Best Cheap Makeup Options: 13 Essentials

1. 1. Editor’s Choice: Physicians Formula Ultimate Butter Collection for Women Gift Set

   Price: $36.92

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Wonderfully creamy, buildable formula
   • Versatile eyeshadows
   • Wide variety of shades

   Cons:

   • A bit bulky for traveling
   • Shadows don't apply easily for some
   • Colors without plastic over top can break

   If you’re anything like me, you love a great deal packed with great products, and the Ultimate Butter Collection from Physicians Formula delivers just that. The cruelty and paraben-free five-piece, 58-shade makeup set includes:

   • A luxurious bronzer that gives a gorgeous glow.
   • A moisturizing blush with refined pearl and soft-focus pigments that brighten skin tone, smooth skin texture, and leave you with a beautiful glow.
   • A lightweight, blendable highlighter with soft-focus pigments and refined pearls that takes just one swipe to give smoother skin, brighter tone, and highlighted finish.
   • A moisturizing lip cream containing pro-vitamins and essential fatty acids that condition, soften, and nourish lips.
   • Soft, creamy, luxurious eyeshadows that can be applied dry or wet.

   Find more Physicians Formula Ultimate Butter Collection Set information and reviews here.

2. 2. Meifen PHOERA Soft Matte Long Wear Liquid Foundation

   Price: $14.99

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Flawless, matte, full coverage
   • Won't settle, cake, or crease
   • Creamy & light, not greasy or heavy

   Cons:

   • Color matching was tough for some with fair skin
   • Not enough color options for some
   • May not be sweatproof (but waterproof)

   Meifen’s PHOERA soft matte, long wear liquid foundation gives you easily blendable, full, beautiful coverage that lasts all day. Originally created for film & TV, the lightweight, waterproof formula not only hides blemishes, discoloration, wrinkles, and imperfections, but it does double duty at controlling oil and leaves you with a beautiful matte finish. Ideal for any skin type and time of day.

   To use, shake well and apply a small dollop to the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Blend outward (including to hairline and neck) in straight, not circular, strokes or gently tap with fingers or a damp makeup sponge. Do this until fully blended and add more product as needed.

   Find more Meifen PHOERA Soft Matte Long Wear Liquid Foundation information and reviews here.

3. 3. Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Set and Refresh Mini Spray

   Price: $34.99

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Makes makeup last all day
   • Light, non-sticky texture
   • Dewy, natural glow

   Cons:

   • A little pricy for the amount (but works well)
   • Might be shiny on some oily skin
   • Small quantity

   This refreshing, alcohol-free, dual-phase lightweight setting spray has two layers — the blue agave grip phase and the green cannabis glow phase — which mix together to activate. Then, the spray becomes invisible and weightless as it grips and sets makeup for up to 12 hours. Ideal for nearly any skin type, it not only hydrates the skin, but it’s also breathable and visibly delivers a radiant glow.

   The lightly-scented spray contains blue agave extract to grip and set makeup, and hemp-derived cannabis seed extract, hyaluronic acid, aloe, and niacinamide to refresh, hydrate, and offer antioxidant benefits. Plus, the hemp-derived cannabis seed and moringa seed oils give another hydration boost to lock in moisture and give that dewy glow.

   Find more Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Set and Refresh Mini Spray information and reviews here.

4. 4. L’Oreal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner

   Price: $6.74

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Very long-lasting
   • Easy & smooth application, convenient sponge
   • Bold, dramatic colors

   Cons:

   • Can be tough to remove
   • Some found it smudged upward after time
   • Faded a bit for some

   You don’t need to break the bank to make those eyes pop with this waterproof gel eyeliner from L’Oreal. It glides on super smooth and evenly, lasts for up to 36 hours without smudging or need for touchups, and leaves a nice matte finish. Plus, it’s opthalmologist-tested, non-irritating, and great for sensitive eyes

   To use, apply liner in an even stroke or use the blending tip to fade out lines for a more dramatic effect. Comes in black, green, teal, blue, grey, and brown.

   Find more L'Oreal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner information and reviews here.

5. 5. Om Organics Argan + Tucuma Lip Butter

   Price: $12.00

   Shop now at Om Organics
   Pros:

   • Very nourishing and hydrating
   • Glides on and feels smooth and soft
   • Amazing scent and taste

   Cons:

   • Doesn't last too long
   • Could be a bit more moisturizing
   • Goes on light (may need to reapply frequently in dry weather)

   There’s nothing like the feeling of silky soft, smooth lips, and this organic vanilla lip butter from Om Organics gives you that on demand. The balmy butter contains argan oil, which is chock-full of antioxidants like vitamins A and E, and linoleac acid, plus omega 6 and 3, which gives you total nourishment, moisture, and protection. And, the product’s tucuma butter contains antioxidant polyphenols to combat free radicals and lauric, myristic, and oleic acids to help regenerate cells. 

   I loved that this lip butter smells amazing, absorbs super fast, leaves no residue behind, and literally tastes like dessert! It leaves my lips feeling smooth and looking natural. You won’t get that cringeworthy slippery, sticky, or greasy feeling you do with some lip products. Whether you’re using it as a base for lip gloss or lipstick or on its own au naturel, this butter is a great staple to keep on hand.

   Find more Om Organics Argan + Tucuma Lip Butter information and reviews here.

6. 6. florence by mills True To Hue pH Adjusting Lip & Cheek Balm

   Price: $14.00

   Shop now at Ulta Beauty
   Pros:

   • Looks dewy, natural & pretty
   • Applies beautifully
   • Lasts for hours on cheeks

   Cons:

   • Packaging is a bit bulky
   • Goes on a bit tacky
   • Not too long-lasting on lips

   Okay, this florence by mills gem is seriously one of my faves – a go-to daily staple in my makeup case. The True To Hue pH Adjusting Lip & Cheek Balm is not only made cruelty-free with only clean ingredients, but it’s so incredibly flattering, since the color activator adjusts to your skin’s natural moisture and pH levels – meaning, your natural, beautiful pink glow comes through both on the cheeks and lips. And as a moisturizing, long-lasting lip balm, I find it’s the perfect base for building color if you’re going for a more dramatic or evening look. Plus, the twist-up applicator makes it clean and easy to use.

   Find more florence by mills True To Hue pH Adjusting Balm information and reviews here.

7. 7. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Plump Right Back Plumping Serum & Primer + Marshmellow Smoothing Primer

   Price: $31.38

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Helps skin look healthy & hydrated, even in dry climates
   • Lightweight yet grips & moisturizes
   • Makeup looks better and lasts longer

   Cons:

   • Watery consistency
   • Didn't plump enough for some
   • Felt tacky to some

   NYX’s Plump Right Back Plumping Serum & Primer + Marshmellow Smoothing Primer is a great little set that delivers tons of value and improved skin. Its marshmallow primer smoothes, hydrates, softens, and evens-out skin tone, all while reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles by adding a soft finish. You’ll get double-duty action from the electrolyte-infused plumping serum & face primer, which is super lightweight and long-lasting. Both products are made cruelty-free and will help your makeup stay put for longer, leaving you looking energized, healthy, and fresh without an unflattering, oily shine.

   Find more NYX Plump Right Back + Marshmellow Smoothing Primer information and reviews here.

8. 8. Jason Wu Beauty Flora 25 Earth Angel

   Price: $35.00

   Shop now at shareasale.com
   Pros:

   • Applies easily & smoothly
   • Won't crease or smudge
   • Beautiful, buildable colors

   Cons:

   • Lighter/cheaper packaging
   • Not pigmented enough for some
   • Some found matte colors chalky

   I absolutely love the color combos in this Flora 25 – Earth Angel eyeshadow palette from Jason Wu. The 25 earthy, shimmer, and matte hues are well thought out and complement one another, perfect for day or night. These shadows go on super smooth, are incredibly buildable to get your desired look, and last for hours. The best part is they’re highly pigmented yet not unforgiving for someone like me who is a fairly casual eyeshadow wearer – if I mess up, it’s easy to correct.

   To use, apply with any eyeshadow brush. Pro tip: you can blend deeper and lighter shades for a multi-faceted look.

   Find more Jason Wu Beauty Flora 25 Earth Angel information and reviews here.

9. 9. e.l.f. Cosmetics Lash Beats Mascara & Lash Serum Bundle

   Price: $12.00

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Great value
   • Some saw lash growth in just days
   • Super conditioning

   Cons:

   • Inconsistent results
   • Some didn't see obvious growth
   • Might take time to see change

   With e.l.f. Cosmetics’ Lash Beats Mascara & Lash Serum Bundle, you get not one but two awesome products to look after your brows and lashes. The mascara separates, defines, thickens, and lengthens with its narrow brush especially designed to achieve this naturally, with zero clumps. The lash & brow serum conditions, nourishes, and enhances to make your lashes and brows look healthier, longer, and thicker. It takes just two swipes daily. And the best part is all ingredients are vegan, leaping bunny certified, and cruelty-free.

   Find more e.l.f. Cosmetics Lash Beats Mascara & Lash Serum information and reviews here.

10. 10. Maybelline New York SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick

    Price: $9.18

    Amazon Customer Reviews

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    Pros:

    • Very long-lasting, won't wear off or smudge
    • Many gorgeous color options
    • Easy to apply

    Cons:

    • Can be drying
    • May need vaseline or lipstick remover to remove
    • Can cake depending what you eat & drink

    You don’t need to spend much to get gorgeous lips and, really, who doesn’t want those? The Maybelline New York SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick is super long-lasting, highly pigmented, and non-transferable. It leaves lips looking beautiful all day long (up to 16 hours, in fact). It comes in 36 rich shades including nude, classic red, and bright hues.

    The angled, arrow applicator means a smoother, more defined, and precise application.

    Find more Maybelline New York Super Stay Matte Ink information and reviews here.

11. 11. PYT Beauty Defining Eyebrow Pencil

    Price: $16.00

    Amazon Customer Reviews

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    Pros:

    • Lasts all day
    • Very natural looking
    • Matches hair colors well

    Cons:

    • Hard material can be tough to use
    • Delicate
    • Not waterproof

    This retractable eyebrow pencil from PYT Beauty defines, sculpts, and fills brows to make them pop. It’s super easy to use, with a smooth, matte formula and precise tip with hidden sharpener that effortlessly helps you create natural-looking, hair-like strokes. The pencil comes with an attached spoolie brush to tame and style loose strands, and you can choose from 5 colors, ideal for all hair colors.

    PYT prides itself on its 100% hypoallergenic, vegan, cruelty-free, and Leaping Bunny Certified products, made without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, silicones, and other harsh chemicals.

    Find more PYT Beauty Defining Eyebrow Pencil information and reviews here.

12. 12. L’Oreal Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer Lotion

    Price: $13.98

    Amazon Customer Reviews

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    Pros:

    • Beautiful sheer coverage
    • Gives a nice tinted glow
    • Hydrating and lightweight

    Cons:

    • Not enough coverage for some
    • Not too long-lasting
    • Colors may not be true to every skin tone

    If you hate the feeling of heavy makeup, especially on those warmer days, this one’s for you. L’Oreal’s Lumi Glotion is a gorgeous, sheer tint that naturally enhances your skin tone and gives you just enough of that sheer glow without looking greasy. A fantastically affordable minimalist product, it highlights and hydrates all day long, thanks to glycerin and shea butter, and looks great on its own or under foundation if you’re looking for more coverage. Available in four shades.

    Find more L'Oreal Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer Lotion information and reviews here.

13. 13. REVLON Super Lustrous Glass Shine Lipstick

    Price: $5.99

    Amazon Customer Reviews

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    Pros:

    • Great lip gloss alternative
    • Amazing, dramatic colors
    • Applies & removes very easily

    Cons:

    • Colors may be slightly off from photo
    • Packaging can be tough to remove
    • Can smear/bleed a bit

    If you’re a fan of that super luxe, glass shine effect for lips but you’re on a budget – look no further. Revlon’s 3-pack of its Super Lustrous Glass Shine Lipstick is an amazing value and will last you ages.

    The formula contains a blend of low-melting point waxes that instantly make the moisturizing lipstick melt onto your lips. It contains peptides, hyaluronic acid, aloe, and rose quartz that help to soothe, nourish, plump, and smooth your lips into a gorgeous, shiny finish without stickiness or tackiness as lip gloss can sometimes have. Comes in 25 gorgeous shades (including clear).

    Find more REVLON Super Lustrous Glass Shine Lipstick information and reviews here.

Is Cheap Makeup Poor Quality?

Less expensive makeup doesn't necessarily mean poorer quality than more expensive makeup. If the ingredients agree with your skin and you like how the product makes you look and feel, a cheaper product can be ideal. Everyone is different, so this will vary by product for each person.

Is Expensive Makeup Better Quality?

More expensive products aren't necessarily better quality than cheaper makeup. Sometimes, a higher price is a reflection of other factors like brand prestige or luxurious packaging.

What Are The Best Cheap Makeup Brands?

Many brands make great cheaper beauty products, including Maybelline, NYX, Revlon, and e.l.f., among others.

Is Cheap Makeup Bad?

Makeup is not bad just because it's cheap. Just like with any other type of product, some cheaper options and some more expensive options will be better or worse, depending on the ingredients used and the needs of who's using it. When it comes to makeup, people experience sensitivities or reactions to both expensive and cheap products.