When it comes to affordable makeup, e.l.f. Cosmetics is one of the top brands on the market. It’s always releasing new products and formulas while keeping the cost down—which is hard to come by these days! The brand is also known to provide shameless dupes for coveted high-end makeup products, at a fraction of the price. Most recently, e.l.f. released new bronzing drops, a setting spray, and its first foundation in 7 years! With e.l.f. Cosmetics constantly being the talk of the town (TikTok) as of late, we wanted to put the beauty brand to the test. After wearing a full-face of e.l.f. makeup products all day, the verdicts are in.
Here’s what we think of these e.l.f. Cosmetics makeup products!
All products featured in this article were independently selected by our team. By shopping through our links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
@styledemocracy Us 🤝 affordable makeup. #elf #elfcosmetics #elfmakeup #elffoundation #makeuproutine #affordablemakeup ♬ origineel geluid – r & m <3 ⸆⸉
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Long gone are the days of colourless cheeks! Now more than ever, blush, more specifically liquid blush, has been all the rage – and we think it’s here to stay! Whether you’re looking for a natural sun-kissed glow, or that dreamy flush you get after having a drink. Blush alone, or in addition to a full face of makeup helps effortlessly achieve that look.
The nature of liquid blush can be a little intimidating at first but don’t fret, they’re actually way easier to work with than you may think! Just start with a little and blend, then build if need be.
Liquid blush gives a natural finish almost like a glow. Rather than the powdery, cakey (at its worst clowney), look some powder blushes tend to give off. So, we can understand that liquid blush is buzzing with popularity!
Here are the best liquid/cream blushes currently on the market!
Rare Beauty – Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
If you’ve yet to join the bandwagon on the Rare Beauty Soft Liquid Blush line, don’t walk, run! The popular shades of this blush sell out fast and we can see why. They are extremely pigmented yet when appropriately used (we recommend just a dab on the cheeks then blended out with a beauty sponge to soak in the excess product), the finish is stunning! This blush comes in either a radiant finish or a matte finish with a bunch of different stunning shades for all skin tones.
Benefit – Benetint Rose Lip Blush & Cheek Tint
An oldie but a goodie! This product created in the 1970s is still relevant and thriving today! Originally Benetint was created for an exotic dancer as a nipple tint (yep, you read that right!). Now it is primarily used as a cheek tint giving the cheeks a natural flush and can even be used on the lips as well, providing an all-around finished look.
Kaja – Cheeky Stamp Blendable Blush
We love the application as much as we love the product for Kaja’s Cheeky Stamp Blendable Blush! You simply dab the applicator on your cheeks, leaving you with an adorable little heart painted on your face. Then you blend and watch your cheeks flush!
NYX – Sweet Cheeks Soft Cheek Tint
NYX is notorious for creating beautiful, creamy makeup formulas, and its Sweet Cheeks Soft Cheek Tint is no exception! Whether you like your blush to be more of a subtle wash of colour or prefer it to be more pigmented, this blush is super easy to work with! If you’re looking for an affordable cream/liquid blush that still lasts and has a beautiful finish – look no further!
Saie – Dew Blush Liquid Cheek Blush
Saie’s Dew Blush is here to give you that healthy flush of colour we’ve all been striving for! This water-based blush has a creamy, blendable formula that lasts all day! Cakey? We don’t know her. The shades ‘Chilly’ and ‘Poppy’ seem to be amongst the crowd favs.
FLOWER Beauty – Blush Bomb Colour Drops
Another amazing wallet-friendly blush! We love to see it. FLOWER Beauty (founded by Drew Barrymore), has checked all the boxes with its Blush Bomb Colour Drops. Perfect for wearing on its own or mixing together into your ideal custom shade, this buildable liquid blush has you covered. Its lightweight formula blends and builds easily, giving a radiant, healthy-looking finish.
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Makeup can get quite pricey, especially if you’re loyal to designer makeup brands. The good news is that there are actually a handful of discount beauty websites to shop at that your wallet will thank you for. Plus, even some beloved stores have an awesome sale section for designer finds! Not only do these shops help you hunt down the best high-end makeup deals, but some of them also help you save on all your favourite drugstore beauty products.
Here are places to purchase designer makeup.
Winners & Marshalls
Winners and Marshalls are mainly recognized for having incredible deals on designer clothes, handbags, and home decor. And while all that is good, they also have a beauty section with some worthwhile deals. Their selection is limited at times, but they carry designer makeup and skincare products for 60% off the original price, and professional hair tools for under $40.
Rue La La
Like HauteLook, Rue La La’s sales are an ever-changing, moving target. But when you manage to spot a deal on your favourite designer product, it’s always a big one. For example, instead of paying $70 for a Laura Mercier palette, you’d get it for $18. This site also ships worldwide, so no matter where you are, you can take advantage of these amazing discounted prices.
Beauty Encounter
Beauty Encounter is great for a number of reasons, but their best feature is likely that they carry high-end and drugstore products at a discounted price, all under one virtual roof. So, instead of having to pick up that reliable Cover Girl mascara you’ve been using for years, and that Christian Dior foundation at two different stores, you can order them both from the same place, and both will be on sale.
BuyMeBeauty
BuyMeBeauty has all the beauty cult-favourites, at majorly discounted prices, and if that wasn’t already enough, their shipping is only $5. Sometimes we fill our online shopping carts and then realize that the shipping cost is through the roof, so we ditch our entire order. But Buy Me Beauty makes sure that you can put the better part of your budget towards products instead of delivery.
Glambot
Glambot is particularly interesting because it is the consignment of beauty products. Most people think that buying gently used items is limited to consignment clothing stores, but Glambot has broken all the rules. Here, you can find gently used designer makeup products for a fraction of the original price. You also have the option of selling any products you may have to linger around that you haven’t really used, for cash that you can put towards other items.
Saks Off 5th
The American discounted department store chain was founded in 1990, and is a subsidiary of the luxury department store chain Saks Fifth Avenue. Shop designer makeup brands like Chanel, Gucci, Dior, and more for up to 70% off.
Image Beauty
Image Beauty is great for a lot more than just makeup. Here you can find hair care products, hair tools, fragrances, skincare products, bath & body products, and of course, makeup — all for a great deal. Like Beauty Encounter, they carry high-end and drugstore products, and shipping is free on orders over $55.
Sephora
The beauty giant, Sephora, carries makeup, skincare, haircare, various fragrances, and more. The sale section is full of designer beauty finds at awesome discounts. Stock up on a whole new makeup collection here!
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You’re definitely not alone when it comes to loving a good beauty deal.
In fact, even some of the most famous and successful celebrities get a thrill from discovering a great drugstore find. And we know what you’re thinking, yeah right, there’s no way Queen Bey or Jennifer Lopez would ever make a pit stop at their local drugstore for a re-up on their fave products. And, okay, you might be right, chances are they probably send their assistants. But if you ask us, shopping at the drugstore is still shopping at the drugstore and some of the most well-known stars do just that.
If you’ve ever wanted to live like your fave celeb (minus the personal assistant, private driver, and hordes of paparazzi), read on to learn about some of the drugstore beauty products celebs just can’t get enough of and trust us, you’ll actually be able to afford them. And remember, stars: they’re (sort of) just like us.
Selena Gomez
In an interview with Into the Gloss, Gomez praised Biore’s Deep Cleansing Strips and said they make her feel “really accomplished” when she uses them and added that they really work. And trust us, if you have yet to give these miracle strips a try, you’ll be thanking us later for their instant results.
Lucy Hale
The Pretty Little Liars actress revealed in an interview that she uses Avène Cleansing Foam, which is a gentle, soap-free cleanser, to get rid of makeup and leave her face feeling clean.
Ashley Graham
Model and momma-to-be Ashley Graham previously told Vogue that Dove body wash is one of her favourite products to use after a trip to the beach for soft and smooth skin.
Kate Middleton
According to Kate Middleton’s hairstylist Amanda Cook, the Duchess of Cambridge uses two drugstore hairsprays to keep her hair in place: L’Ore?al Elnett Supreme Hold Hairspray and Boots Essential Maximum Hold Unperfumed Hairspray. The latter is, unfortunately unavailable in Canada, however, you can still score the L’Ore?al can at your favourite drugstore.
Vanessa Hudgens
Another beauty product celebs love is a L’Oréal mascara. Hudgens says she constantly rotates which mascara she uses, but told Byrdie in an interview that she loves L’Oréal’s Voluminous Waterproof Mascara “because you can really layer it on for tons of volume and length.” Ashley Graham is a fan, too!
Beyoncé
Oh yes, even Queen Bey herself is a fan of drugstore steals, including Aquaphor’s Healing Ointment which she told Elle she slathers on her face before going to bed. “I go to bed looking totally greasy. It’s not all glamour all the time.”
Jennifer Lopez
We can credit the award-winning singer’s famous glow to a drugstore staple that costs under $20. Lopez’s long-time makeup artist, Scott Barnes, previously revealed he uses Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Lightweight Sunscreen Spray on the singer to set her makeup and give her super-illuminated skin.
Gigi Hadid
If you’ve ever wondered how the model achieves her flawless glow, just head to your nearest drugstore’s face wash section and you’ll find your answer. In an interview with Teen Vogue, Hadid revealed she loves St.Ives Apricot Scrub.
Sofia Vergara
Here’s another drugstore beauty products celebs love. The Modern Family actress dished to Who What Wear that her favourite skincare products are very simple and this includes Cetaphil’s cult-favourite cleanser. “I try different ones all the time because people recommend me stuff, especially in this business. But the basic stuff works best for me.”
Kim Kardashian West
Sure, it might be hard to believe that Kim Kardashian West of all people would ever stray away from a luxe skin care and beauty routine. But the fashion and beauty icon previously revealed on her app that she’s actually a huge fan of a number of drugstore beauty products including RoC’s Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Anti-Aging Night Face Cream, which works to smooth fine lines while you snooze.
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If your makeup collection is starting to feel a little drab, look no further! There are a ton of new collections and products to get excited about, just ask Bella Thorne, Lush, and Fenty Beauty to name a few. This fall your “glow up” will be on point and on fleek as ever and you’ll be tempted to put on a full face of makeup, even if you’re only going to the grocery store. Prepare to freak out over 10 new makeup collections and products we’re obsessing over right now.
Two Faced Tutti Frutti Collection
It will be impossible not to be the life of the party with the new fruit inspired, Tutti Frutti Collection by Two Faced. Inspired by juicy and colourful fruits (duh!), the full line of products are hella playful. One look at these glosses and you know you’ll be feeling fabulous when you put anything from this collection on.
Instagram/@toofaced
Fenty Beauty Moroccan Spice Palette
Who else is drooling over the Fenty Beauty Moroccan Spice Palette? I sure am. The sultry palette has just enough mattes and shimmers to create all the fall eye looks you’ve been dreaming of. Look at the shine in those golden glitter shades!
Instagram/@fentybeauty
Filthy Fangs By Bella Thorne
If you’re a fan of wild child Bella Thorne and her uber sparkly makeup looks, then you probably know she’s been hinting at a makeup collection for some time. Well, the wait is over and it’s finally here. The collection is as Bella as ever with fantastical colours and shimmery shades that will make you look like you ate a unicorn for breakfast.
Instagram/@bellathorne
Flesh Beauty
Call it the Fenty effect, but we’re seeing more and more wide range cosmetic lines, including Flesh Beauty. The 12 product line includes a dewy foundation stick that comes in 40 different shades – hell ya! It also carries all the other essentials like eyeshadow palettes, blush, highlights and more.
Instagram/@fleshbeauty
Camila Cabello x L’Oreal Paris
Camila Cabello launched into the music scene with her single Havana and I was instantly obsessed. Now you can dance to the saucy song while wearing her makeup collab with L’Oreal Paris. You’ll feel like it’s forever summer when you’re rocking the Sun-Lit Bronzer among other things.
Instagram/@lorealmakeup
Beauty Blender Blender Defender
Can’t live without your Beauty Blender? If you answered yes, then I’m going to take a wild guess that it’s currently sitting in the bottom of your makeup bag, getting all grimy. That’s about to change with Beauty Blender’s new Blender Defender; the perfect little case for you’re favourite makeup sponge.
Instagram/@beautyblender
GlamGlow Glow Powder
You’ve probably seen GlamGlow’s glittery face masks all over Instagram… While the brand recently launched its first makeup product, a highlight palette called Glow Powder. Radiant skin is where it’s at, so pop their buildable highlight on and get glowing.
Instagram/@glamglow
Milk Makeup
This too cool for school indie makeup brand is basically the new Glossier, with super sleek and Instagram-worthy packaging, cool AF product names, and innovative formulas. Bonus points that the entire line is cruelty-free, paraben free, 100% vegan, and uses good for your skin ingredients for an epic payoff.
Instagram/@milkmakeup
Benefit Cosmetics 4 in 1 Brow Pencil
Benefit Cosmetics new 4 in 1 Brow Pencil is like a swiss army knife for your makeup case! Let’s be real, we’re not all makeup artists. Using multiple products on my brows? Ya, I don’t got time for that. Define and highlight, and make all your brow goals come true, while only using one product.
Instagram/@benefitcosmetics
Fenty Beauty Brow Products
In other brow news, get ready to freak the eff out. Rihanna just confirmed that Fenty Beauty will be launching brow products. While nothing about the brow products has officially been released, Bad Gal Riri took to Twitter to answer a fan’s inquiry stating, “You know we building the illest eyebrow situation.” For now, we’ll just have to impatiently wait and anticipate how hype it’s going to be.
When @rihanna approves your mug. pic.twitter.com/87yA6fpDsI
— Boring Blue Suit Balenciaga (@chucka_khan) December 11, 2017
Twitter/@RidingOnDMetro
Featured image: Instagram/ @fentybeauty
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When it comes to beauty, sometimes it’s difficult to know what to splurge on and what you should be saving on — especially when it comes to products that you use on the regular. Great for university students or anyone on a budget, Walmart is here to help you save some of your hard-earned dollars with this season’s best beauty dupes.
You’ll be incorporating these five staples into your routine in no time! Keep reading to start saving now:
1. Mascara
You should be replacing your mascara every 3-6 month to prevent bacteria buildup, so finding a good (yet affordable) mascara is absolutely KEY. Too Faced’s Better Than Sex is a cult-classic, thanks to its inky black pigment and intense volume. This mascara dupe will have people asking you if you’re wearing false lashes — no lie! The brush is almost identical to Too Faced’s “Better Than Sex” mascara, whose name says it all.
SPLURGE: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, $31
STEAL: L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara, $10.96
Available at Walmart and Walmart.ca
2. Cleansing Water
Cleansing water is STILL trending and I’m all about it. After using makeup removing wipes for years, I finally found a non-harsh way to remove all that mascara you can never get rid of (even waterproof!). I have used both of these cleansing waters, and they both achieve the same end result. Your wallet and skin will thank you.
SPLURGE: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution Cleansing Water, $19.90 for 500mL
STEAL: Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Cleanser & Waterproof Makeup Remover, $8.47 for 400 mL
Available at Walmart and Walmart.ca
3. Moisturizer
Both of these moisturizers boast the same *star* ingredient – hyaluronic acid, which can absorb over 1000 times its weight in water, helping to restore dry, depleted skin’s moisture barrier. The gel-cream texture goes on super-smoothly and provides a lightweight feel. Bonus? They won’t clog pores or make skin greasy. However, the variation in pricing makes quite the difference.
SPLURGE: GLAMGLOW Waterburst™ Hydrated Glow Moisturizer, $62
STEAL: Neutrogena Hydroboost Facial Gel Cream, $19.95
Available at Walmart and Walmart.ca
4. Lipstick
The popular 90’s beauty brand, Hard Candy, is back in action at Walmart. These moisturizing lip balms are just as nourishing and even identical in colour. You’ll want to keep this ultra sleek lipstick in your purse at all times.
SPLURGE: Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Whole Lotta Honey, $22
STEAL: Hard Candy All Glossed Up Hydrating Lip Stain in Sand Castle, $5.68
Available at Walmart and Walmart.ca
5. Cleanser
Make your life easier with this all-in-one facial cleansing stick. Both are made for sensitive skin and can be used for makeup removal, deep facial cleansing, and is extremely travel-friendly. This helps reduce shine, purifies pores, removes dullness, and thoroughly cleans all skin types. The only difference is in the price!
SPLURGE: Tarte FRXXXTION Stick Exfoliating Cleanser, $29
STEAL: Yes to Charcoal 2-in-1 Scrub & Cleanser Stick, $12.98
Available at Walmart and Walmart.ca
6. Setting Spray
The final step to perfecting your face is making sure it stays on all night long. Hello, setting spray. I’m never sure if this stuff really works but I’d like to think so, considering I practically bathe my face in it post foundation. I’ve used both products and there are no noticeable differences in their performance. The one thing I did notice was how I went through my NYX bottle significantly quicker than Urban Decay’s “De Slick”, but if you were to purchase two bottles of NYX, you’d still be saving!
SPLURGE: Urban Decay De-Slick Oil-Control Setting Spray, $40
STEAL: NYX Matte Makeup Setting Spray, $10 at NYX Cosmetics
7. Face Mask
Everyone is going nuts over the restorative benefits of gold fused masks. If you’re looking for something fancy but not willing to spend a chunk of your paycheck, the Soo’AE Revive Gold Peel Off Mask, is the perfect alternative filled with essential oils to nourish and remove dead skin cells.
SPLURGE: Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Mask Pure Luxury Lift and Firm Mask, $99
STEAL: Soo’AE Revive Gold Peel Off Mask, $3.47
Available at Walmart and Walmart.ca
What are some other incredible beauty dupes on the market right now? Let us know in the comments!
When it comes to beauty, sometimes it’s difficult to know what to splurge on and what to save on — especially when it comes to products that you use on the regular. And while we love treating ourselves to expensive beauty buys from time to time, high price doesn’t necessarily mean high quality.
Experience has shown that some affordable drugstore products actually work better than their high-end rivals. So, if you’re hoping to save some money and still look your best, you definitely need to check out these beauty products.
L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise – $10.96
This mascara will have people asking you if you’re wearing falsies. The brush is extremely easy to use and the results will surprise you – your eyes will pop with lashes thinner and longer than Kendall Jenner’s legs. We appreciate you L’Oreal.
MARCELLE Smokey Eyeshadow Palette – $15.99
If your eyeshadow needs an upgrade this summer, try this versatile easy-to-use Marcelle Smokey Eyeshadow palette that has all you need and more. Whether you’re getting ready for work or heading to date night, this timeless and versatile palette has got you covered. The nude shades will easily elevate any ordinary eye and add a splash of sophistication with its luminous shimmer hues.
Maybelline Master Contour V-Shape Duo Stick – $14.99
Contouring has never been so quick and simple. Maybelline’s Master Contour V-Shape Duo Stick creates the illusion of shape and highlight in just two easy steps. Apply and blend the dark shade along the jawline and the hollows of your cheeks for structure then use the light shade to enhance the high points of your face.
E.L.F. Illuminating Palette – $6.00
This palette is great for those looking to contour AND sport an all-over shimmer. The compact includes four illuminating shades to blend or use alone; they can even be used as eyeshadows to create a monochromatic look.
MARCELLE I-Bronze Bronzing Powder – $14.99
This bronzing powder will help you create the perfect sun-kissed look and add that healthy glow to your skin. You can also use it as a contour to emphasize your features.
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water – $8.47
Micellar cleansing water is trending right now and we’re all about it. It’s a non-harsh way to remove all makeup, even waterproof mascara. If you haven’t tried this bestseller yet, you should definitely grab one next time you’re at Shoppers.
MARCELLE City Multi-Protection Tinted Cream – $19.99
Ditch your foundation this summer and opt for a tinted moisturizer that’ll keep your face hydrated and protect your skin from UV rays at the same time! This amazing multi-protection tinted cream is supercharged with antioxidants, green tea, aloe and chamomile act like a shield to protect your skin from environmental stressors.
Sun Bum Sunscreen Face Stick SPF 30 – $12.99
This face stick is hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, 100% vegan and comes in a small cute package that you can carry with you everywhere you go.
Origins Flower Fusion Jasmine Softening Sheet Mask – $9
Soften your skin with this jasmine-infused mask that will leave your face silky-smooth in minutes. Made of 100% bamboo, this soft sheet is infused with fortified flower wax, boasting properties to effectively moisturize and hydrate. Just close your eyes and let the sweet scent of jasmine take you away.
What drugstore beauty products do you swear by? Let us know in the comments.
Featured image: Instagram/ @marcellecosmetics
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