A common thing that all makeup junkies must face: it's expensive. Like, truly, painfully expensive. Those who choose to wear makeup, and enjoy the process of putting it on know exactly what I'm talking about. A trip to Sephora alone can easily cost over $100 for only a few products.
But this doesn't necessarily have to be the case. After watching too many YouTube beauty gurus, I've noticed that there are some brands out there that won't cost you an arm and a leg. And better yet, sometimes they're even better than the most expensive alternatives! So, to share these, I've compiled a little list of my five favorite inexpensive beauty brands that won't break the bank.
1. E.L.F.
What better way to start a cheap makeup article than at the drugstore. For who love makeup but not the price tag, the drugstore is the metaphorical knight in shining armor. But sometimes, even drugstore brands can get pretty pricey.
This is not the case for E.L.F. cosmetics. A long-standing member of team drugstore, this brand has maintained great quality, and great prices, for years. Products range from $5 to $10, but some can get as low as $1 to $2. And makeup junkies from around the world have raved about their products, such as their primers, palettes and eyeshadows. On top of all that, they are also 100 percent cruelty free and do not test on animals.
2. Colourpop.
Their website is so dangerous. As an entirely online cosmetics distributor, this L.A.-based company specializes in lip and eye products and has come out with some stunning colors. They are constantly collaborating with beauty gurus and celebrities, like YouTuber Kathleen Lights and actress Jaime King, to produce new collections and shades. One of their most well-known products available is the overwhelmingly on-trend liquid lipsticks. At $5 a pop, these gems are unbelievably budget-friendly in comparison to higher-end options, which can run you anywhere from $15 to $30 each.
3. NYX.
NYX cosmetics is one of those brands where you just know that you're going to get something good every time. Their reputation for quality precedes them, as so many of their products have become cult favorites. Beauty bloggers and YouTubers have sung the praises of products like their soft matte lip creams, butter glosses and primers. Their products can range anywhere from $5 to $20, and have a giant selection of color options, products and shades to fit any budget, skin tone or preference.
4. BH Cosmetics.
This has to be one of my personal favorites, mostly because of the amount of product you can get for your money. As another online retailer, this company is known for its inexpensive palettes. One hundred and twenty-eight color eyeshadow palettes, for example, cost $16. In comparison, single eyeshadows from more expensive brands can cost $6 to $14 on their own. That's two to three shadows in comparison to over 100! And even though the price is so low, the quality does not suffer because of it. These products are pigmented and feel beautiful on the skin. Like other brands on this list, their products are clinically tested to avoid irritation and allergic reactions.
5. Wet 'N Wild.
To finish off this list is a great brand that has really been stepping up its game in recent seasons. Wet 'N Wild is known for being one of the most inexpensive brands at the drugstore, and they are probably one of the only brands that offer high-quality brushes for under a $1. Products like their blushes, mega-last lipsticks and concealers have received major hype for for their wearability. And as the icing on the cake, Wet 'N Wild is yet another brand that is always cruelty-free and oftentimes, vegan as well.
So there you have it, folks! These brands have produced products that have amazed consumers with their quality while staying well below the $10 budget. All five of these products can be found online, and three of them are readily available at most drugstores, targets, or other retailers. Enjoy!