When I first started wearing makeup, most of what I owned came from the drugstore or big box stores. After a few disappointing products, I convinced myself the issue was the price. So, I started spending more and shopping at places like Ulta and Sephora. For years, I assumed more expensive makeup automatically meant better quality.
Eventually, I realized I was spending way more money than necessary. That’s when I started intentionally looking for affordable makeup that actually works, especially for oily skin. After plenty of trial and error, I found enough drugstore makeup under $10 to do a full face — from primer to setting spray. And in today’s economy, finding good makeup at that price without a sale is a win.
A couple of notes before we get to the list. The first is that 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. Others are products I have or still use.
My final note is that I noticed some of these makeup products may be over $10, depending on the retailer from which they are purchased. 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 do my makeup won't last but for an hour or two if I'm lucky. The kicker is that 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 the 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 for 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. Black Radiance Artisan Color Baked 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 brand 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.
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 5 pans. 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
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, had I been 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, theExpress Brow Ultra Slim 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, as it looks more natural than black does.
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 that 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
Related read: Why The NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray Is Worth Trying
10. NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss
I haven't tried this as I tend to not buy lip products other than a chapstick as I'm crazy about how I look with color on my lips. If I were to buy and wear a lip product, it would be a lip gloss because they look and feel more natural to me than lipstick.
This one in particular, from NYX, the Makeup Butter Gloss, claims to
- Be non-sticky
- Provide a hit of color and shine
- Soften and condition the lips
Depending on the retailer you shop at, you can find lots of shades, giving you lots of options to match your lips to your style and even your outfit.
Where to buy
What’s your favorite budget-friendly makeup?
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