Drugstore Makeup Empties

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I’m Makena, the creator and editor of Makeup By Makena — a beauty blog dedicated to empowering others through the art of makeup.

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This 32-page magazine is a guide to my all-time favorite beauty products.

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Reaching the end of a beauty product is always accompanied by a bittersweet feeling — a sense of disappointment at having to purchase another and a sense of accomplishment at finishing what I started. Today, I’m sharing a few of my affordable empties and discussing whether or not I plan to repurchase them.

I have mentioned the Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation many times here on my blog and think it is an amazing, high quality formula at a price that cannot be beaten. It is medium to full coverage with a more matte finish and a slightly thicker consistency that wear well throughout the day. I actually do not plan to repurchase this for a while because I do prefer more hydrating, luminous formulas.

The Neutrogena Healthy Skin Foundation is one of my all-time favorite makeup bases for everyday use, as it feels hydrating and lightweight while providing enough coverage to cover any redness or blemishes. It never irritates my skin or becomes cakey or greasy by the end of the day. I will definitely repurchase this once I finish more of my other foundations.

Cream bronzers and contour shades are especially difficult to find at the drugstore but the L’Oreal True Match Crayon Concealer is my go-to for adding warmth and definition to my cheekbones, temples, and jawline. It is the perfect shade for my skin tone and blends effortlessly. I would 100% buy this product again but I would also like to try a different contour stick.

I do not mention the Elf Studio Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder in ‘St. Lucia’ very much on my blog since I do not reach for it often but I have almost hit pan and I’ve owned it for far too long. I really enjoy the particular shades in this duo; the blush is a shimmery peachy pink that looks so healthy on the cheeks while the bronzer is the perfect neutral-toned deep brown. However, the powders have a very dry, chunky texture that can be difficult to blend. Unless the brand has reformulated it, I will not be buying it again.

I have been consistently using my Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner ever since I started my blog and just now hit pan. I find gels like this so much easier to use and more precise than liquid ones. It is extremely black, lasts all day and all night, and does not transfer. This is probably the only liner I will ever use (bold statement, I know) so I will be repurchasing this.

The drugstore has so many different mascaras but L’Oreal has always made my absolute favorite wands and formulas. The L’oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara adds intense volume and length, presenting a great alternative to the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara I always rave about. Next time I go to the drugstore, I’ll be tossing this in my shopping cart.

I have been experimenting with false eyelashes recently and the Ardell Natural No. 172 False Eyelashes are the first pair I ever used for a sorority formal. I have rather small almond-shaped eyes, so this offers just enough thickness without looking overwhelming. I do find applying falsies difficult but I noticed that this specific pair always pops off in the inner corner and removing the glue is more difficult than it with other lashes, which makes them more difficult to reuse. I think I will repurchase these once just to give them a second chance because they look absolutely gorgeous, but if I notice the same problems, I will not be buying them again.

The NYX Retractable Lip Liner in ‘Natural’ is a staple medium brown shade that pairs wonderfully with lots of neutral lipsticks. The formula is just the right balance between stiff and creamy, meaning it is comfortable and long-lasting. Once I finish the rest of my lip liners, I plan on buying this product again.

The last empty I have from the drugstore is the Wet n Wild MegaLast Lip Color in ‘Bare It All’ — my favorite lipstick shade ever! Honestly, the formula could be creamier but no matter how many similar shades I try, I always like this one better. Something about the mauve tones of this nude complement my skin and my makeup looks beautifully. Needless to say, I will always repurchase this one.

I have never done an empties post before so feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts below. I will be making an effort to incorporate more affordable makeup products into my blog posts so please be on the lookout for more content soon.

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  1. that lip liner sounds like the perfect color! love empties posts

    • It’s an amazing lip liner and love that I don’t have to sharpen it. Thanks so much for reading and for the feedback! If you ever have any requests or questions, please let me know. xoxo

  2. lash paradise is the absolute best!!!!!

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Hey, I'm Makena.

I’m Makena, the creator and editor of Makeup By Makena — a beauty blog dedicated to empowering others through the art of makeup.

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