6 Drugstore Beauty Products Worth The Buy

Makeup has always been the ultimate passage into girlhood. From a young age, many of us would swipe on our mom’s lipstick (however haphazardly) and beam at the mirror, feeling instantly more confident. That feeling never truly goes away; for many, makeup still feels beautiful, glamorous, and fun.

That is, until you tally up everything you’ve bought from Sephora or Ulta and realize you could have funded a European vacation on your makeup purchases alone. But here’s a little secret: beauty doesn’t need to be expensive, and neither does good-quality makeup. Instead, mix and match the brands you use, and sometimes, swap your go-to product for a drugstore favorite.

Whether you’re heading to Walgreens, Rite Aid, or CVS, drugstore makeup isn’t just “not bad”—it can actually be better than its more expensive counterparts. Below are our favorite drugstore beauty finds for under $20, many of which we can’t imagine living without. —Sydney Yeager

Maybelline Lifter Gloss–$8.99

Bold, pouty lips are always in style, but those ultra-glossy lip products can cost as much as a small dinner. That’s why we swear by Maybelline’s Lifter Gloss. The shiny gloss delivers a volumizing effect to lips, in a variety of colors, all while being brilliantly shiny and wonderfully affordable.

E.L.F Power Grip Primer– $10

Like many E.L.F. products, this primer is flawless. Its semi-sticky texture creates the perfect base for your foundation, blending seamlessly while still keeping your makeup locked in place thanks to its gel base.

L’Oreal Infallible Setting Spray– $13.99

Compared to its pricier counterparts, this setting spray is a true miracle. Frankly, we consider it one of the best on the market. From clubbing to the gym, reviews have shown that this setting spray will keep your makeup looking as flawless hours later.

Revolution Translucent Setting Powder–$8

Looking to banish shine or mattify your makeup? This setting powder has color options for every skin tone and blends flawlessly with any makeup you’re already wearing.

E.L.F Halo Glow Contour Wand–$9

Whether you’re a contouring pro or a beginner, this product’s popularity isn’t just about what’s in the tube… It’s also about the applicator. The foamy, brush-like tip makes it easy to apply contour exactly where you need it. Just don’t squeeze too hard — a little of this highly saturated product goes a long way.

Physician’s Formula Diamond Dust Highlighter–$12

Highlighter can give your makeup a gorgeous glow, but there’s no reason it needs to cost $30 or $40. This drugstore highlighter from Physician’s Formula is a game-changer. With a beautiful, lasting shimmer and a range of soft hues, it’s impossible not to fall in love.