You might think coming up with a list of the best makeup under $5 is a difficult task, but that is simply untrue. To create this list I went on Ulta’s website and filtered the makeup by 5 dollars or less. From there, I picked only the items that I actually own and have tried. You will see a lot of wet n wild and elf Cosmetics, as they dominate the low price scene.
I need to give a note or disclaimer on prices when using Ulta’s price filtering to find drugstore beauty products under $5. Their filter does include items at $5.49, which I went with to not split hairs on the change. However, I noticed several items fluctuate in price, and they go over $6. Sometimes it depends on the retailer that you go with when it comes to drugstore makeup. Plus, there are frequent sales such as buy one get one 50% off and such.
Face Makeup Under $5
wet n wild megaglo Highlighting Powder, $5.47
When this line first hit the market it broke the internet, and for good reason! This formula is buildable, all the way up to being a blinding highlight that is just as good, if not better, than high-end. They come in a variety of hues for all skin tones. You can never go wrong with these!
wet n wild photofocus Loose Setting Powder, $4.99
It does an excellent job of setting your entire face for all-day wear, and it also bakes perfectly good. I use this in a lot as a reliable powder, plus you get so much product and bang for your buck. It is finely milled for a soft-focus effect. Try it with your favorite powder puff!
wet n wild photofocus Liquid Foundation, $5.49
It comes in both matte and dewy, but pictured here is matte. The key is to apply this foundation in sections, because it dries quickly. You also have to learn the right amount to apply so that it does not look heavy. After those hurdles, it looks great on the skin and it lasts well. So much so that I can trust it for special occasions.
elf Bite Size Face Duos, $4
Both the blush (or bronzers) are completely buildable so that you control the intensity. All of the powders are velvety soft and ultra blendable. The shades compliment each other well. Depending on your skin tone, some duos will work well for you, while others might be too light or too dark. I recommend finding the ones that work well for you with my swatches.
wet n wild megaglo Contouring Palette, $4.47
I remember when Caramel Toffee was popular because people were panning the matte highlight shade due to it being light yellow and ultimately dubbed a “banana powder.” However, both sides of the palettes are good. You can stand to apply this with more of a lighter hand, but you can achieve the perfect contour easily.
wet n wild megalast Incognito All-Day Full Coverage Concealer, $4.47
This is the perfect everyday concealer. It has a natural finish with full coverage. The shade range is good enough that I can actually lighten the high points of my face. It looks good all day and seems to agree with all makeup.
wet n wild photofocus Concealer, $4.99
Honestly, I cannot find any difference from the Incognito version. Since this was released years earlier, it is still a staple in my collection that I know I can turn to and trust any time. It gets the job done, period.
Lip Products Under $5
Nyx Retractable Long-Lasting Mechanical Lip Liner, $5
These are perfect, standard lip liners. The formula is matte, yet it is smooth so that it does not drag or tug on the lips. You can wear them as liner or as lip color.
wet n wild megalast Liquid Catsuit Matte Lipstick, $4.99
I have been wearing these since their inception. I actually graduated college in the shade Rebel Rose, and my best friend got married in the same shade. These are full-coverage and they dry down to be fully matte in a matter minutes. With careful eating and drinking you will find little to no transfer, and the slightest of touch-ups is needed. These can feel a tad bit dry at times but it is nothing major.
wet n wild megalast Matte Lipstick, $3.99
This is your perfect choice for a basic matte lipstick from the drugstore. They are true matte and comfortable to wear, with full coverage in one swipe. Of course, they do not dry down, so a simple touch-up may be needed after eating and drinking.
Eye Makeup Under $5
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara, $4.99
It might just be the best, yet cheapest mascara that you can buy! This formula will provide length, volume, and separation for fabulous lashes, which are my preferred criteria.
elf Instant Lift Brow Pencil, $3
It is thin enough that you have control and can ‘stay in the lines’ for a lack of a better way to say it, yet thick enough to get the job done quickly. This product fills the brows well with a soft touch that lasts all day. The formula is soft and not waxy.
elf Wow Brow Gel, $5
This is a fiber-based brow mascara that will hold your brows in the desired shape all day. It features a tiny spoolie for ultimate control without any mess, and your brows will not be crunchy or hard.
elf Ultra Precise Brow Pencil, $5
This pencil, in contrast to Instant Lift, is best for hair-like strokes. It still features the smooth, not waxy, formula that looks soft in the brows and lasts all day.
Essence Make Me Brow Eyebrow Gel Mascara, $3.99
It most reminds me of Benefit’s Gimme Brow, especially with the super tiny spoolie. This formula will hold your brows in shape all day while adding tint, and with no crunch.
elf Bite Size Eyeshadow, $3
These tiny four-shade palettes pack a major punch that rivals high-end! The formula is buttery smooth and intensely pigmented. All of the shades blend well. The mattes are buttery smooth and never chalky or patchy, while the metallics and shimmers hold their own wet or dry.
elf Lock On Liner and Brow Cream, $5
I use this to fill my eyebrows on special occasions. It provide color, fill, and hold that lasts all day. Mine has been open for years and it never dries out, nor have I hit the bottom yet. It is like a thick brownie batter.
wet n wild ultimatebrow Retractable, $4.79
This is a triangular brow pencil that does a good job of following the natural shape of your eyebrows for a perfect, quick fill. The formula glides easily and is not waxy. It also lasts all day and features a spoolie end.
wet n wild megalast Eyeshadow Primer, $4.98
This primer will make your eyeshadow last all day without fading, creasing, movement, etc. It is pretty much a dupe for Urban Decay’s Original Primer Potion. This is a staple in my collection that I cannot live without, and it will last you such a long time!
wet n wild coloricon 5-pan Shadow, $3.28
They have gone through many facelifts over the years, but wet n wild’s iconic shadow formula is still intact. You will find these to be buttery soft, highly pigmented, and easy to blend. I know people that turn to these almost daily.
wet n wild Brow-Sessive Brow Shaping Gel, $3.28
This is yet another brow mascara that adds tint and all-day hold, with a tiny spoolie applicator. As you can see, drugstore brow gels are awesome, abundant, and ridiculously affordable.
wet n wild Breakup Proof Retractable Eyeliner, $3.99
They feature a matte finish with super strong pigmentation. I love that these liners easily glide over the skin without pulling or tugging. These will last all day, even on the waterline! wet n wild you NEED to make these in more colors!
Shop The Products
The products mentioned in this list are my favorites and have been for a long time because they outperform pricey makeup. Do not forget to leave your selections in the comments to help everyone out. Do you wear more affordable, expensive, or mixed priced points with your makeup? Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.
