Meet the best 2021 drugstore makeup releases that have are happy additions to my beauty collection.
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I think we can all agree 2021 wasn’t the best year on record but it did deliver in the makeup department. And as much as we all love luxury makeup, sometimes there’s nothing better than a good deal and today is all about championing budget-friendly beauty!
No matter how many Pat McGrath or Dior products I fall in love with, I’ll always continue to keep an eye out for makeup gems to emerge from the aisles of my local drugstore. It’s fun strolling CVS and Walgreens looking for new releases to jump out and while they don’t always work as well as I hope they will — when they do? I feel like I’ve hit the beauty jackpot!
Best 2021 Drugstore Makeup
Striking a balance between affordable and luxury products is something I do on a daily basis when getting ready in the morning. And in terms of recent history, I’m happy to report I found a number of fantastic products in 2021 that also happen to be very affordable.
The bar seems to rise higher and higher every year as drugstore brands introduce better ingredients and long-wearing products that suit every budget. After twelve months of exploring and testing, today I want to tip my hat and give a round of applause for the best 2021 drugstore makeup releases that have made their way into my collection and I wager you’ll fall in love with them too.
All of the products listed below have an affordable price tag — BUT — they don’t skip on the quality in the slightest. They’re gems I routinely reach for and most of which I’ve already repurchased.
So if you are curious to meet the best 2021 drugstore makeup releases, keep reading below! And be sure in a comment if you’ve discovered any new VIPs at the drugstore this year.
Loreal Infallible Powder Foundation
I admit, where others fell in love with the Loreal’s Infallible Fresh Wear liquid foundation – it wasn’t my cup of tea. The powder version on the other hand? Absolutely one of the best 2021 makeup releases and the only one on this list I carry with me at ALL times! It works perfect in the afternoon as a powder for touching up your makeup.
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Concealer
Don’t you just love when you find a good makeup product that doubles as a form of skincare? It’s a win, win all around and the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Concealer is just that! The super creamy formula includes Vitamin E and peptides to nourish the skin while providing medium, buildable coverage that stays put.
Wet n Wild Tinted Hydrator
Formulated with plant-based squalane and hyaluronic acid, Wet n Wild’s Tinted Hydrator is a fantastic makeup/skincare hybrid that offers great coverage with skin-loving ingredients. The product applies lightly to the skin with a natural finish that’s buildable. It also lasts throughout the day without any funky creasing! Available in 7 shades.
Wet n Wild Impossible Primer
Clearly it’s been a good year for Wet n Wild with their multiple best 2021 drugstore makeup releases. Another great one? The new Impossible Primer that has a silky texture that’s miraculously silicone-free! The product smooths over pores and imperfections while extending the life of your foundation. It also nourishes your skin and nourishing skin with Vitamin C and antioxidant rich ingredients.
ELF Putty Bronzer
Over the summer, I picked up the ELF Putty Bronzer not expecting much from it. But in the end, its creaminess and smooth application make it one of the best 2021 drugstore makeup releases. There are a large number of bronzers one can choose from hanging out in Walgreens, but where others are patchy and dry – ELF’s latest formula applies easily and effortlessly. It’s also available in a 8 shades, suitable for all skintones.
COVERGIRL Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara
In general, I really love the new direction Covergirl is going in. They went cruelty-free and have been developing a slew of new products with skin-loving ingredients. One of their best 2021 drugstore makeup releases is the new Lash Blast volumizing mascara that uses a clean formula to lift and separate your lashes. I am head over heals in love with the way this mascara refuses to clump and tolerates additional coats without issue.
Juvia’s Place Sculpt and Shade Brow Pencil
If you’ve not yet tried Juvia’s Place, you need to get on the bandwagon and their new line of brow products would be a great place to start! My current favorite? The creamy Sculpt and Shade Brow Pencil. With four shades available and a built in spooly, this is all you’ll need to quickly tame and build your perfect brow.
Wet n Wild Saved by the Bell Mascara
Unless you lived under a rock, it’s safe to say we all have fond memories tied to Saved by the Bell! The adventures of Zach, Kelly, Jessie, Lisa, Slater and Screech kept us entertained throughout the 90s and beyond. So naturally when Wet n Wild released an entire limited edition collection inspired by our Bayside besties the nostalgia factor was high!
Turns out? The collection also includes one of the best 2021 drugstore makeup releases because the mascara is simply phenomenal!! It is a super lengthening formula that will raise your lashes to heights you didn’t know they could reach.
Revlon Kiss Lip Balm
Okay, this ones a bit of a cheat as these didn’t come out in 2021 — but I discovered the Revlon Kiss Lip Balms this year and love them. What they don’t offer in great pigmentation like a lipstick, they make up for with a super hydrating formula that includes SPF 20. They also have a cheerful fruitiness to them that is a nice pick me up throughout the day. I wear the balms on their own – or beneath matte lipsticks.
Jason Wu Beauty Classic Liquid Eyeliner
We’ve seen a number of designer makeup collections emerge in recent history, but Jason Wu’s beauty line comes with a twist — it’s affordable! The products launched at Target in January 2021 with a full line to cover all your beauty needs. There are a lot of favorites I have but the one I simply cannot live without is his Blackest Black liquid eyeliner. It quickly applies smoothly to the lash line and doesn’t budge or smudge – even through a workout!
You can learn about more products from Jason Wu’s Beauty line in this post.
SHOP THE DRUGSTORE MAKEUP GEMS
Covergirl Lash Blast Clean Mascara
ELF Putty Bronzer
Jason Wu Liquid Eyeliner
Juvia’s Place Sculpt and Shape Brow Pencil
Loreal Infallible Fresh Wear Powder
Neutrogena Health Skin Radiant Concealer
Revlon Kiss Lip Balm
Wet n Wild Impossible Primer
Wet n Wild Saved by the Bell Mascara
Wet n Wild Tinted Hydrator
Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed learning about my favorite new releases from the drugstore. If you’ve found any affordable new products that I missed — let me know. x
Stay stylish and chase your dreams!
XOXO
Kelly
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