April 17, 2023 by Leah | A Relaxed Gal

Best Makeup Tools Under 10 Dollars

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Until I dove into the world of makeup I didn’t realize how many different tools makeup artists and even everyday women were using to create their makeup looks.

For years I thought you applied foundation with your fingers. I couldn’t have been more wrong. And as time has gone on, there have been more and more and more makeup tools coming onto the scene. This can create a temptation to spend a lot of money on these tools, some of which you only use once or never use at all.

How about we spend less money but get some quality makeup tools? Sound like a good plan? Well, keep reading because I’ve compiled a list of 10 makeup tools I think are must-haves for any makeup lover and they all have options that cost $10 or less!

budget-friendly makeup sponges and brushes on a purple background.
(This post includes affiliate links. Should you click an affiliate link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.)


1. Makeup/Foundation brushes

I have a few foundation brushes that I use on occasion. I personally prefer a good makeup sponge but I like to keep brushes on hand just in case.

A foundation brush can be used for applying liquid, cream, or powder foundation but not all foundation brushes can be used to apply all three types. Short bristle brushes are best for cream and liquid foundations. Longer bristle brushes are best for powder foundations.

Knowing the difference between the bristles so you buy the right brush for your needs can help with saving some money.

If you use cream or liquid foundation here are some options

  • EcoTools Wonder Cover Complexion: Designed with a tear shape, this brush helps you to apply makeup in hard-to-reach areas like around the eyes for even coverage.


For those that prefer a powder foundation I’ve got a few options for you




2. Makeup sponges

My preferred foundation application tool is a makeup sponge. I like how easy they are to use and the light to medium coverage finish they provide. Plus, makeup sponges have so many different uses. They can be used to apply concealer, foundation, blush, and even highlighters.

  • Sonia Kashuk Makeup Blender Sponge: This foundation sponge is the one that I use. I like how much it expands it gets when it’s wet. It’s also really bouncy making applying my foundation a breeze. The brand description says this is for cream or liquid foundation but I’ve also used it to apply my setting powder when traveling.

  • Milani The Perfector Duo Blending Black Sponges: This is a sponge duo. The larger sponge is for full-face makeup application - foundation, setting powder. The smaller sponge is for targeted and precise blending in hard-to-reach areas, like under the eyes and around the nose.



3. Blush Brushes

I’m not a big brush wearer. Mainly because I haven’t found a blush or shade that looks natural on my skin tone. That being said, the few times I do put on a little brush I want to make sure I use a nice soft blush brush like either of these.

Real Techniques Ultra Plush Blush Makeup Brush: The bristles are shaped perfectly to apply a cream or powder blush to the apples of the cheeks. I also sometimes use it to apply bronzer to different areas of my face.

Sonia Kashuk™ Essential Brush - Soft Blush Brush: This brush is said to be best used for powder blushes. It’s also very pretty.




4. Mirrors

It’s kinda hard to properly apply makeup without a mirror and not all mirrors are created equal. Some don’t provide the right magnification for applying eye makeup or are the right size to see your whole face at once.

Based on the issues I’ve had with makeup mirrors, I think these three look to be good budget-friendly ones to use

Table Vanity Mirror with Stand: This mirror has a 360-degree rotation so you can use it horizontally or vertically or adjust it to an angle that works best for you. It also easily comes apart and can be put back together making it perfect for travel.

Portable 3-Sided Foldable Beauty Mirror with Built-in Stand: It may be a small mirror but it’s got three sides! With three sides you can get some better angles that a straight-on mirror can’t provide. Plus it folds making it easy to travel with.

Travel Table Makeup Mirror Stand: This mirror folds flat for easy transport or storage. It also stands free from 90 to about 145 degrees.


5. Eyeliner application tools

I love the look of winged eyeliner but for the life of me, I can't seem to figure out how to do it myself. I've tried several different tips, watched numerous videos, and tried and failed so many times.

The only way I was able to get the look was to use an eyeliner stamp. I would think one of these eyeliner application tools would help to easily get that desired winged look

  • Eyeliner Applicator Guard Tool: This is another multifunctional eye makeup applicator tool. It can be used as a mascara and eyeshadow guard shield and a guide for applying eyeshadow and eyeliner just to name a few.
  • Makeup Tape For Eyeliner: This transparent breathable Makeup Tape helps create precise, defined lines for the perfect winged liner and sculpted contour finishes.



6. Eyeshadow brushes

I love a good eyeshadow brush and there are so many good ones to select from depending on what type of eye look you’re looking to create. I keep my eyeshadow pretty simple but want to make sure it’s well-blended.

I typically stick to a good flat brush to apply my shadows and then a blender brush to make sure everything is seamlessly blended.

  • EcoTools Eye Enhancing Duo 2pc Brush Set: This one is a good buy because while there are two pieces in this set, there are four total brush heads. So you can use two pieces to shade, define, blend, and smudge your eyeshadows.



7. Eyelash Curlers

Admittedly I've never used an eyelash curler. I haven't felt the need to use one personally. But from what I've seen when used correctly an eyelash curler can help open up the eyes and add drama to any makeup look whether natural or for a night out.

Here are some highly-rated lash curlers I was able to find that are under $10.

  • Amazon Basics Eyelash Curler: The description for this says it’s easy to use, the thick pads provide extra volume, and it has a black finish.




8. Tool Cleansers

I clean my makeup brushes and sponges at least once a week because over time they collect little bits and pieces of makeup, dirt, skin, oil, and bacteria that can then be transferred back to my skin. Yep, pretty gross.

I use a simple Ivory soap bar and my hands to clean mine but there are several great tools and cleansers that you can use instead if using ivory soap and your hands don’t sound appealing.



9. Spa Headband

I see women all over social media wearing these types of headbands when doing their skincare routines and makeup. I don’t have one, yet, but would be interested in getting one since I either hold my hair back with a shower cap or my night scarf.

  • Stretch Spa Head Wrap: This one wraps all around the head and comes in a three-pack. There are several different colors to select from.




10. Makeup Case/Organizer

Though I don’t wear a lot of makeup I do have a lot of makeup and I need to find ways to store them without taking up a lot of space. Here are some options I found while searching online that are all under $10.

  • Large Makeup Brush Case Organizer: Great for travel. This case holds assorted-sized brushes easily. It stands on its own for easy access to the brushes by just folding down the top and grabbing the brush you need.
  • Clear Makeup Brush Organizer: This holder is a little bit bigger than the others. It can hold many shapes and sizes of makeup brushes, lip/eye liners, glosses, blushes, hair accessories, nail polish, pens, lotions, perfumes, jewelry, Q-tips, and more.
  • Breathable Silicone Makeup Sponge Holder: I had to throw in one for makeup sponges since I like using them. This makeup sponge holder has a double-sided hollow striped vent design allowing the air to circulate to keep the beauty sponge dry. It also comes in lots of fun colors.

Shop all of these tools

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