15 Drugstore Makeup Products That Perform Like High-End Brands

Finding quality makeup does not have to mean spending a lot. Drugstore shelves are filled with products that surprise many with how well they work. Some of them hold up just as well as the pricey brands found in department stores. From smooth foundations to rich lipsticks, these picks deliver great results for less. They are easy to find, simple to use, and kind to your wallet. Whether you are new to makeup or just looking to save, these options are worth checking out.

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Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation

This liquid foundation is popular for its natural-looking finish and impressive oil control. It blends smoothly into the skin and provides buildable coverage without feeling heavy. The formula helps blur the appearance of pores and keeps shine to a minimum throughout the day. It is available in a wide range of shades that work well for different skin tones. Many users compare it to foundations that cost three times as much. It works best on normal to oily skin types.

Wearers appreciate how it holds up in heat and humidity without breaking down. The texture feels soft on the skin and never cakes up. The bottle is easy to carry around and does not spill. With a lightweight formula that stays put for hours, this product has become a staple for many makeup bags. The soft matte finish makes it ideal for both everyday wear and special occasions. At just $8, it remains one of the best finds for anyone who needs dependable coverage.

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation

This foundation offers long-wearing coverage that feels comfortable all day. The texture is thin but pigmented enough to even out the skin in just one layer. It dries down to a natural finish that looks smooth without appearing too matte or too shiny. Many compare it to prestige foundations that claim to last for 32 hours. It also comes with SPF, which makes it useful for daily wear.

Even when applied with fingers or a sponge, the finish looks polished. It resists transferring and works well on normal to combination skin types. Users enjoy how it looks fresh even after several hours of wear. The product is housed in a sleek glass bottle with a pump, which helps control how much comes out. Priced around $14, it provides a comfortable and long-lasting option without going over budget.

e.l.f. Power Grip Primer

This gel-based primer helps makeup stay in place for hours while giving the skin a smooth surface. It has a sticky texture at first, which allows foundation to grip better and stay longer. It works well with different skin types and helps blur imperfections without feeling too heavy. Some people compare it to more expensive gripping primers often used by professionals.

Once applied, it dries down slightly and creates a tacky layer that holds foundation in place. It works well with both matte and dewy formulas. The packaging comes in a sturdy pump tube, making it easy to apply without wasting product. At $10, this primer has quickly become a favorite for keeping makeup from fading or sliding throughout the day.

Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation

This foundation is praised for its camera-friendly finish and light-diffusing effect. It provides medium to full coverage with a soft matte finish that works well in flash photography. Many makeup users say it performs like higher-end options made for photo shoots and long events. The formula blends well and does not oxidize on the skin.

Even without setting powder, it wears evenly throughout the day. It is suitable for normal, oily, and combination skin types. The spatula applicator may not be for everyone, but it makes it easy to scoop just enough. With a price of around $7, it is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a solid foundation that does not break the bank.

NYX HD Finishing Powder

This lightweight finishing powder helps set makeup and reduce shine without making the skin look dry. It comes in translucent and color-correcting shades that can brighten or smooth the complexion. The formula feels soft and does not cling to dry patches or fine lines. Some users even prefer it over more expensive finishing powders known for their blurring effects.

It works best when applied with a fluffy brush and can be used throughout the day for touch-ups. The powder leaves a smooth finish without creating a white cast in flash photography. It also helps minimize the appearance of pores and lines without looking heavy. At $10, this compact powder offers a reliable way to lock in your makeup and keep shine away.

Milani Baked Blush

Milani Baked Blush is well-known for its soft texture and glowing finish. The shade “Luminoso” often gets compared to high-end blushes for its peachy tone and smooth application. The formula blends easily into the skin and gives a natural, lit-from-within look. It works well on many skin tones and adds just enough color without overpowering the rest of the face.

This blush can be worn lightly for day looks or built up for more color. It comes in a small compact with a mirror and brush for touch-ups. The shimmer is subtle and does not emphasize texture on the skin. Users find it lasts for several hours without fading. At $10, it remains one of the most loved blushes available in the drugstore aisle.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick

This lipstick has been around for decades and still competes with luxury brands. It glides on smoothly and comes in a wide range of shades and finishes. The formula feels moisturizing without being sticky and delivers rich color in one swipe. Many shades are dupes for lipsticks that sell for four times as much.

Whether you choose a cream or matte finish, the color payoff is strong. It wears comfortably for several hours and fades evenly. The bullet is easy to apply without a lip brush, making it great for on-the-go touch-ups. At around $6, it is an affordable classic that still holds its place in many makeup kits.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara

This mascara helps separate and lengthen lashes while keeping clumps to a minimum. The curved wand makes it easy to reach every lash, including the tiny ones in the corners. It gives a fanned-out look that is often compared to higher-end mascaras used for red carpet makeup. The formula holds a curl and does not smudge during the day.

Users like how it builds volume without making the lashes feel heavy. It can be layered for more drama or used lightly for a clean, natural look. The waterproof version also stays in place even through heat or humidity. Priced at $9, it offers consistent results and works well for most lash types.

L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer

This concealer is loved for its creamy texture and full coverage. It hides dark circles, redness, and blemishes with ease. The formula blends well with brushes or sponges and dries down to a natural matte finish. Many makeup users compare it to more expensive concealers found in professional kits.

It comes in a wide range of shades, including color correctors for more precise application. The brush tip makes it easy to apply directly onto the skin. It does not crease much when set with powder and stays in place all day. At just $5, it is a budget-friendly staple that works well for everyday makeup or full glam looks.

e.l.f. Bite-Size Eyeshadow Palettes

These mini eyeshadow palettes pack a lot of pigment for their price. Each one features four shades in a mix of matte and shimmer finishes. The colors are easy to blend and build, making them perfect for beginners and experienced users alike. Some palettes are even compared to luxury quads that retail for much more.

The compact size makes them perfect for travel or keeping in your purse. Despite the small pans, the color payoff is strong and long-wearing. The packaging is lightweight but sturdy enough to handle daily use. At only $3, these palettes are a great way to explore new color stories without overspending.

NYX Butter Gloss

This lip gloss feels smooth and adds a shiny finish without feeling sticky. It comes in a wide range of shades that include nudes, pinks, berries, and deeper tones. The texture is light and comfortable, with enough pigment to be worn alone or over lipstick. Many people compare it to high-end glosses that cost far more.

It smells sweet and pleasant, which adds to the appeal for many users. The doe-foot applicator makes it easy to apply in one swipe. It wears off gradually and leaves the lips feeling soft. At $5, it is a great everyday gloss that feels like something much more expensive.

Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer

This bronzer is praised for its silky feel and tropical scent. It blends easily into the skin and adds warmth without looking orange or patchy. The formula contains soft powders that melt into the skin, giving a natural sun-kissed glow. It has been compared to high-end bronzers for both performance and appearance.

The compact includes a mirror and sponge applicator underneath the powder. The scent is coconut-inspired but not overwhelming. It works best when applied with a fluffy brush, though the included tool can be used for touch-ups. At around $14, it is a smooth bronzer that feels much more luxurious than its price tag suggests.

Covergirl Clean Fresh Skin Milk Foundation

This foundation is known for its light coverage and dewy finish. It works well for people who prefer a fresh-faced look over heavy makeup. The formula includes plant-based ingredients and feels hydrating on the skin. It is often compared to luxury skin tints used for natural makeup looks.

It blends easily with fingers or a sponge and leaves the skin looking even and glowing. The product comes in a squeeze tube that is easy to carry and apply. It is ideal for normal to dry skin types, though some with combination skin enjoy it too. At $12, it is a gentle choice for everyday wear.

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

This mascara is popular for its dramatic length and volume. The curved brush helps lift the lashes and makes them look much longer in just a few strokes. It gives the appearance of false lashes without needing glue or strips. Many users say it performs better than much more expensive mascaras.

The formula does not flake or smudge easily, even on long days. It can be built up for added intensity without getting too clumpy. The packaging looks fancy despite the low price. At only $5, it is a top pick for those who want bold lashes on a budget.

Flower Beauty Ultralight Liquid Blush

These liquid blushes add a fresh pop of color with just a small amount. They come in a squeeze tube that makes it easy to control how much product you use. The texture blends well with fingers or a sponge and gives a natural finish. The shades work for many skin tones and look radiant on the cheeks.

They can be layered for more impact or kept sheer for a softer look. The formula dries down without leaving a sticky residue. It holds up well throughout the day without fading too quickly. At $14, these blush drops offer a smooth and dewy finish similar to liquid blushes that cost much more.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.