15 of the Best Drugstore Makeup Products You Can Find in the U.S.

Written by VIAI Beauty

Who says you need to splurge on high-end makeup to achieve a flawless look? Drugstore makeup has come a long way, offering quality products that rival luxury brands—all at affordable prices. If you're looking to build a budget-friendly beauty kit without compromising on performance, here's a roundup of some of the best drugstore makeup products available in the U.S.

1. Foundation: Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation

When it comes to foundation, Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless is a cult favorite for good reason. This lightweight, buildable formula provides a natural, matte finish that’s perfect for normal to oily skin. It minimizes pores and controls shine without feeling heavy.

Why it's great: Available in a wide range of shades, it blends seamlessly into the skin and offers medium coverage that lasts all day.

Pro Tip: If you have dry skin, try the Dewy + Smooth version of this foundation for a more hydrating finish.

2. Concealer: NYX Professional Makeup HD Studio Photogenic Concealer

For a budget-friendly concealer that covers dark circles, redness, and blemishes, the NYX HD Studio Photogenic Concealer is a winner. This concealer provides medium to full coverage with a natural finish, and its lightweight formula doesn’t cake or crease.

Why it's great: It’s available in a wide variety of shades, including color-correcting options like green for redness and yellow for brightening.

Pro Tip: Apply in thin layers and blend with a damp makeup sponge for a flawless finish.

3. Blush: Milani Baked Blush

Milani Baked Blush is often compared to high-end blushes for its pigment, quality, and finish. The most popular shade, "Luminoso," is a peachy-pink with a subtle shimmer that adds a healthy glow to any complexion.

Why it's great: It’s long-lasting, highly pigmented, and gives your cheeks a radiant, natural flush without being too glittery.

Pro Tip: A little goes a long way, so start with a light hand and build up for a more intense look.

4. Bronzer: Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer

If you’re looking for a bronzer that gives you a sun-kissed glow without appearing too orange or muddy, the Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer is a must-try. Infused with Murumuru butter, this bronzer has a creamy, buttery texture that blends effortlessly into the skin.

Why it's great: It smells like a tropical vacation, is available in several shades, and gives your skin a radiant, natural-looking warmth.

Pro Tip: Use this bronzer to lightly contour your face by applying it to your cheekbones, temples, and jawline.

5. Highlighter: Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder

For an affordable highlighter that packs a punch, Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder delivers. Its finely milled formula provides a smooth, blinding glow without emphasizing texture.

Why it's great: It comes in various shades to suit all skin tones and gives your skin a stunning luminous sheen.

Pro Tip: Apply to the high points of your face—cheekbones, brow bone, and the bridge of your nose—for a radiant look.

6. Eyeshadow Palette: e.l.f. Cosmetics Bite-Size Eyeshadow

Small but mighty, the e.l.f. Bite-Size Eyeshadow Palettes are perfect for creating versatile looks on a budget. These palettes contain four coordinating shades in matte and shimmer finishes, and the pigment payoff is impressive for the price.

Why it's great: Each palette is compact and perfect for travel, and with a range of color combos, you can create anything from neutral to bold eye looks.

Pro Tip: Use a damp brush with the shimmer shades for a more intense, foiled effect.

7. Eyeliner: Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner

For a precise, long-lasting eyeliner, the Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner delivers. Its creamy gel formula glides on smoothly and sets to a waterproof, smudge-proof finish, making it perfect for all-day wear.

Why it's great: The gel consistency allows for easy application, and it comes with a brush for precise winged liner looks.

Pro Tip: Use a small angled brush to create a sharp, defined wing for a bold statement.

8. Mascara: L'Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara

L'Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara is often compared to high-end mascaras for its ability to create voluminous, dramatic lashes. The formula lengthens, thickens, and curls lashes without clumping or flaking.

Why it's great: It’s long-lasting, available in both waterproof and regular formulas, and provides dramatic volume in just a few coats.

Pro Tip: Apply multiple thin layers to build up volume while avoiding clumps.

9. Eyebrow Pencil: NYX Micro Brow Pencil

For perfectly defined brows, the NYX Micro Brow Pencil is a drugstore gem. Its ultra-fine tip mimics natural brow hairs, allowing you to fill in sparse areas with precision. Plus, the spoolie on the other end helps blend the product for a natural look.

Why it's great: Available in a wide range of shades, this pencil is easy to use and stays in place all day without smudging.

Pro Tip: Use light, feathery strokes to fill in your brows for a natural finish.

10. Lipstick: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick

A true drugstore classic, Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick is beloved for its rich color payoff, comfortable wear, and smooth, moisturizing formula. It comes in a wide variety of shades and finishes, from cream to matte to pearl.

Why it's great: The formula is hydrating, long-lasting, and available in over 80 shades, ensuring there’s a perfect color for every skin tone and occasion.

Pro Tip: For long-lasting wear, apply a matching lip liner underneath and blot after the first application before reapplying a second layer.

11. Primer: e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer

A great primer can make all the difference, and e.l.f.'s Poreless Putty Primer is one of the best budget options. It smooths out your skin, blurs pores, and helps your foundation last longer.

Why it's great: It's often compared to high-end primers for its ability to create a flawless, poreless finish at a fraction of the price.

Pro Tip: Apply a small amount and focus on areas where your pores are most visible (typically the T-zone).

12. Setting Powder: Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder

For a flawless, matte finish that sets your makeup in place all day, the Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder is a favorite. This finely-milled powder helps to blur imperfections, control oil, and give a smooth finish.

Why it's great: It provides excellent oil control without making your skin look cakey, and it works well for both setting makeup and baking.

Pro Tip: Lightly dust the powder with a fluffy brush or pack it on with a damp sponge for a more matte finish.

13. Setting Spray: Milani Make It Last Setting Spray

Milani Make It Last Setting Spray helps lock in your makeup for up to 16 hours, ensuring your look stays fresh all day. It also doubles as a primer spray, prepping your skin before makeup application.

Why it's great: This drugstore spray keeps makeup in place while giving your skin a smooth, radiant finish. Plus, it helps prevent smudging, fading, and creasing.

Pro Tip: Spritz your face after applying makeup and allow it to dry for a long-lasting finish, or use it between foundation and powder for a more dewy look.

14. Contour Kit: Wet n Wild Megaglo Contouring Palette

For a sculpted, defined look on a budget, Wet n Wild’s Megaglo Contouring Palette is a fantastic option. It includes a contour and highlight shade, perfect for shaping and defining your features.

Why it's great: The powders are smooth, easy to blend, and come in complementary shades for contouring and highlighting.

Pro Tip: Use the darker shade to sculpt your cheekbones, jawline, and nose, and the lighter shade to highlight under the eyes and the high points of your face.

15. Cream Blush: Burt’s Bees 100% Natural All Aglow Lip & Cheek Stick

If you’re looking for a natural, glowy flush, Burt’s Bees All Aglow Lip & Cheek Stick offers a two-in-one cream formula that gives your cheeks (and lips) a dewy, fresh finish.

Why it's great: Made with natural ingredients like jojoba oil, coconut oil, and sunflower seed oil, it hydrates your skin while adding a subtle, healthy color.

Pro Tip: Apply directly to the cheeks and blend with your fingers for a natural, dewy look.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to spend a fortune to look fabulous. Drugstore makeup brands have stepped up their game, offering high-quality products that perform just as well as their luxury counterparts. From flawless foundations to bold lipsticks, these top drugstore picks will help you build a stunning makeup routine without breaking the bank.