10 Cheap Makeup Products We Swear By (And Use Daily)

Miracle products made from diamonds and encased in gold are amazing, but a great formula at a low price can make our heart skip a beat. The thing is, you don’t have to splurge to find a makeup product that’ll beat your face to perfection, there are tons of amazing drugstore options! Here are 10 cheap makeup products we use in our everyday routine…

1. Elf 16HR Camo Concealer, $5

The 16HR Camo Concealer has been labeled a dupe of the infamous Tarte Shape Tape concealer, which for like 17% of the cost, is pretty insane! Just like Shape Tape, the e.l.f. formula is a full-coverage, super creamy concealer with a matte finish that’ll cover everything from dark circles to pimples. The formula isn’t super lightweight but blends out beautifully with a damp makeup sponge. Set it with a loose setting powder for a crease-free finish that lasts all day long! We also love that there are 18 shades that range from fair to deep so you can easily find a color match. We like to go one or two shades lighter for brightening the under eyes.

2. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation, $7

Source: Maybelline

This foundation has been one of our fave drugstore products for years! The foundation is ideal for normal to oily skin types as it contains micro-powders to mattify and blur out large pores or imperfections. It’s easily buildable so you can cater the coverage and it blends out really well. There are 40 shades in total ranging from fair to deep, which is pretty impressive! It also comes in an amazing Dewy and Smooth finish, which is ideal for normal to dry skin types and offers light to medium coverage for a natural finish.

3. Real Techniques Makeup Brushes

There are makeup brushes and then there are the Real Techniques makeup brushes. Not only are they super cute but the synthetic brushes perform just as well as most luxe brushes, which is why you’ll often see them used by celebs in their Vogue makeup routines. They also come in the most amazing bundles, so you don’t have to buy a set of 16 to find the brush you’re looking for. They blend, they build, they buff, all while helping you achieve the most flawless, airbrushed finish at a fraction of the cost. Read our full breakdown of the Real Techniques brushes here.

4. L’Oreal La Vie En Glow, $16

Source: L’Oreal

No makeup look is complete without highlighter, and this L’Oréal highlighter palette with four shades offers the ultimate glow-up. The formula is super smooth, crazy pigmented and provides just the right amount of shimmer. Layer it up so you can be seen from the stars or lightly dust it on with a fan brush for a soft glow. To apply, we use the Real Techniques 402 Setting Brush,  which easily picks up the powder and softly diffuses it. For our top highlighting tips, check out this post.

5. Maybelline TattooStudio Brow Pomade, $10

We’re always on the hunt for affordable brow products, so when we tried this brow pomade, it was a dream come true. It does it all (for just $10) – it’s super pigmented, buildable, and once it’s on, it’s transfer-proof, waterproof, and even smudge-proof. It also comes with a double-ended tool: at one end is a densely-packed, angled sculpting brush, and at the other end a spoolie to tame and blend. There are eight shades in total, ranging from Light Blonde and Auburn to Ash Brown and Black Brown – we found a perfect match for everyone at HB HQ.

6. Milani Amore Satin Matte Lip Crème, $9

We love everything about the Amore Satin Matte Lip Crème, $9; the shades, the formula, the finish! It’s super pigmented, transfer-proof and it doesn’t leave your lips feeling dry like other liquid lipsticks. Application is also really easy thanks to a rounded wand, which makes overlining and quick application extra easy! The shade collection is stunning, and they work well on all skin tones; we just wish there were more!

7. Maybelline Lash Sensational, $10

Source: Maybelline

If Meghan Markle uses a drugstore mascara, you know it’s the real deal! And this drugstore mascara will transform your lashes; the fanning brush has ten layers of bristles so it’ll separate and build the lashes, giving that full lash effect. The formula is infused with three different essential oils; rose oil, argan oil, and safflower oil to soften and nourish your lashes, leaving them looking super fluttery. Finally, it’s easily buildable so if you’re looking for major drama, all you need to do is lash it on. We’re low key obsessed! Read our full review here.

8. RCMA No-Color Powder, $12

Source RMCA

If you’re looking for value for money, this powder should be at the top of your list. The product was developed over 50 years ago for use by professional makeup artists in Hollywood. It’s basically an MUA’s secret weapon as it gives a soft-focus airbrushed finish while locking in your look. The translucent formula works for all skin tones; from fair to deep. For more deets, check out this post.

9.  Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup Foundation, $12

This glowy liquid foundation offers the ultimate dewy, healthy skin look. It blends like a dream and offers light to medium coverage, but it can also be built up easily for more coverage. The formula is packed with skin-enhancing antioxidants and has SPF 20 (YAY!) although we still recommend wearing a sunscreen with SPF 30. Check out this post for more foundation hacks.

10. Aquaphor Healing Ointment, $12

Source: Aquaphor

We realize this may not look like your typical makeup product but it does have AHHHmazing makeup powers. In fact, it’s a celeb fave and each celeb has their own way of using the ointment to amp up their makeup game. Zendaya claims it’s the magic step in her regime as it gives her skin a luminous glow; to apply, simply dab it onto your cheekbones, brow bone, and on your Cupid’s bow. Whereas Hailey Bieber uses it as a brow gel and a lip balm. Find out how more celebs are using Aquaphor here.

Have you guys tried these products? Let us know in the comments below.