Drugstore Makeup | New Affordable Products You Need To Try

The e.l.f. Cosmetics x Mikayla lipstick duo is a must-have for makeup lovers, especially after its first release was so popular last year. Many fans, including myself, have been excited to try this combo, and it doesn’t disappoint. However, makeup isn’t just about lip products; finding the right brow gel can be a challenge too. After weeks of searching, I finally got my hands on the e.l.f. Cosmetics Brow Laminating Gel. This gel promises a lightweight feel without flakes, but I found it to be sticky and difficult to manage. On the other hand, the Catrice Magic Shaper Face Cream Palette, which I discovered online, turned out to be a great alternative to the pricier Make Up Forever Artistry Face Palette. While it didn’t suit my oily skin, the Catrice palette blends smoothly, making it a great drugstore makeup find for only $8. I love the challenge of experimenting with new makeup.

e.l.f. Cosmetics x Mikayla Lipstick Duo 

I missed out on the first e.l.f. Cosmetics x Mikayla lipstick duo last year ( no longer available, but shades sold separately), so I pounced at the chance to get it again. I know it was very popular, and everyone loved it. Especially since it was for her wedding. It comes with the O 😮 face satin lipstick and a cream glide lip liner to give your lips a pillow pout look in a neutral shade. I was excited to finally get to try it out!

The lip liner was easy and very smooth, and it gives you that 90s look if you just use one coat of the lipstick. Depending on your skin tone, it might not show up if you have darker skin, so look for some swatches online. I wanted it blended in a little bit more, so I added it on top of the lip liner. It really softens the lips so it didn’t look too harsh, and gave me the perfect neutral  color. You were still able to see the lip liner, but I just wanted it a little less harsh looking. 

It’s really a beautiful color, and I think it’ll go with a lot of brown lipsticks for fall. It would also look good with any mauve lipstick as well. As always, the lip liner and lipstick were very easy to glide on. I love the texture, because anything that glides on is going to help me put on makeup easier. 

e.l.f. Cosmetics Brow Laminating Gel

After weeks of searching for the e.l.f. Cosmetics Brow Laminating Gel, I finally found it! Drugstore makeup in my area is so hard to find. It sells out quickly, and then it takes weeks to get restocked. This dual-end applicator laminating gel is not supposed to be stiff, but lightweight. It’s a clear-drying brow gel without flakes, and it’s water resistant. 

As soon as I opened the gel and saw it was a white gel, I knew it was going to leave a residue. And I was right. 

I know it’s supposed to dry clear, but it doesn’t really dry at all. It’s more like a sticky putty substance more than anything. Also, it was very hard to put back in the tube for me, so definitely not for people with dexterity issues. I thought I used too much at first, so I wiped it off with my Honest makeup wipes, and it’s definitely water resistant! That’s at least true.

My eyebrows were still really sticky though, so I didn’t think I needed to add anymore. I couldn’t get my eyebrow pencil (brow wiz) through it because it was so thick. Between a putty texture and the residue, I don’t think this is for me, but I’m going to try it again even though it’s hard for me to put back in the tube. I know so many people love it, so I’m hoping if I really wipe off the excess gel, it’ll be less sticky. I personally prefer e.l.f. Brow Lift, but wish me luck! 

Catrice Magic Shaper Face Cream Palette 

This palette is everything. 

The Catrice Magic Shaper Face Cream Palette looks very similar to the Make Up Forever Artistry Face Palette. I don’t think they’re meant to be dupes, but I think it’s meant to be a similar alternative. I had to return my MUFE face palette unfortunately. It really didn’t work well with my oily skin. 

I think it’s a great tool to have as a makeup artist, and for people with dry skin. It just made me too greasy. The bronzer and blush were really nice though, and so was the lip color. Especially when I combined it with a blush color. The highlighter was ok. It’s subtle but I think it’s a little greasy as well, and i didn’t think the pay off was worth it. I didn’t want to keep an $88 palette if I could only use half of it. I’m pretty sure i exchanged it for three different products, so I’m glad I returned it.

I recently saw this Catrice palette on YouTube, and since it was only $8, I thought it was worth trying. 

I really love it. All of the creams blend in so beautiful and easy. It even goes on smooth on my textured skin. Just because a product is cream doesn’t mean it’s always going to apply well. It blends in like a dream, which is my favorite kind of makeup. I like how this palette doesn’t have any foundation or concealer, because I’m really particular about what I put on as a base. I love that it has everything else that my face needs though. It’s perfect! Highly recommend.

Conclusion

The e.l.f. Cosmetics x Mikayla lipstick duo truly lives up to its hype, delivering a smooth application and a beautiful neutral shade that works well for different looks. The texture makes it easy for anyone to apply, showing why so many people love it. But not every makeup find is perfect for everyone, as I discovered with the e.l.f. Cosmetics Brow Laminating Gel. While it’s popular and water-resistant, its sticky texture and difficulty in handling make it a challenging product for some.

Still, it’s worth trying out different methods to make it work since it offers benefits like staying power. On the flip side, the Catrice Magic Shaper Face Cream Palette turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Despite its low price, making it a great alternative for more expensive palettes that may not work for everyone. These drugstore makeup items goes to show the importance of experimenting with makeup to find what works best for you. Everyone’s skin is different, so while it might be a great product for some, it could be a miss for another.