Occasionally in life, you are lucky enough to experience a makeup miracle, that comes in the form of drugstore makeup. If you need to be a little more thrifty this season — heck, the cost of living is expensive, never mind the price of makeup — spring 2017 drugstore makeup products recommended by experts will come to your rescue.
You've likely been there before: You reach the end of the tube of your favorite designer makeup and it's nowhere near payday. You're desperate, so you try your luck with a drugstore product you've never heard of and that's when the magic happens. You discover a hidden gem that is exactly what you wanted and more and if you're really #blessed, it might be better than your designer products.
There are so many amazing drugstore makeup brands out there that it can feel like you're an intrepid explorer discovering new lands. Although, if you put a foot wrong, you might end up with a product that is exactly the opposite of what you wanted. With that being said, it's always best to enter the realm of drugstore makeup with an experienced guide.
So I spoke to a bunch of experts to get their recommendations on the best drugstore makeup products to try in spring 2017.
1. Carmex Comfort Care
Carmex Comfort Care Colloidal Oatmeal Lip Balm, $7, Amazon
"Carmex recently launched their Comfort Care line, which helps to restore your lips after the harsh winter weather. The flavors are perfect for spring/summer too, I love the mixed berry and watermelon flavors," beauty and lifestyle expert Jeanette Zinno, tells Bustle over email.
2. L'Oreal's Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation
L'Oreal Paris Cosmetics Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation Creamy Natural, $10, Amazon
"The exciting thing about drugstore brands is that most are starting to really step their game up," explains Honey Artists makeup artist Robert Greene, "offering affordable products that really deliver results. I'm really loving L'Oreal's Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation. It offers 24 hour coverage with an all day glow, without looking heavy. This formula is comparable to many high end foundations, and for the price point, it is a must have."
3. Rimmel Fix & Perfect Primer
Rimmel Fix & Perfect Foundation Primer, $15, Amazon
"Beautiful skin is always on trend," says Min Min Ma, a Honey Artists makeup artist, "You can achieve it with a healthy lifestyle and well-rounded skincare regime as well as good makeup products."
"I love using a primer before foundation or even on its own because it helps to smooth, matiffy, and brighten the skin. My client Debra Messing swears by Rimmel Fix & Perfect Primer and I got hooked as well. Apply a thin layer of the primer with fingertips after your usual skincare. Let it sit for a minute or two, then proceed with base makeup," she explains over email.
4. Yes To Products
Yes To Cotton Comforting Facial Wipes 25 Count, $5, Ulta
"Yes To is a great drugstore brand and is more natural than a lot of options out there. I personally use their cotton smelling facial wipes and their coconut cooling lip oil for hydration," says Zinno.
5. NYX Baked Blush
Baked Blush, $7, NYX Cosmetics
"Pretty cheeks are in this spring with a twist of 80’s fun. I love NYX Baked Blush in 'Pink Fetish' because it gives you that poppy pink without looking too intense as it has soft shimmers in the formula," says Min Min Ma.
6. CVS Nail Polish Corrector Pen
CVS Nail Polish Corrector Pen, $4, CVS
"I love this pen for when I’m fixing my mani in a taxi or I’m just on the go and I make a nail polish mistake. It’s a lifesaver!" Says Zinno.
7. Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Oil
Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Oil — 621 Crimson Breeze, $8, Ulta
"The drugstore product launch I am most excited about is the Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Oil. It is 100% natural with meadow-foam seed and coconut oils, [and it] imparts the fun high shine of a gloss and the comfort of a lip balm. Not to mention the colors are flattering for every skin tone," explains Honey Artists makeup artist Suzy Gerstein, in an email to Bustle.
8. Maybelline’s Rock Nudes Eye Shadow Palette
The Rock Nudes Eye Shadow Palette, $12, Maybelline
When it comes to on trend eyeshadow, Zinno says, "Play around with the purple and blue eye shadows to create a colorful twist on the classic, dark smokey eye, a fun trend we’ll be seeing throughout 2017."
9. Rimmel's Kate Moss Lipsticks
Rimmel Lasting Finish Lip Color-Kate Moss Collection 010, $4, Amazon
"I have few favorites," admits Honey Artists makeup artist Azra Red, over email, "one that I am using right now is Rimmel's Kate Moss lipsticks. Best nudes and reds for any skin shade. Formula is super creamy and hydrating but it stays put all day too. I use it on my models and always carry one nude and one red in my purse for day and night looks."
10. e.l.f.'s Mad for Matte 2 Palette
e.l.f. Mad For Matte 2 Eyeshadow Palette, $10, Elf Cosmetics
"I have also noticed more brands trying to bring a professional experience to the consumer by creating palettes," says Greene. "Eyes will always be on trend," he continues, "and e.l.f.'s Mad for Matte 2 Palette is a brilliant selection of 10 colors, which is really a great buy. I love the variety of the color story in this palette a lot!"
11. L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Dual Effects In "Emerald Conquest"
L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Dual Effects 290 Emerald Conquest (Pack of 2), $19, Amazon
Zinno explains, "Embellishing the eyes with glitter, designs, and colors is an emerging trend that this emerald green eyeshadow would be perfect for."
12. Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Blush
Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Blush, $8, Amazon
"I love this bendable blush by Physicians Formula, you can go subtle or radiant with your look. And the hearts are so cute!" Says Zinno.
13. Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner In "Charcoal"
Maybelline New York Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner Charcoal 954, $7, Amazon
"Anyone looks good when sporting an eyeliner look. In 2017, we’re seeing lots of liner looks focusing on tracing the upper and inner rims of the eyes such as on [the] Rag & Bone and Thierry Mugler runway[s]," explains Min Min Ma.
"I like to pick a deep color (such as black, midnight blue, or dark purple), trace the liner along the rims and lash lines, and smudge slightly with [my] fingertip. Try Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in 'Charcoal'," she recommends.
Drugstores are like the Aladdin's caves of the beauty industry and there's bound to be a treasure trove of beauty products just waiting for you to stumble upon. With these expert recommendations, you might be in need of a basket or five when you next visit your local drugstore!
Images: Courtesy Brands
