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Famous Beauty Affordable Finds

20 Affordable Makeup Products Known To Outperform Some Of Beauty's Biggest Stars

Image credits: e.l.f. cosmetics
Image credits: e.l.f. cosmetics

Welcome to Budget-Friendly Buys, a weekly series covering affordable, in-demand pieces—all approved by our data-driven algorithm.

While it’s a little early in the season for a new fall makeup look, it’s a perfect time to clean out your makeup bag and replace the essentials. Whether you're in "back-to-school" or "back-to-work" shopping and organization mode, we recommend you toss out those expired beauty products, let go of those eyeshadow palettes you haven’t touched in years, and find a replacement you'll love. To help you do this without breaking the bank, we rounded up a list of 20 top-rated beauty finds that’ll fool your friends into thinking you don’t settle for less than NARS or Charlotte Tilbury. 

With the help of our team of shopping experts (and our data-powered algorithm), we scoured the web to find acceptable stand-ins for all of your favorite—but expensive—beauty products. We’re talking about blushes that resemble the rosy hues of NARS’ famous Orgasm shade and brow wands that mimic the magic of Glossier’s iconic Boy Brow. So, without further adieu, get ready to meet the wallet-friendly alternatives to the internet’s favorite beauty products. 

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August 9, 2024

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Collections feature quick, easy-to-shop roundups of data-backed products in trending categories. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

Image credits: e.l.f. cosmetics

e.l.f. cosmetics

e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter

$14

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A $14 find that provides glowy coverage akin to Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Flawless Filter for less than half the price.

Essence Lash Princess Volume Mascara

$5

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When you can't bring yourself to spend $20+ on Benefit Cosmetics' Roller Lash mascara, this is the next best thing.

Milani Baked Blush

$9

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It's not the iconic NARS Orgasm Blush, but it could pass for it.

L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation

$10

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Get silky, lightweight coverage for less than $10 (and from a product with over 13,000 5-star reviews on Amazon). That's quite a bit less than the Armani Luminous Silk foundation. Just saying. 

e.l.f. Cosmetics Glow Reviver Lip Oil

$8

Buy Now

Dior Lip Oil who?

Rimmel London Magnif'Eyes Eyeshadow Palette

$11

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If you're obsessed with Urban Decay's Naked palettes, you'll love the warm tones of Rimmel's Magnif'Eyes collection in Spice.

Maybelline Master Precise All Day Liquid Eyeliner

$9

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Kat Von D might even be fooled by this eyeliner. It's known to be just as good if not better than KVD's Tattoo Liner

e.l.f. Cosmetics Primer-Infused Bronzer

$7

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e.l.f. has the Charlotte Tilbury formula down, so if you're looking for a low-cost alternative to CT's Airbrush Bronzer, this is it.

Essence Make Me Brow Eyebrow Gel Mascara

$4

Buy Now

Essence is giving Glossier's Boy Brow a run for its money with this $4 eyebrow mascara.

e.l.f. Cosmetics Putty Blush

$7

Buy Now

A creamy blush that's comparable to Fenty's Cheeks Out and will save you nearly $20. 

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer

$7

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NARS' Radiant Creamy Concealer isn't available at your local drugstore, but this Maybelline find likely is.

NYX Wonder Stick Cream Highlight & Contour Stick

$14

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One reviewer said "...how did I ever make up my face without this?" That's quite a statement for a product that's been compared to Fenty Beauty's famous contour sticks

Maybelline Lifter Gloss With Hyaluronic Acid

$11

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Another affordable stand-in for when you can't get your hands on Fenty's Gloss Bomb.

e.l.f. Cosmetics Brow Lift Clear Eyebrow Gel

$6

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Attain fluffy, feathered brows for the low, low price of $6. That's a fantastic deal, especially when you consider that the Anatasia Brow Freeze costs nearly four times as much.

Wet N Wild Color Icon Bronzer

$4

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A shortcut to shimmery, sun-soaked skin that'll cost you less than $5. If you're a fan of Benefit's Hoola Bronzer, give this one a try. 

NYX Bare With Me Concealer Serum

$12

Buy Now

A pocket-sized product that's second only to Kosas Revealer Concealer.

Milani Make It Last Original - Natural Finish Setting Spray

$11

Buy Now

Ready, set that makeup—and do it without the guilt that comes with spritzing Charlotte Tilbuy's $40 mist on your face.

L'Oréal True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum

$20

Buy Now

It's rare to find a foundation with hyaluronic acid in the formula (especially one this affordable). Just run out of your Nars foundation? Add this to your cart ASAP. 

e.l.f. Cosmetics Precision Sponge Trio

$12

Buy Now

Inspired by the Beautyblender, perfected by e.l.f.

L’Oréal Paris Makeup True Match Lumi Glotion

$17

Buy Now

The next best thing to Saie's Glowy Super Gel.

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