Drugstore Makeup Never Worked For Me Until These 5 Products Came Along

Nearly everyone I know has fond memories of the first makeup products that they fell in love with — usually a CoverGirl foundation, an original Lip Smackers balm, Maybelline Great Lash mascara, or possibly even a $2 lip gloss from the beauty supply store. Unfortunately, I am not one of those people. Sure, I had a deep fascination with beauty for as long as I can remember, but I never actually used makeup until I was a teen because drugstore makeup for my dark skin never worked.

In the dark era before Fenty came about (if you all can remember), the beauty world often offer 40 inclusive options for foundations. So, as per some misguided advice from a makeup artist at a local beauty counter, I'd always go with whatever shade was available. (As hard as she tried, didn't know how to do makeup on her Black clients. The foundation she used made my face look beet red, the gold shadow was ashy on my lids, and the plum lipstick was far too light.) I was none the wiser, though. After that, I'd continue to opt for the darkest shades in the makeup aisle, not paying attention to my undertones or finish.

By the time college hit, I had a better since of what worked for me thanks to magazines and YouTube. And I also had the benefit of having summer internships at publications and sites that held beauty closet sales. Because I believed no drugstore product could work for me, I turned to prestige products and never looked back.

But we're not in 2009 anymore, and the beauty industry has made plenty of strides in the years since with inclusive and affordable options that service all beauty lovers. Sure, I'll always love my Fenty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter and my NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. But it's nice to know that I'll be taken care of at any store I choose to spend my coins.

Ahead, see some of my favorite Black girl-friendly drugstore products that I still have in my bag today.