So, you want to look cute but your wallet’s screaming, “Please, no more Sephora trips”? Been there. Drugstore makeup is basically the unsung hero for broke (or just sensible) beauty lovers everywhere. And honestly, some of these cheap gems slap just as hard as the bougie stuff. Maybelline, e.l.f., NYX—these brands are out here proving you don’t need to sell a kidney for a flawless face. Here’s my no-BS guide to the top 10 drugstore picks for 2025. Save your coins, look amazing, thank me later.
Table of Contents
- Why Drugstore Makeup Is The Move
- 10 Drugstore MVPs for Everyday Face Beats
- Brand Contacts You’ll Actually Need
- Quick & Dirty Tips for Effortless Looks
- Final Thoughts
Why Even Bother with Drugstore Makeup?
First off, let’s not pretend everyone’s got a trust fund for makeup. Drugstore stuff is cheap, easy to grab at Target (or while you’re buying toilet paper, let’s be real), and shockingly decent. Maybelline and e.l.f. are both cruelty-free, and their formulas? Not bad at all. You’re paying $15 or less and still getting products that won’t melt off your face by lunchtime. Plus, you can actually try new trends without feeling guilty if you hate ‘em. Gen Z on TikTok? Obsessed.
10 Drugstore Makeup Staples You Need, Like, Now
Here’s what you should be tossing in your basket if you want to look put-together on a budget. No gatekeeping here.
- Maybelline Fit Me Matte Foundation
Got oily skin? This one’s a classic. Comes in over 40 shades, so you’ll probably find your match without much drama. - e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil
Your lips but shinier. Super hydrating and not sticky, which is a miracle. - NYX Butter Gloss
This is TikTok’s favorite for a reason. Creamy, shiny, and doesn’t look like you borrowed your mom’s 90s lip gloss. - L’Oréal Voluminous Mascara
The OG for big, fat lashes. No clumps, just drama. - Milani Cheek Kiss Blush
Dewy, blendable, and looks like you just ran a mile (in a cute way). - Essence Lash Princess Mascara
Less than $5. People are kinda obsessed. Lashes for days. - Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighter
Blinding glow for the price of a latte. It melts into your skin—no disco ball effect. - Catrice HD Liquid Coverage Foundation
Full coverage without the cakey mess. Lightweight, too. - Revolution Pro CC Cream
SPF 30, light coverage, and it leaves your skin looking like you just woke up from a 9-hour nap. - Covergirl Clean Fresh Concealer
Brightens up those dark circles after one too many episodes of “just one more.” Vegan, too.
Brand Contacts for When You Need a Little Customer Service (or Just Wanna Stalk Their IG)
| Brand | Website | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Maybelline | maybelline.com | info@maybelline.com | @maybelline |
| e.l.f. Cosmetics | elfcosmetics.com | help@elfcosmetics.com | @elfcosmetics |
| NYX Cosmetics | nyxcosmetics.com | support@nyxcosmetics.com | @nyxcosmetics |
| L’Oréal Paris | lorealparisusa.com | consumer@lorealparis.com | @lorealparis |
| Milani Cosmetics | milanicosmetics.com | info@milanicosmetics.com | @milanicosmetics |
| Essence Cosmetics | essencemakeup.com | support@essencemakeup.com | @essence_cosmetics |
| Wet n Wild | wetnwildbeauty.com | info@wetnwildbeauty.com | @wetnwildbeauty |
| Catrice Cosmetics | catricecosmetics.com | info@catricecosmetics.com | @catrice.cosmetics |
| Makeup Revolution | revolutionbeauty.us | help@revolutionbeauty.us | @makeuprevolution |
| Covergirl | covergirl.com | contact@covergirl.com | @covergirl |
Tips for Quick, Everyday Looks (No YouTube Tutorial Required)
- Start with something light, like a CC cream or foundation. Don’t cake it on.
- Mascara is your BFF. Seriously, even if you do nothing else.
- A swipe of blush or gloss wakes up your whole face.
- Use a sponge or brush if you wanna feel fancy. Fingers work, too.
- Keep an eye on Target and Walmart sales—never pay full price if you don’t have to.
Wrapping It Up
Drugstore makeup is having a moment—and you should totally ride the wave. It’s cheap, fun, and honestly, half the time people can’t even tell the difference. Whether you’re into that barely-there vibe or full-on glam, these 10 picks have you covered. So go ahead, fill that basket, and show your bank account some love. Oh, and if you find a new favorite? Shout about it on Pinterest or TikTok. Sharing is caring.
