10 Awesome Makeup Products Under $10

When I first started wearing makeup I bought all my products at either the big box store or drugstore. Several of the products I tried ended up being a disappointment and I thought it was because they weren’t expensive. So I started wearing more expensive brands that I either had to buy online or from Ulta or Sephora.

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I kept buying these expensive brands for many years before I realized how much money I was needlessly spending on makeup. So 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 some cheap makeup that worked for both my skin and my wallet.

If you’d like to try out any of these products you can find all of them in your local drugstore or on walmart.com by using my affiliate links below.

1. ELF Putty Primer

This is probably the best drugstore primer out there. It comes in different versions - luminous, matte, and poreless. I like and use the matte version. It does a good job of keeping my oil at bay throughout the day and my makeup goes on smoothly when I use it. Here is where you can read my full review on the ELF Matte Putty Primer.

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 for 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.

3. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder 

To set my liquid foundation 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 doesn't cover a lot but it gives my skin an even finish.

4. Milani Baked Powder Blush 

It can be hard to find a blush that works on darker skin tones, so I was happy to stumble across the Milani Baked Powder Blush. This blush comes in about six shades. The shade I’ve used is Red Vino. It added a nice rosy glow to my cheeks, without looking overdone or fake.

5. Wet n Wild Color Icon 10-Pan Shadow Palette

For years I would dismiss Wet n Wild as really cheap makeup that didn't wear well. I've found that to not be the case. I decided to try the Color Icon 10-Pan Shadow Palette and I loved it! The palette I used is no longer sold but I've tried some other palettes in this line and they were just as good. The colors are so vivid in the pan and also on my lids. Plus, it wears well throughout the day with minimal fading.

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.

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. Other pros include the multiple shades, how smoothly it glides on, and how easily I can control the thickness of the line.

Related read: CoverGirl Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner Review

8. Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner 

If you prefer the traditional pencil for your eyeliner the Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Eyeliner is one of the better ones. While I don’t care for the traditional pencil, I did like the intense pigmentation which was perfect for nighttime makeup looks. Another plus was that it’s really waterproof. Simple water wasn’t going to wash it off.

9.  Maybelline Ultra Slim Defining Eyebrow Pencil

I didn't always do my brows I just didn't see the point or want to take the time. Boy was I missing out. Having cleaned up and even looking eyebrows make a big difference in your makeup look. 

I don't think you need an expensive eyebrow pencil when a cheaper, drugstore version like the Ultra Slim Defining Eyebrow Pencil from Maybelline does a great job. The tip is slim and you get a precise natural-looking brow. 

10. L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Original Satin Lipstick For Moisturized Lips

Personally 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." 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, Nudes - which comes to a total of 52 shades so there's a good variety to chose from.

What’s your favorite budget-friendly makeup?