Allure’s Best of Beauty 2014 Awards debunks one of the biggest myths in the cosmetic industry: high-end makeup brands are always better than drug store makeup brands.

“I am always surprised when I see drugstore products,” said junior Alexa Rueda. “I am more used to seeing high end products.”

The Best of Beauty awards are determined by the editorial staff at Allure magazine.

There are many categories that the magazine classifies product winners by, including “Steals” and “Beauty Breakthroughs.”

This year, many of the products that won awards can be found at local drugstores, proving that price doesn’t always define quality.

Eyes:

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Eye Shadow in Timeless Blue Spark is a metallic royal blue shade that will catch everyone’s attention. L’Oréal had many of their products selected by the Best of Beauty Awards.

“I own practically every infallible eye shadow by L’Oréal,” said Rueda. “It is so pigmented and lasts a very long time”.

If there is one staple product that any makeup lover needs, it’s the perfect black eyeliner. L’Oréal Paris Silkissime Eyeliner in Infallible Black helps to achieve an amazing black line with one smooth stroke.

Maybelline’s The Nudes palette, which contains a range of twelve warm-toned eye shadows, also won an award. It is the perfect eye shadow palette for anyone; it can help you go from a natural gold look for day to the perfect brown, smokey look for night.

CoverGirl’s Bombshell ShineShadow by LashBlast in “Color Me Money” also won. It is a shimmery green with silver undertones. It is also a cream shadow; for anyone who does not like to spend a lot of time applying makeup, you only need one swipe of this across your eyelids and you’re good to go.

Another CoverGirl product also won: the LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara. CoverGirl has been the queen of mascaras for some time now, and this non-clumping mascara will help to continue their reign.

Primer:

A good base makes for an even better finished face. The Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Primer Skin Transformer is a primer that will change the way your makeup looks. It will simulate a blur effect and will erase all visible pores. It makes creating an airbrush look that much more effortless.

Lips:

Maybelline was praised for its ColorElixir by Color Sensational lip color in “Vision in Violet.” It is a vivid purple color with red undertones. It is the perfect lip color for the fall and winter seasons.

Nail polish:

Two of Essie’s nail polishes won awards. “Dress to Kilt,” a beautiful red tone with a muddy undertone from the Fall 2014 line was one of the winners. The color comes out in a classy red shade that is perfect for any holiday event.

The next polish is from their Spring 2010 collection. “Lilacism” is a light lilac shade with grey undertones that compliments every skin tone.

Technology:

L’Oréal Paris’ Makeup Genius app also won in the technology category. It allows users to try different makeup products by the brand using their smartphone. It is available for both iPhones and Androids. It will detect your face and let you try on products instantly. It has received rave reviews due to its realistic appearance.

“I was happily surprised to see these products being recognized,” junior Ariana Visentini said. “It shows the readers that the products found in the drugstore are priced lower, and work just as well as the high end brands.”

Drugstore products are not only often more affordable than higher-end products, but they are also more accessible to the average consumer. All of the products mentioned above can be found at a local drugstore.