The best drugstore makeup brands don’t always come with a high price tag—and some of our favorite finds have been right in the aisles of our local drugstore. While we love discovering new beauty gems from indie brands and specialty boutiques, there’s something undeniably reliable (and thrilling) about drugstore makeup brands. Whether you’re in the middle of a makeup rut or it’s 11 p.m. and you suddenly need a fresh concealer or mascara, these beauty staples are always just a quick trip away. Let’s be honest: we all have at least one drugstore makeup brand that has never let us down—and probably lives permanently in our makeup bag!
We’ve all been there—heading out for the night only to realize we forgot to toss a lipstick in our purse, or arriving at our destination after a long trip only to discover our makeup bag didn’t make it into the suitcase. In moments like these, a quick trip to the nearest drugstore comes in clutch. That’s why we’re spotlighting seven of the best drugstore makeup brands —affordable, accessible, and surprisingly high-quality. Trust us, these brands prove that a flawless beat doesn’t have to break the bank.
All this makeup talk has us ready to cruise down the makeup aisle! How about you? Are you ready to restock your makeup bag for spring?
7 of the Best Drugstore Makeup Brands That Serve Luxe Looks Every Time
NYX has been in the beauty game for a few years and they have quickly become a cult-favorite among makeup mavens. From bright and colorful lipsticks, to contour palettes, the range of NYX Cosmetics products is constantly growing. The best part is that the products are pretty good for the price point and are easy to pick up on a quick run to your local CVS or Target store.
We can always count on Milani to give us color, and lots of it too!
Their products are super pigmented and the brand isn’t afraid to take risks when it comes to bold shades, especially when it comes to lip colors.
Let’s just say that their matte lipstick is a total game changer and total must-have in your summer makeup bag.
Our Product Pick: Baked Blush
CoverGirl has long been one of the best makeup brands at the drugstore—and for good reason. With an inclusive shade range, budget-friendly pricing, and a consistent rollout of innovative, on-trend products, CoverGirl delivers reliable beauty staples for makeup lovers of all skin tones.
Here at TCF, we appreciate brands that champion accessibility, not just in price, but in representation. CoverGirl proves that drugstore beauty can be affordable and fabulous, from foundations that suit a wide array of undertones to mascaras that rival prestige formulas.
Our Product Pick: Lash Blast Supercloud Mascara
Founded by “The Muse, The Doctor, and The Chemist,” Black Opal is designed to provide high-performance products to women of color. One of the things that we love most about Black Opal is their
“Find Your Shade” section on their website.
It makes it easy to find the right color for your skin tone in just a few simple clicks. Say goodbye to ashy foundations FOREVER! Want to learn more about Black Opal?
Check out what Alissa of Stylish Curves
has to say!
Our Product Pick: TRUE COLOR® Skin Perfecting Stick Foundation SPF 15
www.lorealparisusa.com
L’Oréal Paris – Face Makeup Radiant Serum Foundation with SPF 50
This one is classic but great. Since L’Oréal is a mega beauty brand, it is always available at practically any drug store. For that reason, it has a wide selection of products, but the ones that we are really diggin’ are the eye products.
L’Oréal is affordable and easy to find, from shadows to liners and mascaras. Double win!
Our Product Pick: Face Makeup Radiant Serum Foundation with SPF 50
Maybelline is a powerhouse in the world of drugstore beauty and easily earns its spot as one of the best makeup brands for makeup lovers on a budget. Known for its trend-forward approach and consistent product innovation, Maybelline makes it easy to create everything from everyday natural looks to full glam moments without breaking the bank.
Our Product Pick: Tattoo Studio® Ink Pen Eyeliner Makeup, Up To 24 Hours Of Wear
Revlon has remained a staple in the drugstore beauty aisle for decades, and it continues to earn its place among the best makeup brands thanks to its timeless appeal and quality formulations. Known for its classic lipsticks, long-wear foundations, and bold color stories, Revlon offers products that blend everyday wearability with a touch of old-Hollywood glamour.
Our Product Pick: ColorStay Limitless Matte™ Liquid Lipstick
Whether you’re a beauty newbie testing the waters or a seasoned makeup maven who knows the power of a $7 mascara, these drugstore darlings have got you covered—literally. They’re the unsung heroes of our everyday routines, the emergency fixes in our glove compartments, and the last-minute lifesavers before a big night out. And let’s not forget the thrill of finding a new favorite while casually grabbing toothpaste. It’s giving budget beauty magic, and we’re totally here for it.
At the end of the day, looking good shouldn’t feel like a luxury—and thanks to these best drugstore makeup brands, it doesn’t have to. Great makeup is for everyone, and these picks deliver bold pigments, skin-loving formulas, and iconic staples that rival their high-end counterparts. So go ahead and stock up, because your next go-to lipstick or ride-or-die foundation might just be sitting on the shelf between the cotton rounds and the shampoo aisle. Happy hauling!
Are you a makeup fiend like we are? I know that we cannot be alone here!
Where do you buy your makeup? CVS, Walgreens, Target? What are the best drugstore makeup brands in your opinion? Let us know in the comments!
This article, Proof That Good Taste Doesn’t Require a Trust Fund: 7 Drugstore Makeup Brands to Know first appeared on The Curvy Fashionista and is written by Marie Denee.
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