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Beauty on a Budget: Drugstore Makeup Must-Haves

16 items

Grace Kean

Get beauty without the splurge! This list features my top-rated, affordable drugstore makeup products that deliver high-end results. From flawless foundations to long-lasting lip colors, discover the best budget-friendly buys that beauty lovers swear...

Sections

BASE MAKEUP

MASCARA

TOOLS

LIPS

BASE MAKEUP

This is the key to a flawless base. I love using this as a girl who likes a light weight/light coverage foundation. It’s perfect for summer and gives a subtle tan if you go for a slightly darker shade. This product never separates on me either.

L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer

Milani products are an amazing go-to drug store product that act high-end. This concealer is almost for me a dupe for the Kosas revealer concealer which I also love. It applies so smooth with no patchiness or separating under the eye. Very hydrating ...

Conceal + Perfect Longwear Concealer

Once again, Milani has such great choices for affordable makeup. This product can be used as contour or bronzer (I use it for both). It applies smooth to the face and I recommend using a brush to blend it out. Definitely a dupe for the Rare Beauty co...

Supercharged Bronzer Multistick

This powder has been such a life saver for me and saved so much money. I would compare this to the Charlotte Tillbury setting powder with the same effect for half the price! It gives such a smooth, poreless appearance. I apply it typically with a pow...

105 Fair Ivory Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder - Maybelline

Makeup Revolution has amazing cream blush sticks that appear super natural but glowy at the same time. I love to apply these with my fingers before I apply powder products for best results. There are so many shade variations to choose from as well!

Makeup Revolution Fast Base Blush Stick

If you prefer a powder blush, or would just like fuller coverage over top of the cream, I could not recommend this blush more. It has a bit of a shimmer to it that gives it a natural glow. There are so many shades to choose from so it is easy to find...

Blush Products & Powders

The key to my perfect base makeup is this setting spray. It gives the same results as the Charlotte Tillbury Flawless setting spray but is so much more affordable. I love how it melts all the products together so they don’t look cakey and locks the m...

2.03 oz Make It Last Original - Natural Finish Setting Spray - Milani

MASCARA

I have been using this same mascara for 4 years!! It has never failed me and as someone who is very picky about their lashes…that’s saying a lot. I love how it defines each lash without any clumps and does not cause the lashes to fall.

Blackest Black Telescopic Original Washable Mascara - L'Oréal

The Sky High mascara is also an amazing choice that I recommend for those that prefer more volume to their lashes. It also gives lots of definition and leaves no clumps. Their water proof version is one I reach for often.

Blackest Black Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara - Maybelline

The E.L.F. Eyelash curler is amazing and has done wonders for my lashes. It never has broke for me and I’ve used it ever since I started doing makeup. I also like the one with the grips on the handles as it is more comfortable on the hand.

Lash Curler

TOOLS

I am OBSESSED with this beauty sponge. It is so large which makes it take much less time to blend out (which comes in handy when you’re in a rush). The point of the sponge also is able to get in the smaller areas so nicely which makes it suitable for...

Jumbo Beauty Sponge

E.L.F has great quality makeup sponges that I love for an affordable price. I enjoy the variety pack they have because of the many shapes that can be used for different parts of your face. I also always use the classic regular sized blender as well.

Total Face Sponge - e.l.f. Cosmetics

Powder puffs are a MUST when it comes to applying any type of setting powder. I especially like using this for the under eyes and it gives such a smooth appearance with no creasing at all.

Halo Glow Triangle Powder Puff

Real Technique’s products are always such high quality for the best prices. The brushes last a lifetime and are so easy to clean. I love the flat end brush to apply my contour or bronzer and the other fluffy brushes to apply blush or loose powders.

Real Techniques - 60 Products

LIPS

This is THE BEST lip oil and definitely a dupe for the Dior lip oil. Why spend a fortune on a high-end product when you can get the same quality for less. This lip oil feels so smooth and lasts a while on your lips. I personally love the light pink s...

Glow Reviver Tinted Lip Oil

Another great lip product is the Milani Fruit Fetish one. I love the scents these have to them and the flavor names make them super fun. I personally love the raspberry or the cherry lime flavors.

Fruit Fetish Lip Oils