstore is the ONE polish I’ve found that is so easy to apply! Since it’s a gel polish, it’s a thicker consistency and goes on so smoothly. I usually only need one coat of the polish, and it dries so quickly! I always keep “Sher-Bert Day” polish in my makeup bag to touch up my toes when it’s sandal season!

14 – Almay Lip Vibes ($7.99)

First of all, how adorable is the lipstick packaging?! I love how creamy and non-drying these lipsticks are, plus they provide such a bold color! While they don’t last as long as a lip stain, these lipsticks are so fun for adding a pop to your look! (Currently: If you buy 2 at your Walgreens drugstore, you get 1 free!)

15 – Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner ($8.99)

I started wearing smokey black eyeliner in middle school, and it has been a part of my everyday look ever since! I’ve tried literally every brand, type, price point, you name it, and the Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner from the drugstore is my longtime favorite. The retractable pencil is so nice (does anyone else ALWAYS lose pencil sharpeners?!), and the color glides on so easily. The color lasts all day too! Regardless of budget, the Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner tops every other eyeliner in my book :) (Though the NYX retractable black eyeliner pencil falls in second)