Drug Store Starter Kit

A lot of my posts recently have been high end beauty based so I thought I would break it up a bit and bring the drugstore back. Starting a drugstore frenzy with a starter kit packed full of the budget essentials and will fit neatly into your makeup bag. Since I'm a Boots addict and always find myself going in for cotton wool and coming out with a whole new makeup look, I've tried and tested a fair few different brands and products and have found the ones that work for me and compete with some of my more luxury buys. In any makeup starter kit then I think their should be a glowing primer, something light but long lasting as a base, a red and nude lip, pigmented blushers and a dam good mascara, all of which are sitting in my drugstore makeup bag right now. Let's get started... 

Real Technique Brushes: Affordable brushes that work beautifully with different products and are so multi tasking are a must have in ones makeup bag. A brand I can never resist when it comes to buying new brushes is Real Techniques, each brush is tapered to doing it's job but also holds the art of doing something else. A foundation brush that perfectly applies cream blush? A blush brush that glides on with bronzer and a contour brush that seamlessly brushes in concealer, girls, go stock up.  

Sleek Rose Gold Blush: One thing comes to mind when I look at these... NARS. Chic black packaging with an array of shades and a compact mirror inside, it's NARS on the high street. For the Orgasm dupe then you need to check out Rose Gold - a soft rose that is packed full of beautiful gold particles to give you a subltle summer glow. If I'm having a powder blush day ten this is one I always reach for. Highly pigmented and packed full of long lasting properties, this will keep your cheeks glowing and bright. 

Bourjois Bases: When I think budget bases, I think Bourjois. For me, there isn't a brand that does them better. With something for the oily skinned girls, the dry skins and the ones who prefer something glowing and light, Bourjois have your base sorted for every season. I love wearing Healthy Mix for when I need a little more coverage on my blemishes but still want a glow but if I'm keeping my skin super bare then 123 Perfect CC Cream is the ideal option. There is no need for a setting powder with this and no need for an Instagram filter to make your skin glow. The name says it all really.

Soap and Glory Solar Powder: Oh how the bronzer age has changed. Gone are the orange days of looking dirty and streaky, it's time to say hello to the natural sun kissed bronzers that deliver a light dusting of shimmer and warmth. With a tapered blush brush I dust this all over my face in large sweeping motions for something subtle yet defined. For the fairer skin girls you can stick to the pale side or if you want more of a glow or you've caught some sun then go swirl that brush around in both colours for some warmth and radiance. Since testing this, it's a makeup bag staple and is up against my NARS Laguna. 

Max Factor False Lash Effect: When it comes to picking an affordable mascara, I'm always stuck on whether to go Maybelline, Max Factor or L'oreal, all have amazing offerings but after trying them all, right now my go to has been Max Factor. You all need your lashes covered in this stuff if you're after something dramatic and curled that won't drop or smudge whether it's pouring with rain or your dripping in sweat. Whilst this is all about the false lash effect, Max Factor have pushed it one step further and are giving you some serious volume. 

Soap and Glory Hocus Focus: Healthy, glowing skin in a bottle. One squidge of this all over the face will keep your hydrated, luminous and in place all day whether it's under a foundation or on it's own with a blush, this is a primer I reach for a lot in the week to keep me radiant. With a slightly iridescent pearly finish, I use this on the high points of my face where I want to glow the most and even double it up as a highlighter over the top of foundation for some serious glow. 

Natural Collection Eye Shadows: Whilst I usually pick a shadow stick for my favourite eye shadow, when it comes to a budget buy, I really don't think you can beat the NC single shadows. With a pretty good shade range available, they've got you covered for a black smokey eye, a bronze-y every day taupe or something super natural with a light minky pink. For £2, these formulas are awesome. Pigmented, blend-able and long lasting, these buttery shadows glide on and create something sultry and smokehhh. 

Bourjois Rouge Velvet Lip Laquer: 'Nude-ist'... a warm dusky rose pink that is perfect for every day wear and 'Peach Club' a soft orangey/red for the party girl who wants something bright and poppy in the evening. These long lasting matte stain lip sticks are one of the best lip options you will find on the aisles of Boots. Having an applicator that ensures precise application and a smooth line, you can apply this in a flash for something subtle or build it up and work on the layers for something super intense. A highlighy pigmented option like this in the drugstore is very rare and Bourjois have really beat the high enders with this one, matte, hydrating and ridiculously long lasting. Yes please.

What would be in your Drugstore Starter Kit?