I Have Access to Free Beauty Products, and I Still Choose These Drugstore Buys

Working as a digital editor definitely has its perks. Even though fashion is my wheelhouse here at Who What Wear, I'm still privy to luxurious beauty brands whether I'm testing out a new product launch for a story or am lucky enough to receive a sample from a brand or co-worker. Trust me—I don't take it for granted that I have access to all these free expensive beauty products. It's a blessing. But I got to thinking about my makeup products, in particular, and how my routine has changed (and stayed the same) since I discovered the world of makeup at the age of 13. 

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(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

My foray into makeup began in the aisles of CVS, scooping up brands like Maybelline, Revlon, and L'Oréal. So even though I'm much more well-versed in makeup than I once was, there are still a few O.G. drugstore makeup buys that I just can't stop restocking for myself despite testing out their more expensive counterparts.

I've tried luxury foundations, mascaras, and eyeliners but I still stand by the fact that any of the best drugstore makeup products I'm highlighting below rival pricier options. From my favorite $6 mascara to the lipstick–lip balm hybrid that's always in my purse, keep reading to find out why I prefer these budget buys, and further down, check out the higher-end makeup products I won't skimp on. 

Foundation

The one I've tried:

The one I still choose:

Mascara

The one I've tried:

The one I still choose:

Eye Pencil

The one I've tried:

The one I still choose:

Eye Shadow

The one I've tried:

The one I still choose:

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(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

Here, I'm wearing Clinique's Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color Balm in Romantic ($18) that's become a mainstay in my makeup routine.

Lip Color

The one I've tried:

The one I still choose:

Liquid Eyeliner

The one I've tried:

The one I still choose:

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(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

Here's what I won't skimp on:

Next up: The 12 skincare products that earn me compliments on my skin texture.

Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.