To make sense of it the drugstore makeup world, makeup artist Craig Beaglehole and Times stylist Melissa Magsaysay set up a drugstore product challenge at a West Hollywood CVS store, piling dozens of tubes, palettes and small bottles into their baskets. They tried out the low-price brands in the store and tested them for a week. The products in these galleries were all winners -- items they’d use or recommend. The reviews are marked with their initials.
Best drugstore beauty finds: lip color
CoverGirl Outlast Lipstains, $8.99
Fantastic. The stain soaks in, and it doesn’t bleed. The pen is easier to use than applying stain with a brush. It’s nice to use when swimming, because it doesn’t come off, or as a base for lip gloss so it stays on longer. Most important, make sure your lips are in good condition to avoid flaking. Smother them in lip balm or exfoliate with a toothbrush. You can leave the stain matte or sweep some gloss over it. (M.M.)
MORE BEAUTY PRODUCTS:
Story: Drugstore beauty challenge
The best drugstore mascara and eyeliners
The best drugstore eye shadows
The best drugstore blushes and highlighters
The best drugstore foundations (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)