Makeup is always something that’s been a huge passion of mine, but being in college, the bills really start to add up. This is why drugstore, or in other words, cheaper makeup brands, are incredibly important to me. In the beginning, I had a lot of problems finding drugstore makeup that was cruelty free (meaning not tested on animals), but I’ve figured out where to go, what brands are worth it, and what works the best. I want your search for high quality, but still cheap makeup to be less painful then my experience, so here are my all-time favorite drugstore beauty products:

1. Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation and Concealer

The first time I wore this foundation I was in awe. It’s rare to find a drugstore brand that has such amazing coverage and feel, so I was really impressed. It’s lightweight, easily blendable, and you can either put on a thin layer for medium coverage, or build it up to become a full coverage. This foundation, if blended properly, does not look like it gets caked on, and that’s something else that I really love about it. It gives a nice, natural finish without draining your bank account. You can buy this at any local CVS or target for $9.99.

2. NYX Matte Finish Long Lasting Setting Spray

This setting spray is a life saver. It gives off the nicest matte finish, and really helps your makeup stay in place. You can also use it to make eyeshadows more pigmented by spraying it on your brushes before dipping into the color. You can buy this at any Target, CVS, or Ulta for $7.99.

3. Physicians Formula Bronze Booster

LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT THIS BRONZER. It’s magnificently smooth, and gives off the nicest matte finish for those who don’t like a shimmery bronze or contour. It’s great to set cream contour or foundation colors, and a little goes a long way. Buy this wonderful product at Walmart, Ulta, Rite-Aid, Target, etc. for prices ranging from $8.99 to $14.99.

4. NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk

This product has saved my life so many times. It’s easy to use in your waterline, to give the appearance of bigger, brighter eyes, or you can use it on the eyelid before applying eyeshadow to give a nice base and increase the pigmentation of the colors you put down. It is a product you sharpen, you just have to find a sharpener big enough for it to fit. You can buy this wherever you find NYX products (Target, Ulta, CVS) for $4.49.

5. Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

This is honestly one of my favorite makeup sponges out there. It’s dense enough to really pack on the pigment and blend colors well, but not stiff enough to the point that it hurts your face to apply. It’s the perfect blend of everything a makeup sponge needs to be, and the shape creates for an easy application of foundation, concealer, and contouring. You can get this at Target, Walmart, or Ulta for $5.99.

6. NYX Matte Liquid Liner

Okay, to be completely honest with you, I’ve never had a bad experience with any NYX liquid liners. The matte, vinyl, and Brights eyeliners all have the perfect formula and the perfect consistency. With many liquid eyeliners, problems can arise when the formula is either too stiff or it’s completely watered down and it can be way too runny. Nyx liquid liners aren’t too watery, they’re super pigmented, and the brush and consistency makes for an easy application. You can buy these at CVS, Target, or Ulta for $6.99.

7. EcoTools Brushes

EcoTools were some of the very first makeup brushes I ever owned, and some of them are still regulars in my makeup routines. I, again, have never had an EcoTools brush that I didn’t like. These brushes make for easy blending, and they are some of the softest brushes I’ve ever used. These brushes can be found at Target, Walmart, or Ulta, and the prices range depending on what brushes you need.

8. NYX Tres Jolie Gel Pencil Liner

This is one of the most pigmented, smooth, and easily blendable crayon liners I’ve ever used. It stays on my waterline longer than any other eyeliner I’ve used, and when set with an eyeshadow, it doesn’t budge. Find this product at Target, CVS, or Ulta for $11.99.

9. E.l.f Blush Palette

I’m very picky about the blushes that I wear. If the color isn’t just right, I don’t want it anywhere near my face. That’s why I was surprised when I really liked these blushes. There is a lot of pigment, so be careful when applying, but all of the colors blend really well and aren’t completely overwhelming. You can purchase this at Target, Ulta, or on the e.l.f website for $6.00.

10. NYX Le Chick Flick Mascara

When I find mascara that I really love, it’s hard for me to find anything else that compares. Right now, nothing compares to this mascara. Its waterproof, lengthens, and intensifies your lashes. Also, curling the lashes is optional, as this mascara curls the lashes as you apply. Find this at Target or Ulta for $5.99.

11. E.l.f Mineral Infused Primer

This primer feels like everything beautiful and wonderful on your skin. It’s so incredibly smooth and is a great base for any foundation. You can find this at Target or the e.l.f website for $6.00.

12. NYX HD Finishing Powder

Don’t like it when your foundation or concealer creases? This stuff is what you need. It sets your face with absolute ease and feels incredibly soft on the skin. Find this at Ulta, Target, or CVS for $9.99.

13. Makeup Academy High Shine Lipstick

This lipstick is wonderful. It’s incredibly pigmented while also super hydrating on the lips. It feels like legitimate butter on your lips and remains comfortable for the duration of the time you wear it. Find this at CVS for $8.00.

14. NYX Cream Highlight and Contour Palette

I love this palette. It can be a little stiff when trying to blend, but with the right determination it leaves such a flawless finish on the face. You don’t need a lot of product when applying, because the pigment in this is so real. Find this at Target or Ulta for $15.00.

15. Milani Color Statement Lip Liner

This lip liner is bomb. It’s smooth, easy to work with, and highly pigmented. There is not a huge color selection, but it’s still worth it to put on this list because I’ve been so impressed with it. Find it at CVS or Target for about $4.00.

16. E.l.f Daily Brush Cleaner

LAST BUT NOT LEAST, and in my opinion, one of the most important things on this list, is brush cleaner! It’s so important to make sure that your makeup brushes are clean, and this spray really gets the job done. Just a couple of spritz, wipe down the brush on a clean paper towel, and it’s sanitized! Cleaning brushes can be really annoying, but this makes the process so easy and affordable that it’s inexcusable to not complete the task. Find this at Target for $3.00.

Makeup is an important tool to make anyone feel or look how they want, and sometimes the process of looking for the right products can get overwhelming and expensive. I hope this list helps in the search for guilt-free (for your bank account, and the cruelty free aspect) makeup shopping!