You can look like a million bucks without actually spending it.
From TikTok favorites to hidden drugstore gems, these beauty essentials perform like luxury brands without breaking the bank.
Whether you're after dewy skin, fluttery lashes, or that perfect everyday lip, this list has something for every beauty lover.
For the eyes:
Elf Lash and Roll mascara $6
This mascara is an everyday must and your eyelash curler's best friend. It has intense volume, separates the lashes (no clumping), and is easy to use. It’s a good dupe for the Benefit Roller Lash! Another honorable mention is L’Oréal’s Panorama mascara for $12.
Nyx Blade and Shade Nano Brow Pencil $12
Designed in Korea, the flat, rectangular shape gives you better volume and an easier time filling in your brows. This dual-sided product creates a defined, but natural look.
L’Oréal Le Shadow Stick $13
As far as eye pencils go, these are extremely competitive with luxury brands. This product comes in a variety of colors and has a creamy, smooth, blendable finish. These wear extremely well and are long-lasting for date night or a concert!
For the face:
Elf Suntouchable Whoa Glow $14
This product acts as a sunscreen (30 SPF), moisturizer, and glowy primer all in one! It’s easy to wear underneath makeup or alone.
Pacifica Sunny Glow Bronzing Drops $16
Want to be summer-ready in minutes? Want your bronzer to seamlessly blend in with your skin instead of looking like a botched spray tan? This product is your answer. These little babies are also a good replacement for Drunk Elephant Sunshine Drops!
L’Oréal True Match Lumi Glotion $17
This versatile product provides a radiant, dewy finish and an effortless shimmer. It's comparable to Charlotte Tilbury’s flawless filter for a fraction of the price.
L’Oréal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear Liquid Foundation $17
What doesn’t this powerful little foundation do? It resists sweat, water, and transfer, lasts 32 hours, and has SPF 25. Enough said.
For the lips:
Elf Glow Reviver Lip Oil $8
Ultra-glossy and tinted, this lip oil hydrates and gives your natural lip color a little umph. It has a high-gloss finish and a sheer wash of color. My favorite thing about this product is how it comes with a plush, oversized applicator, one swipe will do it!
Maybelline Lifter Liner Lip Liner $10
For a drugstore lipliner, this does the trick. It’s a long-wear finish and has hyaluronic acid. When applied, it starts creamy, making it easy to blend. Sephora also offers a $13.00 plush lip liner in a variety of shades that I also love!
Nyx IV lip glosses $12
Nyx takes the K-beauty glossy, wet effect and brings it to our American market. This hydrating gloss stain has a strong pigment and comes in multiple shades.
For the cheeks:
Nyx’s Buttermelt Blush $10
A high-voltage pigment with 12 hours of wear that’s both creamy and smooth (thanks to mango and almond butters)? Those cheeks won't be flushed because of guilt, just good savings.
Milani Cheek Kiss Liquid Blush $11
If you’re looking for a sheer kiss of color, this product is for you. It’s ultra-blendable and buildable because of the lightweight, creamy liquid formula. I also recommend the Milani Cheek Kiss Liquid Blush + Glow ($13): Infused with Vitamin E, this product combines blush and highlighter into a buildable, blendable hybrid. Both are great for a soft, flush of color!
L’Oréal Lumi Le Liquid Blush $15
Available in 6 shades, you can decide whether you want a minimalist flush or a bold, pigmented look. Apply for a soft pop of color with the dewy finish and lightweight feel. Or feel free to layer this product as much as you like for more intense color.
