7 Affordable Makeup Brands Loved by the Pros

How often did you come across luxe makeup products like Tom Ford Foundation and the infamous Dior Lip Oil on TikTok? Many times, right? 

TikTok has become the go-to place for finding makeup products that everyone loves. But most of the time, the products that are a hit on TikTok cost an arm and a leg. What if we told you that you could get your hands on similar products without breaking the bank? Yes, you heard it right. 

Many brands sell high-quality makeup products at relatively affordable price points. Just because something is inexpensive doesn’t mean it isn’t of good quality. In fact, cheap makeup brands often outdo luxe brands in terms of quality. 

If, like us, you too love a good bargain, this guide is for you. Continue reading to learn about seven cheap but good makeup brands! 

Also Read: Sephora vs. Ulta – Who Wins the Makeup Wars?

1. e.l.f. Cosmetics

Want to stock up on lots of makeup products without spending too much money? Then e.l.f. is worth checking out. From moisturizers, primers, foundations, bronzers, lip stains, or makeup brushes– you name it, and e.l.f. has it. 

Launched in 2004, this drugstore became the talk of the town for its wallet-friendly prices. But what secured its footing on the market is the quality of its products. Despite selling makeup products for as low as $3, e.l.f. products are in no way inferior to high-end products in terms of quality. 

Everyone seems to be a big fan of the Halo Glow Blush Beauty Wand, which gives cheeks a radiant flush. Available in six shades, e.l.f. sells it at $9. 

The e.l.f. Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide is another product from the brand worth trying because it brightens and evens out skin tone while gripping the makeup. No wonder it is among the best-selling products from the brand. 

Also Read: 10 Most Iconic Twiggy Makeup Looks And Where To Buy Them

2. ColourPop Cosmetics

Would you prefer spending $152 on an eyeshadow palette from a luxury cosmetic brand or buying multiple of them from cheap but good makeup brands? If you’re anything like us, you’d prefer the latter. 

When it comes to eye and lip products, nothing beats ColourPop Cosmetics, both in terms of quality and affordability. You can get your hands on a highly pigmented nine-pan eyeshadow palette by spending only $14. ColourPop Cosmetics is among those few cheap makeup brands where you can buy a lip stain for $9. 

Its blowin’ smoke shadow palette is quite a hit among smokey eye lovers because it offers six blendable matte eyeshadows and three glitzy metallics. The love bite lip stain from the brand is another popular option among makeup junkies. This hydrating, water-based formula is a hybrid lip formula that combines the shine of a gloss and the lasting power of a lip stain. 

3. NYX Professional Makeup

Beauty bloggers love it, and professional makeup artists swear by it– yes, we are talking about NYX Professional Makeup. 

Be it eye, lip, or face products, there are limitless options across all categories. On top of that, NYX sells them in plentiful colors. This, along with its super-affordable price tag, makes NYX the go-to brand for makeup junkies who like experimenting with different makeup looks. 

Sold at $10, its Makeup Setting Spray is every makeup lover’s favorite because it locks in makeup and keeps the face fresh all day. Its “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop” foundation is also a go-to pick for many, and for a good reason. The brand offers it in over 40 shades, and that, too, at only $15. 

Also Read: The Most Iconic 70s Makeup Looks And Where To Buy Them

4. Maybelline New York

For decades, Maybelline has been an absolute favorite of many makeup lovers. Even today, their formulas continue to impress makeup artists—so we had to include it on our list. 

As it’s home to more than 200 products, you’ll surely find all the makeup products you’ve been looking for. Eyeshadows? Check. Foundation, concealers, or powder? Check. Blush or bronzer? Check. 

Maybelline’s Lash Sensational Sky High mascara is one product that almost every mascara lover has tried. This long-lasting mascara gives limitless volume and full length only at $12.99. 

Many makeup lovers are obsessed with the Maybelline Dream BB Fresh Cream. Sold at $9.99, this BB cream protects the skin from the sun’s rays while providing a natural finish. 

5. L’Oréal Paris

L’Oréal Paris products are no stranger to anybody who loves makeup. All of their products are both reasonable and superior quality. In fact, many of their foundations, mascaras, and concealers are actually in the same price range as NYX and Maybelline. 

Their True Match Healthy Luminous Makeup is the most-loved product because of the natural-looking true-to-skin coverage it offers. Available in 15 shades, the brand sells it for only $13.99. 

The L’Oreal Voluminous Original Washable Bold Eye Mascara, which costs only $9.99, is a staple for many professional makeup artists. This volume-building mascara creates up to five times fuller and thicker lashes without clumping. 

Also Read: 12 Sephora Hacks to Save Money on Your Next Makeup Haul

6. BKL/OPL

It’s rare to see brown and black-friendly palettes in most makeup brands. So, when we came across BKL/OPL, we had to include it on our list. 

BKL/OPL makeup products are high-performance yet super affordable. Its number one bestseller, the BLK/OPL TRUE COLOR® Skin Perfecting Stick Foundation SPF 15, is hands down one of the best foundations for women of color. It masks under-eye circles and blemishes and stays put all day long. 

The COLORSPLURGE™ High Shine Lip Gloss is another of its products worth trying. Priced at $10.95, this lip gloss is highly pigmented and lightweight, which makes it perfect for people of color. 

Also Read: Here’s Everything You Need To Know About Sephora’s Return Policy

7. Essence Cosmetics

Looking for a brand that offers products under $5? Then Essence Cosmetics is the best place to shop. The brand retails its mascaras and makeup essentials at $3.99 and $4.99, which in our opinion is ah-mazing!

Its Lash Princess Volume Mascara is, in fact, a dupe of the not-so-wallet-friendly Benefit Roller Lash Mascara. Just like the latter, the Essence mascara coats individual lashes and gives eyelashes a major oomph. So, why spend $28 when you can get the same effect at only $4.99?

The Essence pure nude highlighter is a holy grail for makeup lovers because it adds a subtle shimmer to the face and works on all skin tones. 

Score a Good Deal on Your Favorite Makeup Brands With Carrot

Source: Using Carrot’s Deal Hop Feature

Alright, folks! That was about the seven affordable makeup brands loved by the pros. 

Now that you know the brand selling affordable makeup products, you need a tool that can help you find great deals always. And that tool is—drum roll, please—Carrot! 

This online extension is our fav because it packs a powerful punch. With Carrot, you can:

• Discover unique products from tons of brands
• Organize them into neat collections
• Share them with friends, fam, and your followers
• Create wishlists, mood boards, and gift registry
• Get notified about price drops

Recently, Carrot has introduced the ah-mazing “Deal Hop” feature that lets users browse budget-friendly dupes of high-end products. Why waste your time finding affordable dupes by sifting through tons of blogs when Carrot will do it in just a click? 

All you have to do is click on the “see deals” button when viewing a makeup product, and ta-da! You’ll have hundreds of options displayed on the screen right away. Not only that, but it will also let you know which retailers are offering your fav makeup products at lower cost. Doesn’t that sound like a smart way to shop for makeup?