Drugstore makeup has a bad reputation, but it’s never been easier to find high-quality items at low prices. So many brands are experimenting with new formulas and innovative products—and you can try them all without breaking the bank.
beauty thailor blush duo
kimchi chic
This brand was created by Kim Chi, a RuPaul’s Drag Race alum. Pictured here in Peachy, each cruelty-free blush duo contains two shimmering shades that can be used separately or blended together. Plus, you just can’t beat how cute that compact is.
$15.99 from cvs.com
super serum
olay
This serum does a lot for your skin at an affordable price point. Thanks to ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, collagen peptide, vitamin E and alpha hydroxy acid, it helps hydrate while visibly smoothing lines, firming the skin and improving texture.
$34.99 from olay.com
voluminous original
l’oreal paris
Volume is the name of the game with this mascara. It builds lashes up to five times their natural thickness while also protecting and conditioning them thanks to ingredients like panthenol and ceramide-R. As well as coming in a few black and brown variants, there also are bold options like cobalt blue, burgundy, green and violet, so you can make a statement.
$9.99 from lorealparisusa.com
magic lip oils
juvia’s place
Lip oils are very popular right now, and some of them come with big price tags. This affordable option nourishes lips thanks to vitamin E and fruit extracts and comes in five flavors (pictured in watermelon). Plus,it is from a Black- and woman-founded brand created to promote diversity in beauty.
$10 from juviasplace.com
gel couture
essie
While the name implies a gel polish, no UV-light is required. Get a salon-like manicure with just two steps: nail polish and top coat. To make your mani last even longer, reapply the top coat each week. In-Vest in Style is a mid-tone green with blue undertones, but if that’s not your style, there is no shortage of shades to choose from.
$13 from essie.com
super stay up to 24h skin tint
maybelline
This skin tint delivers buildable coverage with a natural looking finish that will last all day. Thanks to its vitamin C-infused vegan formula, it brightens skin instantly and overtime. It’s available in 18 shades—pictured is 129, a light medium with neutral undertones.
$17.99 from maybelline.com