Drugstore Brand Wars – My Favorite L’Oréal Products

Last year, the Makeup Wars crew embarked on our first ever Brand Wars, with each of us declaring our love for a particular makeup brand and sharing our favorites. This time around, we are splitting Brand Wars up into Drugstore and Prestige editions and today we are sharing our drugstore favorites.

Looking through my beauty stash, particularly the cart I keep in my bathroom for everyday use, you will see a lot of products from L’Oréal Paris. I find them to be consistently good and made from quality ingredients, so it’s hard not to love them. Keep reading to see which L’Oréal items are tops on my list.

Favorite L’Oréal Paris Nail Colors

When L’Oréal relaunched their nail line, Colour Riche Nail, a few years back, I was pleasantly surprised with the quality. The flat, curved brush, creamy formula and colorful range of shades made me a fan. And the One Stop Base coat has a jelly feeling that leaves a nice smooth finish.

I just wish the LE colors were easier to get your hands on because they’re usually SO good. A display with two bottles each of the Dark Sides of Grey (below) is not enough. People are going crazy for the holo, Masked Affair, L’Oréal. We need more!

In the core range, some fave shades include: Jet Set To Paris, Paparazzi Pleaser, Violet Vixen, L’Orange, Safari Chic, Not A Cloud In Sight, Doutzen’s Nude, Charmed, I’m Sure and Gold Dust textures Hidden Gems and The Statement Piece. The Gold Dust colors are available on Drugstore.com. Even if you’re over texture, they’re worth a look.

Favorite L’Oréal Paris Eye Products

I’ve told you over and over how much I love a palette. To quote Janeane Garafalo, I’m very much a “will you start my orange?” kind of girl, so I like my eye shadow pairing decisions made for me. The L’Oréal Paris Dual Effects Quads do just that, and come in three sets of neutrals I just adore. Plus, the color payoff is great with a soft, blendable texture. Pictured below are Absolute Taupe, Rose Nude and Perpetual Nude.

Now, I typically go for a gel-based liner because they are so soft and easy to work with. The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Silkissime Eyeliner in Green Ivy has that same smoothness in a pencil. Plus, the color adds a pop to my usual subdued eye color choices.  Side note, the plum shade is a bit crumbly so I would avoid that one.

Finally, when my brows are freshly waxed, I tend to use tinted brow gels, because I don’t have that much to fill in or shape, I just need an overall balanced look.  I’ve been using much pricier gels until I tried L’Oréal Brow Stylist Plumper.

It does a CRAZY good job of filling in, and while the word “plumper” makes me think of those stinging lip plumpers, it really does make my brows almost leap off my face, in a good way. You have to give this a whirl. Just don’t apply too much or your brows will feel wet and dry crunchy. One pass will do.

Favorite L’Oreal Paris Lip Products

On a day-to-day basis, I opt for subtle lippies like tinted balms and creamy pencils. I don’t like to mess with lipstick unless I’m going out. And most days, you’ll find one of these beauties in my bag. As you can tell by the worn-down lettering, I obviously have some preferences. The L’Oreal Paris Glossy Balm is my go-to with its easy-to-apply crayon and medium coverage. Vintage Rose is the business but I reach for Baby Berry when I want something more eye-catching.

The Balms and Pop Balms are my rushing-out-the-door, apply-on-the-go product. The creamy Colour Riche Balms are so hydrating with just a whisper of color. I use Rose Elixir when I need my lips to look human and not dried and pale and Heavenly Berry when I want more color. And the Colour Riche Pop Balm in Fiery Red  gives a sheer wash of sexy red to my lips.

I have all but sworn off gloss because I hate how quickly it disappears and how drying the long-lasting versions feel. L’Oreal Paris 8HR Infallible Le Gloss is the exception to that rule and the doe-foot wand makes application a breeze. I’ve been using Glistening Berry for at least six years now and I don’t see any signs of stopping.

Favorite L’Oreal Paris Face Products

I’ve raved about L’Oréal’s Magic BB Anti-Redness creme before but I’ll say it again, I LOVE this stuff for battling my natural redness. I know I should see a derm about early Rosacea, Nancy from Beauty 411, has been telling me for years, but I’m set, for now, with this little wonder. I even take it to waxing appointments to cover up my flaming red brows. Works like a charm.

Now, I’ve always been a powder blush girl but I’ve been turning to cream products more and more, especially in winter, because of my dry skin. Powder is starting to settle in the creases of my aging skin, ugh! I’ve been using L’Oréal Visible Lift Blur Blush since last summer and I love the results. Silky formula, sheer but buildable color, long-wearing. What’s not to like? Pictured below (l-r): Soft Berry, Soft Pink, Soft Peach (my fave).

Favorite L’Oreal Paris Skin & Hair Care Products

I’m EXTREMELY picky about my hair products and when it comes to hairspray, there is only one, L’Oréal Elnett Hairspray. It’s the gold standard that every major stylist swears by. Even when they are representing other hair brands at Fashion Week, I still spy Elnett on their tables. Because it’s amazing!

Now, I’m just the opposite when it comes to skin care. Kind of all over the place, not really brand loyal and constantly trying new things. However, these are a few that have stood out and caused me to repurchase.

I’ll be honest, a lot of L’Oréal skin care products have a heavy perfume scent that I’m not down with. The Age Perfect Cell Renewal Night Cream is an exception. It actually smells delicious. I’ve contemplated eating it (don’t try this at home).

And, as you can tell, I hated the Age Perfect Cell Renewal Golden Serum. I’m on my second bottle and need to pick up a new one. While it does smell perfume-y, I deal because it gives my skin this incredible sun-kissed-without-the-tan glow.

Though during this super dry season, I’ve been using the Age Perfect Glow Renewal Facial Oil under my moisturizer instead. It’s the only thing saving me from being a mess of dry, flaky skin. I’m even using it on my elbows, cuticles and legs. Yes, that’s a little over-the-top but it’s not like I’m bathing in La Mer. And if you’re concerned about the heaviness of an oil, they make a Light version as well.

What are your favorite L’Oréal products? Do have have any LE nail color favorites you wish they’d bring back (jellies)? What drugstore brand do you use most?

Disclosure: Some product samples were provided by reps for L’Oreal, some I purchased or re-purchased after sampling. Affiliate links appear in this post. When you purchase through an affiliate link, you help support this site. For more info view my Disclosure Policy.