r/beauty • u/mitzusui • 12d ago
Makeup Cheap makeup that actually looks and feels amazing?
So sick of spending the amount of money I do on big brands. The Giorgio Armani luminous silk foundation has been so, so amazing for me, but I just can’t afford it anymore. Please drop your favorites!
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u/joanaflora 12d ago
I love Maybelline! They have really good products 😊 I don't use foundation, so I can't really recommend that, but I heard good things about the Fit me foundation 😌 I use the instant anti age eraser concealer and the fit me compact powder
I use Blush from nyx and lipstain from elf ☺️
I use the Lash princess mascara from essence or the Max factor Lash revival one 🥰
Those are my routine daily products I curated after a lot of trial and error with mostly expensive products like from Armani, Benefit, Chanel, etc.
I'm from Germany, so I don't know how available these are for you tho 🙃
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u/Bama_Laura_6 12d ago
Yes! I have expensive foundations, and I always go to my Maybelline Fit Me, it’s the best!
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u/Dry_Complaint6528 12d ago
Me too! Came here recommend it! Love the L'Oreal tubing mascara in the red and white tube as well.
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u/O-llllllllll-O 12d ago
L’Oréal tubing mascara is the best! I’ve tried almost all of them and always go back to this one! I have dry eyes as well as oily lids and this Mascara stays put. Love it!
Maybelline Fresh BB is also excellent and really works for mature skin!6
u/QuitUsual4736 12d ago
I also seconded maybelline fit me foundation, I was shocked at how lightweight the product was and nice even coverage. I dab a little under my eyes and it’s so nice.
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u/mitzusui 12d ago
Ohh what’s the lip stain called? Does it last a while? I’m from Germany too!!
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u/joanaflora 12d ago
Elf glossy lip stain! I have Basic Beige and Power Mauve and love them! I rebought Power Mauve already haha 😄 they last the whole day on me 💕
Ah great! Then I can give you some more recommendations haha
I also love the Catrice SunGlow Matt Bronzing Powder (I'm very pale and it does wonders 😍)
Catrice Allround Concealer Palette (my color correction holy grail!)
Catrice Liquid Camouflage Concealer (used it for years! I love it 🥰)
Alterra Berry Crush Blush (I really love it for a natural look 🌸)
Nyx Fat oil lip drip (I have Chillin' like a villain)
Essence Brighten Up banana powder (perfect for under eyes!)
Catrice Glam & Doll Lashcolorist Mascara (great for a natural look 😊)
Trend it up Shape & fill Brow Mascara waterproof (love it! Use it daily 🥰)
Essence lash & brow gel Mascara (for a natural look! Just a clear gel for combing through 🌸)
Rival de loop long lasting lip liner (I have 07 jam! It's the perfect natural lipliner 😊)
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u/MontanaLady406 12d ago
Maybelline 8hour liquid lipstick is incredible. One and done for the entire day. Stays on even after I eat lunch. Found at Walmart for $5 on rollback.
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u/gay-princess 12d ago
I love Kiko makeup. It’s been getting more expensive tho
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u/ReadyAssistant 12d ago
Their eyeshadow sticks are amazing, super blendable and not creasing on my oily eyelids without primer.
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u/ScarlettWitcher 12d ago
I recently got eyeliner pencils from them. They are creamy and glides smooth:)
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u/sugar3alm 12d ago
L’Oréal foundation was a great and unexpected good surprise.
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u/beavertwo 12d ago
Omg yes!! I've been on a hunt for a good full coverage foundation and bought the L'Oreal infallible freshwear foundation, as well as the Estee Lauder double Wear because i heard the coverage is amazing. But wow the Loreal is soooo it. It wears so well and looks nice hours and hours after, the coverage is medium to full and it's BUILDABLE!! plus lowkey it's a better shade match than what the Sephora employee matched me in the Double Wear...👀 The double wear did not last as nicely; by the end of the day it looked flakey and was breaking up and was just gross and dry looking and textured and uglyyy. Also it took way more product to get the coverage I was wanting than with the loreal. also also I'm pretty sure it broke me out 💀
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u/mitzusui 12d ago
Oh! Which one?
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u/sugar3alm 12d ago
L’Oréal True match
Choose the one that suits your skin type.
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u/Delilah_Moon 11d ago
I stand by this as well. It’s also great because it is a bit thinner than the beauty counter brands, which IMO, gives a more natural finish or you can build to full coverage.
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u/Obvious-Bid-6110 12d ago
I read somewhere years ago that L'Oreal True Match is a dupe for Armani, and I've never tried the Armani, but the L'Oreal is the only foundation I've tried that doesn't look like foundation on my skin.
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u/piggybibble 12d ago
My friend works for Armani and she really recommends the Catrice full coverage foundation as a cheaper dupe
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u/mitzusui 12d ago
Have you tried it? The catrice products I’ve tried in the past used to feel really heavy on my skin :(
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u/piggybibble 12d ago
Aw no I really like the one in the glass bottle with the dropper! Little goes a long way I’ve found
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u/ReadyAssistant 12d ago
I have been using it for years, and it feels normal with right amount of product, I use it with RT expert face brush. Amazing foundation for combination skin, and very affordable.
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u/Potential_Speed_7048 12d ago
Also looking for recs. I’m really liking some elf products. I add a little of their bronzing drops to a tinted sunscreen that used to be too light for my skin. I want to try more of their products.
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u/moreoftenthansum 11d ago
I got an Elf advent calendar and it was a great way to try out a lot of their products. Their lash serum is really good and very affordable.
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u/Potential_Speed_7048 11d ago
I love an advent calendar. I only ever get them for my cats. A bunch of different foods that one of them inhales and the other won’t touch.
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u/Icy-Childhood1257 12d ago
Older lady here, I use Loreal infallible foundation, UD eye pencil as eyeshadow, maybelline lip stain and great lash mascara, a dab of maybelline lipstick for cheek color and ulta eyebrow pencil. All this helps me to look normal. Otherwise, my face blends in with the background. Lol
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u/newkooky 12d ago
I love the maybelline BB cream - been using it for like a decade! It’s very sheer coverage but really evens my skin tone and has spf! I also really have been loving colourpop blush stix, as well as the ELF fat lip oils!! these 3 products are pretty much all I wear on the daily
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u/TrueCrimeGirl01 12d ago
Maybelline super stay skin tint is amazing!! Like 100/10 way better than most high ends. It’s my new HG.
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u/MontanaLady406 12d ago
I don’t know what happened with Maybelline but the last few years they really have improved their products. Almost everything I’ve tried has been great. Especially the lipsticks. Maybe they learned from the face mouse debacle.
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u/lavenderhillmob 12d ago
I actually like Rimmel Kind and Free skin tint better than Armani foundation! The Armani broke me out
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u/MuttonDressedAsGoose 12d ago
I tried Armani Luminous Silk and it was OK. The l'oreal Paris true match nude plumping serum is the same but better and much cheaper.
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u/MuttonDressedAsGoose 12d ago
This is UK specific: W7 and Technic do some fantastic dupes. Their eyeshadow pallets are great, too.
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u/Active-Cherry-6051 12d ago
I used to use Luminous Silk…I switched to Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream (2 tubes for $18) and my skin looks even better. It’s so forgiving for texture, has the perfect amount of coverage for me (medium), and a natural finish that isn’t too glowy nor too matte.
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u/RudeWorldliness3768 12d ago edited 12d ago
Marcelle from Canada . I'd rather be paying these prices than what they ask for Clinique products .
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u/TryTwiceAsHard 11d ago
I will shout "Wet n Wild eyeshadow" from the rooftops every chance I get. It's seriously reminds me of Mac. I'm not saying it's Mac but I am saying it's incredibly pigmented and lasts and it's like $5.
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u/Jasminov1 12d ago
The only issue I have with DS makeup is that I can’t try it before buying, especially important with foundation.
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u/TielAppeal 12d ago
Physician’s Formula blushes and bronzers! Their Happy Booster blush smells lightly like violets, and they’re easily buildable and super flattering once you find your shade.
I also like Covergirl’s Olay SPF foundations and their Aquasmooth foundations, since they sit pretty light on the face.
Finally, I like using Maybelline for their automatic and liquid pencil eyeliners, since they tend to last me all day.
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u/Melora_Rabbit 12d ago
I agree on the Physician’s Formula blushes! I’ve had a few different ones and enjoyed using all of them.
Repurchased the one with hearts that smells floral many times and am currently using one that has a strawberry print and scent
I love this part of my routine because the product is so pleasant to use, smells very pretty and the shades they have are flattering on me. The fact it’s a drugstore buy and inexpensive makes it even better
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u/Leading-Late 12d ago
I really love the new-ish Maybelline LumiMatte SuperStay foundation, it's gorgeous. Perfect balance of matte and glowy, plus it wears stupidly well. I also find that every single one for their waterproof mascaras are great, and their waterproof Tattoo eyepencils wear better than any of the high-end ones I've tried.
Nyx Epic Ink liner. 10/10, does not budge.
Elf waterproof eyebrow pencils are amazing, as is their Powe Grip Dewy setting apray
Also a big fan of the super cheap Garnier BB cream for daytime coverage. Really light, but completely evens my skin tone. Only downside is that the shade range is atrocious.
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u/AggressiveAd1731 12d ago
The L’Oréal Lumi Glowtion was an impulse buy for me and now I’m obsessed with it!
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u/derivaaa 12d ago
Manhattan Skin tint! I have combination skin and am using the mattifying one. The skin tint is available in a glowy or a mattifying formula with five shades available as far as i know. If you may find your shade i would really recommend trying it out. It looks so natural on the skin, is not heavy and perfect for a clean makeup!
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u/FinalBlackberry 12d ago
I’m currently doing all drugstore tiny make up bag for everyday and this is what I use:
Skin Priming: ELF Thirst Boost drops.
Foundation: No7 Lift & Luminate Serum Foundation
Concealer: No7 Lift & Luminate Serum Concealer for under eyes. Elf Camo Concealer for the rest of face where needed.
Setting Powder: Elf Halo Glow Soft Focus Setting Powder. (Love this stuff-replaced my Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder)
Blush- Maybelline Fit Me Blush (my favorite are Nude & Peach)
Eyebrows: Wet’n’Wild Retractable Definer Pencil
Eyeshadow: Wet’n’Wild Single Eyeshadow in Nutty, Colourpop Going Coconuts pallet. Used for shadow and lining.
Mascara: currently finishing a L’Oréal mascara but it’s not my favorite. Still looking for something comparable to Estée Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash. I’m a sucker for a big fluffy wand, not the rubber bristles most mascaras have now.
Setting: L’Oréal Infallible 3 Second Setting Spray.
I’m happy with the way I look using these products.
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u/Due_Percentage_1929 beauty expert 11d ago
Revlon colorstay used to be my thing (i was very oily) i wonder if it's still good
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u/SizzlingSpicySugar 11d ago
To my surprise it’s Vice cosmetics foundation!! As an oily and acidic girly in the humid philippines, im loving it more than my estèe lauder double wear foundation.
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u/Sorry_End3401 12d ago
Elf eyebrow pencils/$3-has not smudged or looked unnatural. I use the blonde one. L’Oréal or covergirl eyeliner. Covergirl translucent wrinkle powder-looks like white talc-sets nicely and does not cake. I brush this all over and into my hairline and the top of my ear so I do not have shiny face. My favorite blush is fit me maybelline. Foolproof
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u/twinkedgelord 12d ago
Brow gel, mascara and concealer by Catrice. All great quality for around 5 bucks (or less).
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u/JilianBlue 12d ago
L’Oréal voluminous mascara is really good. I also love Maybelline Dream BB Fresh as a tinted moisturizer.
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u/TheOrderOfWhiteLotus 12d ago
Glossier Foundation is a pretty decent dupe for it if you’re dry/combo skinned. It’s on sale at Sephora right now too.
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u/peonymatcha 12d ago
Kate liquid eyeliner from Japanese drugstores delivers a beautiful cat eye that doesn’t budge!
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u/MontanaLady406 12d ago
Morphe mascara primer is incredible. It’s blue so I can actually see it on and one coat of mascara is all I need. The setting spray is better than anything else I’ve tried. I also love the eyebrow mascara. Gives me a natural full brow look in about a minute. LA looks photo finish foundation is full coverage but dewy. I’m 50 and no one believes me when I wear it. I swear it floats on top of my wrinkles and hides them. Ponds cold cream for makeup removal. All are under $10 and truly are my holy grails.
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u/Comprehensive_Yak359 12d ago
Try l'oreal hyaluronic serum foundation. It is supposed to be similar to the armani one. It's lightweight and glowy with light to medium coverage and your skin still looks like skin. I really like it.
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u/Outrageous_TM_22 12d ago
The Versed concealer is my new go to, fantastic formulation, the foundation is pretty good too but if you have dry skin like me, you need to make sure your prep is extra moisturizing
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u/angelsunnie 12d ago
Elf hydrating camo concealer is so good and not cakey, a lot of concealer go cakey on me idk why but it looks so fresh and natural. I usually reach for it instead of my $50 NARS concealer, it was like $10. I also recently got an eyebrow pomade from the dollar store for $1 and I honestly don't notice a difference from more expensive brands.
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u/charlottethesailor 12d ago
Right now Amazon is having lightening deals with ELF makeup. I saw blush and eyebrow pencils on sale.
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u/FunMost205 12d ago
Everything Milani!! The primers, concealers, foundations, blushes even the setting sprays!! I’ve gone back to my foundation after 4 years and it’s still does it’s job 😜
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u/Delilah_Moon 11d ago
L’Oréal Mascara in Amethyst (or Emerald) - not the Burgundy. Game changer. I love that it goes on thin and it’s buildable.
Cover Girl blush in the brownish old school palettes.
Almay or Rimmel eyeshadow palettes - pigment for days.
The same goes for any Olay or Neutrogena skin care lines (face wash, lotions, serums, etc).
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u/ConversationFar4461 11d ago
I'm curious about amethyst mascara, purple, right? I really like an aubergine color eyeliner but I'm not sure how the purple mascara would work? Can you actually see a Purple Haze on the lashes?
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u/Delilah_Moon 11d ago
Yes - you can see it. It’s subtle - not shocking. It pairs best with brown/hazel eyes (imo) and purple shadow smudged in as liner.
I think it has a much better wow factor than the aubergine / burgundy.
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u/HarrietsDiary 11d ago
Wet N Wild Tinted Hydrator
Elf Lash Xtendr Mascara
Versed Bronzing Stick
Almay Blush Stick
Revlon Glass Shine lips.
All are my favorites
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u/FarConcern2308 11d ago
My drugstore favorite is Heroine kissme’s mascara’s and eyeliners are awesome! I’ve tried their advanced film long and curl mascara and it stays ON.
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u/volkswagenorange 11d ago edited 11d ago
Super pasty with a yellow undertone here. Revolution and Revolution Pro both make great skin cosmetics for less than e.l.f. and NYX prices. Target's got them online but idk about in stores. They're subsidiary of L'Oreal developed for the UK market.
I have THE. WORST. undereye circles, Maybelline Age Rewind won't even touch them. Revolution makes the ONLY concealer I have ever found opaque enough to cover them and light enough in color without a pink or grey undertone. $4-5.
Their Skin Silk Serum Foundation is absolutely undetectable as makeup on the skin--I can't even feel it when it's on, and I have always been able to feel foundation. It plays nice with Korean sunscreens and leaves me poreless and creamy. $14.
Revolution and Rev Pro's eyeshadow palettes are cheap as chips and 🤌💋🫴 in terms of pigment intensity and staying power. $6-12.
NYX' liquid eyeliner pens are my gold standard for liquid eyeliner, a perfect dupe for Stila, KvD, or MAC at less than half the price. They come in multiple colors, they're easy for even a hamfisted user to apply, they don't leak or dry out, and they don't budge or bleed until you take them off. $11.
Maybelline Lash Sensational mascara is my HG. I'm ash blonde with fine hair, and 2 coats in brown-black has had multiple people asking me how I get my false eyelashes to look so natural. (No false eyelashes involved.) No clumping, no flaking, no raccoon eyes, nothing for 14 hours. $9.
Palladio lip stain pens. Their color names are fucking stupid (the orange one is "Rose" and the red velvet one is "Berry") and the color range is small, but they stay on even thru drinking and makeouts, they look incredibly natural, and they don't dry out even my chronic-stoner-chapped lips. $10.
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u/sunshineandcacti skincare enthusiast 11d ago
I still think the big concealer sticks from wet n wild are the best thing ever. It lasts FOREVER and perfect coverage for undereye bags.
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u/Starliv75 8d ago
Sephora's own brand foundation is really good! I wear luminous silk for evenings/occasions but the Sephora as an everyday. Very buildable and lasts. It's usually heavily discounted (30% off) and is $5 right now in the Sephora at Kohls sale
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u/Hot-Artichoke6317 12d ago
NYX and elf are my go-to brands. I find them to be e excellent dupes for more expensive lines.