New Year, New Makeup: Drugstore Essentials You’ll Love (Under $20)

Not sure about you guys, but the festive szn left us BRUUUH-OKE, so when we need to do a restock, we’re hitting the checkout with our drugstore faves. We compiled a shopping list of some of our all-time fave drugstore heroes. These 10/10 formulas tick all the boxes: a) all-day wear, b) high-quality performance and c) easy on the pocket (duh). See why we HAD to bring these show-stopping steals to your attention? Let’s dive right in:

1. For Full, Feathered Brows: COVERGIRL Easy Breezy Brow Volumizing Setting Gel, $5

Source: COVERGIRL

This brow gel holds and sets even the finest brow hairs in place for hours. It also contains argan oil and biotin to nourish your brow hairs and encourage healthy new growth. Choose any of the three tinted shades to define and sculpt your brows, or opt for the clear gel for a feathery no-makeup makeup moment.

2. For A Seamless Beat: Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Makeup Brush & Sponge Set, $20

Source: Real Techniques

Meet the vegan brush set that sits on our table 24/7. Featuring four synthetic brushes and a makeup sponge, it has everything you need to slay a flawless beat, whether you’re applying foundation, highlighter, blush, or even eyeshadow. BTW we did the math, and you’re basically paying $4 for each tool – told you it was a steal.

3. For A Matte Moment: NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Blur Tint Foundation, $14

Source: NYX Professional Makeup

Don’t underestimate this itty-bitty cutie. She’s a medium-coverage formula that delivers a “no filter needed” matte finish for over 16 hours of transfer-resistant (but breathable!) wear time. It’s also infused with hydrating glycerin, brightening matcha, and oil-balancing niacinamide to keep midday shine in check. Did we mention that she comes in 24 shades?

4. For Bright Undereyes: e.l.f. Cosmetics 16HR Camo Concealer, $7

Source: e.l.f. Cosmetics

This full-coverage formula does it all; it’s creamy, pigmented, and dries to a matte finish BUT doesn’t crease. Plus, as it’s enriched with avocado oil and kaolin clay, it balances oil production but still feels really hydrating. There are 26 shades available, but we double dip by grabbing a brightening and a contour shade.

5. For a Long-Lasting, Airbrushed Beat: RCMA Makeup No-Colour Powder, $13

Source: RCMA Makeup

Let us introduce you to the OG drugstore setting powder. The finely milled powder is super lightweight, so it never looks cakey, it also has no flashback, and as it’s translucent, it’s suitable for all skin tones. Whether you use it to bake, mattify, or set your makeup, best believe your skin will look airbrushed all day long.

6. For a Goddess-Worthy Glow: L’Oreal La Vie En Glow, $6

Source: L’Oréal

Once you start using this luminous highlighter palette, we guarantee you’ll never stop. The buildable and blendable formula has four stunning powder pans that melt into your skin for a glowy-goddess radiance. Mix and match the shades or wear them alone for a sparkle visible from the heavens.

7. For Blush Draping: Wet n Wild MegaGlo Makeup Stick Blush, $5

Source: Wet n Wild

Wet n Wild’s cream-to-powder blush sticks are super pigmented yet blend like an absolute dream. They also wear well throughout the day but are easy to stash in your purse for touch-ups, just in case. Apply to your checks, lids, and lips for an effortless monochromatic look.

8. Bronzer: Makeup Revolution Glow Splendour Bronzer, $12

Source: Makeup Revolution

A single sweep of this vegan bronzer, and you’ll achieve that I-just-got-back-from-vacay glow. It melts into the skin and blends and buffs seamlessly for a natural finish. We’ve got to give a shoutout to the six-hue shade range, especially their deeper shades, which have garnered rave reviews.

9. For Killer Eyeliner: BLK/OPL Precision Liquid Eye Definer, $11

Source: BLK/OPL

If you’re looking for an easy liner to master your feline flicks, this is it. The felt tip pen allows for instant control; plus, the ultra-intense matte black finish never fades, smudges, or smears. It’s the perfect tool to shop before experimenting with these eyeliner hacks.

10. For Lifted Lashes: Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara, $5

Source: essence

Let’s discuss why this drugstore mascara has rave reviews on TikTok. With a few coats, the conical-shaped fiber brush lifts and lengthens your natural lashes for a fuller and more voluminous appearance that stays flake-free all day.

11. For Irresistible Eyes: KISS My Lash But Better False Eyelashes, Blessed, $5

Source: KISS

Never tried false lashes before? We got you. This vegan set of naturally flared lashes has a super fine band, which makes application quick and easy (even for beginners). They’re also reaaaally comfortable and, with the right lash glue, will stay intact all day.

12. For a Perfect Pout: The Lip Bar Vegan Matte Liquid Lipstick, $13

Source: The Lip Bar

This vegan liquid lipstick is literally SUCH a steal. The velvety formula dries down to a smooth matte finish that lasts for 8 to 12 hours without smudging. As if that wasn’t enough, it’s infused with moisturizing jojoba oil and nourishing vitamin E to keep your lips soft and plush. Oh, and there are 24 shades in total, so best believe you’ll find a few perfect shades for you.

13. For Lip Liner: FLOWER Beauty Petal Pout Lip Liner, $12

Source: FLOWER Beauty

We can’t get enough of this super-creamy formula that glides along lips with zero feathering. The pigment payoff is another reason to add it to your cart, AND there’s even a built-in sharpener so you can keep your liner crisp AF.

BTW, here are six ways to line, elevate, and plump your pout with lip liners – thank us later!

Disclaimer: Every product we review has been independently selected and tested without bias by our editorial team. Although some brands allow affiliate links, we never take payment to review products, so we may earn a commission if you purchase a product by clicking on one of our links.