22 Inexpensive Beauty Products That Actually Work
Drugstore finds that won't break the bank.
1. NYX Matte Lipsticks
The super-pigmented shades range from everyday neutrals to not-subtle-at-all brights. They have a creamy application and — unlike most mattes — won't dry out your lips. $6 here.
2. Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner
Glides on smoothly, stays put all day, and the easy twist-up packaging lets you ditch the sharpener. $8 here.
3. Milani Baked Blush
Luminoso is the most popular — for a subtle flush that's flattering on almost any skin tone. $8 here.
4. Blistex Lip Medex
This tingly balm is a serious, no-frills hydrator for chapped lips. (Though to some, the menthol scent might be off-putting.) Less than $2 here.
6. Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri Topcoat
The quickest way to stretch the shelf life of a DIY drugstore mani? Top it with a swipe of this. $6 here.
7. Revlon "Just Bitten" Lip Stain
8. Maybelline Mascara
You can't wrong with either of these: Maybelline Great Lash has been around forever, and for good reason. Similarly, Full 'n Soft has a legion of fans, like Lauren Conrad, who swear by the stuff. Get them here and here for $7.
9. Garnier BB Cream
It has a built-in SPF for everyday wear, blends easily, and isn't drying — although coverage leans more toward the sheer side. $13 here.
10. L'Oréal Infallible Eyeshadow
11. e.l.f. Eyelid Primer
...Like this one! Less than $2 here.
12. Wet 'n' Wild Mega Last Lip Color
View this photo on Instagram
These $2 long-wearing mattes come in several shades that mirror high-end versions, like Stoplight Red, which is a ringer for MAC's Ruby Woo. (You can find a longer list of dupes here.)
14. e.l.f. High Definition Powder
The loose, lightweight finishing powder goes on translucent, and reviewers dub it as a worthy dupe of Makeup Forever's Microfinish Powder — at a fraction of the cost. $6 here.
15. NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder
Everything you need for perfectly set brows: two brushes (angled and spoolie), clear wax, and coordinating brow powders. $6 here.
16. Batiste Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo is already a godsend. But when it comes in different scents and colors (so that you're not frantically combing out every last bit of white), it's even better. $8 here.
19. Sinful Colors Nail Polishes
Essie and O.P.I. are already prime drugstore buys, but the $8 bottles can add up quickly. Sinful Colors retails for closer to $2, has similar wear, and comes in a wide range of colors. Some MakeupAlley reviewers say that consistency can vary, so for best results, layer up and finish with topcoat.
20. Burt's Bees Lip Balm
The original for everyday hydration, and the tinted version for when you want a hint of color. (Also worth noting? Burt himself is pretty great too.) $3 and $7 here.
22. Tweezerman Tweezers
Wet 'n' Wild Mega Last Lip Color (#12) was originally listed at Amazon for $7, but can actually be found for $2. Happy shopping!