Revealed: the best pharmacy finds
Lust-worthy department store buys are always a pleasure but let me tell you, our pharmacies have some hidden gems when it comes to makeup. Trend focused pieces are not always the ones you want to invest heavily in, so why not seek out a cheaper alternative in your local chemist?
If you haven’t got your hands on anything from Make-Up Revolution yet, you need to ask yourself why. This brand is the undisputed queen of high-end dupes often knocking the high-end products off their perch.
My top two from the range is the Reloaded Velvet Rose eyeshadow pallette (€4.99) containing 15 ultra-pigmented eyeshadows with a blend of matte and shimmer. Encompassing every type of nude and pink shade on the spectrum, this collection of eyeshadows will see you right from day to night.
The second must have is the Conceal and Define Concealer (€4.99). This product is an award-winning cream concealer that banishes the blemishes and works as a superb eyeshadow base. The range of colours it comes in is great, and you’ll have no problem matching your skin tone to it.
Wet’n’Wild is a much-loved US brand that is cruelty free and cheap as chips. I mention this pretty regularly but my all time favourite red lipstick is from this brand and it’s called Red Velvet and is only €2.49.
The Photo Focus Stick Foundation (€8.95) delivers long lasting coverage in a breakthrough, lightweight, multi-dimensional formula that applies to a flawless semi-matte finish. Infused with argan and sunflower seed oils for intense moisture and seamless bendability, the Photo Focus Stick Foundation perfects your complexion, blends perfectly with a brush or sponge and finally is the handiest thing for touch ups on the go.
Color Icon Bronzer (€4.99) a gel-infused, long-wearing formula that leaves skin looking luminous and with a sun-kissed glow. Use to highlight your most-loved features and transform yourself into a bronzed goddess all year long. It works so well on your neck and décolletage and is great as an extra glow over fake tan on the body. There is a good range of shades also from sun kissed to a more intense tan.
J.Cat is a brand I have only discovered recently and it is a wow. A real brand for the artistic and adventurous makeup lover, it has captured my heart in so many ways.
The Fantasy Dreamland pallette (€24.99) contains a myriad of colours and textures in eyeshadow from subtle to stargazing with 21 individual stellar shades that are easy to blend and so easy to apply.
All the shades complement each other and this pallette for me is a special occasion one, great for nights out and festivals. Mach it up with the You Glow Girl baked highlighter (€12.50) in the shade Pink Goddess and not only will you glow, but you'll glisten too. Use it on your cheekbones to help you achieve a filter worthy skin pop.
Kokie is another new kid on the block in Ireland. If a medium coverage HD look is your thing, then the Kokie Skin Perfect foundation (€15.95) is for you. It applies like a dream, offering both luminosity and coverage in one sweep.
It lasts as well as its department store counterparts and honestly photographs so well.
The Matte Lipstick (€8.99) in shade 56 Sahara is the nicest shade of pinky nude that suits summer perfectly. The slim stick means that it is perfect for top ups on the go also. I didn’t even need to use a lipliner with it as it didn’t budge all day.
The colour really suits so many skin tones, too, especially if you prefer a pinker type of nude rather than a brown or flesh coloured one, which in my opinion can be aging.
We all know that Marissa Carter can do no wrong when it comes to great price point products, and her makeup line, which is about a year old now, is no exception.
It has graced the faces of superstars like Ariana Grande and Kourtney Kardashian so what are my personal picks from the line?
Firstly at €4.99, you cannot beat the lashes. They are easily applied and you can reuse then a few times for maximum value. I love the glamour ones and have yet to get my hands on the Leo ones which look incredible.
Another great find at €4.95 is the covert concealer. This is a light liquid concealer that is perfect for the under eye area. It works into the skin like a dream and the dropper is a handy addition to the bottle as it means there is zero waste. I just pat it in with my ring finger, anywhere I feel it’s necessary. It really is a handbag hero as it can double as an alternative to foundation if you are short on space in a clutch bag.