The Top 10: Drugstore products that made our 2017 beautiful (and affordable)

With so many brands coming in and new product releases, 2017 was a truly exciting year for beauty. As much as we loved welcoming the likes of Tom Ford and Fenty Beauty into our shores, our wallets found relief in more affordable discoveries! Drugstore beauty isn't about cheap, forgettable formulations anymore and we're definitely expecting even better things this year. Here are ten budget beauty finds that raised the bar on drugstore beauty! All were released in the Philippines in 2017

Maybelline Fit Me Foundation

Everyone went gaga over the release of the Maybelline Fit Me Foundation and even now, the hype hasn't died down yet. Featuring a very natural-looking finish and cheap P399 price tag, it's hard not to like this foundation. It offers good coverage, lasts the whole day, and has decent oil control - the only thing that could make it better is a pump dispenser!

L’Oreal Infallible Pro-matte Line

Remember when the internet went crazy and hoarded the L’Oreal Infallible Pro-matte Foundation (P700) and setting sprays (P500)? This power duo was like a dream come true for very oily-skinned gals in search of solid coverage and longevity. Both were also often on-sale so it was easy to keep backups!

CosRx One Step Pimple Clear Pads

The best news of the year for me was CosRX being available in Watsons! I am a big big BIG fan of the brand, and seeing it there in the drugstore within easy reach made me so giddy. In addition to my never-ending love for the Good Morning Low pH Gel Cleanser, the One Step Pimple Clear Pads is great as adjunct for treating acne-prone skin! It's only P665 in Watsons and if you’re super lucky, you might even catch it on sale!

Blk Cosmetics All Day Intense Matte Lipsticks  

Blk Cosmetics is the makeup line Anne Curtis released in the second half of 2017, and the All Day Intense Matte Lipsticks (P299) proved to be a winning formula! The lipsticks, although not a true matte since there is still a bit of shine, are creamy and glide on smoothly. The shades are also mostly leaning to nude, which makes them quite universal and great for everyday wear.

Pink Sugar Eye Candy All Day Liner

Pink Sugar's makeup game has always been on point, and they keep getting better with every new release. Their new Eye Candy All Day Liner (released just a couple of months ago!) is an affordable, budge-proof formula that both beginners and long-time makeup fans can fall in love with. Creamy, matte, and jet-black, they're only P249 each!

Seoul White Double White Whitening Soap

It's not easy to get excited about a bar of soap but Seoul White's formula promises the three benefits: brighten, cleanse, and moisturize skin. To my surprise, it effectively delivered on all three without stripping my skin of moisture, which is something most bar soaps tend to do. The only problem I have with this is it has gotten so popular that it's almost always out of stock at my favorite drugstore!

Image via Instagram user @ms.manrose

Image via bwcosmetica.co

SNP Warming Eye Masks

The SNP Warming Eye Masks (P129) are not your typical “sheet” masks. They're actually more like a warm compress for your eyes, utilizing heat to increase the blood circulation around your eyes to relax it. It’s a great stress reliever and I fall asleep faster because of the relaxing warmth and faint scent. After all, getting quality beauty sleep is great skincare!

JayJun Cosmetic Sheet Masks

Jayjun Cosmetic is a relatively new Korean brand founded by a group of plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and cosmetics researchers. The sheet mask comes in packs of two or three masks (about P150 per pack), depending on the variant. Considering that masks are often P100 a pop, it's pretty affordable! These might feel sticky upon application or right after removing but I swear, just be patient with patting the essence in your skin and you will see immediate results!  Plus, doesn’t that rose quartz and serenity combo call you out?

The Collagen by Watsons Instant Finishing Cream

This is probably the most surprising PV find this year. The Collagen by Watsons Instant Finishing Cream makes your skin glow like you covered it with crushed pearls! It’s a finishing cream, which means you apply it at the very end of your skincare routine just before makeup to kind of lock and finish your skincare in as well as prep your skin for makeup. If something gives your skin chok-chok, take it.

Ever Bilena Liquid Lipstick

The P195 price tag is a steal but that's not why we're wowed by these new lippies from Ever Bilena. Pigmented with a powdery matte finish feel, they're available in a nice selection of very wearable colors that last a decent amount of time. Best of all, you get great color payoff without drying out your lips!

That wraps up our top 10 drugstore beauty finds this 2017! Got any more to add? What is your best drugstore find this year?

*Not in particular order

Stacie Chan

Age range: 18-23

Skin type/shade: light with yellow undertones, oily

Skin concerns: whiteheads/blackheads, spider veins/broken capillaries, redness, dry lips

Hair type: naturally straight and thick

Hair concerns: hairfall

Eye shape: downturned and monolid

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