Best Drugstore Makeup Brands That Rival High-End Products
When it comes to makeup, many assume that high-end products deliver superior quality. However, drugstore makeup brands have significantly improved over the years, offering products that rival luxury counterparts without breaking the bank. Today, several drugstore brands are recognized for their high-quality formulations, extensive shade ranges, and innovative products that cater to diverse beauty needs. This article explores some of the best drugstore makeup brands that stand toe-to-toe with high-end options.
L'Oréal Paris
L'Oréal Paris is a household name in the beauty industry, renowned for its wide range of affordable yet effective makeup products. The brand offers everything from foundations to lipsticks that often outperform more expensive alternatives.
One standout product is the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation. Known for its long-lasting wear and matte finish, this foundation provides full coverage without feeling heavy on the skin. It has been compared to high-end foundations like Estée Lauder's Double Wear Foundation but at a fraction of the cost.
L'Oréal Paris also excels in eye makeup. The Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara is frequently cited as a dupe for Too Faced's Better Than Sex Mascara. It delivers voluminous, lengthened lashes that stay put throughout the day.
The brand's commitment to innovation and quality ensures that L'Oréal Paris remains a go-to for those seeking high-performance makeup at an affordable price point.
Maybelline New York
Maybelline New York is another iconic drugstore brand that consistently delivers top-notch products. Known for its trendy and innovative offerings, Maybelline has something for everyone.
The Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation is a favorite among beauty enthusiasts. Its lightweight formula provides natural-looking coverage while minimizing pores. Many users find it comparable to higher-end foundations like NARS Sheer Glow.
Maybelline’s SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick stands out in the lip product category. With its long-lasting, transfer-proof formula, it has garnered praise for its performance and extensive shade range. Users often compare it to Huda Beauty’s Liquid Matte Lipstick.
Additionally, Maybelline's Lash Sensational Mascara rivals more expensive options like Benefit’s Roller Lash Mascara, offering separated and voluminous lashes with each application.
e.l.f. Cosmetics
e.l.f. Cosmetics (short for Eyes Lips Face) has made a name for itself by offering high-quality products at unbeatable prices. The brand is known for its cruelty-free and vegan formulations, making it a popular choice among ethically-conscious consumers.
The e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer is one of the brand’s most celebrated products. Often compared to Tatcha’s Silk Canvas Primer, it blurs imperfections and creates a smooth base for makeup application without costing a fortune.
e.l.f.’s Baked Highlighter is another gem in their collection. Its buildable formula provides a natural glow that rivals high-end highlighters like Becca’s Shimmering Skin Perfector.
The brand's dedication to quality and affordability makes e.l.f. Cosmetics a staple in many makeup routines.
NYX Professional Makeup
NYX Professional Makeup has gained a cult following thanks to its professional-grade products at drugstore prices. The brand offers a wide variety of items that cater to both everyday makeup wearers and professional artists.
The NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams are beloved for their creamy texture and vibrant pigmentation. These lip creams have been compared to higher-end products like Kylie Jenner’s Lip Kits but come at a much more accessible price point.
NYX’s Micro Brow Pencil is another standout product, often likened to Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Brow Wiz. It offers precise application and excellent color payoff, making it ideal for achieving well-defined brows.
Additionally, NYX’s Ultimate Shadow Palettes provide a range of highly-pigmented shades that blend seamlessly, rivaling palettes from brands like Urban Decay.
COVERGIRL
COVERGIRL remains a trusted name in drugstore makeup, known for its inclusive shade ranges and dependable products. The brand continues to innovate while maintaining affordability.
The COVERGIRL TruBlend Matte Made Foundation offers impressive coverage and staying power, often compared to Fenty Beauty’s Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation in terms of performance and shade variety.
- COVERGIRL Exhibitionist Mascara: Comparable to Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
- COVERGIRL Clean Fresh Skin Milk Foundation: A great alternative to Glossier's Perfecting Skin Tint
- COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Lip Color: Competes with MAC Pro Longwear Lipcolor
COVERGIRL continues to prove that quality makeup doesn’t have to be expensive.
| Brand | High-End Comparison | Standout Product |
|---|---|---|
| L'Oréal Paris | Estée Lauder Double Wear | Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation |
| Maybelline New York | NARS Sheer Glow | Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation |
| e.l.f. Cosmetics | Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer | Poreless Putty Primer |
| NYX Professional Makeup | Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz | Micro Brow Pencil |
| COVERGIRL | Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation | TruBlend Matte Made Foundation |
Revlon
Revlon has been a staple in the beauty industry for decades, offering reliable products that deliver consistent results. The Revlon ColorStay Makeup Foundation is one of the brand's most popular items, praised for its long-lasting wear and flawless finish.
This foundation is often compared to Estee Lauder's Double Wear Foundation due to its similar performance but at a more budget-friendly price point. Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipstick is another favorite among beauty enthusiasts, known for its rich color payoff and smooth application comparable to MAC's lipsticks.
The brand also excels in nail products; Revlon's Nail Enamel provides chip-resistant color that's on par with more expensive options like OPI or Essie.
Wet n Wild
Wet n Wild consistently delivers high-quality makeup at unbeatable prices. The brand's MegaLast Liquid Catsuit Matte Lipstick offers long-lasting wear that's often compared to Jeffree Star's Velour Liquid Lipstick but at a fraction of the cost.
- MegaGlo Highlighting Powder: Comparable to Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter
- Color Icon Eyeshadow Palettes: Rival higher-end palettes like those from Urban Decay
- Photo Focus Foundation: Often likened to NARS Sheer Glow Foundation
The affordability and performance of Wet n Wild products make them a favorite among those looking for quality without the hefty price tag.
Drugstore makeup brands have come a long way in recent years, offering products that can easily compete with high-end counterparts. Brands like L'Oréal Paris, Maybelline New York, e.l.f. Cosmetics, NYX Professional Makeup, COVERGIRL, Revlon, and Wet n Wild have proven that you don't need to spend a fortune to achieve beautiful results. These brands offer innovative formulas, extensive shade ranges, and reliable performance at accessible prices. Whether you're looking for a new foundation, mascara or lipstick these drugstore options provide excellent alternatives to luxury products allowing you to look your best without breaking the bank..
