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affordable makeup must-haves: drugstore gems that actually work
20
items I'm proof you don't need a big beauty budget for a flawless face! Every product here is a drugstore gem (most under $15) that genuinely keeps up with my high-end stuff — long-wear foundations, mascaras I like better than designer ones, and lip colors...
Sections
3
face
eyes & brows
lips
face
I love this because it gives me a smooth, poreless finish without the high-end price tag. My go-to for everyday wear!
Fit Me® Matte + Poreless Blurring Foundation
I love this because it brightens my under-eyes and covers dark circles without creasing. The sponge applicator is genius!
095 Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer - Maybelline | Ulta Beauty
This primer is the secret to my makeup lasting all day! It grips my foundation so nothing slides around, even in heat. My skin looks smooth and my makeup stays put from morning to night. Can't beat the price for how well it works!
e.l.f. Power Grip Primer, 0.811 fl oz
This primer is my makeup's security blanket — my foundation grips to it all day with zero pilling, and the niacinamide is a nice bonus for my skin.
Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide
A tiny dot of this gives me the prettiest flush — it blends like a dream and actually lasts on my cheeks all day.
e.l.f. Camo Liquid Blush - 0.13 fl oz
The drugstore foundation all the others are measured against, and for good reason! The shade range is huge so my fellow pale girls can actually find their match, and it blends like a dream. This is my everyday workhorse.
Loreal Paris True Match Super Blendable Liquid Foundation -2 C
The viral beauty wand lives up to the hype! I dot it on my cheekbones and down my nose for that lit-from-within glow. So easy, and it lasts all day.
e.l.f. Halo Glow Highlight Beauty Wand, Champagne Campaign, 0.33 fl oz
Such a pretty highlighter for the price — I swear Wet n Wild's highlighters compete with the high-end ones. A little goes a long way, so this will last you forever!
Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder Makeup, Precious Petals, 0.19 fl oz
The most famous drugstore blush for a reason! Luminoso gives the prettiest peachy glow that looks good on literally everyone. I've repurchased this more times than I can count.
Milani Baked Blush, Luminoso 04
The OG setting powder that's been around forever because it WORKS. It sets my makeup and keeps shine away for hours, and the smell is pure nostalgia. Translucent is perfect on my fair skin.
Coty AirSpun Loose Face Powder 070-24 Translucent, 2.3 oz
This is my secret weapon for no-makeup makeup days — it gives the prettiest natural glow under foundation or on bare skin. I mix a little into my moisturizer and I'm done!
L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer, Medium, 1.35 fl oz
eyes & brows
I love this because it makes my lashes look so long and defined. The skinny brush gets every single lash!
Blackest Black Telescopic Original Washable Mascara - L'Oréal Paris | Ulta Beauty
I love this because the ultra-fine tip makes hair-like strokes so easy. My brows look naturally full!
Blonde Micro Brow Pencil Eyebrow Pencil - NYX Professional Makeup | Ulta Beauty
My ride-or-die mascara — it fans out every single lash without clumping, and it doesn't smudge on me by the end of the day. The curved brush gets right to the root!
Maybelline Lash Sensational Washable Mascara, Blackest Black
If you struggle with liquid liner, this is the one to learn with — the brush tip is so precise and it stays put all day. My wing game improved immediately!
NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner, Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, Dark Chocolate, 0.03 fl oz
lips
I love this because it's so buttery and never sticky. The perfect everyday gloss for a juicy lip!
Spiked Toffee Butter Gloss Non-Sticky Lip Gloss - NYX Professional Makeup | Ulta Beauty
I love this because it stays put for hours without drying out my lips. The color payoff is amazing!
Romantic SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick - Maybelline | Ulta Beauty
This liquid lipstick genuinely lasts through coffee, lunch, and everything in between! I love how it doesn't budge or feather, and the color payoff is amazing for a drugstore price. My go-to when I need my lip color to survive a long day.
Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick
Rimmel's Lasting Finish lipsticks are such a steal — creamy, pigmented, and they actually stay put through coffee. Heather Shimmer is my throw-it-in-every-bag kind of shade.
Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick, Heather Shimmer, 0.14 oz
One stick for eyes, lips, and cheeks — perfect for my purse or travel bag. It blends out beautifully with just my fingers, no brushes needed. Such a time saver on busy mornings!
e.l.f. Monochromatic Multi-Stick, Dazzling Peony, 0.155 oz