Without Breaking the Bank
You don’t need a makeup collection full of high-end products to look fabulous. Here are must-have makeup
items, each under $10, that will form the core of a complete kit
Foundation/BB Cream: A lightweight base like Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream or NYX BB Cream (both ~ $7) evens skin tone and hydrates without the cost of luxury foundation. For fuller coverage, try L’Oréal True Match or Revlon PhotoReady (around $10).
Concealer: An all-purpose concealer is a must. Maybelline Fit Me Concealer (around $7) covers under-eye circles and blemishes. e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer (~$6) offers full coverage. Both blend smoothly and many beauty gurus praise them as drugstore steals.
Mascara: A volumizing and lengthening mascara can amp up any look. L’Oréal Lash Paradise or Essence Lash Princess (both ~$8) are beloved for dramatic, fluttery lashes. Many find these perform on par with pricier brands.
Eyebrow pencil or gel: Good brows frame the face. NYX Micro Brow Pencil or Essence Make Me Brow Gel (each ~$6) provide precise filling and hold. They look natural and last all day.
Eyeliner: A classic black (or brown) eyeliner rounds out the eyes. New York Color or Wet n Wild Retractable Liners (~$3-4) deliver smooth, pigmented lines. Gel liners (like Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama) are usually under $8 and create that perfect cat-eye.
Eyeshadow Palette: Choose a small neutral palette for daily use. Wet n Wild Color Icon quads (around $5) or e.l.f. Bite-Size Eyeshadow Palettes ($3) come in universally flattering shades. They’re smooth, blendable, and great quality for the price.
Blush/Bronzer: Milani Baked Blush in “Luminoso” (~$9) adds a luminous peachy flush. For warmth, try Rimmel Natural Bronzer or e.l.f. bronzer (~$5 each). Both give a healthy glow at minimal cost.
Lip Products: A moisturizing lipstick or tinted balm is essential. Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm or NYX Butter Lipstick (both ~$6) are creamy, buildable, and come in pretty shades. For a dramatic look, Revlon Super Lustrous lipstick (~$8) offers rich color payoff in classic reds and berries.
Multipurpose Highlighter: A subtle glow can be achieved with products under $10. Physician’s Formula Murumuru Butter Highlighter (~$10) or Wet n Wild MegaGlo in “Precious Petals” (~$5) give a nice sheen to cheekbones. Even a shimmery eyeshadow can double as a cheek highlighter in a pinch.
Tools: Good tools are key. A beauty sponge (Real Techniques or E.l.f., ~$6) and a basic brush set (e.l.f.
and NYX have starter kits for ~$10) are inexpensive essentials. Even just two or three quality brushes• (foundation, powder, eye blending) make applying and blending easy. You can get multi-piece brush sets from Essence or Elf for around $10.
This under-$10 kit covers everything from base to lips. With these basics, you can create countless looks – from daytime natural to evening glam. The trick is choosing versatile shades (nudes, pinks, browns) that you love, and doubling up uses (for example, a brown eyeshadow that you also use to fill brows). Each product above costs a fraction of its high-end counterpart, but with careful application, the results look high-quality.
Which budget-friendly product is your holy grail? Let us know in the comments and be sure to share this list with your friends. Subscribe to AffordableBeauty.org for more wallet-wise beauty suggestions!