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 the foundation, eyeliner, bronzer—these were things to be bought at Sephora, not the drugstore.
Not anymore. Now, the drugstore is now a veritable treasure trove of insanely great makeup—and everyone knows it. From undetectable concealers to long-lasting lipsticks to lash-popping mascaras, you can find it all in the aisles of your closest drugstore—and let’s not forget to mention the cost-saving factor, too. To help you find your new go-to drugstore makeup product, we rounded up our favorites, all of which ring in for less than $20.
Read on for the best drugstore makeup on the market now.
- REVLON ColorStay Liquid Foundation
Byrdie Senior Editor Lindsey Metrus is a long-time fan of this base, which also happens to be a go-to for pro makeup artists. This version, for combination with oily skin, is oil-free, boasts a touch of salicylic acid, and has a beautifully matte, shine-free finish. (It also comes in a more hydrating variant for normal to dry skin.) The staying power is also second to none; it lasts up to 24 hours.
- NYX Professional Makeup Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Contour Concealer
As if you weren’t already getting enough bang for your buck with this wallet-friendly concealer, it’s also a great multitasker. With buildable medium-to-full coverage, a matte finish, and a wide array of colors, it both covers up undereye circles and hides blemishes—plus, it works as a contouring product. It’s also waterproof and transfer-proof, and we’re big fans of the angled doe-foot brush that makes application a walk in the park.
- BLK/OPL True Color Soft Velvet Finishing Powder
No matter whether you like to dust on powder as the final step of your makeup routine or prefer to use it solo for just a hint of coverage, this pick gets the job done. Jet-milled, it’s extremely velvety and silky—and it stays that way long after you apply it, so you never have to stress about a chalky finish or caking. While it only comes in four colors, the formula boasts a Shade ID technology to help perfectly adjust to your skin tone, and it’s also great for absorbing oil should you want to use it as a mid-day touch-up.
- COVERGIRL Trublend Base Business Pore Minimizing Skin Primer
All primers are formulated to offer the same universal benefit—ensuring that your makeup goes on better and lasts longer—but the latest versions also do double-duty, delivering all kinds of extra skin benefits. Exhibit A: This primer, which comes in a whopping seven versions that address everything from prominent pores and redness to shine and dullness… you get the picture. You really can’t go wrong with whichever one you pick, plus, they’re all vegan and certified cruelty-free.
- Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Blush with Vitamin E
You probably already own Burt’s Bees lip balm but make sure to nab the blush, too. One hundred percent natural, the mineral formula is infused with ingredients like honey, bamboo, and vitamin E for extra skincare benefits. It applies beautifully, blending seamlessly with minimal effort for a completely believable flush. It comes in three shades, all of which work beautifully on a variety of skin tones.