Tina
- May 3, 2020
- 4 min read

Best Makeup Products Under $15

Updated: Mar 23, 2021

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One of my passions is makeup. I am a bit of a makeup hoarder because I just like to try new makeup all the time. I am also living on a budget so I am always looking for great makeup products that are affordable.

I would say that about 60% of my makeup is drugstore, high street, affordable and 40% is from more expensive brands you find at Sephora. But honestly, the drugstore makeup is just getting better and better each season! I've found brands like Colourpop are amazing, their products work just as well as high-end makeup.

I only splurge if I deem it's definitely worth it!

Ok, so let's get to the makeup. I'll be adding a couple of products from the main makeup categories. I'll do a follow-up post with skincare later!

MAKEUP APPLICATION

I usually use a makeup sponge for the foundation. The original Beauty Blender is great, but there are cheaper alternatives like the Real Techniques or the Juno & CO Micro Velvet Sponges.

If you need affordable eye-makeup brushes, I recommend the following crease brushes for blending: you need a crease brush and a really good blending brush to blend out shadows and make them melt into each other.

Foundation

Matte Foundation: I've been using the Maybelline Fit Me for the last 3 years and I love the coverage it gives without making my skin look cakey.

I'm also a fan of the Revlon Matte Formulas!

If you want a formula that's not as matte, try the Milani foundation.

Milani is a great brand for affordable makeup products. Their 2-in-1 concealer and foundation work nicely, offering medium coverage and a smooth finish.

Recently, I've been loving the NYX BORN TO GLOW FOUNDATION. It is hands down one of the best drugstore foundations.

This foundation offers medium coverage and has a glow formula. It won't leave you shiny but it gives that healthy glow for summer.

Here's the only concealer palette you need!

CONCEALER

I suggest getting a concealer and corrector palette so you can correct any dark circles and blemishes. This NYX palette has everything you need.

There are some really amazing concealers out there like the Covergirl TruBlend and the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser. These come in a variety of shades and they cover dark circles and brighten the undereye area.

I use blush and bronzer every time I put on a full face of makeup, try these 2 favorites.

EYESHADOW PALETTES

Neutrals

If you're more of a neutrals girl, I have a fun recommendation. The NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Ultimate Shadow Palette, Eyeshadow Palette, Warm Neutrals is my go-to favorite when it comes to a wide selection of warm neutral shades for simple and effortless everyday makeup looks.

Creamy Matte Single Shadows

The Revlon Colorstay Cream Matte Shadows are very blendable and easy to use. I like to swipe them on my lids on their own for a subtle hint of color. If I'm doing a bold look, I use them as an eyeshadow base.

BLUSH & BRONZER

The Milani Baked Blush is a blusher and bronzer that works for all skin tones. I've been using this product for the past 2 years and I love it!

Try their bronzer which is just as amazing. Sometimes I use the blush as both bronzer and blush depending on the shade.

Here are some of the best blushes:

I've been loving the liquid or stick blush formulas like the E.L.F stick blush.

This blush stick comes in many shades and goes on best if you apply it with your fingers and then blend it out with a makeup sponge.

Even on no makeup days, mascara is always part of my routine!

MASCARA

Essence Lash Princess Mascara has been my go-to drugstore mascara for over 12 months! I've tried the pink and green version and I can tell you that my lashes look just as good with this product as they do with the 30 dollar mascaras!

Or try: L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Makeup Lash Paradise Mascara

This mascara is a dupe for the famous Better Than Sex Mascara from Too Faced. It does the same thing but at half the price!

LIQUID EYELINER

Finding a great liquid eyeliner that actually goes on well and keeps its dark black color all day was a struggle, but the one that works for me is this one from NYX.

I use a felt tip eyeliner to draw on a cat-eye! But there are many good ones out there.

LIPSTICK

I love using a lipstick and lipgloss combo on my lips.

I think L'Oreal Lipsticks are a fail-safe option. Their lipsticks are creamy and pigmented.

LIPGLOSS

This NYX BUTTER GLOSS is one of my favorite easy to apply glosses. It's more like a liquid lipstick because it's very high pigmented.

Try this bonus product: Jelly Highlighter!

I am a huge fan of my Anastasia Beverly Hills highlighter palette but an interesting alternative is a jelly highlighter that you just dab on with your finger, highlighting the areas you want to glow. This jelly is easy to use and offers a buildable glow.

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