From a slam-dunk foundation to a $6 miracle powder, these are the underrated makeup products you need in your life…pronto!
Oh gosh. It’s embarrassing how long I’ve wanted to share an updated post on my Underrated Makeup products without actually doing it. So, this is me finally buckling down and writing it out. Here, here for some Monday productivity!!
We all know how frequently we see and hear a bunch of hype over the same-old foundations and lipsticks. Every glossy magazine on the newsstand and beauty channel on YouTube seem to be working together to get the word out on the same makeup products while dozens of others fly LOW on the radar. Obviously, a good product is a good product…so as long as it lives up to the hype I am ALL for that.
But, today? I want to shine light on those underrated makeup products that everyone has somehow overlooked.
My Favorite Underrated Makeup Products
Way back in 2017 I shared this post introducing readers to 6 under-hyped makeup gems they need in their lives. Fortunately? I’ve discovered even more to share with you!
To start, I sat down at my vanity with an empty bag and got to grabbing at anything and everything I felt qualified as a “holy grail” and trust-worthy product. Then, I examined the items in my bag and thought about which ones I’ve seen get a lot of praise in the beauty community v. those that have not. In the end, I was left with a pretty nice selection of makeup products that are deserving of WAY more hype than they receive.
From a five-second brow product to a miracle foundation, my list of underrated makeup products features items from higher-end retailers as well as the aisles of your drugstore. For when it comes to makeup, price definitely isn’t the bottom line on quality. You can absolutely drop a pretty penny on a foundation that stinks. Same as you can spend less than $10 on a product that works a thousand times better than a more expensive alternative. At the end of the day, great makeup comes at every price point. (Which is good news for our wallets.)
On that note, let’s move onward to nine underrated makeup gems!
Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat Lashes Mascara (Shop Here)
Considering how much you hear about Charlotte Tilbury these days, it’s admittedly a bit questionable to consider any of her products underrated…but I tell you, this mascara is fantastic! And while I see so much about her face products, lipsticks, eyeshadows and Magic Cream, I don’t think I’ve seen anyone discuss her mascaras before.
What I love about this mascara is just how fluttery it makes my lashes. With a fat, bristled brush, I’m able to build and build up my lashes without any worry of clumping. Then it’s worth mentioning that it doesn’t budge or smudge throughout the day. (I did wear this to water aerobics once, though, and it’s definitely not waterproof. Caution there!)
Lancome Teint Idole Foundation (Shop Here)
I feel like the reason Lancome’s Teint Idole Foundation doesn’t receive more praise is because it’s been around for a long time. At this point, it’s kind of considered “old news” but it continues to be one of the very best long-lasting foundations I’ve ever used! Another longtime favorite foundation is Estee Lauder’s “Double Wear”, but with Lancome’s version being much less heavy on the skin I have to say it’s one of the most underrated makeup products out there.
The foundation comes in an impressive forty-three shades, has medium coverage, a matte finish and is virtually weightless on the skin. I apply this in the morning and seriously forget its even there…which is pretty remarkable for a matte foundation in general. After first using this about five years ago, it’s one of those products I continue to come back to again and again. Hands down, one of the most reliable products out there!
Lorac Behind-the-Scenes Eyeshadow Primer (Shop Here)
On my last list of underrated makeup products I included Lorac’s liquid eyeliner (which continues to be my MOST loved eyeliner, ever). Today? I’m keeping with the eye theme and saluting their Behind-the-Scenes eyeshadow primer. What can I say? Lorac knows how to deliver some incredibly long-lasting products in the eye department.
Probably the best part of this primer is how NON-greasy it is. So not only does it apply really evenly on your eyelids, you don’t have to worry about creasing either. Lorac’s primer is such a standard, no-questions-asked staple in my makeup routine that I couldn’t even tell you how many of these I’ve used at this point. I repurchase it again and again from Ulta with no plans of stopping.
If you’re looking to extend the wear-time of any of your eyeshadows…this is the product to buy!
Maybelline BB Cream (Shop Here)
While the BB Cream hype in general seems to have died down a bit, my love for the Maybelline BB Fresh Skin Perfecter is going strong! I first picked this up on a whim last spring when I was having a dig through the drugstore. But if I’m being honest, I didn’t have high expectations…at all. Maybelline’s popular Fit Me foundation and me don’t get along…so by association I was skeptic that a BB cream from them would be all that much better.
In the end, I found a winner. I quickly went through my first tube and have repurchased it three times since.
Maybelline’s BB Cream is incredibly lightweight and perfect for those days when you want a little bit of coverage – without going the full foundation route. Also, if you’re new to the makeup game I think this would be the perfect “base” product for you to start out with. I also really love that this has an SPF 30 included top help protect your skin.
ELF Cosmetics High Definition Powder (Shop Here)
At $6 a pop, I wager you aren’t going to find a better powder for the price than this HD powder from ELF. And at such a low price,. it’s hard to argue. Sure, Laura Mercier’s translucent setting powder is fantastic….but it stings to have to spend $40 on something so boring (but necessary) as powder. When I found this alternative from ELF I was over the moon and I’m currently making my way through my sixth. Highly recommend picking this up from your local drugstore. I don’t think you’ll look back!
Dior Mono Fusion Eyeshadows (Shop Here)
We all have those mornings when we have to do our makeup but are running seriously late on time and/or motivation. It’s on those mornings that I turn to Dior’s mono eyeshadows. Using just my index finger, I’m able to quickly swipe shimmery color across my eyelids and be done. If I’m feeling extra fancy, I’ll do a little blending on the edges…but to be honest, that’s not really necessary.
Dior’s essentially designed an eyeshadow product that blends so smoothly with just the tip of your finger. It’s so easy, that writing about it now…I wonder why I bother with all my fancy eyeshadow palettes anyway. Silliness!
(Note, while there are similar products at the drugstore…I haven’t found one with the staying power to match these from Dior. Also, drugstore versions tend to be much more greasy which leads to unwanted creasing. I’m all for drugstore prices but this time around, have to vote for Dior.)
Lime Crime Bushy Brow Gel (Shop Here)
Lime Crime in general is an underrated makeup brand as a whole, but for today I wanna talk about their brow products. Their line includes both an eyebrow pen and this eyebrow brush. I’ve used both and while I do like the pen…I’ve fallen absolutely in love with the ease of the Bushy Brow brush!
When you’re in a rush to get out the door, you don’t have to worry at all about having time to do your brows because this is so simple. You merely give your brows a quick brush through with the brow gel and you’re all set. Finished brows that will stay in place all day! What could be better?
Tarte Sex Kitten Eyeliner (Shop Here)
First, I have to stress that this is Tarte’s NON-liquid Sex Kitten liner. If I’m being honest, their liquid eyeliner is pretty rubbish and absolutely not worth your time. It smears, doesn’t last and so on.
The Tarte GEL Sex Kitten eyeliner, though, is absolutely one of the top underrated makeup products I reach for again and again. In fact, I love this eyeliner so much I keep one with me at all times in my purse. (A sign of true love, indeed.) The gel formula applies very smoothly on either your top or lower lashes. It’s also rich with pigment and has great staying power. I wear this in my water line and get more use out of it there than any other eyeliner I’ve tried. (Urban Decay, included.)
If you’re on the hunt for a good black eyeliner that stays put…I can’t recommend this one enough. At $20 a pop, it’s also not exorbitantly pricey.
Milani Strobelight Instant Glow Highlighter (Shop Here)
Last but not least on my updated listed of underrated makeup favorites? Milani’s Strobelight highlighter as the shiny cherry on top! There are actually two versions of this highlighter available: Afterglow and Sunglow.
My personal favorite is the Sunglow and consider it to be every bit as fabulous as MAC’s Soft and Gentle…only more powerful. (Which is a plus in my book!) It’s actually kind of mind blowing how much of a “pop” this $9.99 wonder will give your cheekbones. Think blinding to the point where those around you might want to reach for some sunglasses.
Since it’s a drugstore product, that price is obviously great as is…but for even more savings you can look at which drugstores near you have a buy-one-get-one 50% off deal that week. Save those pennies every where you can!
If you’re looking for even MORE underrated makeup products, look back at my 2017 post of underrated favorites that I still love today!
Shop the Underrated Makeup Products:
Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat Lashes ($29)
ELF Cosmetics HD Powder ($6)
Dior Mono Fusion Eyeshadow ($33)
Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Liquid Foundation ($47)
Lime Crime Bushy Brow Gel ($18)
Lorac Pro Behind-the-Scenes Eye Primer ($23)
Maybelline BB Fresh Skin Perfecter ($8.99)
Milani Strobelight Instant Glow Powder ($9.99)
Tarte Cosmetics Sex Kitten Gel Eyeliner ($20)
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Kelly
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