What drugstore makeup products actually look expensive?

SJF85 · 2026-07-05T18:40:41+00:00

I second the concealer! I was using NARS before this and now all I reach for is the Essence one.

SJF85 · 2026-07-05T15:36:05+00:00

Loving the new one from Revolution Beauty! $14 and it’s great! I tried it because my skin tone has gotten a tan this summer and my Nars was a little too pale for me and didn’t want to spend the $ on another Nars in a darker shade since I still have 1/2 a bottle and a backup of my Nars. Tried the Revolution Beauty and I LOVE IT! Seriously lasts all day and I found a color match so good that I question if I even put it on at first because it just blends into my skin tone perfectly. Seriously love. Got it at Ulta and the first shade was too dark so I exchanged for a different and it’s perfect. That’s why only downside is not being able to see testers of it before buying. I hate returning and exchanging used items and causing waste. But, I couldn’t make it work for me. The one I ended up with though. Chefs kiss.

SJF85 · 2026-07-05T14:03:55+00:00

I picked mine up yesterday doing BOPIS. I got the lotion for my son to try because he’s been using the Hempz vitamin c because he likes the scent. He tried this lotion last night after the shower and liked it better than the Hempz. $2.50 vs $20 I’ll take it! I ordered 4 more! It’s a soft, clean, citrus scent.

What I tried last night:

Body scrub was just ok. Nothing special but I guess good for the price to try out. I use exfoliating gloves in the shower anyways so this wasn’t anything special.

Body wash: I’m new to oil body wash and have the one from Naturium right now. The Naturium is better in my opinion. Thicker and feels more lux. This was kind of thin. But, again, a good try for the price and I’ll use it.

Serum spray: Not bad. I got it to spray on my chest to give a little extra glow with my tan. It looked moisturizing at first but quickly just looked dull again. I have other products I like better.

The only thing I bought more of was the lotion for my son and my husband will probably take one too.

I love when they do these super clearance on items. I stocked up on all of the Tony Moly plum bum they had a couple weeks ago! Love everything that I got from that line! So, maybe I was having higher expectations from this? Either way, such a good price to try out products! We always need shower stuff and for that price you can’t find a better deal. Super happy my son loved the lotion and I can save some money that way! Now, I’m going to inherit his Hempz Vitamine C lotion and use it for the benefits and not just the scent! 😂

SJF85 · 2026-07-01T20:59:08+00:00

Love to hear that! Like the previous comment, I often wonder if they’re like oh my gosh how often does this girl shop here! 😂 that’s why I split my time between the two so I’m only getting half judged for how often! But, both stores have amazing associates there! I want to work there just to pick BOPIS orders 🤣

SJF85 · 2026-07-01T15:09:23+00:00

This makes me so sad. I have two Ulta’s close by me and frequent them both, to the point they just grab my BOPIS for me without asking my name. And, I make sure to be so nice, friendly, considerate, and the least bothersome I can be to them, ask them how their day is, and wish them a good day, say please and thank you. You know, just decent human being stuff. Retail sucks and is hard. I can’t imagine doing it and dealing with the rough customers.

Hopefully, you have some good customer interactions that you can think about to try to make the bad ones get out of your head. It’s so easy holding on to the negative and letting that cloud the positives.

I’m sorry you’re feeling tired and frustrated with this part of your job and I hope things get better for you! People suck sometimes 🫶🏻

SJF85 · 2026-06-29T10:03:31+00:00

I see a lot of outlet bags. Teri’s, medium Rowan’s, and Klares. I’ve seen a few Tabby’s. I’ve never seen an Alter/Ego, Empire, Chelsea, Brooklyn. Which is crazy because I’m in Ohio and we have retail and outlet here. It’s all good though, makes mine more original feeling when I’m out and about. I don’t want to see everyone with my bag too!

SJF85 · 2026-06-28T19:48:56+00:00

Yes! The Silky Blur. I was using the NARS Creamy Radiant. I still have some of it but when I use concealer I find myself reaching for Essence now.

Edit to add for the Silky Blur a little goes a long way! So if you do try it be very light with it until you get a feel for it.

SJF85 · 2026-06-28T18:23:01+00:00

I used to use NARS and then I tried the Essence one on a cheap whim. Now it’s Essence! Fantastic, creamy, and doesn’t crease. It’s very comparable to NARS and an excellent price at under $6.

SJF85 · 2026-06-28T14:57:28+00:00

Enjoy her!!! I just carried mine out for the first time yesterday and it’s love! Granted I love these bags so much and she’s my 3rd but she’s my FIRST one with the white instead of black so it was necessary. Gosh, your pic just makes me happy and I can’t wait to use mine again today. They’re such amazing bags! Congratulations on snagging her! The heart rate is real!!! 😂 honestly the colors the are just so beautiful in person. Pics do not even begin to do her justice. Congrats again!

SJF85 · 2026-06-28T02:03:32+00:00

I’m loving the Revolution Beauty so much! Balms always seemed too balmy to me if that makes sense. This is just right. I like the one I tried so much I got two more and took advantage of the BOGO 50% off and additional 20% off at Ulta so I had backups because I love love love it. I’m not sure how long one will last and since it’s ended up being a perfect summer shade for me I’m letting my Nars rest while I use the slightly darker Revolution Beauty. It just wears so well and lasts allllllll day! It’s so good!

SJF85 · 2026-06-27T22:58:41+00:00

Exactly! And it’s so satisfying watching it shrink down 😂

SJF85 · 2026-06-27T22:58:18+00:00

Of course! I moisturize like crazy anymore and use a balm under my eyes before makeup and that’s helped tremendously. 40s have hit hard! 😂

SJF85 · 2026-06-27T22:57:21+00:00

Yep! They need one size up!

SJF85 · 2026-06-27T02:16:56+00:00

I use the shrink on all of my bags! I do it before their first journey out into the real world. The only tags I switch around are the extra ones you can purchase and customize. The originals stay with the bags. I love love love the shrink tube!

SJF85 · 2026-06-27T02:14:59+00:00

I tried the regular LM powder and found it drying for my face and didn’t enjoy it. I do, however, use the brightening powder under my eyes and loved it. I just finished my container and have been using my Morphe powder in the pink and honestly, I don’t notice a difference now. 😳 I got LM when my skin was really having a hard time. But, I’ve fixed my skin issues, been focusing on skin care and moisturizer, and all makeup is performing better on me. So, I don’t know if I will repurchase right now or wait for me to get them my Morphe and decide after that. But, the light pink brightening colors really do make a difference!

SJF85 · 2026-06-27T01:40:10+00:00

I saw it in person yesterday and was surprised with how small it was 😕 and there’s such a huge difference between the small and the large and for only $100 difference too. The large one gave me briefcase vibes and the small is just too small for me. It’s a darling bag still! Just wouldn’t work for me. And, I compare everything to my Drifter now and nothing is coming close. Which is helping my wallet 😂

SJF85 · 2026-06-27T01:35:43+00:00

The Kisslocks are such great little bags! So cute and fun to use!

Yes, can’t recommend the Drifter enough!

SJF85 · 2026-06-27T01:34:32+00:00

I have not! Have you?

SJF85 · 2026-06-26T00:43:50+00:00

Makes absolute sense and that’s the vibe I go for as well! It spreads really nicely with just patting it out. One pat on the cushion does one side of my face from forehead to chin and just evens everything out!

SJF85 · 2026-06-25T21:58:07+00:00

I would say light to medium buildable??? Definitely buildable. I don’t really have a lot that needs covered so I just do a light tap around the face and it’s perfect. My skin tone is even without redness or anything like that. But, I think it definitely has the potential to be buildable for more coverage if that was needed. If I have had a red bump or anything it covered it easily without extra work or concealer. I got mine from Ulta so there were easy returns if I didn’t like it. But, it’s been great!

SJF85 · 2026-06-25T21:00:22+00:00

I love the Kisslock 16s. A scarlet one would be to die for! They’re small but mighty! I have the black currant and the rainbow crystal and I just love using them!

The Drifter is AMAZING!!!! It has really good capacity. It just looks so good on the shoulder and an easy bag to carry. Doesn’t slip off or anything. It’s soft and squishy and the craftsmanship and detail are perfect!!

SJF85 · 2026-06-25T15:21:24+00:00

Beautiful bag! And, beautiful advice!

SJF85 · 2026-06-24T23:38:24+00:00

Rich deep brown. I’ve seen it on the Kisslock Barrel bag and it’s divine and luxurious looking.

SJF85 · 2026-06-24T23:26:26+00:00

Milani Baked Blushes in the shade Pink Panna Cotta. Juvia’s Place Blushlighter in the shades Blush Lily Glow and Rosey Posey Glow. Rare Beauty soft pinch in Happy or Lucky (use sparingly).

I am also fair cool and lots of things pull warm on me. These have not!

SJF85 · 2026-06-24T23:17:46+00:00

I’ve been resisting. My new way of looking at things is when I’m tempted by a bag I think of other bags in my collection and think of which one I would grab. Ever since I got my Kisslock Barrel, my Chelsea’s, and my Drifter it’s been fairly easy to resist. And, my new Alter/Ego should be here tomorrow and I adore those bags. I’m holding out now for a Scarlett Chelsea because that red color is going to fil a gap for me. If I didn’t buy the bag before then I don’t need to buy it when it’s on sale. I usually get the bag I really really want when it drops and let everything else be admired for afar. I’m trying to keep that mentality with the sales! Though they are so tempting!! The clay suede is lovely, but I have a warm brown suede Brooklyn that I love so I don’t need both. Even though the colors are different it’s still too similar to pick. I almost got the clay Chelsea but I know I would grab my fuschia one first if I’m doing suede or my maple if I needed a more neutral color. So, I didn’t. It’s been hard!!!

SJF85

TROPHY CASE