Although I do own plenty of high-end cosmetics, I am very fond of drug-store brand cosmetics.  In many cases,

these items can be just as good as higher end brands, but they lack the price tag of high-end brands.  So this week, I decided to ro

und up a few of my favorite drug-store brand items, listing a few pros and cons for each item.

Top, NYX Eye Shadow Base; Right, Rose Salve; Top, L’Oreal True Match Press Powder

The first up

is L’Oreal True Match Press Powder (CVS, $10.49).  This product is super blendable when used with a brush to apply it.  It also helps with oil control; since using this product, I haven’t had many oil control problems with my skin.  Another benefit of this particular brand is that True Match comes in a variety of shades and tones.  There are warm, cool and neutral tones.  However, this can be a con; since there are so many shades, it may take a bit of time to find the shade that matches you perfectly.

For those that don’t know, NYX’s cosmetics are some of the best drugstore products out there.  They have a great selection of eye shadow colors, and the pigments in those shadows are near professional quality.  They also have staying power.  Recently, I needed a new eye shadow base, so I wanted to give NYX’s a try.  I picked up the eye shadow base in skin tone ($7, online).  They have two other kinds, white and white pearl bases.  I have noticed that my eye shadow does stay on well, and the skin tone color of this base also has given my eyes a brighter glow to them.  However, I will say that the only downside of this brand is that I wish it came in more variety, like Urban Decay’s Potion Primers, which have several finishes.  However, you never know what a company could possibly make in the future.

Another item that I swear by is Rose Salve ($5.50, Bath and Body Works).  I usually buy this product at Bath and Body Works, although I have seen it at Sephora.  It’s a pink colored balm that can be used for everything from chapped lips to cracked skin.  It also adds this light pink glow to lips, which mimics a pink lip gloss.  However, this salve isn’t sticky like some lip glosses, nor is it greasy like some lip moisturizers.  It has a perfect balance of color, shine and moisture, which I often fine lacking in many lip products.  I have thought for some time about the negatives of Rose Salve and I can’t name any.  This is something everyone should have in their cosmetic bags, because it has so many uses.

Written by elizabeth

elizabeth

Elizabeth Klassner is a recent college grad from Scranton, Pennsylvania. When she isn’t working as an administrative assistant, she’s working part-time at a cosmetics store. Some of Liz’s favorite cosmetic and skincare brands include Benefit Cosmetics, L’Oreal, Clinique and Philosophy. Working in cosmetics, Liz has been able to test a variety of different products, as well as discuss products with her amazing co-workers. Although she loves finding and learning about all cosmetics, she really enjoys finding new lip products and creating the perfect smoky eye. Her style inspiration is Adele. When she isn’t working, Liz enjoys watching some of her favorite television shows, which include “The Golden Girls” and “Downton Abbey.”