Lover Should Know
High quality makeup isn’t limited to designer labels. Here are some top budget-friendly brands that
consistently deliver great products without draining your wallet
e.l.f. Cosmetics (Eyes – Lips – Face): Synonymous with budget beauty, e.l.f. offers a full range of makeup and tools, many under $5. Their castor-oil blending brushes, hydrating concealer, and versatile putty highlighters are cult favorites. Shoppers praise e.l.f. for performance that rivals higher-end brands at a tiny fraction of the cost. Look for their limited-edition kits and sales – you can stock up on basics for pennies.
Wet n Wild: This classic drugstore line is loved for punchy colors and strong formulas. Their MegaGlo highlighters (often under $6) are repeatedly called “dupes” for luxury brands, and their eyeshadow trios and palettes pack real pigment. The popular Color Icon blush in “Pearlescent Pink” is legendary for giving a cheap-but-chic glowing flush. With constantly trendy collections, Wet n Wild blends quality with ultra-low prices.
NYX Professional Makeup: Known for vibrant shades and innovation, NYX bridges the gap between drugstore and mid-range. Products like Butter Glosses, Epic Ink Liner, and soft matte lip creams offer hundreds of shades for under $10. NYX eyeshadows and brow products come in many cool-toned and warm shades, rivaling pricier competitors. The consistency is generally reliable, and they often reinterpret high-end trends affordably (e.g., face and body glitters, jumbo eye pencils).
Milani Cosmetics: An underrated gem, Milani hails from Italy but is sold at drugstores. Its baked blushes (Luminoso, Rose D’oro) and gel eyeliners receive rave reviews for quality that “punches above their price class.” Milani’s foundations and concealers have earned pharmacy beauty awards for covering skin imperfections affordably. For color lovers, Milani’s bold lipsticks and eyeshadows look and feel premium while staying around $8-$12.
Physicians Formula: With dermatologist influence behind the brand, Physicians Formula creates gentle yet effective products. Their Murumuru Butter Bronzer and Butter Highlighters (around $12- $15) are velvety and fragrance-free, giving a soft natural glow. PF’s Organic Wear and acne-friendly lines offer mineral-based makeup and skincare blended into makeup. Sensitive skin? PF is a go-to for hypoallergenic, decent coverage products that don’t irritate or cost an arm and a leg.
The Ordinary (Deciem): For serious skincare hoppers, The Ordinary’s makeup tidbits are surprising gems. The range is tiny but impactful: the Matte Foundation and Serum Foundation (both ~$8-$9)• provide flawless coverage with skin-benefiting ingredients. Prime products like the primer moisturizer Hybrid Gel are multi-use (under makeup or worn alone) and under $7. Deciem’s science- backed branding means you can trust the formulations – all at minimal prices.
CoverGirl & L’Oreal Paris: These long-standing classics consistently produce award-winning products. CoverGirl’s mascaras and their Lash Blast concealer are often highly rated, and L’Oreal’s True Match and Age Perfect lines compete with luxury makeup. Both brands have many single items under $10 – think lipsticks, nail polishes, and basic palettes. They may not seem edgy, but their formulations often set the standard that newer drugstore lines aim to beat.
ColourPop: An online darling, ColourPop delivers makeup that often rivals and even predates high- end trends. Known for their Super Shock Shadows and liquid lipsticks (many ~$5-$10), they offer a kaleidoscope of colors. Formulations (like their blurring face primer) are punchy and true to name.
ColourPop collaborates with celebrities and fans alike, so you’ll find playful products (e.g., Marvel collections, k-pop inspired palettes) at drugstore prices.
Maybelline & Revlon: Big drugstore staples with longstanding reputations. Maybelline’s Fit Me, Superstay, and Lash Sensational lines are often cited as best-of lists. Revlon, a beauty icon since the 1930s, still offers solid lip and nail products (Revlon ColorStay foundation is a cult find for oily skin, often under $10). Both brands have broad appeal and wide availability, so they’re safe bets for reliable basics.
All the brands above prove that you don’t need to overspend for performance. Many beauty editors note that stellar products under $20 frequently get overshadowed, despite being just as effective as luxury ones . The trick is to research and read real reviews: drugstore makeup has come a long way. Whether you prefer natural ingredients, endless color choices, or simply unbeatable deals, there’s an affordable brand ready to impress.
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