Discover the Best Drugstore Beauty Buys for a flawless face & radiant glow without breaking the bank. Read more!
For most Indian women, navigating the world of beauty products can feel like traversing a minefield
where every other product promises the moon but delivers only disappointment – along with a hefty dent in the wallet.
High-end brands often boast impressive technology and luxurious packaging, but let's be honest, the price tags can be a bit… intimidating. The good news, ladies, is that you don't need to break the bank to achieve a flawless face and radiant glow.
The Indian drugstore aisles are brimming with hidden gems – affordable and effective alternatives that perform just as well as their upscale counterparts. So, ditch the guilt of splurging and prepare to be amazed! We are here to unearth those gems to give you insider information.
Drugstore cosmetics offer affordability and accessibility, challenging luxury brands
Drugstore cosmetics are generally more affordable and accessible than luxury brands, making them a popular choice for many. These products are widely available in most retail stores, pharmacies, and online, whereas luxury brands often require a trip to a specialty store or department store.
Price accessibility can be a significant advantage for those on a budget who still want access to beauty and self care essentials. Most drugstore companies focus primarily on functionality and providing customers with the necessities at the right price for self care and beauty routines.
But, there is a common misconception that lower price equates to lower quality when, in fact, many drugstore products are formulated to the same level of efficacy as the more expensive brands.
Foundation Finds
Get the Flawless Base You Dream Of (Without Emptying Your Bank Account)
Drugstore foundations for all skin types - affordable, effective, long-lasting
Let's start with the foundation – the base of every great makeup look. Forget the hefty price tags of luxury foundations; the drugstore is a treasure trove of formulas that provide impeccable coverage and a natural finish.
For those with oily skin, the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation is a cult favorite for a reason. It controls shine, minimizes the appearance of pores, and provides a medium, buildable coverage that lasts all day.
If you battle dry skin, the L'Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation is your best bet. This hydrating formula blends seamlessly, leaving a dewy, luminous finish without clinging onto dry patches.
And for a long-lasting, full-coverage option, the Lakme 9to5 Weightless Mousse Foundation will not disappoint. It feels incredibly lightweight on the skin and stays put for hours.
Choose foundation matching skin tone for natural look; apply gradually for best coverage
Remember to always choose a shade that closely matches your skin tone for a natural look. Test the foundation on your jawline in natural light to ensure a perfect match. Don't apply it all over your face at once; instead, build up the coverage gradually, focusing on areas that need more attention.
Use a damp beauty sponge or a foundation brush to achieve a seamless, airbrushed finish. The technique of application can be a critical role for a good foundation routine. Also, consider your skin type when choosing the right application for your beauty process.
Some skin types may require a bit more finesse to ensure an even blend on the skin. The most important factor when starting your makeup beauty process is to maintain the hygiene of the face to establish a clean palette when starting.
Concealer brightens, conceals blemishes, and evens skin tone affordably
Concealer is the unsung hero of the makeup bag, capable of instantly brightening the under-eye area, concealing blemishes, and evening out skin tone. And again, you don't need to spend a fortune to find a truly effective one.
The Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer is a drugstore staple for a reason. This creamy, lightweight formula effortlessly covers dark circles without creasing or settling into fine lines.
Its cushion applicator makes application a breeze, and the formula is infused with Haloxyl to help reduce puffiness over time. For covering blemishes and imperfections, the Lakme Absolute White Intense Cover Wet & Dry Concealer is a great choice.
It provides full coverage without looking cakey and blends seamlessly into the skin.
Choose concealer shades for brightening and matching skin tone, blend well, set with powder
When choosing a concealer, select a shade that is one or two shades lighter than your foundation for brightening the under-eye area and a shade that matches your skin tone for concealing blemishes. Apply the concealer in thin layers and blend well using a beauty sponge or your fingertips.
Setting the concealer with a light dusting of powder will help prevent creasing and ensure long-lasting wear. Consider using a color-correcting concealer before applying your regular concealer to neutralize dark circles or redness.
For example, a peach-toned concealer can help neutralize blue or purple undertones under the eyes, while a green-toned concealer can help neutralize redness from blemishes or rosacea. There are many different shades of concealers to choose from today so that there is a color for any skin type.
Drugstore makeup offers quality eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara for stunning eye looks
Creating a stunning eye look doesn't require a professional makeup artist or a suitcase full of expensive products. The drugstore offers a fantastic range of eyeshadow palettes, eyeliners, and mascaras that deliver incredible results.
The Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Palettes are legendary for their pigmentation and blendability. With a wide range of color combinations to choose from, you can create endless eye looks, from everyday natural to smoky and dramatic.
For eyeliner, the Lakme Insta Liner Water Resistant Black Eyeliner is a classic choice. Its highly pigmented formula glides on smoothly and stays put all day without smudging or fading. And for voluminous, lengthened lashes, the Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara is a must-have.
Experiment with eyeliner and eyeshadow techniques for perfect eye makeup application
When experimenting with eyeliner, start with a light hand and gradually build up the intensity. Use short, feathery strokes to create a precise line. For eyeshadow, use a blending brush to diffuse the colors and create a seamless transition.
Experiment with different eyeshadow placements and techniques to find what suits your eye shape best. To prep to do a good job with eye makeup you need to prep the skin around the eye area before applying shadows and eyeliner.
This can involve applying an eyeshadow primer to create a smooth base and prevent creasing. Also, gently curling the eyelashes with an eyelash curler before applying mascara can help open up the eyes and make the lashes appear longer and more voluminous.
Affordable lipsticks for every look: Maybelline, Lakme, Sugar
No makeup look is complete without a touch of lipstick. And thankfully, you don't need to spend a fortune to find a beautiful, long-lasting lipstick that complements your complexion.
The Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lipsticks are a popular choice for their rich pigmentation, comfortable matte finish, and long wear time. With a wide range of shades to choose from, you're sure to find your perfect match.
For a hydrating and glossy finish, the Lakme Enrich Lipsticks are a great option. These lipsticks are infused with moisturizing ingredients to keep your lips feeling soft and smooth. For a long-lasting liquid lipstick, the Sugar Cosmetics Smudge Me Not Liquid Lipstick is a great choice.
It can last over a cup of coffee and maybe even a bit more.
Exfoliate, line, blot: steps for flawless lipstick application
Exfoliating your lips before applying lipstick can help remove dead skin cells and create a smoother surface. Use a lip scrub or a gentle toothbrush to exfoliate your lips gently. Applying a lip liner before applying lipstick can help define your lips and prevent the lipstick from bleeding.
Choose a lip liner shade that matches your lipstick or a shade that is slightly darker than your natural lip color. Blotting this using a paper towel can make your lipstick last longer.
After applying your lipstick, gently blot your lips with a tissue to remove excess product and prevent it from transferring onto cups or glasses. Using a lip brush can help you apply lipstick more precisely, especially around the edges of your lips.
A lip brush may come in handy for those days when you need to look exceptional.
Drugstore blush and bronzer options for natural warmth and dimension
Blush and bronzer are essential tools for adding dimension and warmth to your face. And you guessed it, the drugstore has plenty of affordable options that deliver beautiful results. The Wet n Wild Color Icon Blushes are incredibly pigmented and come in a range of flattering shades.
Their silky-smooth texture blends effortlessly into the skin, leaving a natural-looking flush. For bronzer, the Lakme Absolute Bronzer is a great choice. This matte bronzer adds warmth and definition to the face without looking orange or muddy. Always apply your blush and bronzer with a light hand.
Apply blush, bronzer, highlighter properly for a flawless makeup look
When applying blush, smile to find the apples of your cheeks and apply the blush to the highest point. Blend the blush upwards towards your temples. When applying bronzer, focus on the areas where the sun naturally hits your face – your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline.
Use a large, fluffy brush to blend the bronzer seamlessly into the skin. Use a highlighter to add luminosity to your face. Apply it to the high points of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and the inner corners of your eyes.
Consider using a setting spray to help your makeup last longer and prevent it from fading or creasing throughout the day. Experimenting with different makeup techniques and products can help you discover what works best for your face shape and skin tone.
Good skincare routine is essential; affordable drugstore products work wonders
While makeup is important, a good skincare routine is the foundation of healthy, radiant skin. And thankfully, you don't need to spend a fortune to build an effective skincare regimen.
The drugstore offers a wide range of cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens that will keep your skin looking its best. The Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Face Wash is perfect for oily and acne-prone skin. It gently cleanses the skin without stripping it of its natural oils.
For a hydrating moisturizer, the Lakme Peach Milk Moisturizer is a lightweight and affordable option that leaves the skin feeling soft and supple.
And for sunscreen, the Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 50+ is a drugstore favorite for its broad-spectrum protection and non-greasy formula.
Maintain a skincare routine: cleanse, exfoliate, use serum, sunscreen, hydrate, eat well, and research products
Always cleanse your face twice a day, morning and night, to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. Use a serum before your moisturizer to target specific skin concerns, such as wrinkles, dark spots, or dryness.
Apply sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days. Choose a sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants can also help improve your skin's health and appearance. Always check the reviews and recommendations of products because sometimes they come in handy.
Guide to drugstore beauty products performing like high-end brands
So, there you have it – a comprehensive guide to the best drugstore beauty products that perform like high-end brands. With a little research and experimentation, you can create a flawless makeup look and a healthy skincare routine without breaking the bank. Happy shopping!
