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Drugstore lipstick isn’t something I’ve always gravitated towards. Lipstick in general isn’t priced as highly as other items like foundations or eye shadow palettes so I typically don’t mind buying higher end. Also, my personal experience with drugstore lipstick is that the longevity just isn’t the same as, for example, a MAC lipstick which is only a few dollars more. My mind changed when I was browsing Instagram at night (per usual) and kept seeing high IG influencers like @iluvsarahii swatch the product and I was totally sold. When I looked up swatches on Google images (because research is key), I came across a story from Elle.com. After falling down the lipstick rabbit hole, I found out that Maybelline tested out their new Color Sensational ‘Made For All’ lipsticks on over 50 skin tones. That comes on the heels of their recent foundation and concealer launches which offer a wide range of colors. Growing up, shopping drugstore foundation and concealer was an absolute ‘no’. In fact, my first foundation was ‘Clinique’ simply due to the fact that lower-end makeup didn’t offer my tones. Now, with lipstick, although we don’t always think about it lacking inclusivity, I totally appreciate the fact that the brand went above and beyond to carefully curate the delicate balance of the red and yellow undertones in their lipsticks. In terms of high end vs. drugstore lipsticks, the color payoff and pigmentation could honestly give high end cosmetics companies a tip or two.
The shade of lipstick I picked up from Ulta was ‘Red For Me’ and I immediately fell in love with the color. If I had to liken it to something high-end, I would compare it most to ‘MAC Red’ satin lipstick. When it comes to high end vs. drugstore or ‘cheaper’ makeup, this lipstick can truly compete. It has a nice blue base, hydrating formulation and the packaging is beautifully matte. I plan on going back to repurchase more shades as well but in the meantime, enjoy this wonderfully inclusive swatch photo from Elle.com.
I know we just got through the ‘Sephora Customer Appreciation’ sale, and now we are on the ‘ULTA 21 Days of Beauty Sale’, but in general, shopping for drugstore makeup is a whole different kind of exhilarating. There’s something about a solid, amazing, inexpensive find that just makes my heart sing. Among the cult classic favorites like the Maybelline ‘Great Lash’ Mascara, and the Real Techniques ‘Miracle Complexion Sponge’, I’ve grown to become completely obsessed with the Maybelline ‘Fit Me Loose Powder’ for setting my face.
I’ve broken down my infatuation to a few key points:
It’s so finely milled. High end powders are really amazing because the actual powder particle is so tiny, that when it comes in contact with the skin, it adheres seamlessly and almost melts into the face. This powder could absolutely compete with the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose powder. I just prefer the Maybelline loose powder because of the shade range option, which moves me to my next point.
Hello super vast shade range. I love setting powders, and think that they do a great job of mattifying my skin, but I always have to layer them with the Maybelline Loose ‘Fit Me’ powder as well. If I wear the traditional, translucent powder alone, I get some major flashback.
Flashback, for some who may not know, is the Casper white cast that shows up in photos when flash photography is used.
There are tiny, reflective particles in setting powders the bounce light off the face, giving the skin a ‘blurred’ appearance. If these particles are exposed to a camera flash, it may look like you just binged on a box of powdered donuts. In fact, there are many horrible celebrity red carpet moments where some makeup artist didn’t add this essential third layer of colored powder. When I add a light layer of the Maybelline powder, it helps seal in the makeup, and masks the white cast that might show up in pictures. Using this alone, or in tandem with other setting powders has kept my makeup locked in place for hours.
Lastly, I have oily skin, and this powder helps combat that oil from coming through and causing my foundation to separate. Now of course, I wear a primer, and foundation, (and a lot of other things, let’s be honest here) but on days when I just want a little concealer and powder, I’m still virtually oil free. Other drugstore powders have oxidized, or turned 2-3 shades darker once my skin starts to become oily. This powder gets me through the day with minimal touch ups or color shifts.
So for around $8 and a 4.5/5 star rating on Ulta.com, it wouldn’t hurt to have the best face powder for oily skin in your arsenal.
Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder • Maybelline • $7.99
Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder, Medium • Maybelline • $7.99
Maybelline New York Fit Me! .7 oz. Loose Finishing Powder in Medium Deep • Maybelline • $6.29
