Drugstore Beauty Products I Prefer Over High End Beauty Products

I've tried a lot of different beauty products that all claim to do the same thing. Like many, I always fall victim to the myth that products that cost more money tend to be better quality and give more promising results. However, like most people already know, that this is not always the case! Here are some beauty products that I actually prefer over their more expensive competitors.

1. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Dark Circle Concealer $5.99 VS SMASHBOX Color Correcting Stick $25.00

Before trying the NYX Dark Circle Concealer in the medium orange shade I was using the Smashbox Color Correcting Stick in the light peach shade which was almost 4 times more expensive than the NYX concealer. I was not a fan of the Smashbox Color Correcting Stick because the formula was very thick and did not smoothly glide onto my skin. As a result, it was way harder to blend. The product also came in pencil form which frequently had to be sharpened; not the most convenient. I absolutely love the NYX concealer and prefer it over the Smashbox Correcting Stick. I apply the NYX concealer underneath my eyes with a cotton swab then blend it into my skin with a damp beauty blender. The formula is so weightless, soft and smooth. It blends effortlessly into my skin. Even though I am fair skinned, I use the medium orange shade because it offers more coverage and conceals my dark circles better than the light orange shade. Also, there is a decent amount of product in each container so this stuff lasts for a couple of months and effectively conceals my under eye discoloration!

2. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Hi Definition Photo Concealer Wand - Green $4.99 VS URBAN DECAY COSMETICS Naked Skin Color Correcting Fluid - Green $29.00

I have tried both green concealers in order to reduce the appearance of red areas and red blemishes on my skin before applying foundation. I was definitely not a fan of the Urban Decay Correcting Fluid. It did not offer as much coverage as the NYX green concealer and as a result, did not help cover my problem areas as effectively. Also, every time I applied the Urban Decay Correcting Fluid, my skin began to feel itchy and my nose would run, leading me to believe I had somewhat of an allergy toward the product which is why after one week; I stopped using it. I absolutely love the NYX green concealer and since it is a darker shade of green and the formula is less sheer than the Urban Decay Correcting Fluid; it truly does cover and reduce the intensity of my red spots. The formula is so smooth and weightless which causes it to blends effortlessly! This product never feels thick or cakey on the skin. It does however leave a green aura on your skin, but this completely disappears once foundation is applied on top.

3. BH Cosmetics Perfecting Primer - Multitasking Primer Stick $5.50 VS BENEFIT COSMETICS The POREfessional Face Primer $31.00

Before discovering the BH Cosmetics Perfecting Primer I was using The POREfessional Primer from Benefit Cosmetics. Even though I would bake my face with loose translucent powder and even though I have naturally dry skin; my skin would get so oily and shiny throughout the day especially around my nose and T-zone. I had no idea what was causing my skin to get so oily. I even thought it was my foundation for a while. Then, I realized that The POREfessional Primer was the culprit that was making my skin so oily after such short wear! The velvety, soft texture of the primer would translate into oil throughout the day and would give me an embarrassingly shiny look that people would point out. I immediately stopped using the primer and decided to give the BH Cosmetics Perfecting Primer a try since their formula was thick and matte; the opposite of Benefit's formula. I absolutely love the BH Cosmetics primer! A little bit goes such a long way! Before applying it, I use a hydrating lotion-like primer then I swipe some of this product onto my index finger and apply it on my face wherever I have pores, usually around my nose. This stuff immediately blurs out my pores and the thick, matte formula prevents my skin from getting oily throughout the day! I always stock up on this product especially when BH Cosmetics is having a sale which is quite often. For the best results, make sure to apply this primer on a hydrated and moisturized face because since it is matte and somewhat thick, it can expose any dry patches that you have on your skin. I also highly recommend this primer to anyone who has oily skin!

4. Colourpop Brow Boss Pencil - Dark Brown $5.00 VS Chella Eyebrow Pencil - Tantalizing Taupe $20.00

After discovering the Chella Brow Pencil, I absolutely fell in love. The packaging was so delicate and slim that it made applying the brow product so easy with great precision. The formula also glided on smoothly and effortlessly. However, I found that the Colourpop Brow Boss Pencil was a great dupe for the Chella Brow Pencil. Although the Colourpop packing is slightly more bulky and the formula is a little bit less smooth; it is an amazing brow pencil for the price of $5.00! I absolutely love it and I always stock up, buying four at a time! It delivers excellent results and each tube lasts a pretty time long time. Also, four Colourpop Brow Boss Pencils cost the same price as one Chella Brow Pencil!