Best Drugstore Makeup—Superior Quality, Super Affordable
Drugstore makeup has come a long way in recent years, offering high-quality and affordable options to create a soft natural look on one end and a full coverage look that lasts all day. But with the amazingly wide range of products available now at drugstores—in-store and online—getting started can be overwhelming.
But fear not because I have researched, reviewed, and selected the best makeup items from foundation to mascara—all available at your favorite drug chain or discount store. These products will give you a flawless finish without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re a seasoned makeup pro or a casual user, these affordable, high-performing products will help you achieve the look you want at a price you’ll love. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the best drugstore makeup of all time.
Entire Beauty Industry: 8 Companies
You might be surprised to learn that a handful of giant corporations own the entire beauty industry. Though all brands seem separate when you’re walking through Sephora, most of them are in fact owned by the same few conglomerates and roll out of the same factory each with its unique label. Some brands head for high-end department stores, others to drugstore makeup aisles.
For example, Clinique, Too Faced, Bobbi Brown, Becca, MAC, Tom Ford, GlamGlow, Smashbox—all Estee Lauder.
All of these are L’Oreal brands: Vichy, Dermablend, Redkin, CeraVe, Maybelline, Matrix, Biotherm, L’Oreal Paris, Keratase, NYX, La Roche-Posay, IT Cosmetics, Urban Decay, Seed Phytonutrients, Carita, Biolage, Clarisonic, Lancome, Shu, Uemura, Essie, Pureology, Kielh’s, SkinCeuticals, Yves Saint Laurent, Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani, Maison Margiela, Diesel, Victor & Rolf, Proenza Shouler, Helena Rubenstein, African Beauty Brands, Atelier Cologne, Cacharel, Style Nanda, Baxten, Mizani, Pulpriot, AcneFree, Ambi, SoftSheen-Carson, Guy Laroche, Decleor, Roger & Gallet, Paloma Picasso, Yue Sai, House 99, Sanoflore, Magic, and Niely. Whew!
Drugstore makeup
The products and brands below are available in drugstores and discount stores, such as Walmart, Target, Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, and Amazon.
You will see an Amazon link for each product. This will allow you to further peruse that item in one click. Remember that while Amazon is a great option, you should be able to walk into your local drug or discount store and find that item in the makeup aisle.
In some instances, I have indicated specific colors, which are for my skin tone and preference. Your color choices will be unique to you.
Brushes
Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Face + Eye + Cheek Brushes and Beauty Blender
Real Techniques Everyday Essentials 2.0 with Miracle Complexion Sponge set has you covered. Four brushes do it all: blush, bronzer, highlighter, concealer, and shadows. Miracle Complexion Sponge gives you an airbrushed look and flawless application.
Also at …
Real Techniques Everyday Eye Essentials
This everyday eye set has every high-quality brush you need to create flawless eye looks from natural to glam. It includes a brush for every application need. And look at that price! A single brush can run more than this entire set at the department store makeup counter.
Also at …
Primer
Covergirl Trueblend Base Business Pore Minimizing Primer
This fabulous primer visibly reduces and blurs pores while mattifying shine. It creates the perfect canvas for the foundation. Long-lasting, weightless feel. Oil-free, fragrance-free.
Suitable for all skin types
Also at …
BB Cream
This light coverage bb cream is formulated with beautifying Beads; encapsulated pigments infused with antioxidants Vitamins C & E. Multi-tasking bb cream delivers 4 actions in 1: primes to smooth skin’s texture, corrects skin for a healthy looking even complexion, hydrates for all day moisture, perfects to hide imperfections. Instantly transforms to your perfect shade for a flawless, bare-skin finish.
Also at …
Foundation
Milani Conceal +Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation and Concealer in 45 shades
Beauty expert Dominique Sasche calls this the hardest working multi-tasker in her cosmetics bag! It combats under-eye circles, redness, and other skin imperfections. It is a water-resistant, foundation plus concealer in one.
Also at …
Concealer
elf 16-hour Camo Concealer Hydrating in color Medium Neutral
If you prefer a separate concealer, this is a full-coverage, 16-hour wear concealer that conceals, corrects, contours and highlights for flawless skin.
Also at …
Eyelid Primer
elf Shadow Lock Eyelid Primer
Preps your eyelids for smoother, longer-lasting and crease-proof eye shadow
Also at …
Eyebrows
NYX Lift and Snatch Brow Tint Pen
This flexible micro brush tip pen allows you to create thin to thick lines for that microblade look; Tinted, buildable shades allow you to go from a super natural to super snatched in a few quick flicks.
Also at …
Eyeshadow Palette
elf Mad For Matte in color Nude Mode
Achieve beautifully natural eye looks with the Mad for Matte Eyeshadow Palette. This palette features ten highly-pigmented neutral shades designed to make your eyes look strikingly beautiful.
Also at …
Eyeliner
Covergirl Exhibitionish 24 Hour Kohl Eyeliner No Budge No Smudge in color Black
Go from subtle to dramatic in the blink of an eye with luminous, high pigment shades
Easy-to-sharpen tip for precise application; eye makeup comes off easily with makeup remover.
Also at …
Mascara
Also at …
Loose Powder
Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder in color 20 Light Medium
Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder is a mineral-based formula designed to help control shine and smooth skin texture with a hint of color; This mineral powder provides the perfect finishing touch to your makeup base.
Also at …
Pressed Powder
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder in color 100
Ideal for normal to oily skin, this long-lasting powder leaves a natural, poreless-looking finish with long-lasting shine control. Perlite Mineral technology absorbs oil to mattify skin, while pores virtually disappear thanks to blurring micro-powders. Dermatologist tested. Allergy tested. Non-comedogenic. Ideal for normal to oily skin.
Also at …
Lipliner
NYX Slim Lip Pencil in color Nude Pink
Available in many shades. Easy to use, excellent results, at drugstore price.
Also at …
Liquid Lipstick
Also at …
Lipstick
Milani Matte Lipstick in I am Awesome
This pigment-rich formula provides superior, bold color with a full matte finish. The easy, glide-on formula dries comfortably and lasts for up to 8 hours of wear. Available in 17 shades.
Also at …
Lipgloss
Milani Ludicrous Lip Gloss in color Whatever
Excellent lip gloss, in a number of colors, at an excellent price.
Also at …
Blush
Milani Baked Blush in Petal Primavera
Richly pigmented and highly buildable, the beautiful matte and shimmery shades of Baked Blush are the perfect cheeky pop of color for every skin tone.
Also at …
Makeup Wipes
Almay Cleansing Towelettes
Cleansing towelettes, biodegradable micellar water for sensitive skin, hypoallergenic, fragrance free
Also at …
Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover Value Pak
Makeup Remover Towelettes: Gently wipe face with towelette, removing dirt and all traces of face and eye makeup. There is no need to rinse. Dispose of the towelette in trash receptacle (do not flush). After removing towelette, reseal pack. Makeup Remover Liquid: SHAKE WELL. Apply with cotton pad on closed eyelids. Gently rinse with warm water.
Also at …
Face Wash
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser,
Oil-free face wash for oily skin and for sensitive skin with niacinamide. Unscented
Also at …
Setting Spray
The e.l.f. Stay All Night Micro-Fine Setting Mist locks on makeup for up to 16 hours of wear, keeping your makeup looking fresh from AM to PM. Touch-ups are now a thing of the past./amzlink]Also at …
EverydayCheapskate is reader supported. We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and other affiliated sites. Thanks!
EverydayCheapskate is reader supported. If you click through some links in this post and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks!
More from Everyday Cheapskate
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/63077489_s-1.jpg
565
848
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2023-03-24 00:04:052023-03-24 15:25:0012 Frugal Laundry Tips That Will Save You A Fortune
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/houseplants-on-white-table.jpg
833
1310
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2023-03-18 06:49:532023-03-19 21:23:499 Common Houseplants That are Really Hard to Kill
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/ATM-Bank.jpg
833
1310
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2023-03-15 10:39:142023-03-17 07:56:44Should You Be Worried About Your Money in the Bank?
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/Be-Prepared-road-sign.jpg
833
1310
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2023-03-13 00:48:232023-03-13 14:19:557 Things To Do Now to Be Prepared for Disaster
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/brown-sugar-in-bowl.jpg
833
1310
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2023-03-11 00:23:572023-03-28 13:48:078 Easy Ways to Keep Brown Sugar Soft (and Remedies If It Hardens)
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/too-tired-to-cook.jpg
833
1310
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2023-03-10 09:57:502023-03-28 13:50:49What to Do When You’re Too Tired to Cook
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/important-papers-in-a-stack.jpg
833
1310
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2023-03-05 15:44:372023-03-13 12:01:28Important Papers Every Family Should Keep to Be Safe Not Sorry
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/house-spring-cleaning.jpg
833
1310
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2023-03-01 00:58:372023-03-02 14:45:18Spring Cleaning Mistakes You Want to Avoid
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/single-guy-grocery-bill.jpg
833
1310
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2023-02-28 00:39:152023-02-28 18:12:31Highly Effective Food Cost-Cutting Strategies for Every LifestylePlease keep your comments positive, encouraging, helpful, brief,
and on-topic in keeping with EC Commenting Guidelines
HI Mary, you’re column has changed my life (many times) through the years. I so appreciate you. I am 67 years old and I am looking desperately for an under eye primer, lid primer and color corrector and a foundation to put it over it that won’t accentuate my creases. Experimentation is very expensive. Thanks for any input. PS – I have horrible raccoon eyes (without the assistance of mascara 🙁 )
Consider purchasing beauty items (makeup) from a drugstore that gives a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, such as CVS and Rite Aid You can try products and return them within 30 or 60 days (check ahead of time to make sure you understand the return policy). Just make sure you keep your receipts!
Hi Mary!
I love your post on make up but was looking for any suggestions on eyebrow help. You missed that part of the face.
Keep up the great post!
Recheck the post!
Hi Mary!
The way the makeup brands are listed makes it look as though L’Oreal owns 50 brands. There were no colons in the second paragraph. I don’t see 8 different companies. Please clarify. Thanks, Mary, and God bless.
Yes, L’Oreal owns all of the brands listed there. Estee Lauder and L’Oreal are two of the eight huge companies that make up the beauty industry.
1. L’Oréal
2. Unilever
3. P&G
4. Estée Lauder
5. Shiseido
6. Beiersdorf
7. Coty
8. Johnson & Johnson
so where does revlon fit in all these brands? i have always preferred revlon [i think they also own almay] because they don’t do animal testing.
i am about to give up and go out and buy [my least favorite four word phrase in the english language] a separate product for mascara removal. i use waterproof mascara and it is destroying my white washcloths! even after washing and stripping they are grey in the middle and nothing seems to work.
Have you considered black washcloths created specifically for makup-up removal? You can even get them with “makeup” embroidered. As for Revlon, it is a fine brand, loved by many. This post does not preclude any brands. Beauty manufacturers have finally addressed those of us who want quality products but refuse to pay the outlandish prices of so-called name brands at cosmetic bars in fancy department stores. The point here is to showcase the best of the best … now appearing at a drugstore near you.
Hi Mary,
I have used Revlon lipstick since I graduated high school in 1959. That’s right, 64 years ago! My favorite shade is Softsilver Red. I didn’t see Revlon on your list. Maybe I overlooked it. Love your column. Judy
Hi Mary,
I didn’t see a blush included in the list. Do you have a favorite? I love your makeup recommendations, the ones I’ve tried have worked out very well, so thank you!
Yes … Milani Baked Blush in Petal Primavera
Wow! I did not know most major brands were owned by 8 companies. You always give us the best information, Mary! Thanks!
Hey Mary, great job! I marvel that you have the patience to research all those names!
Recently I tried IL Makiage and I really like it; but stopped using it because I found that they sell all your information. I can’t seem to find it in a store. Do you know anything about it and where I can purchase it off line?
I really LOVE reading your articles, Mary. You help, bunches! Thank you.
Great post!
I was using Urban Decay eyeshadow primer but recently took a chance on the Elf brand, and I really like it! It is a fraction of the cost.
Thank you Mary!
Hi Mary,
I have used Clinique for many many years as I am very allergic to many cosmetic products. Which of the products you have listed are best for my type of skin??? Thanks. Hugs
Click through the links and you will find all the details in the descriptions. I think you will find that nearly all are hypo-allergenic, but please do your own independent research on that!