Best Drugstore Makeup of 2019
2019 was an amazing year for drugstore makeup and I was lucky enough to be able to try TONS of new drugstore makeup products throughout the year!
There were some products that were misses, some products that were just okay, but there were also some products that were definitely winners!
To wrap up the year, I’m rounding up the best drugstore makeup products that I’ve tried in 2019. There are 20 products in this post that I just could not get enough of!
And if you’re reading this in 2020 and are looking for new makeup products to buy that are super budget friendly, this list is a great place to start!
All of these products have proven themselves (in my opinion) in 2019, so you won’t be disappointed with them!
I always go back and forth on including ColourPop in drugstore makeup posts because they aren’t technically a drugstore brand.
But, I always end up including ColourPop products because their products definitely fall into drugstore price range – so today I will be doing the same!
(And I always feel like I have to make that clear in the beginning of the post LOL.)
Also, check out my favorite luxury makeup products of 2019: Best High-End Makeup – Year-End 2019
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Affiliate links may be used in this post, which I may receive a commission from, at no extra cost to you. You can read my full disclosure here.
And if you end up buying any of these amazing products, don’t forget to use Rakuten (formerly Ebates) to get cash back!
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Must-Have Drugstore Makeup Products – Best of 2019
**Listed in order of when they first appeared in my Monthly Favorites posts
ColourPop – Super Shock Shadows in Falling Up, Roy G. Biv, and IRL
Seen in: January Favorites
The ColourPop Super Shock Shadows are no stranger to my favorites lists – I can’t even count how many times I’ve featured this amazing formula!
It’s the easiest formula to apply as a lid shade that gives you an even, super saturated application every time! I almost exclusively use glitter/shimmer shades on my lids and with just one swipe of a Super Shock Shadow across my lids, I’m good!
Back in January, I was obsessed with three of the newer shades (at that time) – Falling Up, Roy G. Biv, and IRL.
Just look at those swatches – aren’t they beautiful?!
The obsession with these shades ran deep into the year and I actually repurchased each of these shades. That’s how much I used them!
Shop now: ColourPop
L’Oreal – Infallible Fresh Wear 24HR Foundation
Seen in: February Favorites
This foundation was undoubtedly one of the biggest drugstore foundations in the last year. (It actually may have been released in late 2018?)
Almost everyone in the beauty industry was raving about it right after the release. And for good reason!
It’s a beautiful medium-coverage foundation that is buildable to full with a natural radiant finish that adds a nice, healthy glow to your skin.
The feel of the foundation is so lightweight, super breathable, which makes it comfortable to wear all day. AND it looks almost as good at the end of the day as it does when you first put it on.
Of course, I experience the usual creasing around the crevices of my nose and in my smile lines, but that’s totally to be expected and I haven’t found a single foundation where that doesn’t happen.
There is a scent to the foundation, so be aware of that if you’re sensitive to scented products! The scent isn’t super strong and it doesn’t bother me much, but I would prefer it to be unscented.
Also seen in: Best Drugstore Foundations for Dry Skin
L’Oreal – Infallible Full Wear Concealer
Seen in: February Favorites
This is TOTALLY one of my favorite new concealers that I’ve tried this year. In fact, it may be the only one of the new concealers I’ve tried that I actually finished the entire tube!
Unlike L’Oreal’s new Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation, the concealer didn’t get nearly as much hype surrounding it. Which is crazy because I think I like the concealer even more than the foundation!
When I first tried it, I immediately thought, “this is a dupe for the Tarte Shape Tape concealer!” And Shape tape is my all-time holy grail.
Last year, when the Makeup Revolution Conceal & Define Concealer was released, it was highly regarded as a dupe for Shape Tape. However, I think the L’Oreal Full Wear concealer is much more of a dupe.
The consistency is nearly identical, it’s almost as full-coverage, blends out the same way, and even the packaging is the same (aside from the graphic design of it)!
I got really used to the huge doe-foot applicator in the Shape Tape concealer and this one is exactly the same!
Also seen in: Best Drugstore Concealers
Milani – Silky Matte Bronzing Powder in Sun Kissed
Seen in: February Favorites
2019 was definitely the year of getting into bronzers for me. 2018 was the year that I first started even wearing bronzer every day and then I just went full force in 2019!
There were many great bronzers that I tried throughout the year, and the Milani Silky Matte Bronzing Powder was one of my first favorites!
It’s the perfect bronzer (in the shade Sun Kissed) for those with a fair to light skin tone that tend to look orange when wearing a warm-toned bronzer, as it is more of a cool-toned shade.
I totally think it is a very close dupe to the shade Tan-Tastic in the Marc Jacobs O! Mega Bronzer, which is also one of my favorites. It may just be a tad bit cooler-toned, but it is very similar!
And true to its name, the texture of the powder is silky smooth and it blends out flawlessly.
Also seen in: Best Drugstore Makeup Under $15
Pixi Beauty – Liquid Fairy Lights
Seen in: February Favorites and November Favorites
The Pixi Beauty Liquid Fairy Lights shadows are absolutely one of the best dupes for the Stila Magnificent Metals liquid eyeshadows!
I know I just said this above in the ColourPop Super Shock Shadow section, but I’ll say it again – I almost always use a shimmer/glitter shade on my eyelids!
When I have a little more time and can spare the extra minute or two it takes to apply a liquid glitter shadow, the Pixi Liquid Fairy Lights have been one of my top choices throughout the year.
Of course, certain shades apply better than other shades – some of them aren’t as opaque so it can be hard to get an even application. But, overall, the formula of the Liquid Fairy Lights is amazing!
My favorite shades are Crystalline, SunRay, and most recently, the shade that comes in the MaryamNYC Day Duo from the #PixiPretties collection (it doesn’t have a name). I honestly have used this shade almost every day since I got it!
Another thing I’ve been obsessed with doing with glitter in the last year is applying it to the inner 1/3 of my lower lash line. It really makes your eyes pop! And these shadows are perfect for that.
Shop now: Pixi Beauty
Also seen in: Best Drugstore Makeup Under $15
Milani – Baked Blush
Seen in: March Favorites
I’ve been raving about the Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso for a long time now (and it’s still one of my favorites), but I tried two different shades in March that I love just as much!
Just like bronzer, blush is another product that I got WAY more interested in this year. I always just had one or two blush shades that I’d wear everyday, but now I’m like, “GIVE ME ALL THE BLUSH.”
Blush is kind of like lipstick – you can’t just have one or two shades. You definitely need to have a variety because every shade fits a different mood!
And with the formula of the Milani Baked Blush, you get amazing color payoff, without it being over-saturated, and it blends out effortlessly.
Can’t go wrong with any shade! And I love a little shimmer in my blush, so this entire line is perfect for me.
Also seen in: Drugstore Makeup Holy Grails
Milani – Baked Bronzer
Seen in: March Favorites
This is the second drugstore of the many I tried in 2019 that became one of my favorites!
When just looking at the Milani Baked Bronzer, you might shy away from it because it looks like there’s a lot of shimmer in it. But, the shimmer actually barely shows up when you apply it.
It has just enough shimmer to keep the bronzer from looking too matte and gives the skin a super nice sun-kissed glow.
I personally love a glowy bronzer because I just love glowing all over! I even add a bit of a bronze highlight over matte bronzers just to make them glowy. I’m that extra.
For those that don’t like a matte bronzer and want to look like a glowy golden goddess, the Milani Baked Bronzer is the perfect choice.
In fact, (I just thought of this) this bronzer would be a great alternative to the Hourglass Ambient Bronzing Powder. I don’t think it’s a dupe, but it’s definitely a great affordable option for a bronzer with a radiant finish.
Also seen in: Must-Have Drugstore Makeup Face Products Under $10
Morphe – Continuous Setting Mist
Seen in: March Favorites and October Favorites
I mentioned this setting spray in a handful of my posts as one of my favorites and it’s one of my favorites for one reason and one reason only – the nozzle!
There are a ton of great setting sprays on the market and to be completely honest, I don’t see a huge difference amongst them.
Unless there is something special about them, like a radiant setting spray with specks of glitter in it (like the Iconic London Prep Set Glow spray), they all pretty much perform the same way.
But, THIS SPRAY – this spray has a continuous spray nozzle! Unlike the traditional spray bottle nozzle that most setting sprays have, you don’t have to press down multiple times on this nozzle to spray your entire face – just once!
This setting spray definitely keeps my makeup in place well all day, but there isn’t anything special in its performance. It’s all about the nozzle.
And you know how sometimes spray nozzles malfunction and you end up getting shot in the face with what feels more like a water hose? Yeah, that never happens with the continuous spray nozzle.
The Jeffree Star version of this spray was featured in my October favorites mostly because it’s cute with the pink packaging and it smells like strawberries. I’m pretty sure the formula is basically the same, though.
Shop now: Ulta
OPI – Nail Polish in Worth a Pretty Penne and Taupe-less Beach
Seen in: March Favorites
I’ve always had acrylic nails. Ever since I was in high school, I’ve been getting acrylic nails done. Yes, I’ve always been that extra!
However, since I started working as an IT tech, I had to say goodbye to long acrylic nails. 🙁 Working with IT hardware when having long nails is not that easy!
Up until the beginning of this year, I was just cutting my nails short and keeping them bare. But, I just couldn’t take it anymore! I really missed having nice nails!
So, one day I decided to start growing my nails out and paint them myself.
It’s been a REALLY long time since I painted my own nails, so I had to pick up all of the supplies. These two shades were the first two that I bought and they are still two of my favorites. (I always get a lot of compliments when I’m wearing Taupe-less Beach.)
They are just so pretty! And I love that both of them are shades that are fairly opaque. I always apply two coats, but you could definitely get by with just one. I despise shades that I have to apply like 4 coats LOL.
I’ve also been using the Essie Gel-Setter Top Coat to create a gel-like finish without having to use gel and a UV light and it’s totally the best top coat I’ve ever used.
My nail polish lasts about two weeks with minimal chipping!
Shop now:
Worth a Pretty Penne: Amazon | Ulta
Taupe-less Beach: Amazon | Ulta
ColourPop – Jelly Much Shadows in Close to You, Cursed, and Big Ego
Seen in: April Favorites
Up until finding these shades in the Jelly Much Shadows, I have to admit that I forgot all about them.
I wrote a review on them when they were first released and I totally loved the formula right away, but the first 8 shades just weren’t what I usually wear, so I kind of just forgot about them!
It wasn’t until I was browsing the ColourPop website one day and saw that they released more shades! I bought a whole bunch of them and these three turned out to be my favorites.
Just look at those swatches – gorgeous, right?!
Shop now: Close to You | Cursed | Big Ego
e.l.f. – 16HR Camo Concealer
Seen in: April Favorites
Almost immediately after this concealer was released, everyone was raving about it and saying that it’s the next dupe for the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer.
I first mentioned it in my drugstore dupes post as a possible dupe for Shape Tape, but at the time of writing that post, I hadn’t tried it out enough to say for sure. (I have since edited the post to include my most recent thoughts!)
After using it for a while, my final word on it is that it’s not a dupe.
They are very similar in that they both have a thick consistency and they are both full-coverage. But, the e.l.f. Camo concealer dries down a lot faster and has much more of a matte finish.
Although I don’t think it’s a dupe for Shape Tape, I still think it’s an EXCELLENT concealer. And it’s only $6! You definitely get the best bang for your buck with this concealer.
Also seen in: Best Drugstore Concealers
Maybelline – City Bronzer
Seen in: April Favorites
And here is the third drugstore bronzer I tried in 2019 that became one of my favorites! (I told you I was obsessed with bronzers over the past year LOL.)
The Maybelline City Bronzer in Medium became my go-to bronzer for “natural skin” days when I don’t want to warm up my skin too much, but I still want to add some life to it.
It applies super smoothly and blends out seamlessly. And you get a lot of color payoff even with how subtle it looks in the pan!
In the Medium shade, it’s definitely more of a neutral-toned bronzer, which is perfect if bronzers tend to look orange on you (like me).
It’s marketed as both a bronzer and a contour powder, which I can totally see working since the undertone of the bronzer is neutral. However, I need an even cooler-toned shade to contour.
If contour shades usually look too grey on you, this bronzer would probably work great as a contour shade on you.
As a natural bronzer to just accentuate your features, this bronzer is amazing. And on the flip side, if you’re looking for a warm bronzer or really want to “fake a tan” with your bronzer, this probably isn’t the bronzer for you.
Also seen in: Best of Maybelline
Pixi Beauty – DetoxifEYE Patches
Seen in: April Favorites
One of my new skin care discoveries in 2019 were eye patches!
Eye patches have been pretty trendy in the last few years, but I have no idea why I took so long to try them!
My under-eye area is definitely a problem area for me as I have super dark circles and sometimes suffer from extreme dryness in the area.
These Pixi DetoxifEYE eye patches nearly saved me! It includes hyaluronic acid and caffeine to smooth and depuff the under-eye area, helping to reduce dark circles. UHH, that’s everything I need!
My under-eye area never felt so good! Not only are these patches improving the overall health of my under-eye area, they also just feel amazing while you have them on!
They are so refreshing, yet relaxing at the same time that it totally creates an at-home spa vibe.
Shop now: Pixi Beauty | Target
Makeup Revolution – Conceal & Hydrate Concealer
Seen in: September Favorites
I have probably never been more excited to try a concealer than I was with this concealer!
After the successful release of the Conceal & Define Concealer, I was so happy to see Makeup Revolution release a hydrating version!
The Conceal & Define Concealer is definitely one of the best drugstore concealers around, but as someone with dry skin (especially under my eyes as I just mentioned above!), it’s just a little too matte for me.
This version is everything the Conceal & Define Concealer is – full-coverage, super smooth to apply, and easy to blend out, plus it’s hydrating!
Absolutely LOVE it. Along with the L’Oreal Full Wear Concealer that I mentioned at the beginning of this post, it’s one of the few new concealers I’ve tried in 2019 that quickly became part of my everyday routine.
Shop now: Ulta | Makeup Revolution
Makeup Revolution – Eye Glisten
In Adored By You (rose gold, pink), Yours Truly (pink rose, muted pink), and It’s Fate (champagne, cool gold)
Seen in: September Favorites
Just like the Pixi Liquid Fairy Lights that I mentioned above, the Makeup Revolution Eye Glisten is another amazing dupe for the Stila Glitter & Glow shadows.
And better yet – you get two shades in one! In each Eye Glisten, you get one glitter shade and one shimmer shade.
Although it is a great affordable option at less than half the price of a Stila shadow, I do have to admit that I don’t think it’s nearly the same.
The Eye Glisten takes a tad bit longer to dry, so you have to be careful not to open your eyes to quickly when applying it.
And since it doesn’t dry as quickly, layering can be more difficult. It’s easy to actually wipe product off when trying to layer it on top because it hasn’t completely dried yet.
However, it’s still an amazing affordable alternative and the shades are absolutely stunning!
Shop now: Ulta | Makeup Revolution
Maybelline – Super Stay Full Coverage Under-Eye Concealer
Seen in: October Favorites
I was SO excited to see the release of this concealer because I love pretty much everything from the Maybelline Super Stay Line.
Being that the Maybelline Super Stay Full-Coverage Foundation is super full-coverage, I had my hopes very high that the concealer would be just as full-coverage. And I was not disappointed!
This concealer is definitely FULL-coverage. The consistency is on the thick side, but it still is very easy to blend out.
I’ve worn it on top of a handful of different foundations and it looked beautiful with each one – no creasing or appearing cakey (with setting powder).
It oxidizes just a tad, so I recommend getting a shade lighter than you think you would use. I bought the two lightest shades, Ivory 05 and Fair 10, and Ivory is just light enough for it to have a brightening effect under my eyes.
Makeup Revolution – Highlight Reloaded
Seen in: October Favorites
In the past, I’ve never been extremely impressed with Makeup Revolution highlighters.
Of all their highlighters that I’ve tried (and I’ve tried a good amount), I’ve only really liked the Soph X highlight palette and the liquid highlighters.
But, Makeup Revolution hit it out of the park with this one! Especially because it’s so affordable at only $7!
It has a smoother and less powdery texture than any other Makeup Revolution highlighter I’ve tried, which creates a beautiful metallic finish that you can build up to a super foiled finish.
Shop now: Ulta | Makeup Revolution
No7 – Match Made Bronzer
Seen in: October Favorites
And finally, the fourth drugstore bronzer I tried in 2019 that became one of my favorites! (It’s crazy that 1/5 of my favorite drugstore makeup products of 2019 are bronzers!)
This was my very first No7 makeup product so I really didn’t know what to expect. I heard good things about their skin care products, but I didn’t really know much about their makeup.
WELL, this was a great product to introduce myself to the brand!
I totally did not expect to love it as much as I do and it very quickly became one of my go-to bronzers for my everyday makeup routine.
The powder has a very soft texture, so a lot gets picked up when you dip your brush into it. I definitely applied way too much when I first tried it, but I was impressed at how easy it was to blend out!
It reminds me a lot of the Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer (which is also one of my favorites) in that the shade is a natural bronze that I can see working for many skin tones.
Shop now: Walgreens
Pixi Beauty – Rachhloves The Layers Highlighting Palette #PixiPretties Collection
Seen in: November Favorites
Pixi makes some of the best highlighters! Their Glow-y Gossamer Duos have been one of my holy grails since they were released and I’ve actually hit pan on both of the duos!
This highlighting palette comes from the new #PixiPretties collection in collaboration with RachhLoves.
At first-look, the powders in the palette appeared to be more powdery than the Glow-y Gossamer Duos and I was prepared to be disappointed. But, I couldn’t have been more wrong!
The texture is slightly powdery so there is a tad bit of fall-out, but the formula of the powders still create such a beautiful wet-looking, metallic glow. Definitely up to my expectations of a Pixi highlighter!
My two favorite shades in the palette are the two biggest pans and I love that they put those two shades in the largest pans because for most people, those will be the two most used shades. It’s great to see that they took that into consideration.
There are always a shade or two in any given palette that will be used the least, and since those shades are small pans in this palette, it makes me feel a little less wasteful!
Shop now: Pixi Beauty
Shiseido Senka – Perfect Whip Foaming Cleanser
Seen in: November Favorites
This cleanser is a revived favorite as it used to be the cleanser I used while I was living in Japan from 2015 to 2017.
Made by Shiseido, the Senka Perfect Whip Foaming Cleanser is one of Japan’s most popular drugstore cleansers.
While I was visiting Japan in July, I remembered how much I used to love this cleanser so I picked up a few tubes. And now that I’m using it regularly again, I wish I bought even more!
From the very first time I used it again, I remembered why I used to love it so much – it’s super gentle that leaves the skin feeling clean and soft, without making it feel like it’s been stripped of all oils.
I use it as the second step of my double-cleanse routine, after removing my makeup with a cleansing oil. This cleanser does claim to remove makeup, but I wear A LOT of makeup, so it doesn’t remove all of it.
If you have sensitive skin, I definitely recommend this cleanser! I have very sensitive skin and have never experienced any stinging or irritation while using this cleanser.
Shop now: Amazon
And that’s it for my favorite drugstore makeup products of 2019!
What were your favorite products of the year? Did you see any of you favorites in this post?
Be sure to let me know down in the comments!
Drugstore makeup brands continue to amaze me with their quality and performance, but at such an affordable price! I’m very excited to see what new drugstore makeup products 2020 has in store for us!
And don’t forget – if you are planning on buying any new makeup, be sure to use Rakuten (formerly Ebates) for cash back!
SIGN UP HERE FOR FREE AND GET A $10 BONUS after you make your first qualifying purchase using Ebates!
Thank you so much for reading and until next time! <3
More Drugstore Makeup Posts:
- New Must-Try Drugstore Makeup – Winter/Holiday 2019
- The Ultimate List of Drugstore Dupes
- Best Drugstore Highlighters You Must Try
- Best Full-Coverage Drugstore Foundations
- Best Drugstore Foundations for Oily Skin
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Karin C says
Some great products ,Sadly Colourpop has the Worst CustomerCare service of any company I have dealt with , their products are very good but they really need to step up their game with their customer care .
Liana says
Aww sorry to hear you had a bad experience with them! I’ve only had to deal with them once and they were okay for me. Sorry to hear about your experience!