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Makeup Artists Put Drugstore Makeup to the Test: Shop the Winners

Featuring foundations, mascaras, brow pencils, and more.

By
Melanie Rud
Melanie Rud
Melanie Rud

Melanie Rud is a Chicago-based writer with 10 years of experience covering beauty. She covers all things skincare for Byrdie, from ingredients to acne advice.

Byrdie's Editorial Guidelines
and
Clare Holden
Clare Holden, Writer
Clare Holden
Clare Holden is a freelance journalist, trained makeup artist, and fashion designer. She covers self-care from the inside out - covering beauty, skincare, wellness, trends, and style.
Byrdie's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on 10/11/23 12:19PM
A collage of drugstore makeup we recommend on a marble background

Byrdie / Kristin Kempa

It wasn’t that long ago that beauty aficionados would be quick to shut down the idea of shopping for makeup at the drugstore. Face wash and deodorant, sure, but foundation, eyeliner, and bronzer were things to be bought at Sephora, not the drugstore. Not anymore. The drugstore is now a veritable treasure trove of insanely great makeup, and everyone knows it.

“Drugstore makeup is becoming extremely comparable to luxury formulas because of the accessibility mass brands have to developing, testing, and distributing.  Drugstore brands often have the budgets and the ability to test and create new products using cutting-edge technology, which I’ve always appreciated,” explains New York City makeup artist and beauty expert Neil Scibelli. “While I do love and respect the specialty of a luxury brand, I also think it’s worth checking out some of the formulas at your local drugstore for a more affordable option.” 

From undetectable concealers to long-lasting lipsticks to lash-popping mascaras, you can find covetable makeup picks in the aisles of your drugstore—and for cheap, too. To help you find the best drugstore makeup products, we polled makeup artists and tested out pro-recommendations to compile this list—where all picks ring in for less than $20. We took feel, wearability, shade range, and ingredients into consideration to ensure all our choices both look great and provide long lasting wear.

Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
CoverGirl TruBlend Matte Made Liquid Foundation at Amazon ($14)
Jump to Review
Editor's Favorite:
Maybelline SuperStay Liquid Lipstick (See Price)
Jump to Review
Best Foundation:
Revlon ColorStay Liquid Foundation at Amazon ($18)
Jump to Review
Best Brow Product:
Wet n Wild Ultimate Brow Retractable at Ulta ($4)
Jump to Review
Best Lip Gloss:
L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Lip Balm-in-Gloss at Amazon ($11)
Jump to Review
Best Matte Foundation:
L'Oreal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation at Amazon ($17)
Jump to Review
Best Concealer:
NYX Professional Makeup Can't Stop Won't Stop Contour Concealer at Amazon ($10)
Jump to Review
Best Concealer, Runner-Up:
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Concealer at Amazon ($20)
Jump to Review
Best Powder:
Blk/Opl Finishing Powder at Amazon ($14)
Jump to Review
Best Bronzer:
Maybelline New York City Bronzer Powder Makeup at Ulta ($12)
Jump to Review

Best Overall

CoverGirl TruBlend Matte Made Liquid Foundation

CoverGirl TruBlend Matte Made Liquid Foundation
PHOTO:

Covergirl
$8 at Amazon $14 at Ulta View on Covergirl.com
What We Like

  • Extensive shade range

  • Feels lightweight on skin

  • Lasted for eight hours

What We Don't Like

  • Slight transfer 

Makeup artists go crazy for this foundation, making it our all-around best overall pick. Scibelli says this is his favorite drugstore foundation right now, adding that it’s especially good for someone who is looking for more of a matte finish in the spring or summer. “It has medium to full coverage, so a little goes a long way, and it helps to minimize pores and control oil production in the skin without looking cakey or heavy,” he adds. Also nice: The wide range of shades in a variety of tones and undertones. We loved the feel of this when we took it for a spin, and noted that it lasted through eight hours of continuous wear.

Who It’s For 

If you are looking for an affordable foundation that won’t leave you shiny after a couple hours wear, this liquid matte option feels breathable while also providing sufficient color. It can also be built up to a full coverage for the days when you need a little extra cover and the extensive shade range with three different undertone options enables you to get super specific when choosing your shade match.

Type: Foundation | Shades: 36 | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

Editor's Favorite

Maybelline SuperStay Liquid Lipstick

Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick
PHOTO:

Ulta
View On Ulta View on Ulta $10 at Target
What We Like

  • Extensive shade range

  • Lasts forever

What We Don't Like

  • Is so long-lasting that it can sometimes be hard to remove

Byrdie editor Eden Stuart gives her stamp of approval on this drugstore gem. She adds, "This lipstick does. not. budge," so it has been a staple since day one. "Seriously—when you pick up a tube or two, grab some micellar water while you're at it. The finish is an opaque, true matte, and the color selection here is kind of unparalleled, from gorgeous brights to deep shades that just scream fall and winter. If you need a lippie that will last all day, this is definitely my recommendation," she says. Plus, this lipstick is super-fun to apply, as it glides on easily and creates buildable pigment. We love its smooth texture and its long staying power. 

Who It’s For 

Love matte lips but hate using traditional lipstick, this liquid matte from Maybelline is so easy to use it could be applied on a moving bus. There is no mirror necessary when swiping on one of the 24 vibrant shades of this lipcolor. If you are looking for a maximum impact look in seconds this is the drugstore pick for you. 

Type: Lipstick | Shades: 31 | Size: .17 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Foundation

Revlon ColorStay Liquid Foundation

Revlon ColorStay Liquid Foundation
PHOTO:

Amazon
$18 at Amazon $13 at Target $13 at Walmart
What We Like

  • Comes in different variants for all skin types

  • Long-lasting, providing eight hours of continuous wear

What We Don't Like

  • Not cruelty-free

This is another amazing drugstore foundation pick and favorite of the pros. It not only boasts incredible staying power but can also deliver a flawless matte finish to those with oily and combination skin. Its formula is hydrating and packed with humectants, which make blending it a breeze. 

Who It’s For 

This foundation is built to withstand humidity, heat, sweat and is even waterproof. The medium to full coverage holds up against various conditions making it the perfect option for those on the go who don’t have time for touch ups. Available in a whopping 46 shades, if you can never seem to find just the right color for you, your search ends here. 

Type: Foundation | Shades: 16 | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Brow Product

Wet n Wild Ultimate Brow Retractable

Wet n Wild Ultimate Brow Retractable
PHOTO:

Amazon
$4 at Ulta $3 at Target $9 at Walmart
What We Like

  • Unique triangular tip makes for easy application

  • Creamy formula

What We Don’t Like

  • Only comes in four shades

A creamy formula that settles into brows easily, this product can help you define the shape of your brows with one swipe. When we tested this, we loved how easy it is to remove as you’re perfecting your look.

Who It’s For 

Everyone. But seriously brows frame the face and even just a couple of light strokes to fill in the gaps of your brows will make a world of difference to your overall makeup look. The built in brush also helps perfect the arches and comb them upwards for a more polished finish. 

Type: Brow fill | Shades: 4 | Size: .007 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Lip Gloss

L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Lip Balm-in-Gloss

L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Lip Balm-in-Gloss
PHOTO:

Amazon
$9 at Amazon $11 at Ulta $9 at Target
What We Like

  • Extremely moisturizing

  • Full-color coverage in one swipe

What We Don’t Like

  • Not cruelty-free

As the name suggests, this is a gloss-balm hybrid to create a natural, dewy makeup effect. You can achieve beautifully pigmented, shiny color (that stays put and never dries out), but also tons of hydration, thanks to ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and argan oil.

Who It’s For 

Anyone nostalgic for a Y2K gloss will love how this lip color hits the sweet spot between a shimmer and a balm. It’s more of a contemporary twist on the thick shimmery glosses that ruled the early noughties and while it evokes the spirit of the time it looks modern and feels like a dream. When we tested this, we noted that the application didn't leave us with the dreaded sticky-lips feeling that can happen with gloss.

Type: Lip gloss | Shades: 12 | Size: .23 oz.  | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Matte Foundation

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Foundation with SPF 25
PHOTO:

L'Oreal Paris
$11 at Amazon $17 at Ulta $14 at Target
What We Like

  • Wide range of shades

  • Lightweight feel 

  • Natural finish 

What We Don't Like

  • Slightly scented

Possibly our favorite drugstore find of all time. Ever since we started using this foundation, we haven’t looked back. It’s a disservice to refer to this foundation as a dupe as its quality and silky like feel are actually far superior to the more expensive brands.

Who It’s For 

The best thing about this product is how good the coverage is while still maintaining a lightweight feel. If you are looking for a breathable everyday foundation, you can’t go wrong with this product. It’s available in 36 shades so color matching shouldn’t be a problem either. 

Type: Foundation | Number of Shades: 40 | Size: 1 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Concealer

NYX Professional Makeup Can't Stop Won't Stop Contour Concealer

NYX Professional Makeup Can't Stop Won't Stop Contour Concealer
PHOTO:

Amazon
$9 at Amazon $10 at Ulta $9 at Target
What We Like

  • Extensive shade range

  • Long-lasting and waterproof

What We Don't Like

  • Sets quickly so needs to be blended fast 

We love this concealer, which is packed with hydrating ingredients so it doesn’t crease or cake, but it also has enough long-wear staying power to last all day. It can be used to color-correct and illuminate, making it ideal for use beneath the eyes. 

Who It’s For 

If concealer is your desert island beauty bring (which includes most of us) adding this multi-tasker to your makeup collection not only gives you the tools to keep your blemishes in check but it also works well for the under eye area due to its creamy formula. Newbies to makeup will also find it incredibly easy to manage as it blends in seamlessly to skin. 

Type: Concealer | Shades: 24 | Size: .11 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Concealer, Runner-Up

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Concealer

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Concealer
PHOTO:

Walmart
$17 at Amazon $15 at Target $14 at Walmart
What We Like

  • Extremely hydrating

What We Don’t Like

  • Limited shade range

  • Not cruelty-free

According to Scibelli, this pick is perfect for those who are seeking a concealer with more of a natural finish. “The hyaluronic acid-infused formula helps to bind the product to the skin, which also minimizes creasing,” he explains. (The hyaluronic acid also ensures that it is nice and creamy and minimizes caking.) To that point, it’s great for using under the eyes, where concealers often tend to crease.

Who It’s For 

Neutrogena are experts in fusing skincare with makeup and this concealer provides the perfect solution for those who want to cover various skin issues without ever looking heavily or overly made up. The hydrating formula means it won’t crack or dry up and the moisturizing texture also makes it ideal for mature skin as it doesn't settle in fine lines.

Type: Concealer | Shades: 5 | Size: .12 oz | Cruelty-Free: No 

Best Powder

Blk/Opl Finishing Powder

Blk/Opl True Color Soft Velvet Finishing Powder
PHOTO:

Amazon
$14 at Amazon $14 at Ulta $10 at Target
What We Like

  • Touts ShadeID technology/color-adjusting pigments

  • Oil-absorbing

What We Don’t Like

  • Only comes in four shades

A lightweight, loose powder, this product sets makeup without caking, unlike heavier formulas that tend to settle visibly into pores. It’s also jet milled to create extra fine particles that result in a velvet finish.

Who It’s For 

Anyone whose t-zone likes to shine needs to consider adding in a light dusting of this powder as the final step in their makeup application. While powder may invoke images of dried up, chalky makeup, this product actually has more of a blurring effect that provides an almost soft focus appearance.

Type: Powder | Shades: 4 | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Bronzer

Maybelline New York City Bronzer Powder Makeup

Maybelline New York City Bronzer Powder Makeup
PHOTO:

Amazon
$12 at Ulta $11 at Target $11 at Walmart
What We Like

  • Hydrating formula

  • Works as both bronzer and contour

What We Don’t Like

  • Only comes in three shades

We love this bronzer, which can be used to highlight and contour your complexion without a heavy finish. The hydrating formula settles nicely into skin, without creasing or making pores appear more prominent. 

Who It’s For 

Whether you prefer to stay out of the sun or find your skin is in desperate need of a bit of glow mid winter, this bronzer is a great staple to have in your makeup bag as it immediately adds some color to your face. Apply it either lightly on the top of the nose - tomato girl style or as a contour in the shape of a 3 on each side of the face. 

Type: Bronzer | Shades: 3 | Size: .24 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Mascara

Milani Volume Mascara

Milani Highly Rated 10-in-1 Volume Mascara
PHOTO:

Amazon
$11 at Amazon $12 at Ulta $11 at Target
What We Like

  • Multi-tasking formula that volumizes and lifts

  • Doesn’t clump

What We Don’t Like

  • Can sometimes smear a bit when being removed

This top-rated, buzzy drugstore mascara applies easily and adds instant volume without weighing lashes down or clumping. We also love its pigment, which makes lashes pop.

Who It’s For 

“I’m not wearing any makeup, I mean I have mascara on but that doesn’t count” if you have ever uttered that phrase then like us you see mascara not as a beauty product but more of an extension of yourself. Finding your perfect mascara is the beginning of a lifelong friendship and between the tubing formula and the precise wand Milani have just provided us with a pal for life.

Type: Mascara | Shades: 1 | Size: .41 oz.  | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Blush

Flower Beauty Color Drops for Cheeks

Flower Beauty Blush Bomb Color Drops for Cheeks
PHOTO:

Flower-beauty
$12 at Amazon $12 at Ulta View on Flowerbeauty.com
What We Like

  • Pretty range of wearable shades for all skin tones

  • Buildable color

What We Don’t Like

  • Might not work as well on dry skin 

The unique, gel-cream texture of this blush makes for a totally natural flush. The color is both richly pigmented and easily buildable; apply just a drop or two for a more subtle wash of color, or layer on more to amp up the effect. Bonus points for the finish, which is perfectly radiant though not shimmery.

Who It’s For 

Minimal makeup lovers will love how quick this is to apply and how it adds just the right amount of color to the face. If your objective is to achieve a healthy glow as opposed to a heavily sculpted and contoured face then this little tube should be carried with you everywhere. Just three tiny dots in the shape of a triangle on the upper cheekbones then blended in with the fingertips is enough to achieve a lifted jaw. 

Type: Blush | Shades: 8 | Size: .3 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

Best Eyeshadow

Burt’s Bees Color Nurture Cream Eye Shadow

Burt’s Bees Color Nurture Cream Eye Shadow
PHOTO:

Ulta
$10 at Ulta $10 at Target $10 at Walmart
What We Like

  • Cruelty-free

  • Double as highlighter

What We Don’t Like

  • Only three shades

  • Can dry out quickly if you don’t close the cap properly

There aren’t a ton of cream eyeshadows to be found in the drugstore, making this standout all the more noteworthy. The shimmery shadow is creamy and blends in seamlessly with just your fingertips, no brush required. And while we do wish that it came in more than just three colors, all three of the nude tones do pull double duty and work equally well as highlighters.  

Who It’s For 

This is the perfect addition to any dewy makeup fan’s beauty collection. The combination of the nude shimmery tones along with its vitamin e and berry fruit wax infused formula makes you want to just dab it all over your face. While it's technically an eyeshadow, using it on the brow and cheek bones and even along the collar bone will tie together your entire makeup look and add an extra dash of glow.

Type: Eyeshadow | Shades: 3 | Size: .25 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

Best Eyeliner

Revlon ColorStay Liquid Eye Pen

Revlon ColorStay Liquid Eye Pen
PHOTO:

Amazon
$9 at Amazon $12 at Ulta $9 at Target
What We Like

  • Very long-lasting

  • Color glides on evenly without skipping

  • Comes with three different types of tips

What We Don’t Like

  • Removal can be a little bit challenging

This pen is another makeup artist favorite. “This is truly comparable to a luxury formula, with a deep, dark finish that lasts for up to 24 hours,” says Scibelli of one of his favorites. The liquid formula is waterproof, transfer-proof, and smudge-proof, perfect for creating sharp, crisp lines. “I’ve tested this one out on clients during long days of events, including even being on stage. It really holds up!” But perhaps most noteworthy is that it comes with three different tip types, making it easy to create any kind of line of your choosing.

Who It’s For 

This is an eyeliner for both makeup beginners and seasoned winged wearers alike. The pen applicator and fine tip make for a steady and precise application for even the most novice of users and if you never leave your house without a black tightline you can speed up your makeup process with this offering. 

Type: Eyeliner | Shades: 1 | Size: .05 oz | Cruelty-Free: No 

Best Multi-Tasker

Aquaphor Healing Ointment

Aquaphor Healing Ointment
PHOTO:

Amazon
$19 at Amazon $5 at Target $19 at Walmart
What We Like

  • Very versatile and multi-tasking

  • Great value

What We Don’t Like

  • It’s a bit heavy as a highlighter

Technically, this isn’t a makeup product, but it is a staple in pro makeup artists’ kits, Scibelli’s included. “Although many may think it’s a skincare product alone, I actually began using it as a lip ointment and an eye base years ago when I first started working New York Fashion Week to help sheer out the look of lipstick,” he explains. The versatility of the ointment is incredible, because you can use it on the lips, on dry areas on the face or body, or even dabbed onto the cheekbones to create the dewy finish of highlighter, he adds. It’s worth keeping a tube in your makeup bag. 

Who It’s For 

Depending on the season or how our skin is behaving, keeping a tube of this multi-use balm on the bathroom shelf will mean you always have a quick fix solution to any dry patches or cracked lips that may appear. It can also be mixed with your favorite lip color to make a tinted lip balm. 

Type: Balm | Shades: N/A | Size: 7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No 

Where We Stand

If you haven’t shopped the makeup aisles of the drugstore recently, you most definitely should. There’s no shortage of awesome products out there, across all categories.  Our best overall drugstore makeup product is CoverGirl TruBlend Matte Made Liquid Foundation, a makeup artist staple that delivers a matte finish and blurs pores. When it comes to finding the perfect drugstore lipstick, consider Maybelline New York SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick, which comes in a wide array of colors and is guaranteed to stay put through pretty much anything. And while we’re big fans of drugstore mascaras in general, the Milani Highly Rated 10-in-1 Volume Mascara is our current favorite, a formula that lifts, curls, and defines lashes in one fell swipe.

How We Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best drugstore products on the market, evaluating their key features - in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to narrow it down to the makeup picks featured on the list.

Attributes we evaluated each product on: 

  • Formula
  • Shade range
  • Quality
  • Design
  • Texture
  • Wearability 
  • How they held up throughout the day

What to Look for in Drugstore Makeup

  • Well-Reviewed Products: Because you can't always test drugstore products in the same way you'd be able to swatch a lipstick at Sephora or the prestige section of Ulta, scrolling through a few reviews before selecting a product will give you an idea of how the item performs before you commit. Many drugstores like CVS, Rite Aid, and Target will accept returns on beauty products (even if you've already opened them) if the formula or color ends up not working in your favor. Black mascara is always a safe choice, colorwise especially the Milani Highly Rated Mascara.
  • Everyday Staples: Are you the type who runs through a tube of mascara or a matte red lipstick every few weeks? Consider going for a drugstore formula. Many drugstore options perform as well as (and in some cases, even better than) their higher-priced counterparts, so if you find yourself running out of a certain product super-frequently, going for a drugstore option will be a little easier on your wallet. The Aquaphor Healing Ointment is a great all-round skin solution. 
  • Eye-Catching Colors: Want to experiment with bold hues and trendy effects without busting your budget? Head to the drugstore. There are aisles upon aisles of on-trend hues to help you achieve those runway finishes, and thanks to the approachable sticker prices, you'll be able to stock up on different options. Drugstore foundations also have some of the widest selection of shades and undertones, especially the L’Oreal Infallible range. 
FAQ
  • Are drugstore beauty products good?

    Absolutely. While drugstore cosmetics may get some shade from the brand-obsessed for their lower price points, many of the formulas are just as good as (if not better than, in some instances) their luxe counterparts. Since the sticker prices are more accessible, drugstore cosmetics are a perfect way to test-drive any of the moment makeup trends. If you're looking for a stocking stuffer, drugstore makeup is a great choice.

  • Can I test or swatch drugstore products while shopping for them?

    Not always. While some drugstores have started making tester products available to swatch, this isn't always the case across the board. We recommend looking up the product you're considering online ahead of time and taking a look at the reviews, shade range, and any photos of product swatches that are available, to determine the right color and formula for you.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She doesn’t discriminate when it comes to the price point of her makeup, and she uses just as many drugstore products as she does pricier ones (including most of the ones featured on this list).

Byrdie contributor Clare Holden probably spends more time than she should browsing the beauty aisles of the drugstore. Despite having a kit stacked full of luxury beauty products from her time as a makeup artist, she still loves nothing more than discovering a high quality beauty bargain. We also got the insight of a top makeup artist to find what drugstore products have the beauty professionals’ seal of approval and also to tap into their personal favorites. This expert is: 

  • Neil Scibelli is a New York City-based celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert who has worked on the faces of Molly Sims, John Legend, and Michelle Williams.

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