When Makeup By Makena was just an idea, I made a commitment that I would incorporate affordable beauty products on my blog as much as possible. I have stayed true to this promise over the years but recently I have found it more difficult to include drugstore options in my edits, roundups, and favorite posts; this led me to the unfortunate realization that the majority of my drugstore makeup products have been discontinued. Today, I’m sharing the products in my collection that are no longer sold in stores.

Part of my heart broke when I found out that the NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Powder had been discontinued. This is an original holy grail in the beauty community and at less than $5, the quality is absolutely unbelievable. I will miss this so much!

The Wet N Wild MegaGlo Illuminating Powder never got much attention but this is a beautiful shimmery bronzer that gives golden goddess vibes when paired with not matte ones.

For a matte pink fluff to the cheeks that was not too overwhelming, I used to love the NYX Powder Blush in ‘Mocha’.

I have always adored the NYX Cream Blush in ‘Natural’ as it has a buildable and blendable formula that creates a dewy baby pink color. I wish more brands created these types of blushes but now they are nearly impossible to find.

The Revlon PhotoReady Cream Blush in ‘Pinched’ has a similar formula but with a more matte finish in a lovely coral shade. I always reach for this on no-makeup makeup days.

The Maybelline Master Hi-Light Blush in ‘Coral’ is another great affordable find in the bold peachy coral shade I always reached for. This is a bit too shimmery for me now but the formula is wonderful.

The Maybelline Color Tattoo 24HR Eyeshadows in ‘Bad to the Beige’, ‘Creamy Beige’, and ‘Chocolate Suede’ are becoming harder and harder to purchase but used to be so popular. They last forever, are highly pigmented, and look very multi-faceted.

The Sonia Kashuk Eyeshadow Quad in ‘Fair and Square‘ holds its own in my collection; although it is not a super impressive formula, the peachy shades and variety of finishes are unique and stunning.

The Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow in ‘Bella Cappuccino’ is a really useful cool-toned beige with a satin finish. I originally owned a few shades but only kept this one as the color was more unique.

Onto lippies, the Maybelline Color Sensational Lipsticks in ‘Totally Toffee’ and ‘Bit of Berry’ have a creamy formula and finish in beige and berry shades respectively. They are pigmented and non-drying but definitely expired.

The Maybelline Color Whisper Lip Color in ‘Mocha Muse’ is a lovely sheer lipstick with a noticeable sheen that adds so much light and fullness to the lips. It doesn’t build up as much as I wish it did but looks gorgeous over other products.

NYX gets it right when it comes to lip products and the NYX Round Lipstick in ‘Tea Rose’ is no exception. It is creamy, comfortable, and beautifully pigmented in a pink yet wearable shade that made me live pink.

Another incredible formula and shade is the NYX Butter Lipstick in ‘Pops’ — one of my most favorite mauvey nudes for tan skin. This is a dupe for so many popular high-end lipsticks and I wish they still sold it.

The L’Oreal Colour Riche Balm Pop in ‘Caring Coral’ will always hold a place in my heart with its glowy, hydrating formula and sheer coral shade. I love it for summertime and it works well on its own and paired with more nude shades as well.

One of my staple products for years is the Maybelline Color Elixir Lip Lacquers in ‘Caramel Infused’ and ‘Nude Illusion’. These warm-toned pinky nude glosses have amazing color lay-off with a high shine finish that doesn’t feel sticky. I love the way these look on top of lipsticks and wish I could continue purchasing them.

I have mentioned my Almay Color + Care Liquid Lip Balms in ‘Cantaloupe Cream’ and ‘Pink Pout’ quite a few times on my blog and find that they are similar to the Maybelline ones. The orangey gloss is an absolute essential in my collection and feels like heaven on my lips.

Although you have now learned that I use and love many of these products, the fact that they are discontinued means that they are expired and should not be used and that are less inspiring than they once were. Most importantly, it means that I can no longer discuss them on my blog because I do not want to recommend makeup that you are unable to enjoy yourself. That’s why I recently went on an affordable makeup shopping spree — come back in a few days for lots of drugstore-inspired content!

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