It’s been 9 years since I was in front of the camera everyday, working as a TV news reporter in Tampa Bay, Florida. Back in those days, my TV station sent me to Sephora with a stylist (oh how long ago!), and she’d pick out a bunch of expensive makeups for me to wear on-camera. Fast-forward to almost a decade later, and I’m a stay-at-home mom with 4 kids. The other day, as I was putting my makeup on in between episodes of Bubble Guppies, I realized I’ve inadvertently started using drugstore makeup to replace all of the items I used to get at Sephora. And I like most of them better! So I thought I’d share.

Click here to watch a makeup tutorial (from the most non-makeup trained person you know *wink*) on a Facebook Live! 

1. Foundation

Foundation I used to use: L’Oréal True Match Super-Blendable Foundation

In full disclosure, these are both awesome drugstore brands. In my TV days, I asked the consultant for a great drugstore alternative to the Sephora stuff, and she recommended L’Oréal True Match. It worked great for TV and special events, and I used it for years, but once mom life began, it ended up being too heavy for carline and play dates and all the things.

Foundation I use now: Maybelline Makeup Dream Fresh BB Cream

Now, I love my BB cream. Even with my splotchy, greasy skin, I love how the minimal coverage of the BB cream goes on. It’s translucent, but it evens out my skin tone and lets my face breathe. I first tried it when I asked my sister what kind of foundation she uses, since I always love how her skin looks. And this is it. Since trying it, I’ve never gone back! If you’ve never tried BB cream, I highly recommend it! It’s way better than traditional foundation.

2. Primer

Primer I used to use: NYX HD Studio Photogenic Primer

I used to swear by this stuff because I loved how it went on, and it literally helped my makeup stay on all day. Literally, I remember I’d be sweating all day, out in the hot sun for a spaceship launch at NASA, and at the end of the day, literally even my suit was wet from sweating so much. But I looked at my face and it was flawless. It was so odd how it helps the makeup stay put!

Primer I use now: none

The great part about BB cream for me, is that it stays on fine, and I don’t feel the need for primer. Because it’s so light, it seems less likely to slide off my face in heat and humidity.

3. Powder

Powder I used to use: MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Microfinish Powder

Powder I use now: e.l.f. Perfect Finish HD Powder

I found this on accident, when I ran out of my expensive powder from Sephora, but didn’t have time to get to the mall (because, with 4 young kids, who does?). I saw this at Walmart while I was grocery shopping, and at $12 a container, I figured I had nothing to lose. Turns out, I love it! The only difference I notice is that the expensive HD powder almost adds a glitteryness to my face, which I do love, but not enough to spend $18 more per container and 2 hours trekking to the mall with kids.

4. Bronzer

Bronzer I used to use: Benefit Cosmetics Dallas Bronzer

Bronzer I use now: RIMMEL Natural Bronzer


Again, I’d run out and saw this at Target, and figured I have nothing to lose, and really, how different can bronzers be? Well, not very. I don’t notice any difference, except that the more expensive Dallas bronzer might have more of a pinky tone. But that’s more about color, not how it goes on. Total win!

5. Eyeliner

Eyeliner I used to use: Maybelline New York Ultra-Liner

Eyeliner I use now: Maybelline New York Ultra-Liner

Sometimes, you just don’t mess with the best! I have always used this inexpensive Maybelline liquid liner, and that didn’t change when I left TV news. It’s easy to apply (once you get the hang of it), and it’s cheap!

6. Eyeshadow

Eyeshadow I used to use: Sephora Collection Eye Love Eyeshadow Palette

Let me start by saying there is absolutely nothing negative I would say about this product. I loved the colors, and I loved how awake I looked with these the pink tones on my eyelids (which is surprising, since I’d think pink would make my eyes look more tired). But, I found something that’s also great, and less expensive.

Eyeshadow I use now: L’Oréal Paris Amber Rush Eyeshadow

I prefer to just buy one color of eyeshadow in a color I actually love, rather than having several in a container but only using one of them. I love that I can just buy the colors I like. These go on well and they do get into the creases of my eyelids after an all-day wear, but to be honest, that’s always happened to me even with expensive eyeshadows and using eyebrow primer.

Want to see this go on? Click here to watch the Facebook Live!

What are your favorite drugstore makeups? Share them on the Facebook page or on Instagram, so I can try some new ones! 

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