When I was a beginner and was looking for what makeup items to purchase, obviously I was broke as hell and even $7 was a lot for me. But, I saw these n number of people calling some really expensive brands, drugstore. Like seriously? A $15 blush is NOT drugstore makeup, okay!! It’s not.
And that is why it took me months to build my first fully drugstore makeup kit because I was playing hunches on a few brands. Basically was saving money for every item I had to buy. ? And guess what? I loved every drugstore makeup item to my core. Hence, money well invested!
So here you go with my drugstore makeup kit items if you seriously are on a budget! No-fluff!
This post may contain some affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Which I promise to use on my next cup of coffee while writing content for you. You can read my disclosure policy here.
Drugstore makeup kit essentials
Before starting, remember, these all were my very first purchases so I wanted to invest my money well and in good products but also wanted to keep it all drugstore. If agreed, Go on reading 🙂
BONUS TIPS IN THE END!
Primer
For primer I chose Wet n Wild Photofocus face primer. It is ₹499/$6. Works as primer as well as strobe cream.
BUY IT AT AMAZON
Foundation
None other than Maybelline’s Fitme face foundation which retails for ₹500/$8. I got my perfect shade match which was difficult to find and it was money well invested.
BUY IT AT AMAZON
Concealer
I know it is a little more than cheap but still drugstore. And the point that my mum bought ut for me is justifying this.
It is Revlon’s colorstay concealer. It’s price is ₹799/$12. Honestly, by far the best concealer I have ever tried. So smooth and makes my dark circles disappear in seconds.
BUY IT AT AMAZON
Compact powder
I chose to buy compact powder simply because loose powders were hella expensive. Please say you feel me? I got me Maybelline’s Fitme compact powder just because it had the exact shade of my foundation and was quite affordable. Sells for ₹480/$8.
BUY IT AT AMAZON
Bronzer
It was again from Wet n Wild because girl, they make some goooooood products at low prices. I got their’s Megaglo contouring palette for ₹499/$8. Check out its full review because I know it’s worth it!
BUY IT AT AMAZON
Blush
My very first and only favourite blush of all times is from Wet n Wild coloricon blush in the shade mellow wine. And surprisingly, it retails for just, just ₹300/$5. Can you even believe it?
BUY IT AT AMAZON
Highlighter
I know now you’ll kill me when I’ll say my highlighter is from Wet n Wild in the shade blossom glow. Just for ₹499/$7. IT IS ONE OF THE GREATEST highlighter the world has ever seen. Trust me.
BUY IT AT AMAZON
Eyeshadow palette
Honestly, my first ever eye shadow palette was a PR that means it was free. Yes it was. And it was expensive and, I still use it.
Nevertheless, the one I bought was from Wet n Wild. It was their rosé in the air and comfort zone palette. And no I’m not obsessed with Wet n Wild but I just don’t have money to spend on makeup items that work the same. These were for ₹499/$7 each. But, since I got Comfort Zone palette’s one shade broken, it was made free to me.
Also, what is even the point of buying expensive makeup products when you can get dupes of them easily in the market. For more such dupes, go checkout this drugstore makeup dupes blog which I know you’ll love it.
BUY IT AT AMAZON
Eye-liner
Even though I don’t really like using eye-liner just because they are so difficult to use? I got myself LO’real’s gel eyeliner on a huge discount. The original price for this is ₹800/$10.
BUY IT AT AMAZON
Kohl pencil
I don’t really think this is available abroad but I love using Lakme’s eyeconic kajal which is only for ₹180/$2 and is so pigmented. Basically, it’s the only kohl I use. Yup!
BUY IT AT AMAZON (Only available in India)
Mascara
Hands down my favourite thing in the entire makeup I have, obviously after lipstick which actually I cannot live without so that’s a necessity.
Anyway, I’m not going back with this mascara and that is for sure. My first ever and maybe the only mascara I’ll ever use is Maybelline’s lash sensational mascara which sales literally for ₹510/$10 for the amazing work it does. No words, seriously!
BUY IT AT AMAZON
READ MORE: 8 Best drugstore waterproof sun proof mascaras of all time!
Lashes
I don’t really use one. So sorry but thank you!?
Lipstick
After the one, I fell in love with and all this makeup obsession started, which my mom bought ( if you don’t know the story check out in the about section ), my the most favourite lipstick of all times is Maybelline Creamy matte range’s Nude Nuance. What a beautifulllllll colour it is. Love it. Mwah! Sells for just, just ₹300/$6
It’s also the exact dupe of Mac’s world-famous Whirl lip shade. Wanna checkout more Mac lipstick’s dupes? Ahan, I bet you do!
BUY IT AT AMAZON
Setting spray
Just in case you missed Wet n Wild, yes my setting sprays were also from them. Their natural and matte versions. Couldn’t help but grab them for just ₹499/$10.
BUY IT AT AMAZON
First things first, these were the best I could get in cheapest price I could pay in India. Okay? and yes this is not any sponsored post?
Best effin’ tips to purchase cheap makeup
1. Look for discounts. ALWAYS. Save your money and spend it all in seconds when discounts happen. I bought everything above honestly for 40-50% off. Not your rich girl, maybe.
2. Know what you want and compare with all you could find. Look for honest reviews all over the internet. When that thing goes on discount, you want to hurry. Stocks end up real soon there.
3. Don’t worry if everything is just from when brand. You are just beginning. And we all wish one day we become so successful to purchase whatever we want at whatever price. Right?
4. So not buy new makeup until the previous at least half used. Try to hit pans before buying new ones. You do not want 5 highlighters which literally do the same thing, make your face shiny.
5. Filter your choices according to your skin type. When you filter matte foundations from 500 different foundations, you obviously don’t get overwhelmed and could find what you actually want.
6. Over-spending is normal but make sure you don’t end up burning your pocket. It’s your pocket and only you have to see it. Such as, if you are looking for $10 item, you could spend $15 max. Know your budget.
7. Buy expensive items only when you know your exact shade and that, that particular product will suit you. Go to a physical store to find that out first.
8. And, I love you. Lol! But I’m not kidding you guys?
Anyway, that’s a wrap for this blog. I hope you liked it and Thank you for bearing with The chirp star aka me.
If you happen to like everything I said, consider sharing it.
Till then, Keep safe, smiling and shining!
PIN IT FOR LATER!
