My Favorite Drugstore Makeup Products in 2025

You want to look great without spending a fortune? Me too! Finding awesome makeup at the drugstore is like a treasure hunt. I’ve been trying out all sorts of stuff for years, and lemme tell you, some of it is just as good, maybe even better, than the fancy expensive stuff. It’s really about knowing what’s worth your money.

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Finding Your Best Drugstore Foundations and Concealers

Foundation and concealer are like the base of your whole look, right? Getting this part right makes a huge difference. In 2025, drugstores have seriously stepped up their game. There are so many options now for different skin types and tones.

Foundation Picks I Love

For foundation, I always look for something that feels good on my skin and doesn’t look cakey.

• L’Oréal Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation: This one’s a classic for a reason. It lasts forever, feels light, and they have tons of shades. If you’ve got oily skin like mine sometimes, this one helps keep the shine down.
• Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation: Another really popular one. If you want a matte look that blurs pores, this is excellent. The range of shades is pretty good too, which is super important.
• NYX Born to Glow! Naturally Radiant Foundation: If you prefer a more dewy, glowy look, try this. It gives your skin a healthy look without being too greasy. I like this for when my skin feels a little dry.

When I’m picking a foundation, I always try to match the shade right on my jawline in natural light. Don’t swatch it on your hand! That’s usually a different color than your face. Also, think about your skin type. Are you oily, dry, or somewhere in between? That helps you choose between matte, dewy, or satin finishes.

Concealers That Actually Work

Concealer is my best friend for covering up those little imperfections or tired under-eyes.

• Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer: This one is famous for a reason. The sponge applicator is easy to use, and it really brightens under the eyes. It’s a little more sheer but buildable.
• e.l.f. 16HR Camo Concealer: If you need serious coverage, this is it. It’s thick and creamy but blends out if you work fast. A little goes a long way! Good for blemishes too.
• NYX HD Photogenic Concealer Wand: A nice, everyday concealer. It’s not too thick, not too thin, and covers well without looking heavy.

For concealer, think about what you’re trying to conceal. For dark circles, you might want something a little more peach or orange-toned to cancel out the blue/purple. For blemishes, a green tint can help with redness. Then, you layer your skin-toned concealer over it. And remember to set your under-eye concealer with a little bit of powder so it doesn’t crease.

Great Drugstore Eyeshadows, Eyeliners, and Mascaras

Your eyes are the windows to your soul, so you wanna make ’em pop! Drugstore eye makeup has gotten so good. The quality of pigments and formulas is really impressive.

Eyeshadows That Blend Like a Dream

I used to think good eyeshadow only came in fancy palettes, but nope! Drugstores have some gems.

• Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow 10 Pan Palette: Honestly, these are shockingly good for how affordable they are. They have several color schemes, and the shadows are pigmented and blendable. Rose in the Air is a dupe for a much pricier palette!
• Essence Melted Chrome Eyeshadow: If you want a super metallic, almost wet look, these single shadows are amazing. They are intense and stunning.
• ColourPop Super Shock Shadow (available at some drugstores): These have a unique bouncy texture and incredible payoff. They are buildable and really sparkle.

When using eyeshadow, I always use a primer first. It makes the colors pop and last way longer. You can use a dedicated eyeshadow primer or even just a thin layer of concealer set with powder. To make shadows blend easier, use a fluffy brush and use light, circular motions in your crease.

Eyeliners That Stay Put

Nobody wants their eyeliner running down their face by midday. Finding a good, long-lasting eyeliner is key.

• NYX Epic Ink Liner: This liquid liner is a cult favorite. It has a brush tip which makes it easy to draw a sharp wing. It’s also really black and waterproof.
• Wet n Wild MegaLiner Liquid Eyeliner: Another affordable liquid liner option. The felt tip is firm and easy to control. Great for beginners who are still practicing their wings.
• Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner: For pencil liner lovers, this one is creamy, super black, and stays put, even on the waterline which is tricky for most pencils.

For liquid liner, I like to rest my elbow on a table or something stable to keep my hand steady. For pencil liner, warm it up a little on the back of your hand before applying so it glides on smoother.

Mascaras That Give You Drama

Mascara can totally change your look. Whether you want length, volume, or both, drugstores have options.

• L’Oréal Lash Paradise Mascara: This one gives both volume and length. It’s kind of a fluffy brush and it makes lashes look really full. Comes in waterproof options too.
• Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara: Super popular and super cheap! This gives amazing length and volume, almost like you’re wearing falsies. The green one is my fave.
• Maybelline Sky High Mascara: This mascara has been everywhere, and for good reason. The flexible wand lets you reach every lash, and it gives incredible length without clumping.

When applying mascara, wiggle the wand at the base of your lashes and then pull up. This helps coat each lash and gives you volume at the root. For extra length, do a second coat on the tips before the first coat dries completely.

Blush, Bronzer, and Highlighter Winners

These products add dimension and color to your face, making you look healthy and awake. Drugstore versions are just as good as higher-end ones sometimes.

Blushes for a Healthy Flush

Blush brings life to your face. You can go for powder, cream, or liquid formulas at the drugstore.

• Milani Baked Blush: These are stunning. They have a subtle shimmer that gives you a beautiful glow along with color. Luminoso is a famous peachy-pink shade that looks good on everyone.
• e.l.f. Putty Blush: A cream blush that’s easy to apply with your fingers or a brush. It has more of a natural, dewy finish. They have some great shades from natural to bold.
• Revlon Powder Blush: Nice, buildable powder blushes with a good range of colors. They blend easily and aren’t too chalky.

When applying blush, smile and put it on the apples of your cheeks, blending upwards towards your temples. For cream or liquid blush, apply it before your powder products.

Bronzers for Warmth and Contour

Bronzer gives your face warmth and can help with a little soft contouring.

• Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer: This stuff smells amazing and feels so smooth, like butter! It blends like a dream and gives a natural, warm look. Several shades available now.
• Milani Baked Bronzer: Similar to their blushes, these have a little shimmer for a luminous bronzed look. Soleil is a popular shade.
• e.l.f. Putty Bronzer: A cream bronzer that’s super easy to blend for a soft, sculpted look. Great for beginners who want to try cream products.

Apply bronzer where the sun naturally hits your face: forehead, cheekbones, jawline. You can also use a cooler-toned bronzer or a contour product right under your cheekbones for more definition. Blend, blend, blend!

Highlighters for a Radiant Glow

Highlighter catches the light and makes certain features pop. Drugstores offer different formulas and levels of shine.

• Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder: These powders are intense and reflective. They give you a serious glow. Precious Petals and Crown of Myrtle are popular shades.
• Essence Pure NUDE Highlighter: If you want a more subtle, skin-like glow, this is perfect. It doesn’t have noticeable glitter; it just makes your skin look healthy and radiant.
• Maybelline Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter: Another super metallic option for a really strong highlight. Molten Gold is a classic shade.

Put highlighter on the tops of your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, on your Cupid’s bow, and a little inner corner of your eye. You can use a fan brush or a small fluffy brush for more precise application.

Lipsticks, Lip Glosses, and Lip Liners I Trust

Lips are the perfect finishing touch! Drugstores have every color and finish imagineable.

Lipsticks for Every Mood

Whether you want a matte lip, a satin finish, or something creamy, you can find it at the drugstore.

• Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick: If you need a lipstick that does not move all day, this is it. It’s super long-lasting but can be a little drying, so make sure your lips are moisturized first.
• L’Oréal Colour Riche Lipcolour: A classic creamy bullet lipstick. They have tons of shades and finishes, and they feel comfortable on the lips.
• NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream: This is a nice in-between formula. It’s a liquid lipstick but dries to a soft, matte finish that’s not as drying as some others.

Before putting on lipstick, especially matte ones, I like to exfoliate my lips and put on a little lip balm. Blot off the excess balm before applying your lipstick.

Lip Glosses for Shine

Lip gloss is back! Hydrating and adds a nice shine.

• NYX Butter Gloss: These are cult favorites for a reason. They’re smooth, non-sticky, and come in so many delicious shades. They smell good too!
• Essence Shine Shine Shine Lip Gloss: Another super affordable and shiny option. Not too sticky and gives a nice glass-like finish.
• Milani Keep It Full Lip Gloss: These give a plumped look and feel hydrating. The shades are really pretty.

You can wear lip gloss on its own or layered over lipstick for extra shine.

Lip Liners for Definition

Lip liner helps define your lips and keeps your lipstick from bleeding.

• NYX Suede Matte Lip Liner: These match the Soft Matte Lip Creams but work with any lipstick. They are creamy and easy to apply.
• Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner: Retractable pencils that glide on smoothly and stay put. Good color selection too.
• ColourPop Lippie Pencil (at some drugstores): Super affordable and come in zillions of colors to match any lipstick or lip gloss you have.

You can line your lips just the edges, or fill in your whole lip for a base that helps your lipstick last longer.

Tools and Accessories Worth Buying at the Drugstore

It’s not just about the makeup itself, but how you apply it! Drugstores have gotten better with brushes and other tools.

Tool	Why It’s Good	Brand to Check Out
Makeup Sponges	Great for blending foundation and concealer seamlessly. Use wet!	Real Techniques, e.l.f.
Foundation Brushes	For applying liquid or powder foundation evenly. Different types for different finishes.	Real Techniques, EcoTools
Eyeshadow Brushes	Need different shapes for applying, blending, and detailing.	e.l.f., Wet n Wild (some are good!)
Powder Brushes	Setting your makeup or apply bronzer/blush/highlighter.	Real Techniques, EcoTools

I always clean my brushes regularly like once a week, it keeps them working well and is way better for your skin. Also, don’t be afraid to try generic brand makeup remover wipes or cotton pads, they work just fine.

Setting Sprays and Powders to Make It Last

After you’ve done all your makeup, you want it to stay put, right? Setting sprays and powders are your friends.

• e.l.f. Stay All Night Micro-Fine Setting Mist: This stuff is fantastic and affordable. It locks your makeup in place and gives a nice finish.
• Milani Make It Last Original Setting Spray: Another popular choice that really extends the life of your makeup.
• Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder: An oldie but a goodie! It’s dirt cheap and does a great job of setting makeup and controlling shine. Has a bit of a vintage scent though, which some people don’t like.
• Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder: A pressed powder option that helps control oil and blur pores. Comes in different shades.

I use a setting powder on my T-zone and under eyes, then finish with a setting spray all over to melt everything together and make it last. If you have dry skin, you might skip setting powder or just use a minimal amount in oily areas.

Removing Your Makeup at the End of the Day

Taking your makeup off is just as important as putting it on! Leaving makeup on can clog pores and make your skin unhappy.

• Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water: Great for a first cleanse to remove makeup, even waterproof mascara. No rinsing needed!
• Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes: Fast and easy for when you’re really tired. They get most of your makeup off, but I still like to follow up with a cleanser.
• CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser: A gentle cleanser to wash your face after you’ve removed the bulk of your makeup. Good for all skin types.

I always do a two-step cleanse, especially when I wear a lot of makeup. First, an oil-based remover or micellar water to break down the makeup, then a gentle foaming or cream cleanser to clean my skin. Your skin will thank you!

Tips for Shopping Drugstore Makeup

Here’s some things I learned the hard way when buying makeup at the drugstore.

1. Check for sales! Drugstores always have buy one, get one deals or percentage off coupons.
2. Read reviews online before you buy. Sites like Ulta and the brand’s own website usually have reviews.
3. Don’t be afraid to swatch on your hand or wrist initially just to see the color payoff, but remember to match foundation/concealer on your jaw.
4. Look for testers if available, but be careful about hygiene.
5. Keep your receipt in case you need to return something that doesn’t work out.

Drugstore makeup has come so far. You can build a whole makeup collection with amazing products without spending a ton of money. It just takes a little research and willingness to try things out.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drugstore Makeup

Is drugstore makeup as good as high-end makeup?

For many products, yes! Drugstores have improved their formulas a lot. You can find amazing foundations, mascaras, and lipsticks that perform just as well as expensive ones. Some drugstore items are even considered dupes for high-end products.

How do I find my foundation shade at the drugstore?

It can be tricky without testers sometimes. Look for brands that have a wide shade range and darker bottles where you can see the product color. If possible, check the shade on your jawline in natural light. Online reviews and shade matching tools can also help.

What are the best drugstore brands for sensitive skin?

Brands like Physicians Formula, CeraVe, and Neutrogena often have options designed for sensitive skin and are fragrance-free. always check the ingredient list though and do a patch test if you’re concerned.