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The best and affordable drugstore makeup essentials

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If you're tired of spending cash on products that overpromise and underdeliver this list is for you. These are my ride-or-die, budget-friendly makeup faves that actually work. I’ve tested, worn, and loved every pick here from pore-blurring primers to...
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Primer

 
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A tacky, hydrating primer that helps makeup adhere for long-lasting wear.
e.l.f. Power Grip Primer, 0.811 OZ
 
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Smooths and softens skin with a marshmallow-like texture, providing a soft-focus finish.
NYX Professional Makeup - 1.01 oz Marshmellow Smoothing Face Primer
 
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Affordable and perfect for matte finish.
Maybelline Face Primer
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Foundation

 
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This one offers a natural matte finish with buildable coverage, suitable for normal to oily skin.
Maybelline - Natural Beige 220 Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
 
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Provides long-lasting, breathable coverage with a lightweight feel.
L'Oreal Paris Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Lightweight Foundation
 
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Combines foundation and concealer in one, delivering full coverage with a natural finish.
Conceal + Perfect 2-In-1 Foundation and Concealer

Concealer

 
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Brightens under-eye areas and conceals imperfections with a smooth, crease-resistant formula.
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer
 
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this one provides full coverage while hydrating the skin, ideal for dry or sensitive skin types
e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer
 
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Easy to apply and offers a natural-looking coverage
Bare With Me Concealer Serum | NYX Professional Makeup

Blush

 
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Gives a radiant glow with buildable color, suitable for all skin tones.
Baked Blush
 
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A cream-to-powder blush that blends seamlessly for a natural flush.
elf Cosmetics Putty Blush

Highlighter

 
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Delivers a radiant glow and a bold look
Facestudio® Master Chrome® Metallic Highlighter Makeup
 
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Enhances the skin's natural radiance with a subtle shimmer.
Halo Glow Liquid Highlighter Wand

Bronzer

 
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A cream-to-powder bronzer that blends effortlessly for a sun-kissed look.
Putty Bronzer - Cream to Powder Formula ...
 
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Going for a matte finish? It offers a matte finish with a smooth, blendable formula.
Sun Light Silky Matte Bronzing Powder - Milani
 
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This is affordable
Maybelline - Face

Contour

 
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This can also be used as a contour due to its blendable, lightweight formula.
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer
 
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Good for defining facial features
Wonder™ Stick Contour and Highlighter Stick
 
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Budget-friendly and easy to blend.
L.A. Girl Contouring

Setting Powder

 
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Sets everything without caking. Blurs like a filter and feels like nothing.
Dark Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder - Maybelline
 
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Soft-focus, radiant finish without grease. Like powder with a personality.
Halo Glow Setting Powder

Mascara

 
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Length, volume, definition it does it all without clumps.
Very Black Lash Sensational Mascara - Maybelline
 
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Under $5 and SO dramatic. A cult favorite for a reason
essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

Eyebrows

 
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Super precise, perfect for natural, hair-like strokes
Best Eyebrow Pencil - Instant Lift Brow Pencil
 
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Fluffs and holds without crunch. So easy to use, you’ll forget you did your brows
Micro Brow Eyebrow Pencil | NYX Professional Makeup
 
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Long-wear formula that stays put even on sweaty days
Soft Brown TattooStudio Brow Pomade - Maybelline

Lips

 
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Transfer-proof, bold, and lasts through everything
Pioneer SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick - Maybelline
 
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Classic formula, endless shades. Feels like butter, looks like glam
Revlon Colorstay Overtime Lipcolor - Lipstick
 
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Juicy, shiny, and never sticky. So many shades = one for every mood.
Butter Gloss Non-Sticky Lip Gloss | NYX Professional Makeup
 
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Gloss + skincare in one. Makes lips look full and healthy
Gummy Bear Lifter Gloss Candy Drop Lip Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid - Maybelline
 
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Glass shine on a budget. Great alone or over liner.
Lip Lacquer Shiny Lip Gloss

Setting Spray

 
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Light as air but works overtime. Your face won’t move promise
Stay All Night Mist - Makeup Setting Spray
 
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Keeps oil in check without drying out your skin. Matte girls, this one’s for you.
2.02 oz Matte Finish Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray Vegan Formula ...