Our Top 10 Lists help shoppers quickly and easily find what they need. Using an intense review and approval process (which you can learn more about here), we break down the best products according to what consumers most commonly search for and want.
WE FOUND THE 10 MOST POPULAR DRUGSTORE BEAUTY PRODUCTS THAT RIVAL LUXURY BUYS
We love a luxe beauty product just as much as the next girl, but sometimes shelling out cash for pricey eyeshadows, lipsticks, and liners isn't an option—especially when you've got other expenses to take care of. That's where these alternatives come in. Turns out, there are tons of shockingly good drugstore products out there that come close to your expensive faves—all for a lot less money. The question is: which ones are worth the hype? Lucky for you, we've got the answer.
Our Method For Finding The Best Luxury Beauty Alternatives At The Drugstore
We use a unique algorithm that finds and ranks products based on customer reviews, editorial recommendations, and best-seller lists. From a cult-favorite blush copy to an under-$10 mascara that basically broke the internet, these are the 10 products that made the cut. Keep scrolling to check out the beauty swaps worth buying and give your wallet a much-needed break.
Next up, shop the Best Products At Ulta. Opening image: @elfcosmetics
May 3, 2021
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
NYX Cosmetics Lip Lingerie Liquid Lipstick
IF YOU LOVE KVD BEAUTY EVERLASTING LIQUID LIPSTICK
THE RIVAL: Kat Von D's Everlasting Liquid Lipstick is basically the gold standard of liquid lipsticks thanks to the quick-drying formula, smudge-proof pigment, and extremely long wear. This find from NYX is insanely similar, and the shade range is to die for.
LOVED FOR: Matte lipsticks aren't exactly known for their hydrating properties, but this one changes the game. NYX Lip Lingerie has a super lightweight, buttery texture that applies like a moisturizing lip mask.
Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer
IF YOU LOVE BECCA SUNLIT BRONZER
THE RIVAL: When you seek a sunkissed glow but a beach is nowhere in sight, BECCA Sunlit Bronzer is a go-to. But at $38 a pop, it's not exactly a steal. This bronzer from Physician's Formula features the same creamy formula and lit-from-within results, sans the hefty price tag.
THINGS TO KNOW: Infused with murumuru butter, cupuaçu butter, and tucuma butter, this moisturizing bronzer applies silky-smooth—never cakey or cracked.
Maybelline New York Fit Me! Concealer
IF YOU LOVE NARS RADIANT CREAMY CONCEALER
THE RIVAL: Coveted by artists and novices alike, the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer is loved for its ability to brighten, correct, and perfect all without masking natural beauty. This concealer from Maybelline is known to give almost identical results, and even better, you won't find any bad stuff like waxes or oils on the ingredient list.
RAVE REVIEW: "I normally don't go out of my way to write reviews for anything, but this is my holy-grail product! It is the only product that doesn't cling to my dry patches and make me look like a hot mess. I've tried so many high-end concealers, and nothing gives me such a smooth, dewy-looking complexion."
L'Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup
IF YOU LOVE GEORGIO ARMANI LUMINOUS SILK FOUNDATION
THE RIVAL: Praised for its ability to blur imperfections and boost radiance, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation somehow manages to remain incredibly lightweight and natural. L'Oréal's formula is so similar, it's almost tough to differentiate the two. Bonus—it's packed with skin-loving ingredients, so you can feel good about wearing it.
WHAT IT DOES: With powerful antioxidants, vitamins C and E, and 40% water, this formula improves clarity and tone for a complexion that doesn't just look healthy, but truly is healthy.
Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder
IF YOU LOVE LAURA MERCIER TRANSLUCENT SETTING POWDER
THE RIVAL: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder is a cult favorite because it beautifully locks down foundation without caking or creasing—even under the eyes. Coty Airspun is a close rival and rings up under $10.
HELPFUL TIP: If it's a little too lightweight for your liking, go with the Extra Coverage version.
e.l.f. Cosmetics Poreless Putty Primer
IF YOU LOVE TATCHA SILK CANVAS PRIMER
THE RIVAL: Primers aren't always the most skin-friendly products on the beauty shelves, but the Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer is the exception. Infused with pressed silk, the seamless formula protects the skin from environmental pollutants, damage, and stress while keeping makeup in place for hours and hours. This budget-friendly primer from e.l.f. Cosmetics is equally effective, covering pores and smoothing out fine lines while keeping your makeup in place throughout the day.
RAVE REVIEW: "I applied my foundation, and this primer kept it in place all day. The price is right, y’all. $8 for this versus $50 for Tatcha? Yeah, I’m down for that! Overall, I think this is great stuff and highly recommend you give it a shot."
Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso
IF YOU LOVE NARS ORGASM BLUSH
THE RIVAL: Nars Orgasm Blush looks stunning on just about everyone and graces the cheeks of celebs like Kim K, Meghan Markle, and Emma Stone (three totally different skin tones, people). Can't handle the $30 price tag? Pick up Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso—it's a perfect match.
LOVED FOR: You can expect this drugstore score to last all day. We're talking through the entire workday, night out, and 3 a.m. pizza run.
NYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil
IF YOU LOVE THRIVE CAUSMETICS BRILLIANT EYE BRIGHTENER
THE RIVAL: Few beauty products have managed to take over Instagram the way the Thrive Causemetics Brilliant Eye Brightener has. Made with a dreamy cream-to-powder formula, the pencil provides a universally flattering, shimmering veil of color that simultaneously awakens eyes and diffuses the look of fine lines. This NYX favorite is a close match, and it'll set you back just one latte.
THINGS TO KNOW: If you've ever watched a YouTube makeup tutorial, NYX's Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk probably made a cameo. You can use this pencil to brighten up the waterline, or you can let it serve as a fuss-free base for eyeshadow looks.
NYX Cosmetics Micro Brow Pencil
IF YOU LOVE ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS BROW WIZ
THE RIVAL: With 10 natural-looking shades to choose from, Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Mechanical Brow Pencil is a best-kept brow secret by makeup artists and the average beauty buff alike. NYX's Micro Brow Pencil is nearly identical, from the super-slim, dual-ended design to the silky-smooth formula.
WHY YOU NEED IT: Thanks to the built-in spoolie brush, self-sharpening design, and always-sharp tip, this product may just replace every brow tool in your beauty bag.
L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara
IF YOU LOVE TOO FACED BETTER THAN SEX MASCARA
THE RIVAL: Quite possibly one of the buzziest beauty products on the shelf, Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara is praised for its ability to thicken, lengthen, and curl lashes in one single swipe. We're happy to report that all the way down to the rose-gold packaging, L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise is its drugstore twin.
FUN FACT: This viral mascara boasts over 3,500 glowing reviews on Amazon, and sales went up a whopping 2,000% during Prime Day. No joke.
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