Sometimes drugstores are more tempting than a run to Sephora or Ulta. I mean $5 lip glosses next to candy bars. #Sold
But as many girls know, you can easily overspend there and end up with products you feel pretty “meh” about. Then I’m sitting there with 4 eyeshadow palettes thinking, “Why didn’t I just buy the one I actually wanted at a department store?” However, there are gems and products I think that are better than a high-end duplicate. It sometimes can just be a little hard to find where they are or what products are best for you. I thought I’d round up my top 10 favorite drugstore beauty products so you can try on your next run to pick up vitamins, cold medicine and 14 different lip glosses! 😉
I first purchased this product back when I worked in PR and it had just launched. One of my coworkers came to my desk and told me how on our lunch break we needed to hunt down this toner all over Dallas. It’s a toner that promises to make pores appear smaller, fade acne scars, smooth over fine lines and exfoliate so you don’t get blemishes. Essentially the glycolic acid removes dead skin cells the aloe vera and ginseng allow your new skin cells to look healthy and have a glow. Overall, I say it just gives you the most incredible skin texture! From dry patches to clogged pores this toner battles it all. I picked it up at Target, but also I want to note I don’t use this product during pregnancy because of the acids!
I’m a huge fan of matte lipsticks and an even bigger fan of a bright pink or red lip. However, with shooting and switching lip colors I can be left with what one might lovingly call vampire lips. You know, chapped, stained and it just makes the issue worse when you go to apply a different color. This product is a life saver when shooting because I can rub it on, wipe it off and my lips are my natural shade again and moisturized! It truly works so much better than a makeup wipe.
Double cleansing is the only way to wash your face in my book. First, you’ve got to remove makeup and grime then you can really wash your pores! For my first cleansing step I like to use an oil and I’ve used everything from coconut oil to different removers on the market. I do have a few high-end favorites but if I’m in a pinch and just want something from Target, this is wonderful! I really love that this has rosehip in it. Rose was a huge skincare trend last year, and for good reason. It gives you baby soft skin that looks incredibly moisturized.
If you love Nars Orgasm [or Nars blushes in general] you will LOVE this blush. Same consistency, same “looks good on everyone” shade. My photographer, Angie, is Laotian so she has the most beautiful tan skin [which I’m always jealous of!] and this is her favorite blush. So if you and I don’t share the same skin tone, do not even worry. Go swatch this blush and I promise you’ll love it the same. Next on my list from Milani is their blush in Dolce Pink.
5. L’Oréal Amber Rush Eyeshadow
One of my favorite bloggers, Laura from Buy Now Blog Later, tweeted about this eyeshadow while I was in NYC. I drug Paul to about 3 different drugstores there to find it! haha. The pigmentation is great, applies smoothly, and melts into my lids like a dream. It reminds me of a MAC shadow but with more product! It lasts 24 hours, doesn’t crease and feels like velvet.
Do not hold me accountable for what I’m about to say the next time I buy another lip gloss. Seriously. I will deny what I said. BUT, I don’t know why I ever buy any other lip glosses other than these. They are a steal, smell divine, give a great shade and moisturize my lips. They remind me of MAC lip glosses but I think the pigmentation on these is far superior. My two favorite shades are Éclair and Fortune Cookie.
Another NYX product I love is their Strobe of Genuis Illuminating Palette. I prefer more cool-toned highlighters [for example Champagne Pop looks dreadful on my skin] and this one is perfect. You get everything from a purple to reduce redness to a tan for summer months, but everything feels more cool and neutral.
My Nana always has Aquaphor on hand and so I’ve kept the trend going in the family. Got a cut? Aquaphor fixes it. Hang nail? Aquaphor. Peeling skin from a burn? Aquaphor. So naturally, their lip remedy is in my GLAMbox and my nightstand. Pregnancy does a number on your lips and they can always seem chapped and this is one of the only things that really works.
9. L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Primer
I kept thinking I hadn’t photographed this primer and was wondering why, but now I’m cracking up at myself because it’s on the book! It’s just a white primer so it blends in. haha. The Voluminous Mascara is something found in every girl’s makeup bag and is always one of my top favorite mascaras. The primer holds up just as well! This coats your lashes before you apply mascara and it makes such a difference with length and volume. I don’t use Neulash right now [my one true love!] so this helps make up for the difference. 🙂
10. Milani Matte Blissful Lipstick
This one isn’t photographed because I actually found this product after the shoot, but I am obsessed! The Milani matte lipsticks have the pigmentation and texture of a luxury brand. I’m also a huge fan of anything “mauve” with my skin tone and this lipstick is a mauve-pink!
What are your drugstore favorites?!
Photography by: Angie Garcia
Your commentary on Aquaphor made me laugh and think of My Big Fat Greek Wedding where they use Windex to cure everything. I feel the same way about Aquaphor! I keep a tub by my bedside table and rub it into cuticles, chapped lips, and any other dry spots! You also have me sold on those NYX glosses and the Pixi Glow Tonic. I’ll definitely be making a trip to the drug store today.
Hope you have a great weekend!
That’s hilarious! I seriously almost wrote that while writing this blog post, so I’m glad you got my reference to it! haha. Yay! I hope you enjoy!
xo,
Katey
Hi Katey,
This blog post is filled with type-o errors, and bad grammar over all. This has been the trend in your blog posts ever since you announced “I’m rushing to write all these posts, so I can take maternity leave”. You’ve had less and less writing which seems just plan lazy and rushed. Your best blog post have more than just a few sentences. I get it, your pregnant ya got a lotttttttt going on. BUT if you don’t have time to thoroughly do a blog post and give it 100% (be honest you haven’t been), don’t put one up. You don’t have to have a blog post everyday. I’m sure most of your readers will agree with me, that it’s quality over quantity.
Thanks.
Hi Ashley!
Thank you for taking the time to read and for sharing your honest opinion, that truly means a lot to me! I apologize about the errors in my blog post as I pride myself on working hard to create great content for you all. I promise that I’m not simply rushing to get blog posts completed. There isn’t an excuse for errors, but if there is a reason I’m not checking as thoroughly it’s because of how I am at the end of my pregnancy. I still have morning sickness, I have a dislocated rib and I currently have kidney stones as well. It’s not an excuse, but I do hope this explanation can express how I’ve truthfully been feeling these last 10 weeks of my pregnancy and the extreme pain I’m in. I used to be able to sit and stare at a blog post for hours to check things, but now it is a little different. I can assure you I’m trying to do my best work, this season of life has just affected it. I believe my readers really understand and I’m so sorry if you feel disappointed in what you see on my site.
I also want to apologize if you think my blog posts have been shorter lately. I try to implement a good mix of long and short posts, as I think variation is key so readers don’t get bored. I categorize today’s post and my Snapchat Q&A I recently did as evergreen content and my outfit posts as something girls can quickly scroll for inspiration. I’m sorry if you aren’t liking this mix, but I hope that I can make up for it during my maternity leave. The blog posts I have been writing for the future all have quite a bit of content and are very lengthy, so I hope you enjoy them!
I know this time of my life is a little crazier and I just want to thank you for continuing to read. I’m sure blog posts might even change a bit more once I have my baby, but I’ll always want to make my readers happy. I know COF would be nothing without readers, so thank you for taking the time to read.
I hope you have a great weekend!
xo,
Katey
That was an awesome response to a very negative comment. I think you’re doing a great job, Katey! And coming from someone who majored in communications, I think your grammar is just fine. Can’t wait to see what you have next! Hope you start feeling better! xoxo
Wow. You are such an inspiration. It takes an extreme level of maturity and emotional stability to be able to respond to a comment like that. I love your blog posts. Don’t let the negative outshine the positive. Have a wonderful day! <3
You do realize you just chewed out a woman that is 39-weeks pregnant over poor grammar and while doing so, you not only spelt plain wrong but you used the incorrect version of “you’re”?! Maybe don’t be so “plan lazy and rushed” when “ya got a lottttttttt going on” and want to be unkind for no reason.
Don’t even acknowledge this comment, Katey! Trolls are never good at hiding their true intentions.
PREACH
Shouldn’t we spend our time uplifting each other and sharing positive vibes as opposed to blatant hate and negativity? Well, I guess someone just woke up on the wrong side of the bed today. Shame on you for beginning your day in a negative way.
It’s you’re*. Get a life “Ashley H.”
I agree, the posts have been shorter. Also, Katey you should be double checking your work before posting it online…it’s your job. For the girls commenting saying one comment makes that girl a troll is unbelievable and makes you just as rude as you say she is being to Katey. She did not attack Katey, was simply putting her opinion out there. There are better ways of supporting Katey. Also, saying Katey is some unicorn for working at 39 weeks preggo, is dumb. She is not the first woman to ever work while being pregnant. Most women work up until its delivery time, and it’s awesome that she still can work while being sick alllll the time. I’m so sorry Katey, I wouldn’t ever want to be sick so much while pregnant!! Katey works from home and can take it as easy as she as wants. Which is amazing, most women don’t get such an opportunity be in a comfortable environment while being pregnant and sick, not to mention a comfortable work environment. She should feel very blessed, and I’m sure she does!
Have a great weekend!
Oh wow! I definitely never wanted one comment to spark an argument between anyone. I do double check my work as you are right, this is my job. I also acknowledge while being sick and in a lot of pain, I’ve of course made mistakes while I proofread. I’m very sorry about that. I’ve tried to share a lot of outfit posts lately which are generally shorter than evergreen content because I won’t have many outfit posts up during my maternity leave. Instead, I’ve planned for that time I take off to be filled with longer posts. I hope you do enjoy those as that is truly my intent!
I definitely feel blessed to be able to work from home and I also feel very fortunate to have kind readers that understand this is just a season of my life filled with changes.
I apologize for typos and I really didn’t think I was producing posts that were too short. Thank you for bringing that to my attention, and I appreciate everyone being understanding at this time. I know once I start writing posts again once she is a few weeks old, there will probably be a bit of an adjustment period as I’m adjusting, too. I appreciate you all!
xo,
Katey
I personally think there is a way to get your point across in a tactful way. And the previous commenter didn’t do that. That’s why people are sticking up for Katey. I do agree, the posts are a bit shorter, and I have noticed typos in the past, but honestly it didn’t matter to me (and I’m a HUGE stickler for grammar and spelling!) because I like the content.
I think the varying lengths of each post is key. There are some posts that are a bit longer that maybe aren’t my favorite (only because that particular post may not apply to my life at this time) so I do welcome the shorter posts. Plus, some posts can really say a lot without being too cluttered with wording (i.e. sometimes I just want to see the different outfits I can put together and I don’t necessarily need multiple paragraphs explaining that when I can see the pictures and the links to the products). People have to understand that they won’t love every style of post, because we are all different with different needs, and she can’t please all of us every single time.
My point is that I think it great to give feedback to Katey, because she is providing content for us readers and it only helps her grow and expand. I do think there is a way to be tactful and direct without sounding rude. If you really enjoy a product but you might have noticed the quality has not been what you are used to, it’s completely fine to address your disappointment, but at the same time know that there are always growing pains with the process of owning a business. Any business owner knows that it’s hard to have a good work life balance, because your entire life is your business. Katey responds to every message, even when she’s on VACATION she still responds in a timely manner. She obviously takes her business very seriously so she will take feedback and apply it going forward, just have some respect for her when you air your grievances, as any loyal customer should.
Thank you Katey for continuing to inspire me, not only with your style but with your continued grace. 🙂
Hi Katey! I love all of your posts and appreciate all the hard work you’ve done throughout your entire pregnancy! You’re a rockstar! I hope you’re feeling well and have a great weekend! xo, annie
Hi Annie!
Thank you so much, that means a lot to me! 🙂 You’re so sweet and I hope you have a wonderful weekend as well!
xo,
Katey
Hi Katey,
I read your blog post every morning when I get into work, and absolutely just love to start my day off with them. However, I just read Ashley H post, and honestly I disagree with her completely. I appreciate your effort and dedication to your readers and fans to keep trying to post this far along in pregnancy. I believe you are due in the next few weeks, most soon to be moms would be doing absolutely nothing at this point. Don’t listen to her, you are doing a GREAT job & I am sure most of your readers thank you so much for this. I know I do!
Hi Emily!
Thank you so much for your kind words and for reading each morning! Your comment was really encouraging and I’m so thankful for it. 🙂 Yes, we are due any day! It’s been exciting but I also feel so silly writing blog posts in advance. I keep thinking, “I don’t know what to write because I may have a baby by now or I may not?!” haha!
Anyways, thank you so much for being so sweet and for reading!
xo,
Katey
Katey,
Do not let the haters get to you, Ashley H. how dare you tear down a 9 month pregnant woman. This blog is about empowering women not destroying them. Keep up the good work Momma!
Katey,
I love your blog and think you are doing SUCH an amazing job! I look forward to reading your posts every morning, and feel like you are a good friend at this point 🙂 Not sure what the unnecessary negativity is all about today, but I say keep doing EXACTLY what you’re doing!
Hi Lauren!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read to read each morning! I feel like all my readers are my friends [#introvertproblems haha!] so that really means more than you know! I hope you have a wonderful weekend! xo
Katey,
I loved this post! It’s always hard to know which drugstore beauty item is going to be a bust.
Your positivity is so admirable. You are doing an AMAZING job still posting while also preparing for your little one. You’re a rock star!
Thank you, Nicole! You’re so kind! 🙂 I truly appreciate it! Right?! I feel like I will buy so many drugstore items because I get caught up in the price and half the time I hate it and half the time it’s serious gold! haha. xo
Katey,
I rarely comment but love checking out your blog every morning when I arrive at work. I work in accounting and love seeing a little girly style/lifestyle before getting started in the corporate world. Your faith and class have been an inspiration to me! I know for me at least, one negative comment will stand out among a sea of positivity but I just wanted to let you know that for every critic you have lots of people who simply love what you do! I’m probably rambling now haha. But best wishes for your sweet baby girl coming soon! My birthday is Feb 14 and I LOVE every moment of it. I’m sure your baby girl will love being a sweet Aquarius as well 😉 Have a great day!
Hi Kathryn!
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a sweet e-mail! I’m the exact same way, so your comment is appreciated more than you know! It also means so much to me that you read my blog and work in a corporate environment! I don’t share too many business looks [I’d love to in the future!] so thank you for that. My husband works in accounting so I definitely know how conservative it is! I hope you have a wonderful weekend! 🙂
xo
Your blog posts are my absolute favorite part of my morning routine! You do a FABULOUS job. There are a million blogs but yours is the only one I absolutely have to check every day. Currently rocking my Julie Vos link bracelet that I totally could not afford but had to have so I could be more like you. Love you thanks for amazing content like this for us ladies on a budget who love a good drugstore find!
XOXO
Hi Clarissa!
Aw I love that! Julie Vos is my favorite!! She’s definitely a splurge, but one I always want to make! haha. Thank you so much for reading and I’m so glad you enjoyed this post! I feel honored to play a small part in your morning routine! 🙂 xo
I have tried every single one of the products you mentioned and I love them! I don’t know why I have ever stepped foot in a Sephora because you can get the same yet sometimes even better quality makeup at the drugstore for half the price 🙂
Yay!! I’m so happy to know you love these products just as much as I do! Thank you for reading, girl! xo
Hi Katey! I think you’re doing an awesome job and it’s amazing to me how dedicated you are to your readers even when you’re uncomfortable and have so many changes happening in your personal life. You clearly have an awesome work ethic regardless of any typo that someone may find in a post – everyone makes them, don’t worry about it! This is one of my favorite posts of yours! PS – you handled the criticism with such grace, not all bloggers are like that 🙂 I have a lot of respect for you!
I just started using the Loreal eyelash primer and I can’t decide how I feel about it! Some days I feel like it really makes a difference but then other days I feel it makes my lashes look clumpy! Ahh so torn! Took notes on some of these other products I need to try! Happy Friday mama 🙂
xx Tess | Sequins are the New Black
Hi Tess!
Totally get that! My mom doesn’t like eyelash primers either! I will say when I use it it is more difficult to wash my eye makeup off, but that’s what I get for layering mascara! haha. I hope you have a great weekend! xo
NYX Butter Glosses are my all time favorites!! Eclair is my favorite color, too! I’ll have to try Fortune Cookie next time I’m there. Have you ever tried Angel Food Cake? It’s another great color that I think you would love!!
xo, Kimmie
http://joyfullystyled.com/his-hers-valentines-gift-guide/
Hi Kimmie!
I’m so glad you reminded me of that shade! I think a girlfriend told me to grab that before and I completely forgot. Looks like I need to run to Ulta again today! hahaha! Thank you! 🙂 xo
I’ve recently begun double cleansing and it’s been life changing! Gotta try the No7 product you recommended!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Oh my, when I read the comment above a very un-Christian like side of me wanted to come out, but then I thought WWKD? (What would Katey do) Haha. Your work is amazing and I love every single one of your blog posts. Have a great weekend!
Xoxo
-Taylor
Hi Katey! I read your blog every day when I get to work and have never commented, but felt compelled to do so today. Just wanted to let you know I love starting my day with you, and really appreciate that you’ve stayed so committed to your posting schedule throughout your pregnancy! I think a lot of your readers would’ve totally understood if you needed to cut back, but instead you’ve kept up the hard work and have continued to give us new and different content each week! I don’t know how you do it! Just wanted to drop you a note of encouragement and let you know how much I enjoy your blog. Hope you’re feeling well and get to take a much-deserved break VERY soon!
-Madison
I love products by elf!! <3
BlondieInTheCity.com
Hi Katey,
I just wanted to say thank you! Reading your posts is my favorite part of my day because I leave feeling encouraged and inspired. You can totally tell that you put your heart and soul into your blog and that truly makes you stand out in this day and age. Your inner beauty and love for Jesus shine through your smile and your words. I am originally from the South but live in Los Angeles/work in Beverly Hills and sometimes this city/culture can be exhausting but your blog is so refreshing to me!
I am praying for your sickness and pain and for a smooth delivery and happy, healthy Baby H! I do hope you take as long a break as you need because you more than deserve one! I know that sweet girl is going to be so beautiful and so loved because look at her mama!
I hope you have a lovely weekend!
xoxo
Susanne
From one Katey to another, you are absolutely KILLING it, and your blog brings more inspiration & joy to readers than you will ever know. Wishing you a smooth & safe delivery – enjoy the time with your brand new family of 4! And thank you for continuing to post (whether it’s short or not) even during these last few days of your pregnancy – it truly is an incredible feat no matter what anyone says or thinks. It’s refreshing to see someone with such a polished blog be so real during their pregnancy. Good luck & God Bless!
xoxo,
Katie
Hi Katie!
Thank you so much! I’m so excited for her to be here! I had some false labor all day today and was getting so excited [even though the contractions were completely irregular] and it definitely got my hopes up. 😉 Thank you so much for reading and for such sweet words! It means more than you know! xo
I have heard so much about the glow tonic, and I still haven’t tried it. I didn’t know it could fade acne marks! That’s a huge deal to me!
http://moosmusing.com
Hi Katie,
I’ve never commented here either but I’ve been following your blog and social media for a few years and have recently tried a few products you recommended. I plan to try the Loreal Primer because I’ve heard from multiple sources about how great it is, and I already use the reliable red and white tube and it’s my go-to. For lips I also love the eOs chapped stick in the tube. Also, I’ve been using Clean and Clear exfoliating scrub for years and it is my favorite. And after your advice, I can now add Tula cleanser to my list – obsessed with it.
Anyway, I felt compelled to comment because I think there are some people who don’t realize how much work is put into all of the great content you produce. The truth is, no one is perfect and while it is easy to judge someone for a typo or any other mistake, it’s way harder to be kind and forgiving. You’re a great example of this and it really shines through in everything you do. So that said, keep your chin up and feel better. Your daughter is going to be so lucky to have a mom who sets such a great example!
And this is a perfect example of “no one’s perfect” —- I misspelled your name! KATEY is what I meant 🙂
Hi Kathleen!
Girlfriend, don’t even worry! My mom spelt Katey so differently, so everyone spells it Katie! haha. Thank you so much for your kind comment! I feel really lucky to get to do this as a job and am so thankful for readers, especially when you take the time to encourage me like you did! Ooh! Okay I definitely want to try eos in a tube! I’ve only ever seen the little “eggs” it comes in, so I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled for that!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend and I just wanted to say thank you so much! xo
Katey, the “grand-mama bear” came out in me after reading some of these and I had to cool down a little before writing this comment. You have done such an AMAZING job of balancing pregnancy, sickness and work. All I can say is those negative comments must have come from very unhappy jealous people. Love you and love COF!! ????????
Katey, Have you tried the “double cleanse” by Pixi? Its a two in one product with a cleansing oil on one side and a cream wash on the other. Just thought you’d be interested in trying it since you love to double cleanse.
-JC
Hi JC!
I haven’t, but I keep seeing it all over twitter, so I definitely want to pick it up to try! I absolutely love Caroline Hirons and am so excited she helped create this product. Thank you so much for reminding me to try! 🙂 xo
Great post! the pixie glow tonic sounds amazing, will have to give it a try xx
I´m so in Love with all products. i have the same lipsticks and love them. They are so nice.
I wish you a great Weekend.
Greetings from Germany
Johanna
http://www.fashionstylebyjohanna.com
Love this post! Definitely heading out to Target now to pick a few of them up!
PS- I think your posts are always on point. Don’t let the haters get you down girl. I hope you are feeling better- so sorry to hear you’ve been so miserable.
xoxo, Abby
Being 31 weeks pregnant I’ve been staying away from shopping since I don’t want to purchase too many pieces that i won’t be wearing soon. Soon..instead I’ve been slightly obsessed with make-up. I picked-up a few of your drugstore faves this weekend and I’ve been having so much fun playing with my new “toys” 🙂 Thank you for all your awesome posts, it’s alway a pleasure checking in to see what you’re up to.
I never comment on your posts but I have been following you for awhile and I thought this was a time when it would be nice to get as many encouraging comments as you can! First off, being a cool toned pale skinned girl like yourself it is so hard to find a flattering tone of blush in my opinion but luminoso is literally my FAV, over any high end blush I’ve tried! I’m from Canada and I’m glad you recommended the glow tonic because we just started getting pixi stocked in our drugstores and I knew there was one of their skin care items people were raving about but couldn’t remember what it was! I also heard their glow mist is a sort of dupe for the Tatcha skin mist! Haven’t tried it but that would be awesome if it was. It’s just funny that you mentioned that loreal eye shadow and the NYX butter glosses because those are both some of my favourite drug store products!
Second, In my opinion your blog is one of the best run ones out there. I admire your hard work and can tell that you really care about your readers and it really shines through in the way you always take the time to respond. I one time messaged you on snapchat about a lipstick and was just hoping to even get a response and we ended up having a nice conversation. Which is more than I can say for a lot of other bloggers out there. Don’t worry about not being 100% especially during this time in your life. Those little things mean more to us readers than some typos or the length of a post! I always feel like you are just one of my friends when I watch your snapchats 🙂 Anyways, I hope your delivery goes better than the rest of your pregnancy and I can’t wait to see what name you’ve chosen/what she looks like!
Sending love and good wishes,
Molly
Ooo, I think I really need to try the Pixi Glow Tonic. I keep seeing that popup in round-ups of favorites. The ELF lipstick remover sounds great too. I’m always wearing matte lipsticks and it’d be nice to have something on hand to smoothly wipe it all away. Especially when modeling different shades for posts!
Thanks for sharing <3
xoxo – Kelly
http://www.dreaminlace.com