If you're new to makeup or skincare, trying to save a little money, or on a budget, buying drugstore beauty products is an underrated art. While many high-end brands would have you believe that cheap always equals useless, this is far from the case! I'm a big fan of drugstore beauty products, and have in fact found some of my favorite brands for incredibly cheap.

If you're new to makeup, this could also be pretty helpful. There's really no point spending a lot of money on products if you haven't perfected your technique and skills. Unfortunately, buying makeup IS expensive. There's no way around it, because of the sheer number of products needed to make a full face. Lip gloss, lipstick, eyeliner, shadow, foundation, concealer, bronzer, contour, highlighter... this isn't even a full list of basic makeup products that you can find in a store. And then, of course, there's the brushes and skincare. But that doesn't mean you can't save money. Check out the list below for more information!

1. NYX Butter Gloss

It's literally the shiniest, thickest formula ever! It's like having jewels on your lips! Unlike many lip glosses that prioritize shine, it genuinely has very high coverage. It can cost between 4 and 9 dollars, depending on the color.

My favorites are clear: Fudge Me, and Cinnamon Roll. This product isn't your typical lip gloss simply because of the sheer amount of pigment. It's similar to a glittery lipstick.

2. Revlon Matte Liquid Lipstick

I love matte lips. Like, I love them. Especially dark, bold colors- mine is in a dark maroon.

Lipstick has always been messy and too easily transferable to me, plus, I'm sick of getting it on my teeth. Revlon is incredibly pigmented- it basically turns your lips a different color.

Yet, it isn't hard to take off, and it won't make a mess. In fact, I don't even swipe it on my lips- a few dots are enough to change color. As someone with naturally very pink lips, it's super hard for me to get dark colors because most lip products are semi-transparent. I especially love the browner, more autumn shades- be careful with bright colors! The fuchsia lip color won't blend! It should be between 10 and 15 dollars.

3. L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara

Oh. My. God. I've always loved big lashes, and was considering lash extensions when I came across this product. It literally makes your lashes HUGE, like.. as huge as you want. I'm not kidding when I say from afar, they could pass for falsies.

It's around 11$ on Amazon. I have tried TONS of lash products: Maybelline Waterproof, REVLON, and so on. This one is FOR SURE my favorite. Nearly every mascara look I've ever loved has used Telescopic.

4. Maybelline GreatLash Mascara

This isn't QUITE falsie level, like Telescopic, but still absolutely glamorous and stunning!

I would also recommend the brown mascara if you have warm, brown-colored eyes because it adds extra warmth and a sort of smoky effect. It's around 6$ on Walmart.

5. CeraVe Foaming Cleanser

This thing literally SAVED my skin. I used to have really acne-prone skin... like, strangers commenting on it. Within 2 or so weeks, my skin was completely clear, I'm not even kidding!

With three main ingredients: ceramides, hydrolonic acid, and niacinamide, it's simple but effective. Within a few weeks to a month, your acne will just.. disappear. It's around 12$ on Walmart.

6. e.l.f Love Triangle Lip Filler Liner

This is really effective, especially if you want a natural shade, maybe a little bit pinker than your actual lips. It isn't super pigmented, so don't use it for a dramatic look, but it also stays on all day and is virtually undetectable.

I got it for 4$ on Amazon.

7. Neutrogena Cream Concealer

This isn't perfect. It won't help you if you have severe acne, and is pretty much useless on whiteheads. However, for only 14$ on Amazon, it works surprisingly well.

You only need a few dots to cover redness or acne, and it lasts a long time. It has a good amount of pigment, and can cover dark circles and red bumps pretty well! More, importantly, it doesn't take much product to get a good result.

Final Thoughts

I really hope you found this helpful! If you need more drugstore brands, look at NYX, ELF, or Wet N Wild! Or, for skincare, try Cetaphil, CerAve, Equate, or Ordinary! Be careful about buying from brands you've never heard of, and check the ingredients if you have sensitive skin. Remember that it's not always about the products: makeup is a skill, and it takes time, and everybody's skin is different. Also, be sure to look into undertones and color theory. A dark brown may look good on me, but it could make a cool-toned person look ghostly or blue. Or, a blue or purple eyeshadow can go with blue eyes.

Let me know in the comments what worked for you! Do you have any questions or suggestions? Remember, all advice is appreciated.