I kept buying these expensive brands for many years before I realized how much money I was needlessly spending on makeup. To save money I made it my mission to find makeup I could wear that was cheap in price, but not in quality. Through trial and error, I found cheap makeup that worked for my oily skin and my wallet.
(This post includes affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.)
My search led me to find enough makeup to fully do my face from start to finish. I'm talking from primer to setting spray. And with today's prices and economy finding products under $10 without a sale is really, really hard.
My search led me to find enough makeup to fully do my face from start to finish. I'm talking from primer to setting spray. And with today's prices and economy finding products under $10 without a sale is really, really hard.
A couple of notes before we get to the list. The first is I haven't used all of these products. Some are makeup products I included on this list because I've seen good reviews of them and want to try them. Other are products I have or still use.
My final note is I noticed some of these makeup products may be over $10 depending on the store they are purchased from. Because of that, I've only listed the stores where the product is $10 or less.
1. Wet n Wild Photofocus Matte Face Primer
For my oily skin using a primer as a base for my makeup is a must. If I don't my makeup won't last but for an hour or two if I'm lucky. The kicker is drugstore makeup primers get a bad rap for not doing what they claim and not feeling nice on the skin.From reviews that I have watched and read, the Wet n Wild Photofocus Matte Face Primer is not one of those. This makeup primer claims to
- Be long-lasting to help control afternoon shine
- Prevent foundation caking
- Help keep shine at bay with a matte finish
- Minimize the appearance of pores
- Fill in fine lines and wrinkles
- Even out skin tone
- Brighten the complexion
Where to buy
2. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
This is my favorite drugstore foundation. I don't use it every day like I used to but it's good in a pinch and when I don't want to "waste" my higher-end foundations because I'll only be wearing foundation to shoot a video or a couple of hours.
I share more about my experience with the foundation in my post 10 Liquid Drugstore Foundations Perfect For Women Of Color.
Where to buy
3. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder
To set my liquid foundation whether it's drugstore or not I use the Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless Powder. I sometimes also use it by itself for a light foundation application. By itself, it isn't full coverage but it gives my skin an even matte finish.Where to buy
4. Milani or Black Radiance Blush
It's so hard to find a blush that works on darker skin tones. That's why I was happy to stumble across the brands Milani and Black Radiance.The Black Radiance Artisan Color Baked Blush only comes in three shades but they are really rich shades and are formulated for darker skin tones. The shades I've used are Toasted Almond and Warm Berry. Neither one looked unnatural because they were too light or too dark for my skin tone.
For the Milani Cheek Kiss Cream Blush, I use the shade Nude Kiss for a natural, everyday look. For a more dress-up going-out look I use the shade Merlot Moment. This is a cream-to-gel blush that's very creamy and the color is definitely buildable.
Where to buy
5. Wet n Wild Color Icon EyeShadow Palette
For years I would dismiss Wet n Wild as a cheap makeup brand with products that were a waste of money because they wouldn't wear well. I've found that to not be the case. I've used a few Wet n Wild makeup products over the years and eventually decided to look at the eye shadows.I like eye shadow palettes because I can get so many different shades and finishes in one. That is why I decided to try a few of the Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Palettes and loved them!
The palettes I used are no longer sold but here's what I've liked about Wet n Wild eyeshadows. The palettes come in 10 or five pan. The colors are vivid in the pan and also on my lids. Plus, the shadows wear well throughout the day with minimal fading.
Where to buy
Related read: 2 Great Eye Shadow Palettes for a Natural Look
6. Maybelline Great Lash Washable Mascara
This was the very first mascara I ever used. The Maybelline New York Great Lash Washable Mascara was also the mascara I remember my mother having in her makeup case when I was growing up. While this mascara isn’t anything extraordinary, it does what it needs to by enhancing your lashes without clumping.This basic Maybelline mascara comes in multiple shades. I like to use brownish black because it gives a softer look to my dark lashes than the black shades.
Where to buy
7. CoverGirl Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner
I have so many pros for this eyeliner pencil starting with the fact that it’s self-sharpening. I can’t stand the traditional pencils because I can never get the point sharpened so it’s usable. I don’t have that problem with the CoverGirl Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner. because it's self-sharpening.Other pros include the multiple shades, how smoothly it glides on, and how easily I can control the thickness of the line. The shade I prefer is Expresso which is a dark brown. I prefer dark brown eyeliner because it's a softer look than black.
Where to buy
Related read: CoverGirl Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner Review
8. Maybelline Ultra Slim Defining Eyebrow Pencil
When I first started wearing makeup as a teenager I never saw any use in doing anything with my brows other than brushing them so all of the hairs lay in the same direction. Even when I became an adult and learned more about makeup I didn't see the point in using an eyebrow pencil. I also didn't want to take the time it takes to shape and fill in brows.
Boy was I missing out. Having cleaned up and even looking eyebrows makes a big difference in your makeup look.
I found that I don't need a really expensive brow pencil or gel to achieve the cleaned-up look I want. This drugstore brow pencil from Maybelline, the Ultra Slim Defining Eyebrow Pencil, does a great job.
I like that it's self-sharpening. It's easy to apply. Also, the tip is slim giving you a precise natural-looking brow.
I typically get this in the shade Black Brown.
Where to buy
9. NYX Makeup Setting Spray
I recently started using this makeup setting spray because I wanted a less expensive option for makeup looks that don't need to last all day such as for shooting videos and work makeup.
What attracted me to this NYX setting spray is it claims to be lightweight and helps to extend the wear of makeup for up to 16 hours.
It does a good job for a drugstore setting spray. I haven't noticed that I start shining up any sooner or any more than I do when I use my higher-end setting spray. Also, I've worn this when I've worked out in my yard and was sweating some. My makeup didn't move or start melting right away.
Where to buy
10. L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Original Satin Lipstick
I don't wear lipstick much but I've tried this one and it's a really nice one. Especially if you tend to have dry lips. It claims to "enrich your lips with 75% caring ingredients." I'm not sure what that means but it did feel good on my lips.The L'Oreal Colour Riche Satin Lipstick comes in 4 vibrant color families - Reds, Berries, Pinks, and Nudes - which comes to a total of 52 shades so there's a good variety to choose from.
Where to buy
What’s your favorite budget-friendly makeup?
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