Let's face it, makeup can be expensive and not all of us are willing to drop $50 on a foundation. Don't worry, there are plenty of drugstore options that are just as good as high end makeup and for a fraction of the price.
1. L'oreal Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer
This primer is raved about by beauty vloggers such as Jaclyn Hill and Jamie Paige Beauty. Running for $12.95, the Magic Lumi Primer resembles the likes of the Becca Backlight Priming Filter, a known favorite in the beauty community and a pricey $38. Once it's rubbed into the skin, this primer gives a stunning glow that looks great on its own or under foundation. So if you're looking for a glowy finish and aren't willing to drop a couple twenties, check out L'oreal's more affordable option. You can find it at almost any drugstore and also at Ulta.
2. Nivea For Men Sensitive Post Shave Balm
This unusual item hit the beauty world by storm recently. Beauty vlogger Nikkie Tutorials discovered that this men's after shave balm worked as a fantastic primer when she had to improvise and use her boyfriend's product after not having an actual primer handy. What happened was her makeup lasted far longer than with any of the primers she usually used and it's all because of this guy. The Nivea balm has a high amount of glycerin, a key ingredient in face primers that makes the skin tacky so that foundation has something to stick to. So if you aren't into a glowy look, but are still looking for an affordable primer, you can pick this up at any drugstore for somewhere between $5 and $7, depending on where you shop. Plus, it has a really nice cologne smell (The smell doesn't last. It goes away once you rub it all in.)
3. Revlon ColorStay Makeup
Revlon's ColorStay foundation is an affordable dupe for the $43 Makeup for Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation and a favorite of beauty vlogger Kathleen Lights. The Ultra HD foundation is a cult favorite in the beauty community and for good reason. It gives outstanding coverage without being cakey. However, the Revlon ColorStay foundation does the exact same thing, and for $12.99. Not to mention, it has a long wear-time and also comes in formulas for dry and oily skin types. Pick it up at your local Ulta or any drugstore.
4. Rimmel 25 Hour Lasting Finish Foundation
Another impressive foundation, loved by beauty vloggers Kayla Hagey and Tati, is by Rimmel. The 25hr Lasting Finish foundation gives full coverage without feeling heavy or looking cakey. It lasts all day, even the hot and sweaty ones. This foundation doesn't come in as wide a color range as the Revlon ColorStay, but it clocks in at $7.99 and is a worthwhile investment if it comes in your shade (Good news, pale people, this foundation comes in some pretty fair shades). Once again, this is available at Ulta and most drugstores.
5. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer
One of the better drugstore concealers out there is this one by Maybelline. Coming in at $8.99, this concealer goes on smooth and light-weight feeling, while giving awesome coverage and blending out flawlessly (plus, the little sponge feels fun on your face). The Instant Age Rewind concealer has been much-loved by beauty vlogger Cosmo by Haley and you can find this at Ulta or any drugstore.
6. NYC Smooth Skin Loose Face Powder
You could spend $38 on the Laura Mercier loose setting powder, or you could spend $3 on this NYC powder and get the same results and also three times more product. Beauty vlogger Kathleen Lights loves using this fine-milled powder to set her under-eye concealer. It's also great for setting the whole face. You can find this steal at places like Walmart, Kmart, and Target.
7. Physician's Formula Butter Bronzer
Physician's Formula has some of the best bronzers at the drugstore. Infused with Murumuru Butter, Cupuacu Butter, and Tucuma Butter, this bronzer is luxuriously soft and decadent. It also falls on the cooler-toned side, so those of you who are paler can wear it without looking too orange. It also comes in a lighter shade, for those of you who are really pale. Unfortunately, if you're darker skinned, both of the shades will likely be too light for you. But this brand does have plenty other bronzers in other shades to choose from. Probably the best part about this bronzer is it's smell, just ask beauty vlogger Kathleen Lights, who loves it. It smells like pina coladas and sunscreen, so for $14.99, you can put the beach on your face (if you want to spend less, check out bronzers by Wet n Wild and Jane).
9. e.l.f Blush Palette
Most of you will recognize the brand known for its inexpensive makeup, e.l.f. Aside from their makeup brushes, one of the best products e.l.f. has put out is their blush palettes. There are two options, light and dark, and you get for four blushes for a total of $6. Beauty vlogger Jaclyn Hill gave these palettes her seal of approval for their incredible pigmentation and blending power. These palettes can be found at Target and sometimes Meijer (also check out Wet n Wild for some good blushes).10. Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder
It's the year of highlighting. Sometimes referred to as "strobing," highlighting has been all the rage and many brands are pumping out their own highlighting products. However, drugstore brands have been behind in the race compared to some of the high end brands. They're starting to catch up, though, and Wet n Wild has put out a highlighter that rivals those high end ones (come through, Wet n Wild!). At a whopping $3.99, this highlighter has intense pigmentation, without being too glittery. Beauty vlogger Jeffree Star, known for loving to seriously glow, raved about these highlighters. They come in two shades that work on all kinds of skin tones. Unfortunately, these highlighters are limited edition and can be a little difficult to find. Your best bet to snag this beauty is likely going to be at Walgreens.
11. Physician's Formula Highlighters
Just as Physician's Formula has some of the best bronzers, they have some great highlighters, too. There are a few different types in their line, but they all work great. Beauty vlogger Jeffree Star also raved about their Natural Nude Shimmer Strips (pictured above, $13.99) on his YouTube channel. You can find their highlighters at Ulta or any drugstores, ranging from $10 to $15.12. Wet n Wild Setting Spray
Setting sprays have been making a name for themselves in the beauty world. Spritz some on after you finish your makeup to help make it last all day or night. Many beauty vloggers on YouTube use more expensive setting sprays like Urban Decay's All Nighter Setting Spray ($30), but some drugstore brands have risen to the challenge. Beauty vlogger Kathleen Lights recently tested out Wet n Wilds setting spray and found that it made her makeup last almost just as long as a high end one and Wet n Wild's is only $4.99. You can grab this setting spray at places such as CVS, Meijer, and Target.13. L'oreal Infallible Eyeshadow
Beauty vloggers such as Manny MUA are obsessed with these eyeshadows because they resemble foiled eyeshadows, which can cost at least $10. These shadows by L'oreal are $7.99 and come in a variety of different shades, ranging from fun to edgy to neutral. Beauty vlogger Jeffree Star even likes to use the shade "Always Pearly Pink" as his highlight. Pick these bad boys up at Ulta or any drugstore.14. NYC Liquid Eyeliner
We all know that Kat von D's Inked liner in "Trooper" is a godsend, but the NYC liquid liner is a formidable rival. Coming in at $2.99, this liner is a favorite of beauty vloggers like Chrissspy. The ultra fine tip helps make winged liner application more precise and the formula doesn't crack once it dries on your lid. Head over to your local Walmart or Target to find this one.
15. NYX Tres Jolie Gel Pencil Liner
Beauty vlogger Kathleen Lights loves this eye pencil for lining her waterline because it stays put, although you can use it for standard lining as well. This formula also glides on nicely and provides great pigmentation. It only comes in black and brow at the moment, but hopefully some more fun colors will come in the future. Pick it up for $11.99 at Ulta.16. L'oreal Voluminous Mascara
There's a reason this mascara has made it into the kits of celebrity makeup artists. For $7.99 it gives you amazing volume and one coat of the "Carbon Black" shade makes your lashes dark, I mean dark, and two to three coats can get you to false lash status. The wand isn't too small or too big, so you won't have to worry about making a mess. Go pick this up at Ulta or any drugstore.17. Ardell False Lashes
If you want to add a little something extra to your look for a special occasion, or just because, check out Ardell's false lashes. There's no need to spend big bucks on falsies when these exist. Many beauty vloggers ranging from Kathleen Lights to Jaclyn Hill to Kayla Hagey use Ardell lashes and love them. They come in a variety of styles, some more natural and some more dramatic. They also have value packs that come with a couple of pairs or more and sometimes Duo lash glue (Beware: Duo lash glue works great, but does not smell good. You have been warned). If you're careful and don't put mascara on them, you can get several uses out of these falsies. You can find them any drugstore and Ulta, starting at $3.99.18. Rimmel Exaggerate Full Colour Lip Liner
Beauty vlogger Patrick Starrr loves these lip liners. They glide on smoothly and true to color. They're are also automatic so you don't have to go through the hassle of manually sharpening them. The Exxagerate Full Colour lip liners run for $5.99 at Ulta and drugstores.19. Maybelline Creamy Matte Lipsticks
Loved by beauty vloggers Kathleen Lights and Manny MUA, these lipsticks adhere to the matte lip trend that's been on the scene for the past year or so, without being uncomfortable. The Creamy Matte lipsticks come in a variety of shades from neutrals to brights and cost $7.99 at Ulta and drugstores (if you don't want a matte look, all of Maybelline's Color Sensational line is great as well).20. Rimmel Provocalips 16 Hour Kiss Proof Lip Colour
Long-lasting liquid lipsticks continue to be all the rage. However, not only can they be kind of expensive, but they can be drying on your lips. Most liquid lipsticks are matte, but if you don't mind a glossier look, then the Rimmel Provocalips is for you (note: this product is not classified as a liquid lipstick but acts similar to one). Beauty vlogger Jamie Paige Beauty tried out one of the red shades on her YouTube channel and found that this lipstick truly does last 16 hours without fade after eating, drinking, and no touch-ups. The double ended product features a lip color on one side and a long-wearing clear top coat on the other. The colors are very pigmented and go on smoothly. You should let them dry before putting on the top coat, which gives a glossy look. The glossiness does tend to fade over time, but the color does not. Unlike liquid lipsticks, this product isn't as drying (although some might find it just slightly drying, but nowhere near that of a liquid lipstick) and feels pretty comfortable on the lips. It doesn't dry down all the way like a liquid lipstick and there is only a minuscule amount of tackiness that's not too noticeable. So if you want your lipstick to be comfortable and cemented on your lips at the same time, grab one of these for $6.99 the next time you're at Ulta or the drugstore.