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The Best Drugstore Makeup to Buy Right Now

Beauty bargains for under $15!

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Who says you have to spend a ton on quality makeup? Drugstore beauty products are getting better and better, with more shades, styles and effective formulations being offered every year. And because of the wallet-friendly price tags, drugstore makeup is also the best way to play around with new looks and trends.

Here, we've rounded up the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab's top-tested drugstore makeup products and brands, including formulas backed by the trusted Good Housekeeping Seal, as well as picks from our beauty editors and celebrity makeup artists Maya René and Kristofer Buckle. These affordable mascara, concealer, foundation, highlighter and primer finds will leave you looking flawless and ready for the day (or night!) no matter your budget, and are all available to shop online right now.

BEST DRUGSTORE EYESHADOW

Revlon Illuminance Crème Shadow

On Sale
Illuminance Crème Shadow
BEST DRUGSTORE EYESHADOW

Revlon Illuminance Crème Shadow

Now 23% Off
$6 at Amazon$11 at Walmart$6 at riteaid.com
Credit: Revlon
Pros
  • Glides on easily
  • Long-lasting
Cons

    If your lids tend to get oily throughout the day, this is the perfect eyeshadow palette. "These set especially well, so they don't move around the way other cream shadows can," says Buckle. "Also, the pigment particles aren't too sparkly, just subtly gleaming."

    Best Drugstore Foundation

    COVERGIRL TruBlend Liquid Foundation

    GH Seal
    TruBlend Liquid Foundation
    Best Drugstore Foundation

    COVERGIRL TruBlend Liquid Foundation

    Credit: Covergirl
    Pros
    • Blendable
    • Buildable coverage
    Cons

      Ranging from classic ivory to soft sable, this drugstore foundation comes in 20 shades. Its pump dispenser aims to make makeup application a snap while its super affordable price tag is low stakes on your wallet if you're not satisfied. But if your preference falls at foundation-that-looks-like-my-skin, its medium coverage formula is sure to please.

      Many Ulta reviewers pointed out its buildable layering: "The medium coverage and semi-matte finish make it perfect for all occasions and seasons," one said. "Blends so easily and looks very skinlike, even up close!"

      BEST DRUGSTORE BB CREAM

      Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream SPF 30

      Dream Fresh BB Cream SPF 30
      BEST DRUGSTORE BB CREAM

      Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream SPF 30

      Credit: Maybelline
      Pros
      • Multi-tasker
      • Sheer, natural finish
      • Lightweight
      Cons

        This is a moisturizer, SPF and sheer foundation all in one! GH beauty pros like that the BB cream has a lightweight texture and blends easily into skin for a flawless, no-makeup finish. Beauty Lab testers agreed. “I loved everything about this product, mainly how natural it looked,” one said.

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        BEST DRUGSTORE PENCIL EYELINER

        COVERGIRL Exhibitionist 24-Hour Kohl Eyeliner

        On Sale
        Exhibitionist 24-Hour Kohl Eyeliner
        BEST DRUGSTORE PENCIL EYELINER

        COVERGIRL Exhibitionist 24-Hour Kohl Eyeliner

        Now 28% Off
        Credit: Covergirl
        Pros
        • Smooth, glide-on application
        • Long-lasting wear
        Cons

          Say goodbye to tugging, since this kohl pencil liner glides on smoothly and with precision. In our Lab tests, it earned the highest score for its impressive staying power. In fact, one consumer found it so budge-proof they forgot they had it on. "This liner allowed me to go throughout the day without having to touch up even once!"

          BEST DRUGSTORE CONCEALER

          NYX Photogenic Concealer Wand

          Photogenic Concealer Wand
          BEST DRUGSTORE CONCEALER

          NYX Photogenic Concealer Wand

          Credit: NYX
          Pros
          • Blends well
          • Buildable
          Cons
          • Can get cakey

          In our Beauty Lab's concealer study, makeup artists gave NYX's budget-friendly formula good scores for being easy to apply and spreading well on skin. Ideal if you're looking for sheer coverage (medium at most), it comes in 20 skin tone shades and three color corrector options.

          BEST DRUGSTORE BRONZER

          Physician's Formula Butter Bronzer

          On Sale
          Butter Bronzer
          BEST DRUGSTORE BRONZER

          Physician's Formula Butter Bronzer

          Now 21% Off
          Credit: Physician's Formula
          Pros
          • Buildable coverage
          • Smells great
          Cons

            Our Beauty Lab chemists Sabina Wizemann and Danusia Wnek unanimously agree this bronzer is a must-have: it's super creamy while offering a light, blendable glow. If you prefer natural makeup, this sheer option suits those "no-makeup" makeup days. "One of the best parts is the fragrance," says Wnek. "It literally smells like a day at the beach."

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            BEST DRUGSTORE SETTING POWDER

            Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder

            Airspun Loose Face Powder
            BEST DRUGSTORE SETTING POWDER

            Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder

            Credit: Coty
            Pros
            • Breathable
            • Prevents makeup from getting cakey
            Cons
            • Strong scent

            Keep your makeup in place all day long by dusting this classic Coty powder over your face with a fluffy makeup brush. "It goes on incredibly evenly and easily; it's always been one of the best-textured translucent powders on the market," explains Buckle.

            BEST DRUGSTORE BROW GEL

            L’Oréal Paris Unbelieva-Brow Longwear Waterproof Brow Gel

            GH Seal
            Unbelieva-Brow Longwear Waterproof Brow Gel
            BEST DRUGSTORE BROW GEL

            L’Oréal Paris Unbelieva-Brow Longwear Waterproof Brow Gel

            Now 17% Off
            Credit: L’Oréal
            Pros
            • Long-lasting
            • Natural finish
            Cons

              Define your arches with this L’Oréal Paris waterproof brow gel that lasts up to 48 hours. A Good Housekeeping Seal star, it's available in seven colors and comes with a dual-end brush, which makes it easy to control how dark your arches look while still getting a precise shape. In a consumer study, testers said the long-wearing color didn’t transfer or smudge, even resisting sweat!

              BEST DRUGSTORE BLUSH

              CoverGirl Cheekers Blush

              GH Seal
              Cheekers Blush
              BEST DRUGSTORE BLUSH

              CoverGirl Cheekers Blush

              Credit: CoverGirl
              Pros
              • Good shade range
              • Blendable
              Cons
              • Fragile (can break if not careful)

              Not only did this CoverGirl blush earn a GH Beauty Award, but it's also a Good Housekeeping Seal star. This classic drugstore pick easily blends into skin for a natural-looking pop of color. Choose from 15 shades!

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              BEST DRUGSTORE HIGHLIGHTER

              Flower Shimmer & Strobe Highlighting Palette

              Shimmer & Strobe Highlighting Palette
              BEST DRUGSTORE HIGHLIGHTER

              Flower Shimmer & Strobe Highlighting Palette

              Now 30% Off
              Credit: Flower
              Pros
              • Silky, soft texture
              • Versatile
              Cons
              • Color can be intense

              A winner of the GH Beauty Lab's Beauty Breakthrough Awards, Flower's affordable palette is the ultimate luxe for less pick. Testers were blown away after trying it out. "These velvety powders are on par with high-end brands," one tester said. Another shared her trick for using the shades as brightening eyeshadows.

              BEST WATERPROOF DRUGSTORE MASCARA

              CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Waterproof Mascara

              On Sale
              LashBlast Volume Waterproof Mascara
              BEST WATERPROOF DRUGSTORE MASCARA

              CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Waterproof Mascara

              Now 28% Off
              Credit: CoverGirl
              Pros
              • Easy to use
              • Clump-free
              Cons
              • Can be hard to remove

              Give yourself gorgeous, long lashes without ever picking up a tube of eyelash glue. CoverGirl's under-$10 pick performed better than competitors triple its price in Beauty Lab tests. An extra-large brush with small plastic bristles makes it easy to apply, and it comes in three shades. Not to mention, it's our beauty director's holy grail mascara!

              BEST DRUGSTORE SETTING SPRAY

              e.l.f. Makeup Mist & Set Setting Spray

              Makeup Mist & Set Setting Spray
              BEST DRUGSTORE SETTING SPRAY

              e.l.f. Makeup Mist & Set Setting Spray

              Credit: e.l.f.
              Pros
              • Soothes skin
              • Prevents makeup smudging or transferring onto clothes
              Cons

                This inexpensive mist from e.l.f. is formulated with aloe, green tea, cucumber and vitamins A, C and E, so you'll get a moisture boost and long-lasting makeup. We also like that it's alcohol-free, which makes it great for people with sensitive skin.

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                BEST DRUGSTORE MASCARA

                Maybelline Total Temptation Washable Mascara

                Total Temptation Washable Mascara
                BEST DRUGSTORE MASCARA

                Maybelline Total Temptation Washable Mascara

                Credit: Maybelline
                Pros
                • Nourishing formula
                • Doesn't flake
                Cons

                  This Maybelline formula was rated the best mascara in our GH Beauty Lab's recent study. It offers a smooth, clump-free application. Consumers loved its natural, subtle look, and appreciated that it didn't smudge throughout the day. “This did a great job at separating and lengthening my eyelashes," one tester said.

                  BEST DRUGSTORE LIQUID EYELINER

                  CoverGirl Get In Line Liquid Eyeliner

                  On Sale
                  Get In Line Liquid Eyeliner
                  BEST DRUGSTORE LIQUID EYELINER

                  CoverGirl Get In Line Liquid Eyeliner

                  Now 28% Off
                  Credit: CoverGirl
                  Pros
                  • Doesn't smear or smudge
                  • Good for sensitive eyes
                  • Dries quickly
                  Cons

                    Whether you love a bold cat eye or more understated look, CoverGirl’s drugstore liquid liner can do it all. The formula glides on lids smoothly and resists fading throughout the day, according to GH Beauty Lab testing. “It behaved like a waterproof eyeliner, but when you wanted to take it off, it came off with ease and left no traces behind,” one tester said.

                    BEST DRUGSTORE NAIL POLISH

                    essie Nail Polish

                    Nail Polish
                    BEST DRUGSTORE NAIL POLISH

                    essie Nail Polish

                    Pros
                    • Stays shiny
                    • Doesn't streak
                    • Long-lasting
                    Cons

                      Essie's cult-favorite lacquer was a winner in the GH Beauty Lab's nail polish study. The 2020 Beauty Award winner stays chip-free, dries quickly, comes in every color imaginable, and is super shiny. Testers and experts alike raved about its glossy finish and the high shine throughout the entire duration of wear.

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                      Is drugstore makeup as good as high-end makeup?

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                      Drugstore makeup can certainly help you achieve the same look as higher-end products, and you can even find many excellent dupes for your favorite luxury makeup at the drugstore. In fact, some drugstore products are made in the exact same factories as high-end makeup, according to René. "For example, L’Oréal and YSL are under the same umbrella: if you love the YSL Rouge Pur glossy stain, a great substitute could be the L’Oréal Paris Color Riche Extraordinaire Lip Color."

                      However, don't expect all drugstore makeup to offer the exact same quality as high-end makeup brands. "For example, an eyeshadow palette that you purchase at a drugstore might not have the same longevity or pigment payoff as a product you purchase from a high-end brand," says René.

                      What to consider when shopping for the best drugstore makeup

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                      ✔️ Write a list. Go in with an idea of what you’re shopping for, recommends René. There are so many brands and options that it's easy to feel overwhelmed.

                      ✔️ Read the reviews. Since you’re not able to open products for testing, René advises saving yourself time and money by reading online reviews to find out if a product is worth a try or not.

                      ✔️ Peek at the ingredients. Depending on your skin type and if you have any sensitivities, you may want to search for makeup that doesn't have any potentially irritating ingredients, such as parabens or fragrances, she says.

                      Why trust Good Housekeeping?

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                      With a background in color cosmetic development, Danusia Wnek has spent years as a chemist in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Health, Beauty & Environmental Sciences Lab, where she tests everything from eyeliners and mascaras to longwear lipsticks in order to recommend the best makeup products on the market. To test the longevity claims of makeup products, for example, she has evaluated waterproof mascara by monitoring testers' eyelashes after exposing them to water and has rated the transfer of longwear lipstick on coffee cups. She loves to spend hours in the cosmetic aisles at pharmacies researching the newest makeup launches for upcoming studies.

                      Jacqueline has spent years researching and experimenting with makeup products that work with her severe eczema and subsequentially began her career covering everything from buzzworthy buys to sensitive skin staples. She regularly consults with professional makeup artists and collaborates with GH's Beauty Lab to put together product reviews on the very best skincare out there, according to consumer and Lab testing.

                      Headshot of Jacqueline Saguin
                      Jacqueline Saguin
                      Commerce Editor

                      Jacqueline (she/her) covers all things e-commerce in beauty, lifestyle and beyond for the Good Housekeeping Institute. Before joining GH in 2021, she was a style and beauty reviews fellow at Insider, testing viral trends, reviewing sustainable brands and more. She's a graduate of the University of Florida's School of Journalism, with a specialty in magazines and mass communication.

                      Headshot of Danusia Wnek
                      Danusia Wnek
                      Senior Chemist

                      Danusia (she/her) is a senior chemist in the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she evaluates haircare, skincare, cosmetics and beauty tools. She holds a B.S. in chemistry from St. John’s University and a M.S. in pharmaceutical sciences with concentration in cosmetic science from the University of Cincinnati. Danusia has over 10 years of experience in the personal care industry including formulation, product development, claim evaluation and efficacy testing. 

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