We’ve all heard that there are great products to be found in your local drugstore beauty aisle. Unfortunately, a visit to your local drugstore can be just as overwhelming as a visit to the department store, with dozens of different mascaras, blushes, foundations etc. all clamoring for your attention. In an attempt to relieve some beauty aisle stress, here is a list of the drugstore finds that are staples in my makeup kit:
1. L’Oreal True Match Super Blendable Makeup ($10.49) – I once grabbed this when I was in a hurry for a photo shoot and had run out of some of the foundation shades in my kit. I’m glad I did, because it’s now one of the primary foundations I use! It lives up to its claim of being super blendable, providing a natural-looking light to medium coverage. It also boasts no oils, fragrances or oil-clogging fillers. With 24 shades to choose from, there’s a true match for everyone. I highly encourage you to give it a try 
2. Maybelline Volum’ Express Turbo Mascara ($7.49) – Want to add volume to your lashes without any flaking or clumping? Give this mascara a try! I love using it in the waterproof formula for weddings.
3. Maybelline Great Lash ($4.79) – It’s hard to argue with a classic. Is there a beauty award this iconic mascara hasn’t won?
4. Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush ($7.49) — This is one of my latest obsessions. Don’t be worried by the brightness of the shades in the jar. When applied to the apples of your cheeks with your fingertips, the result is a natural, radiant flush of color. An added plus? The air-whipped texture makes it virtually impossible to look clownish. My favorite go-to shades are: #10 “Pink Frosting,” #25 “Rose Petal,” and #40 “Soft Plum”
5. ALMAY Intense I-Color Eye Shadow Trios ($7.49) – The first time I used the ALMAY Intense I-Color trio for “Hazel Eyes,” I was amazed at the silkiness of the eye shadow. All three colors applied as easy as higher-end brands, and by categorizing the trios according to eye color, it’s easy to find one that will make your eyes pop. Each trio comes with an eyelid, crease and highlight color. Perfect!
6. Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover ($6.00) — I have frustratingly sensitive eyelids. Most eye makeup removers start stinging after 5 seconds, so I was relieved when I used Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover and didn’t feel a thing. Just shake the bottle thoroughly and apply with a cotton square. It even removes pesky waterproof makeup with ease.
7. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat ($5.49) — I love it when products do exactly what they claim to do. Sally Hansen’s Insta-Dri Top Coat really does dry in 30 seconds, and while none of my manicures have ever lasted more than 5 days, I’ve definitely been able to squeeze out an extra 2 or 3 days by using this.
8. Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion ($11.49) — No fancy frills or packaging; just a simple, non-irritating moisturizer that provides a great base for makeup.
9. Neutrogena Ageless Restoratives Continuous Hydration Eye ($15.49) – This hydrating under eye cream provides a perfect base for concealer.
10. CoverGirl Line Exact Liquid Liner Pen ($5.79) — Love, love, love this eyeliner. The small, compact size combined with the felt-tip applicator make it easy to achieve either fine or bold lines. Just make sure to shake well before use.
