There’s this moment that every beauty lover knows all too well: when you hit the bottom of your bronzer or twist up your favourite concealer for the last time. For any makeup junkie, finishing a makeup product feels like an accomplishment. But what’s even more telling? When you go out and buy that same product again because it’s just that good.
2024 has been packed with all kinds of new makeup launches, but I keep coming back to a few tried-and-true staples. These are the makeup products I’ve loved so much that I’ve used them right down to the last drop—and I’m definitely restocking. From iconic concealers to brow gels that actually work, here are the MVPs of my makeup routine that are (mostly) affordable drugstore products.
The What, How, and Why of Beauty Empties
Before I dive in, let’s talk about why makeup empties are such a big deal. Let’s face it: the beauty world is fun and exciting but also completely overwhelming sometimes, especially with how often new products hit the shelves. So when you actually finish something, it’s the ultimate sign that it works for you. It’s like a little beauty badge of honour!
Whether it’s that perfect mascara that lifts your lashes just right or a blush that gives you that fresh-faced look, these affordable makeup products have passed the test for me in 2024. Each one has earned a permanent spot in my routine.
So, what made the cut?
1. Maybelline Fit Me Concealer
Let’s start with a classic—Maybelline’s Fit Me Concealer. Honestly, it’s a staple in the beauty world for a reason. It gives just the right amount of coverage to hide dark circles or blemishes without feeling or looking cakey. The creamy formula blends in effortlessly and feels lightweight, which makes it perfect for everyday use but it also has a great buildable coverage for a more glam makeup look. and whats best is that its a super affordable price!
Why I’ll Be Repurchasing: It’s affordable, covers everything while still looking natural, and has a great shade range. What’s not to love?
2. Anastasia Beverly Hills Dewy Set Setting Spray
If you love dewy skin but not the greasy look, this setting spray is the way to go. The Dewy Set from Anastasia Beverly Hills locks in my makeup while giving me that gorgeous, glowing finish. It adds a natural sheen without making me look shiny or sweaty, which is key. If you have an oily skin type that needs powder but your still looking to achieve natural dewy makeup, this dewy setting spray is perfect!
Why I’ll Be Repurchasing: I have combination skin so I can get pretty oily in my T-zone especially by the end of the day. I love that this keeps my makeup fresh and radiant, even on long days without making me look like a sweat ball. This definitely is worth using especially if you want that dewy natural skin-like look. Even for oily skin types, using this at the end of your matte makeup will effortlessly melt your makeup together to give a natural skin-like appearance.
3. e.l.f. Brow Lift Gel
This affordable gem is the secret to fluffy, laminated brows without having to hit the salon. e.l.f.’s BROW LIFT definitely the best brow gel I’ve ever come across and especially for a price you cant beat!! If your looking for a super strong brow gel that holds your unruly brows in place , you need to add this makeup staple to your everyday makeup routine!
Why I’ll Be Repurchasing: It keeps my brows looking full and natural, and it’s crazy affordable. Although you can purchase this in different shades, I love a clear brow gel. I like to go in with this first to ensure my brows are stuck down like glue and then I go in with a bit of eyebrow pencil to fill in the gaps for a more natural look. A must-have for anyone who loves defined brows!
4. Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lip Liner in Cappuccino
As you can see (or as you cant see) this is my ride or die lip liner!! If you’re on the hunt for the perfect cool tone nude lip, Rimmel’s Cappuccino Lip Liner is it. I’ll be surprised if you haven’t come across this yet as brown lip liners have been trending in the makeup world recently and this has been a feature on many influencers posts. It’s creamy but not too soft, which makes it super easy to apply precisely. I love how it defines my lips and pairs perfectly with any gloss or lipstick.
Why I’ll Be Repurchasing: I struggled to find a shade like this as most brown shades are warmer toned but this is the most gorgeous nude shade for my skin tone. It works with literally everything- every outfit, every makeup look and every skin-tone, plus, it lasts forever and doesn’t smudge!
5. Benefit Hoola Bronzer
When it comes to bronzers, Benefit’s Hoola Bronzer is the gold standard. I’ve had it in my routine for years, and it’s still going strong in 2024. The shade is perfect—not too warm, not too cool—and I love the matte finish it gives for a natural, sun-kissed look.
Why I’ll Be Repurchasing: It’s the perfect everyday bronzer that blends like a dream, and the packaging is cute and compact. everyone knows Hoola is that girl and now they’ve come out with multiple shades for different skin tones its even better!
6. Benefit Blush (in any shade!)
Benefit’s blushes are always a win. I’ve tried several shades, and they all deliver a perfect pop of colour that blends seamlessly. Although the palette and shades I have here are completely outdated, I know i will be repurchasing Benefits blush powders again and again, whether it’s the coraly tones of “Sunny” or the soft pink of “Dandelion”, I love how natural and fresh they look on the skin.
Why I’ll Be Repurchasing: They’re pigmented, EXTREMELY long-lasting, give a natural buildable finish (as they’re not too shimmery) and come in shades that flatter every skin tone. What more could you ask for? My next benefit blush try will be “Crystah“ – its a lovely deep strawberry pink blush which looks like it will give that effortlessly sun-kissed, a little bit burnt, holiday look which makes you look so fresh and naturally radiant!
7. Max Factor Brow Pencil
This is for sure one of the unsung heroes of my makeup bag. Max Factor’s Brow Pencil is simple, easy to use, and features an ultra fine tip which gives me natural-looking brows every single time. The formula is long-lasting and doesn’t smudge, which is perfect for busy days.
Why I’ll Be Repurchasing: It’s affordable, reliable, and makes my brows look polished without too much effort. This is the only brow product you need to create hair-like strokes and the price is un-matched for its quality! – Theres not a lot of drugstore brow pencils that have such a super fine tip.
8. NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip
For that juicy, glossy sexy lip look, NYX’s Fat Oil (especially in the shade “newsfeed”) is a winner. It’s a cross between a lip oil and a gloss, so you get that high-shine effect whilst keeping your lips hydrated. Not only that but its lasting power is super for a lip gloss and it pairs amazing with all makeup looks!
Why I’ll Be Repurchasing: DOUUUPPEEEEEEE – I love my Dior lip oil but this is for sure almost as good- and it has the same applicator which I love! It’s affordable, leaves my lips looking shiny and plump, and comes in great shades. This and the Rimmel Lip Liner is one of my classic combos and never fails to disappoint me – Compliments galore!
9. L’Oreal Telescopic False Lash Mascara
When it comes to lengthening mascaras, L’Oreal’s Telescopic False Lash is my holy grail and i don’t know why it isn’t as hyped as they normal telescopic mascara.. It separates and lengthens lashes beautifully, giving you that “falsies” look without the effort. The skinny brush also makes it easy to coat every lash without clumping – It’s so good!! This mascara is amazing and if you’re especially looking for one to define every lash give this a go you won’t regret it!
Why I’ll Be Repurchasing: It’s perfect for long, defined lashes, and it layers nicely for a more dramatic look when I need it. The brush on this is unmatched and really gets between the lashes. It’s great to layer with to create a more dramatic fuller look in the evening but it’s my go-to and a staple for both daytime and nighttime looks.
10. refy cream blush
If you’re looking for a blush that gives you a radiant, lit-from-within glow, look no further than the REFY Cream Blush in Malaya. This stunning rosy-mauve shade is so complimentary, adding warmth and colour to your cheeks with a beautifully dewy finish. Applying this blush is my favourite part of my makeup routine, it just brings everything together and I’m obsessed with how seamlessly it melts into the skin, as it leaves a natural flush that lasts throughout the day.
Why I’ll Be Repurchasing: As you can see, I have clearly loved this blush – The formula is a dream—buildable, blendable, and never greasy. It gives me that “just-pinched” look, and I absolutely love the compact packaging for on-the-go touch-ups! They have a range of other colours and im excited to venture out and try others although this is just stunning.
FAQ: Why Stick With Favourites When New Products Are Always Launching?
Great question! With new makeup launches happening all the time, it’s tempting to try the latest thing. Don’t get me wrong I love trying new things … (sometimes hehe) but when you find a product that works, why switch? Repurchasing products you already love saves you the disappointment (and wasted money) that comes with trying something new that doesn’t live up to the hype.
What’s your ultimate beauty empty—the one product you’ve finished and repurchased more times than you can even count? I’d love to hear your must-have makeup product! Drop it in the comments, and let’s swap some tips and favourites!
Wrapping up my 2024 beauty empties list has been such a fun way to reflect on the products that never let me down. If you’re on the hunt for some tried-and-true essentials to add to your routine this year, I hope my go-to picks give you some inspo!
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