30 Must-Try Cheap Drugstore Makeup Brands for 2025 💄✨


Video: ULTIMATE drugstore makeup tutorial for beginners | baddie on a budget.







Ever wandered the drugstore aisles overwhelmed by the endless rows of makeup, wondering which cheap brands actually deliver on quality? You’re not alone! We’ve all been there—grabbing a product just because it’s affordable, only to be disappointed by patchy coverage or quick fading. But here’s the secret: not all drugstore makeup is created equal. Some gems outshine luxury brands without the luxury price tag. Intrigued? Stick with us as we unveil the top 30 cheap drugstore makeup brands that are redefining budget beauty in 2025.

Did you know that the global drugstore cosmetics market is expected to grow significantly this year, driven by savvy shoppers demanding both quality and affordability? That means more innovation, better formulas, and wider shade ranges than ever before. From cult-favorite mascaras to multitasking lipsticks, we’ve tested, compared, and curated the ultimate list to help you glow up without breaking the bank. Ready to discover your new holy grail products? Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

  • Affordable doesn’t mean compromising on quality—many drugstore brands now rival high-end products in performance and ingredients.
  • Top brands like e.l.f., Maybelline, Milani, and NYX offer inclusive shade ranges and cruelty-free options that cater to diverse skin tones and ethical preferences.
  • Multitasking products and smart shopping hacks help you maximize your budget and experiment with new looks without guilt.
  • Understanding product types—from primers to setting sprays—ensures you build a flawless, long-lasting makeup routine on a budget.
  • 👉 Shop smart with trusted retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and official brand websites for the best deals and authentic products.

👉 Shop Drugstore Makeup Favorites:

Ready to glam up the affordable way? Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Quick Tips and Facts About Cheap Drugstore Makeup Brands 💄✨

We get it – sometimes you want the glam without the hefty price tag. And guess what? You totally can! Drugstore makeup brands have seriously upped their game, offering incredible quality without breaking the bank. But with so many options out there, where do you even begin? 🤔

Don’t worry, beauty on a budget is our jam! We’re spilling all the tea on the best cheap drugstore makeup brands and products that’ll have you looking like a million bucks (without spending it!). 😉

Drugstore Makeup Hacks: Level Up Your Beauty Game!

  • Primer Power: Don’t underestimate the power of a good primer, even a cheap one! It creates a smooth canvas for your makeup, helping it last longer and look flawless.
  • Blend, Blend, Blend: The key to a natural, airbrushed finish? Blending! Use a damp makeup sponge or a fluffy brush to seamlessly blend your foundation, concealer, and blush.
  • Multitasking Marvels: Get creative and stretch your dollar further! Use lipstick as blush, eyeshadow as eyeliner, or bronzer for a subtle contour.
  • Set It and Forget It: Lock in your look and prevent makeup meltdowns with a setting spray. It’s a lifesaver, especially during those hot summer months!
  • Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Drugstore makeup is all about having fun and trying new things without the guilt of a hefty price tag. So go ahead, experiment with different colors and formulas!

15 Best Cheap Makeup Brands Online You Need to Try in 2025 💄

The Rise of Affordable Glam: A Brief History of Drugstore Makeup 🏪💋

book beside mug on top of dresser

Believe it or not, makeup wasn’t always so accessible. Rewind a few decades, and your options were pretty limited: expensive department store brands or, well, that’s about it! Thankfully, the beauty industry evolved, and drugstore makeup brands emerged as true game-changers. 🙌

From the iconic pink and green packaging of Maybelline to the innovative formulas of Revlon, these brands made beauty accessible to everyone. No longer was a flawless face reserved for the elite! Drugstore makeup became synonymous with affordability, accessibility, and, most importantly, quality.

Today, the drugstore beauty aisle is a vibrant hub of innovation, with brands constantly pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. We’ve come a long way from basic lipsticks and powders! Now, you can find everything from high-performance foundations and mascaras to trendy eyeshadow palettes and skincare-infused makeup, all at prices that won’t make your wallet weep. 😭😂

Top 25 Cheap Drugstore Makeup Brands You Need to Know in 2024 🏆💰


Video: These are the BEST drugstore makeup products in every category .








Ready to dive into the world of affordable beauty? Here are 25 drugstore makeup brands that are killing it in 2024, offering incredible quality without the luxury markup:

  1. e.l.f. Cosmetics: Known for their super affordable prices and wide range of products, e.l.f. is a vegan and cruelty-free brand that proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to look and feel amazing. Their Putty Primers and Camo Concealers are cult favorites for a reason!

    👉 CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Walmart | e.l.f. Official Website

  2. Maybelline New York: A true drugstore icon, Maybelline has been a staple in makeup bags for decades. Their mascaras, like the iconic Great Lash and the volumizing Lash Sensational, are legendary, and their Fit Me foundation range caters to a wide array of skin tones.

    👉 CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Walmart | Maybelline Official Website

  3. L’Oréal Paris: From their iconic “Because You’re Worth It” slogan to their innovative formulas, L’Oréal Paris empowers everyone to embrace their own unique beauty. Their Voluminous Lash Paradise mascara is a top contender, and their Infallible Fresh Wear foundation offers long-lasting coverage.

    👉 CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Walmart | L’Oréal Paris Official Website

  4. CoverGirl: Known for their inclusive shade ranges and commitment to diversity, CoverGirl celebrates beauty in all its forms. Their Clean Fresh Skin Milk foundation is a lightweight dream, and their Lash Blast mascara delivers serious volume.

    👉 CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Walmart | CoverGirl Official Website

  5. Revlon: From their iconic Super Lustrous lipsticks to their innovative PhotoReady foundation, Revlon continues to deliver high-quality makeup at drugstore prices. Their One-Step Volumizer Hair Dryer Brush is a game-changer for effortless styling.

    👉 CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Walmart | Revlon Official Website

  6. NYX Professional Makeup: A favorite among makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts alike, NYX offers a vast selection of on-trend colors and innovative formulas. Their Soft Matte Lip Creams are a cult classic, and their Butter Glosses deliver a sheer wash of color with a comfortable, non-sticky finish.

    👉 CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Walmart | NYX Professional Makeup Official Website

  7. Milani: This cruelty-free brand is all about delivering high-quality makeup that’s both luxurious and affordable. Their Baked Blushes are a fan favorite, and their Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer provides flawless coverage.

    👉 CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Walmart | Milani Official Website

  8. Wet n Wild: Known for their incredibly affordable prices and trend-forward products, Wet n Wild makes experimenting with makeup fun and accessible. Their Photo Focus foundation is a hidden gem, and their MegaLast Liquid Catsuit Matte Lipsticks offer bold color payoff.

    👉 CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Walmart | Wet n Wild Official Website

  9. Rimmel London: This London-based brand brings a touch of British cool to the drugstore. Their Stay Matte Pressed Powder is a cult classic for keeping shine at bay, and their ScandalEyes Mascara delivers dramatic volume and length.

    👉 CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Walmart | Rimmel London Official Website

  10. Physicians Formula: This hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested brand is a godsend for sensitive skin. Their Butter Bronzer is a cult favorite for its creamy texture and natural-looking warmth, and their Murumuru Butter Lip Creams provide intense hydration and a touch of color.

    👉 CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Walmart | Physicians Formula Official Website

  11. Neutrogena: Known for their skincare expertise, Neutrogena also offers a range of makeup products that are gentle on the skin. Their Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup provides lightweight coverage with a natural finish, and their Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint is perfect for a dewy, no-makeup makeup look.

    👉 CHECK PRICE on: [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=neutrogena&i=beauty&hvadid=241901934608&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9003703&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=15799132954615248544&hvtargid=kwd-2353734561&hydadcr=8496_10383033&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_3o1

Conclusion: Your Ultimate Guide to Affordable Beauty Without Compromise 🎯💖

macro photograph of eyeshadow palette

So, here’s the scoop: cheap drugstore makeup brands have come a long way from the “budget” stigma. Today, you can snag products that deliver on pigmentation, longevity, and skin-friendly formulas without draining your bank account. From e.l.f.’s cult-favorite primers to Maybelline’s legendary mascaras, and Milani’s luxe-feeling blushes, the drugstore aisle is a treasure trove of affordable glam.

Positives:
✅ Wide shade ranges and inclusive formulas
✅ High-quality ingredients and innovative textures
✅ Cruelty-free and vegan options growing rapidly
✅ Versatile multitasking products that stretch your dollar
✅ Easy availability both in-store and online

Negatives:
❌ Some products may have limited shade ranges (though improving!)
❌ Packaging can sometimes feel less luxurious than high-end
❌ Certain formulas may not suit very sensitive skin (patch testing recommended)

Our expert team at Makeup Brands™ confidently recommends embracing drugstore makeup for your everyday beauty routine. It’s perfect for beginners, pros on a budget, or anyone who loves to experiment without guilt. Remember, great makeup doesn’t have to cost a fortune—it just has to work for you! 💄✨

Ready to shop smart and glow up? Keep those blending brushes handy, and don’t be afraid to try new shades and textures. Your wallet and your mirror will thank you! 😉

Books to Deepen Your Makeup Knowledge:

  • Face Paint: The Story of Makeup by Lisa Eldridge — Amazon Link
  • Making Faces by Kevyn Aucoin — Amazon Link
  • Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual by Bobbi Brown — Amazon Link

FAQ Section

foundation palette

What are the best affordable makeup brands for beginners?

If you’re just starting your makeup journey, brands like e.l.f. Cosmetics, Wet n Wild, and NYX Professional Makeup are fantastic. They offer user-friendly products with simple instructions, wide shade ranges, and affordable prices that let you experiment without stress. Plus, many of their products are multitaskers, so you can learn techniques like contouring and highlighting without buying tons of separate items. For detailed beginner tips, check out our Makeup for Beginners category.

Read more about “15 Best Cheap Makeup Brands Online You Need to Try in 2025 💄”

Are expensive makeup brands really better than cheap ones?

Not necessarily! While high-end brands often invest in luxurious packaging and exclusive ingredients, many drugstore brands now match or even outperform them in terms of formula quality, pigmentation, and wear time. For example, Maybelline’s Lash Sensational mascara rivals pricier mascaras, and Milani’s Baked Blush has been praised as a dupe for luxury blushes. The key is to choose products that suit your skin type and preferences, not just the price tag. Our experts recommend trying drugstore products first—you might be surprised!

Popular and widely loved brands include:

  • Maybelline New York
  • L’Oréal Paris
  • CoverGirl
  • Revlon
  • Milani
  • Wet n Wild
  • NYX Professional Makeup
  • e.l.f. Cosmetics

These brands offer everything from foundations and concealers to lipsticks and eyeshadows, often with inclusive shade ranges and cruelty-free options. For a full list and product recommendations, visit our Drugstore Makeup section.

Read more about “What’s the Best Affordable Makeup Brand? Top 10 Picks for 2025! 💄”

How can I find cruelty-free and vegan options among cheap drugstore makeup brands?

Great question! The good news is that many drugstore brands are stepping up their cruelty-free and vegan game. Brands like e.l.f. Cosmetics, Milani, and Wet n Wild offer extensive vegan-friendly and cruelty-free product lines. To find these, look for certifications like the Leaping Bunny logo or check brand websites for their cruelty-free policies. We also recommend visiting dedicated cruelty-free beauty sites or apps that help you filter products by ethical standards. For more tips, explore our Beauty Brands category.

How do I avoid common pitfalls when buying cheap makeup?

  • Check ingredient lists if you have sensitive skin. Some budget products may contain fragrances or irritants.
  • Patch test new products before full application.
  • Read reviews and watch tutorials to see how products perform in real life.
  • Beware of limited shade ranges—sometimes drugstore brands are still catching up on inclusivity.
  • Store makeup properly to avoid contamination and spoilage.

Our detailed guides in Beauty Tips can help you navigate these challenges with ease.

Read more about “Cheap Makeup Brands: Get High-End Products for Less … 💄”

For more expert insights and product reviews, visit our Cosmetics Industry and Drugstore Makeup categories at Makeup Brands™. Happy glam hunting! 💋

Review Team
Review Team

The Popular Brands Review Team is a collective of seasoned professionals boasting an extensive and varied portfolio in the field of product evaluation. Composed of experts with specialties across a myriad of industries, the team’s collective experience spans across numerous decades, allowing them a unique depth and breadth of understanding when it comes to reviewing different brands and products.

Leaders in their respective fields, the team's expertise ranges from technology and electronics to fashion, luxury goods, outdoor and sports equipment, and even food and beverages. Their years of dedication and acute understanding of their sectors have given them an uncanny ability to discern the most subtle nuances of product design, functionality, and overall quality.

Articles: 157

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Trending now

30 Must-Try Cheap Drugstore Makeup Brands for 2025 💄✨
Who is the Top Beauty Retailer in USA? [2024]
What are the Top Beauty Retail Brands in 2024?
Is MAC considered high end makeup? [2024]