17 Top Cheap Makeup Brands That Deliver Quality
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Want to discover the ultimate beauty must-haves that won’t break the bank?
Congratulations on finding us, because in this article, we will unveil a treasure trove of the top cheap makeup brands that offer top-notch quality at pocket-friendly prices!
We understand that beauty shouldn’t have to come with a hefty price tag, and that’s why we’ve curated a list of budget-friendly brands that will make you feel like a million bucks without spending a fortune.
Whether you’re a makeup enthusiast on a tight budget or simply someone who loves finding incredible beauty steals, we’ve got you covered!
From stunning eyeshadow palettes and lipsticks to high-quality foundations and mascaras, these makeup brands prove that you don’t need to sacrifice quality for affordability.
Read on to dive into a world of beauty bargains that deliver quality results!
Table of Contents
How To Choose Cheap Brands of Makeup That Are High-Quality
Searching for the top makeup brands with cheap price tags can be an exciting feature filled with hidden treasures.
But how do you separate the gems from the duds? Together, let’s uncover the qualities you should look out for.
Positive Reviews
Keep an eye out for positive reviews and feedback from fellow makeup lovers. The beauty community is buzzing with insights and experiences that can guide you toward the best brands with less pricey products.
Don’t hesitate to explore online forums, blogs, and social media platforms to gather valuable opinions.
Quality Ingredients
Pay close attention to the ingredients used in the products. Look for brands that prioritize quality ingredients while keeping prices low.
Also, check for labels like “cruelty-free” to ensure the brand doesn’t test on animals, so you can rest assured your conscience and skin are happy.
Pigmentation
Another important quality that you should take note of is pigmentation. Seek out brands that offer vibrant and long-lasting colors.
After all, what’s the point of makeup if it fades away before you’ve even finished your morning coffee?
Sturdy Packaging
While this aspect may seem superficial, sturdy and well-designed packaging can be a sign of a brand’s commitment to quality.
Plus, it adds a touch of glamor to your vanity!
Top Inexpensive Makeup Brands Worth Trying
Ready to find out which budget-friendly makeup beauty brands offer top-notch quality?
Scroll down and see our well-curated list!
1. E.l.f Cosmetics
E.l.f (which stands for “eyes, lips, face”) was founded in 2004 by Joseph Shamah and Scott Vincent Borba, and it quickly gained recognition in the beauty industry for its innovative approach to makeup and affordable luxury-quality offerings.
One of the standout qualities of E.l.f that make it one of the best and cheapest makeup brands is its dedication to vegan and cruelty-free beauty.
E.l.f Cosmetics’ products typically fall within the $1 to $20 price range, making them an excellent choice for individuals seeking luxurious makeup without the hefty price tag.
Among E.l.f.’s vast array of products, one of its most popular and highly acclaimed ones is the Poreless Putty Primer.
This award-winning primer has gained a cult following for its ability to create a smooth, poreless canvas for makeup application.
In search of a quality primer that doesn’t cost a pretty penny? Don’t miss out on E.l.f’s Poreless Putty Primer!
Key Benefits: Hydrating; creates a poreless look; grips makeup for all-day wear
Features:
- Cream formula
- Full coverage
- Infused with squalane
Just apply a thin, even amount to your skin, and you’ll be amazed at your poreless complexion!
2. NYX Professional Makeup
NYX has become a beloved name in the beauty industry after it was founded by Toni Ko in 1999. Starting as a small company in Los Angeles, it quickly gained recognition and expanded its reach worldwide.
This brand offers cheap but good-quality makeup, which has captured the hearts of beauty lovers.
Among its standout qualities is its extensive range of vibrant, pigmented colors.
Whether it’s eyeshadows, lipsticks, or blushes, NYX offers an impressive selection that allows individuals to express their style and creativity.
When it comes to pricing, NYX offers an excellent balance of affordability and quality by selling products at $5 to $30.
This makes NYX a favorite brand among both makeup enthusiasts and professionals who seek luxurious products that don’t cost a fortune.
One of NYX’s most popular products is its Soft Matte Lip Cream, which is beloved by users due to its velvety, lightweight texture with a stunning matte finish.
Wear kissable lips all day with this super low-cost lip cream from NYX Professional!
Key Benefits: Long-lasting; lightweight; non-drying
Features:
- Liquid formulation with a matte finish
- Cruelty-free
- Has a soft sweet scent
This matte lip cream glides on your lips effortlessly and lasts for a long time!
3. L’Oreal
L’Oreal was founded by a visionary chemist, Eugene Schueller, in 1909 in France.
Over the span of more than a century, L’Oreal has grown from selling hair dye as a small business selling hair dye to belonging to the ranks of the largest and most influential beauty conglomerates globally.
This brand’s signature features include its commitment to innovation, quality, and diversity.
It continually invests in research and development to create products that are on the cutting edge of beauty technology.
The price range of L’Oreal’s products varies, reflecting its mission to make beauty accessible to everyone.
You can find products for as affordable as $10 up to more premium offerings that may go up to $200.
L’Oreal is known for several products, but one that stands out is the L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Longwear Foundation because of its full coverage and matte finish that lasts all day.
Looking for the best full-coverage foundation from a cheap makeup brand? Don’t look past L’Oreal’s Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Longwear Foundation!
Key Benefits: Offers 24-hour wear, hides pores and imperfections; controls shine
Features:
- Matte finish
- Full coverage
- Air-light texture
Enjoy a light-as-air formula that resists heat, sweat, and transfer all day!
4. ColourPop Cosmetics
ColourPop Cosmetics emerged in 2014 as a digital-first brand, leveraging social media platforms to connect directly with makeup lovers and cultivate a vibrant online community.
This good, cheap brand of makeup was founded by siblings Laura and John Nelson in Los Angeles, California.
ColourPop is widely known for its extensive range of highly pigmented eyeshadows and lip products, which allow users to experiment and create diverse, eye-catching makeup styles.
Moreover, this brand is also committed to inclusivity, offering an extensive range that caters to a diverse range of skin tones.
When it comes to the price range of ColourPop, its eyeshadow palettes range from $12 to $25 and lip products from $6 to $9.
ColourPop is considered to be one of the top cheap makeup brands because of its iconic and top-quality products, such as its Super Shock Shadow eye makeup.
This product comes in a vast range of shades that are intensely pigmented and long-lasting.
Want to add that luxurious pop of shine to your eye look? Get your hands fast on Colourpop’s Super Shock Shadow eye makeup!
Key Benefits: Long-wearing; highly pigmented; zero eyeshadow fallout
Features:
- Shimmery finish
- Powder formulation
- Cruelty-free
Your lids deserve that coveted, blinding glow from this budget-friendly eye makeup!
5. Maybelline
Maybelline stands as one of the best affordable makeup brands, well-loved by makeup enthusiasts across the globe.
Tom Lyle Williams, the founder of Maybelline, established the brand in 1915 in Chicago after noticing his sister Mabel mixing coal dust with petroleum jelly to darken her eyelashes.
Maybelline is known for its advanced formulas, affordable prices, and incredible products that cater to every beauty need.
Its tagline, “Maybe she’s born with it. Maybe it’s Maybelline,” is iconic — it encapsulates the brand’s essence perfectly.
This brand empowers women to express their individuality by creating user-friendly products that allow everyone to create distinctive looks. Maybelline’s products are also priced as low as $5 to $25, catering to various budgets.
Among its wide range of offerings is the Great Lash Mascara, which has garnered significant popularity and praise due to its ability to volumize and define lashes without clumping.
Achieving stunning lashes is possible with Maybelline’s Great Lash Mascara, which has been a staple in beauty enthusiasts’ makeup bags for 50 years!
Key Benefits: Conditions and thickens lashes; ensures easy application; amps up the definition of your lashes
Features:
- Washable
- Very black color
- Lash-doubling formula
Revel in the budget-friendly excellence that this mascara can offer your lashes!
6. Wet n Wild
Wet n Wild is an affordable luxury beauty brand that was founded in Brooklyn, New York in 1979 by siblings Mark and Marnie Weiss.
Upon being launched, the brand was an instant success, fulfilling the makeup market’s need for affordable yet trendy makeup products.
Wet n Wild is known for its wide variety of cosmetics, from everyday essentials to bold, vibrant products.
This brand also prides itself on being cruelty-free and offering a large selection of vegan products, making it a popular choice among conscious consumers.
The pricing of Wet n Wild’s products has made it among the top cheap drugstore makeup brands in the beauty industry. Its prices start as low as $1 and go up to around $15.
One of Wet n Wild’s most popular products is its Color Icon Eyeshadow Palette.
This eyeshadow palette is known for its high pigmentation and long-lasting formula, and it’s been praised by beauty gurus and beginners alike.
Wet n Wild’s Color Iconic Eyeshadow Palette is an unbeatable deal, giving you 10 gorgeous colors with various finishes at an affordable price!
Key Benefits: Ultra-soft and smooth pigments; blendable; long-lasting
Features:
- With matte and shimmer finishes
- Cruelty-free
- Powder formula
With its highly pigmented shades and versatile color range, this budget-friendly palette allows you to create endless stunning eye looks without breaking the bank!
7. Makeup Revolution
Makeup Revolution was born out of a vision to revolutionize the beauty market, making high-quality makeup accessible to everyone.
Since it was founded in 2014 by Adam Minto in London, England, it has grown exponentially and become a global phenomenon.
Inclusivity and creativity are at the top of this brand’s priority list.
Also, it is recognized for its trendy and luxurious packaging that encapsulates the essence of the brand — luxury for all.
Makeup Revolutions remains one of the top cheap makeup brands in the industry because it has successfully bridged the gap between luxurious quality and competitive pricing.
The price range of its products varies from approximately $7 for basic items like lipstick and eye shadows to around $25 for more premium products like foundations and elaborate eyeshadow palettes.
One of the most popular products from this brand is the Maxi Reloaded Palette. This product has garnered rave reviews for its wearable shades.
Makeup Revolution’s Maxi Reloaded Palette is a must-have for both makeup enthusiasts and professionals who want to achieve lovely eye looks!
Key Benefits: Blends smoothly; long-wearing; buildable
Features:
- Cruelty-free
- 45 shades in an array of browns, grays, and golds
- Mix of matte and shimmer finishes
This eyeshadow palette is an affordable makeup lover’s dream!
8. Milani
Milani, a renowned luxury makeup brand, was founded in 2002 by Laurie Minc and Ralph Bijou. The brand originated in Los Angeles, California, USA, with a vision to create high-quality cosmetics that cater to diverse skin tones.
It’s known as one of the top cheap brands of makeup that offer an extensive shade range for foundations and other complexion products.
Milani is also famous for its bold and vibrant color selection for eyeshadows, blushes, and lipsticks.
The brand offers products at various price points, with prices typically ranging from $8 to $20.
Its affordability factor has contributed to its popularity, enabling a wide range of consumers to enjoy high-quality makeup without paying a huge amount of money.
While Milani has plenty of trendy products, its most iconic one is the Milani Baked Blush. The baked formula gives the blush a unique texture that provides a natural-looking flush to the cheeks.
Milani’s Baked Blush is the perfect affordable beauty companion for a radiant and natural-looking flush!
Key Benefits: Richly pigmented; highly buildable; great staying power
Features:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Powder formula
- Shimmery matte finish
With a wide range of flattering shades to choose from, this budget-friendly blush delivers a healthy glow and a touch of luxury that’s not heavy on the wallet!
9. BLK/OPL
BLK/OPL, or Black Opal, is a renowned name in the list of the top cheap makeup brands, specifically designed to highlight the beauty of deeper skin tones.
This brand was founded by Carol Mouyiaris and Dr. Cheryl Burgess in 1994, with its roots in New York City.
The duo sought to create a beauty brand that would cater specifically to the needs and concerns of deep skin, thereby filling a significant gap in the market.
Today the brand is celebrated all over the world because of its skin-friendly formulas. Its products not only enhance beauty but also nourish the skin.
With this brand, you can find products like lipsticks and eyeliners sold at $10 and products like full-coverage foundations and powders at $30.
One of the most widely adored products from BLK/OPL is the True Color Skin Perfecting Stick Foundation SPF 15.
This product stands out thanks to its creamy application and excellent coverage as well as its broad spectrum of shades.
This stick foundation from BLK/OPL is a low-priced gem that combines convenience, quality, and sun protection!
Key Benefits: Long-wearing; masks blemishes and undereye circles; blends seamlessly with your skin tone
Features:
- Full coverage with a velvety finish
- Paraben- and fragrance-free
- Infused with SPF 15 and vitamins C and E
Its added SPF 15 ensures your skin stays protected from harmful sun rays.
10. L.A. Girl
L.A. Girl is a cherished brand in the world of cosmetics, renowned for its high-quality products that inspire creativity and self-expression.
It was founded in 1985 in the heart of the bustling and trendsetting city of Los Angeles, California.
This brand is widely recognized for its trend-conscious and versatile range of products.
The brand’s signature features include its richly pigmented, long-lasting formulas, as well as its commitment to affordability.
In terms of pricing, it features products as low as $5 for items like lip liners and mascaras and goes up to around $20 for more products like eyeshadow palettes.
If you’re keen on trying out some of the brand’s most popular products, we recommend going for its Pro Conceal HD Concealer.
This product is lauded for its creamy texture, impressive coverage, and extensive shade range.
L.A. Girl’s Pro Conceal HD Concealer is your secret weapon for flawless, camera-ready skin!
Key Benefits: Hides skin imperfections; long-lasting; crease-resistant
Features:
- Cream formula
- Opaque coverage
- Includes a soft brush tip
Affordable yet high-performing, it’s the perfect addition to every makeup kit, ensuring you always look your best without spending a lot!
11. CoverGirl
In 1961, CoverGirl was founded by the Noxzema Chemical Company — known today as Procter & Gamble — in Baltimore, Maryland with the aim of providing high-quality, accessible makeup.
This brand is known as one of the top cruelty-free and cheap makeup brands, featuring products that aren’t tested on animals.
It also stands out in the beauty industry for its products’ suitability for different skin tones and types and impressive formulas with high-quality pigments and long-lasting performance.
CoverGirl’s products start as low as $5 for individual items like mascaras and lipsticks and reach up to around $20 for more comprehensive products like foundations and eye palettes.
The Lash Blast Volume Mascara stands out as one of the most enduring products in CoverGirl’s portfolio.
This mascara is highly praised for its prowess in delivering dramatic volume without the hassles of clamping or smudging.
CoverGirl’s Last Blast Volume Mascara is the ultimate tool for eye-catching, dramatic lashes!
Key Benefits: Provides 10 times more volume to the lashes; mess-free; long-lasting
Features:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Infused with argan and marula oils
- Formulated without parabens, sulfates, talc, or mineral oil
This affordable mascara delivers intense volume without clumping, ensuring your lashes stay beautifully defined all day long!
12. Rimmel London
Rimmel London is a British brand whose origins date back to 1834 when it was founded by Eugene Rimmel, a pioneer in the beauty industry.
Rimmel is often credited for revolutionizing the concept of mascara, transforming it from a messy homemade concoction to a refined commercial product.
This brand takes pride in its ability to create inventive makeup that encapsulates the edgy, free-spirited vibe of London.
From its long-lasting foundation to its mascara that offers dramatic volume, Rimmel is known for delivering a “London look” that is effortlessly chic and always on trend.
The brand’s price range varies depending on the product, with mascaras and lipsticks typically priced around $5 to $10 and foundations and palettes around $7 to $15.
One of the most acclaimed products of Rimmel London is its Stay Matte Pressed Powder.
It helps control excess oil, making it one of the top products from a cheap makeup brand for oily skin!
This lightweight, long-lasting powder has also been considered a holy-grail product due to its ability to minimize the appearance of pores and leave the skin flawless.
Great for beauties with oily skin, Rimmel London’s Stay Matte Pressed Powder is the answer to your quest for the best medium-coverage product from a cheap makeup brand!
Key Benefits: Long-lasting; oil-absorbing; blends smoothly
Features:
- Matte finish
- Light to medium coverage
- Powder formula
Don’t compromise on quality; choose this product for a shine-free, beautiful complexion!
13. Physicians Formula
Physicans Formula traces its origins back to 1937 when it was created by allergist Dr. Frank Crandall in Los Angeles, California.
The brand was born out of love, with Dr. Crandall seeking to develop makeup that his wife, who had sensitive skin, could safely use.
This brand has since become a renowned brand in the beauty industry due to its commitment to creating hypoallergenic, dermatologist-approved makeup.
It is beloved for its dedication to creating makeup that is free of harsh ingredients.
Prices of products from Physicians Formula can range from around $10 for a mascara or lip color to upward of $15 for a foundation or a specialized skincare product.
Despite having a higher price point than some drugstore brands, the quality, safety, and added skincare benefits of its products make Physicians Formula a worthwhile investment for consumers.
And its products are still more modestly priced than luxury brands.
One of our favorite products from this brand is the Murumuru Butter Bronzer.
This bronzer has amassed a fan following for its ultra-luxurious formula, infused with murumuru butter to deliver a radiant, goddess-like bronze glow.
Physicians Formula’s Murumuru Butter Bronzer is your ticket to a sun-kissed glow without sun damage!
Key Benefits: Nourishing and moisturizing; provides all-day coverage; allows for easy blending
Features:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Gluten- and paraben-free
- Packed with essential fatty acids and pro-vitamins
Affordable and skin-loving, this bronzer blends effortlessly, making it a must-have addition to your makeup routine!
14. Essence
Essence is a beauty brand that was founded in 2001 by Cosnova.
The brand was established in Germany, but it has since grown to a global presence in the beauty industry.
Essence was created with a vision to offer fun, high-quality, and affordable beauty products that encourage self-expression and creativity.
It has something for everyone regardless of age or makeup skill level. Also, it’s well-known for its high-quality formulations, vibrant packaging, and budget-friendly price points.
This brand is one of the most affordable beauty brands on the market. The price range it has commonly falls between $1 and $10.
Despite the low prices, it ensures that its products are high-quality and capable of competing with more expensive brands in terms of performance and longevity.
Among the well-loved products of this brand is the Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara.
It has the ability to deliver dramatic length and volume without flaking.
It’s also often lauded for its unique, cone-shaped fiber brush that provides an intense, false lash effect.
Get mesmerizing, false lash-like volume with Essence Cosmetics’ Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara!
Key Benefits: Volumizing; long-wearing; non-clumping
Features:
- Oil-, paraben-, and fragrance-free
- With a cone-shaped fiber brush
- Cruelty-free
Transform your lashes from ordinary to extraordinary with this lash product!
15. Missha
Missha is a South Korean makeup and beauty brand that was founded in 2000.
The brand came into existence with the mission to challenge the misconception that quality products should be expensive.
Missha’s products are designed to enhance the natural beauty of the skin, in line with the philosophy of Korean beauty.
The brand’s well-known features include its use of natural, potent ingredients and cutting-edge technology.
It maintains its status as one of the top cheap Korean makeup brands in the industry because it ensures that every product it offers is thoroughly tested and proven to be effective and safe.
The price range of Missha’s products varies, reflecting the brand’s commitment to offering top-performing products at a fair price.
The cost can range from around $10 to $20 for products like primers, powders, BB creams, and lip products.
One of the must-try products from Missha is the M Perfect Cover BB Cream. It offers great coverage and multifunctional benefits such as SPF 42 protection.
With Missha’s M Perfect Cover BB Cream, you can achieve a radiant, blemish-free complexion while sticking to your budget!
Key Benefits: Smoothly conceals imperfections; moisturizes the skin; improves the skin’s elasticity
Features:
- Dewy finish
- Infused with powerful ceramides and hyaluronic acid
- Medium to high coverage
For an affordable, all-in-one beauty solution that delivers a natural yet flawless finish, make this BB cream your go-to product!
16. Catrice Cosmetics
Established in 2004 by the same founder of Essence Cosmetics, Catrice Cosmetics is a European beauty brand with the vision to provide high-quality, trend-driven makeup products at an economical price.
Catrice is well-known all over the world to be a brand that combines luxurious formulas, cutting-edge technology, and sleek packaging, all while remaining accessible to a wide audience.
Whether it’s foundations with exceptional coverage or eyeshadow palettes with vibrant hues, Catrice showcases a dedication to delivering professional results.
The price range of Catrice products is quite reasonable.
They generally range from around $5 to $20, ensuring that consumers can indulge in high-quality makeup that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
Catrice’s HD Liquid Coverage Foundation is celebrated for its lightweight formula, offering full coverage and creating a flawless complexion.
It’s praised for its ability to provide a natural, matte finish while still allowing the skin to breathe.
To achieve a flawless face without straining your wallet, Catrice Cosmetics’ HD Liquid Coverage Foundation is the perfect choice!
Key Benefits: Long-lasting; gives an airbrushed effect; covers imperfections
Features:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Matte finish
- Features a unique dropper applicator
Invest in this foundation, the cost-effective solution to a camera-ready complexion!
17. Kiko Milano
Kiko Milano is one of the top cheap makeup brands that has made a significant impact on the beauty industry since its inception in 1997.
Founded by Percassi Group, an Italian company, the brand quickly rose to prominence, captivating makeup fanatics with its extensive range of exceptional cosmetics.
The brand has cultivated a reputation for offering products formulated with state-of-the-art ingredients that undergo rigorous testing to ensure optimal performance and safety.
While the brand’s exact prices may vary depending on the product category, customers may generally expect to find products ranging from $5 to $30.
One of the well-bought products from Kiko Milano is the Water Eyeshadow.
This highly coveted eyeshadow range is distinguished for its unique formula that combines the intense pigmentation of a powder with the smooth application of a cream.
Amplify your eye makeup game with Kiko Milano’s Water Eyeshadow, the budget-friendly choice for limitless beauty!
Key Benefits: Long-lasting; highly pigmented; easily blendable
Features:
- Mixture of groundbreaking spherical powders
- Infused with glycerin and squalane
- Powder formula
This affordable gem offers stunning pigment intensity, whether applied wet or dry, for a variety of captivating looks!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Difference Between Expensive and Cheap Makeup?
Yes, there may be some notable differences between the two.
Expensive makeup often tends to offer higher quality ingredients, advanced formulations, and better performance. It may have more luxurious packaging or a wider range of shade or formula options.
On the other hand, cheap makeup may have lower-quality ingredients, simpler formulations, and limited shade ranges. The packaging and overall presentation may also be less refined.
However, it’s important to note that price alone does not guarantee the effectiveness or suitability of a product as there are exceptions in both expensive and cheap makeup categories.
Sometimes luxury brands are simply more expensive than their affordable counterparts because of the reputation they have, not necessarily because of the quality of their offerings.
And as you can see above, there are plenty of cheap makeup brands with excellent products!
Can You Swatch Drugstore Makeup Products While Shopping for Them?
Typically, it is possible. Many drugstores have testers available for customers to try out the products before purchasing them.
However, it’s worth noting that the availability of testers may vary depending on the store and the specific product.
It’s always a good idea to check with the store staff or look for designed areas where testers are provided.
Additionally, in some cases, certain products such as mascara or lipsticks may not have testers due to hygiene reasons.
Cheap Doesn’t Always Mean Poor Quality
The world of makeup is vast and varied, but you don’t need to break the bank to get high-quality results.
The top cheap makeup brands, such as E.l.f cosmetics, CoverGirl, L.A. Girl, Rimmel London, among others, offer top-notch quality that addresses your unique beauty needs.
These brands prove that price isn’t always indicative of quality.
So you don’t always need to invest big to afford your much-coveted beauty look!
Want More Affordable Beauty Products?
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