I didn’t wear make up for the first 3 weeks of stay-at-home orders. I’m sure I’m not alone there. I really didn’t see the point. I wasn’t following my routines, I was flailing, and I was feeling pretty crappy to be honest.
3 weeks in, I realized that getting ready was a huge part of my routine and letting go of it left me feeling bad. Plus, I started having more Zoom calls and staring at my face, with no makeup and my hair in an ever-present bun, felt a little bit too much. I started getting ready again and it make me feel so much better.
But then, a few more weeks in… I realized I was dangerously close to being out of a few make up essentials. Worse, I was close to being out of some skincare essentials. This isn’t the worst problem to have, but I’ve been trying hard not to order things on Amazon or that require shipping—I just don’t want to endanger anyone. (No shade if you do! I have ordered a few things, but I’ve been trying to limit it to essentials I can’t get elsewhere.)
I decided to look at some drugstore swaps for my daily essentials and tested a few out, that I got via Target pick up or my weekly run to Walmart for prescriptions. These are all affordable options, available primarily at Target, but also at most drugstores. If you’re doing a grocery or prescription run, these will be there for you to pop into your cart. If you’re in need of some basics, here are a few swaps.
1. Need a foundation? Try Revlon PhotoReady Candid Moisture Glow Foundation.
This foundation is around $7.99-$8.99 depending on where you buy it and one of my favorite new foundations. Full disclosure, Revlon is obviously not cruelty free. But in a pinch, it works. It is definitely a more sheer foundation, but stays in place shockingly well. I find that for Zoom calls and all my digital meetings, this is all I really need; just something so I don’t look red or tired. For reference, I previously wore Too Faced Dew You foundation, which was heavier coverage, but a dewy, moisturizing formula.
2. Need a concealer? Try Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer.
Some days, you don’t want a full foundation, but want to cover any blemishes for a Zoom call, Facetime, whatever. Or just because you like to. However, that concealer stick is running low. What do you reach for that you can get at the drugstore?
Honestly, Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Concealer (well known for its little puffball applicator) is pretty famous and it’s so affordable. I find that the color matching is great too. That being said, I do not recommend using the applicator as it comes; when I see people swipe this on their face, I cringe. You can’t wash it! You just rub it on your face over and over without washing! My recommendation is to use a small concealer or eyeshadow brush to swipe the product off the applicator and onto your face—but that’s just me, the one who easily breaks out if the wind blows a bit wrong.
3. Need powder? Try COVERGIRL Professional Loose Powder.
I put on powder most days, even when I’m not wearing make up, because I am always a bit oily and this tends to keep my face from feeling grimy. I usually use either my It Cosmetic’s Bye Bye Pores loose powder or a compact I got from my Ipsy bag a few months ago (it’s my not favorite, but I keep it at my desk and it helps!) However, I’m running low on both so I reached for my former tried-and-true favorite: the COVERGIRL Professional Loose Powder. For years this was my go-to powder; I used it probably from age 17 to 25 or 26. That’s nearly 10 years!
I still really like it, but I stopped using it when I went primarily cruelty-free. However, without being able to pop into Ulta, I’m relying on drugstore and this COVERGIRL powder is still as good as I remember. It comes in great color options, goes on sheer, doesn’t look like you’re a Victorian when you use it, and is super affordable.
4. Need a face wash? Try Soap & Glory’s Face Soap & Clarify Daily Vitamin C Facial Wash.
I love Soap & Glory’s products and this face wash, their Daily Vitamin C Facial Wash, is a great stand in for two products. If you’re in need of a new face wash because your favorite is running low and/or you also need to re-up on your Vitamin C product, this is a great fill in for both. And it’s less than $15 for a huge bottle. It smells fantastic and makes your skin feel amazing without being too aggressive of a cleanser. Plus, that dose of Vitamin C helps with dark spots, uneven skin, acne scars—you name it. (As a note, make sure to slather on the SPF if you plan to be outside or sitting near a window!)
5. Need a cleansing oil? Try Burt’s Bee’s Facial Cleansing Oil with Coconut & Argan Oil.
I typically buy my cleansing oil (plain jojoba) at Trader Joe’s. But ever since the quarantine, I’ve avoided TJ’s because they are always the smallest stores and they just get too crowded. So, I started looking for a good drugstore alternative and I settled on this one: Burt’s Bees makes some great skincare products and this cleansing oil is lovely. At first, I was suspicious of the coconut oil, which is comedogenic and not great for acne prone skin. But the amount in it is negligible and since I’m double cleansing anyway, I decided to try it. I’ve been really happy with the results, it smells amazing (like rosemary, which isn’t for everyone, but I love), and it works beautifully.
Do you have a good skincare or make up swap you’ve made recently? Let me know in the comments. Let’s make it easier for everyone to find what works right now!
