If you’re like me, or pretty much anyone in the world for that matter, you physically can not leave Target without browsing the beauty aisles (and every other aisle). For YEARS now I’ve been trying to perfect my beauty routine, but I still love trying new things. Also if you’re like me, you mostly want beauty products on a budget — because, oftentimes the “drugstore” version of a high-end product is just as good, or maybe even better. And sometimes you really don’t have the funds to drop $100 on three products from Sephora.
I’m the kind of person who loves to take recommendations from friends and Youtube beauty gurus alike, especially when they come at an affordable price. Many of my friends know that I watch all the videos and read all the Instagram captions, so they sometimes come to me for recommendations in looking for new products.
I decided to compile a list of all the best, affordable products I’ve tried throughout the years that you can find in the aisles of the motherland.*
*Target
All of these products are under $10, aside from the one bonus product (which is $13). Here it is, in no particular order:
I know a lot of people are die-hard fans of the Neutrogena makeup wipes, but I’m telling you guys, these are better. If you’re a fan of micellar water like I am, you will be obsessed with these. I think they are so much more gentle and honestly work better at getting all of your makeup off. They are so refreshing and leave your skin feeling clean and hydrated instead of feeling like you’re ADDING product. I also personally don’t love the smell of the Neutrogena ones (I think they’re too perfume-y), and these are much more fresh and subtle smelling. Bonus: they’re also a little bit more natural (no added fragrance and dye-free) and they’re great for sensitive skin — and they’re actually 20 cents cheaper!
e.l.f. Small Tapered Brush, $3 + Pointed Powder Brush, $6
I little while ago I needed some new brushes without breaking the bank. I feel like brushes can be soooo expensive, so I decided to try out some super-affordable e.l.f. ones… and I loved them! These two are my favorite. I don’t like to wear foundation every day, so I love using the small tapered brush to set my concealer with a powder — it’s the perfect size for under the eyes. And I love the pointed powder brush for bronzer. It gives a little more definition without being a full on angled brush so you can achieve the perfect all over everyday glow rather than sharp contour.
Rimmel Stay Matte Powder, $4.79
THIS. POWDER. I’ve seriously been using it since high school, and have definitely turned a few friends on to it. To be clear, it’s a pressed powder with pigment, not a translucent traditional setting powder. I used to use it in place of foundation, but you can definitely use it after foundation to set everything in place. It’s perfect for getting rid of any shine and adding just a touch of color if you’re like me and hate wearing foundation. It’s also perfect to throw in your bag to touch up your makeup throughout the day or on the go.
Okay, if you’re brushing your hair with anything BUT a Wet Brush, you need to go to Target and get yourself one right now. Years ago, my hair stylist told me that I shouldn’t be brushing my hair at all because it causes breakage and overall damage, so I should be using a wide-tooth comb instead. After that, I only used a comb for a long time. When the Wet Brush came about and claimed to detangle your hair without damaging it, I decided to give it a try and it was amazing! My hair can get so tangly and it really does get all the knots out. And last time I went to my hair stylist, what did she use to detangle my hair? A Wet Brush!
I don’t think I have to tell anyone about this mascara because everyone knows — it’s an amazing dupe for Too Faced’s Better Than Sex mascara. It’s been all the buzz in the online beauty community for a while now, and for a reason: it really does rock. Not much more to say on that.
Like most people who have eyebrows, my sister and I both have been big fans of Anastasia Beverly Hills and Benefit eyebrow products for a couple years now. However, I can’t always afford to drop over 20 dollars on an eyebrow pencil. This TWO DOLLAR e.l.f. pencil is the only one either of us have found that lives up to the high-end products.
I have been meaning to try this product for so long now, and I finally picked it up a couple of weeks ago. All I can say is: why did I wait so long?! I got the cucumber scent, but I’ve heard all of them are equally great. It is seriously so refreshing and makes your skin look and feel amazing. I have combination skin, but sometimes I get really dry patches and toners often make it worse. This one actually HYDRATES while toning and truly does not dry out your skin at all.
Maybelline Face Studio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter, $7.99
Okay, I have to be honest here, I haven’t actually tried this product yet. However, I had to include it because I have heard nothing but amazing things about it from people I know as well as beauty influencers. From what I understand, it is a dupe for Becca highlighters (which are amazing) and people are obsessed. BRB… gotta go to Target and get myself one.
Let’s be real. Sometimes you just really don’t want to wash your hair. I usually wash my hair every other day, but sometimes if it’s longer or even in the day between I just need some dry shampoo. It truly is a woman’s best friend. I’ve always loved Batiste dry shampoos, but when I saw these Hint of Color ones I was… shook. For gals with dark hair like me, the worst part of dry shampoo is the white residue and trying to blend it out, and this really solves that problem! I love when my life is made easier.
I had to include this because I really think Milani has some of the best, if not THE best, drugstore lip products out there. I own one of these, and when I was really into matte liquid lipsticks, I often found myself reaching for this over my Kylie Cosmetics ones. I’m in more of a glossy phase right now, but I would still recommend these to anyone and really want to try some of their other lip products!
I am including this bonus item because I wanted to put the Acure Seriously Glowing Facial Serum on this list, but when I went to find the link I found that it seems they’ve discontinued it and replaced it with this. It has a couple of five star reviews and I loved the Seriously Glowing serum so I am definitely going to try this out. Especially because serums can be so expensive, and this one is only $13!
And that’s all the super-affordable beauty products that I would recommend to anyone who asked me! I hope that this helps you find your new fave!