When it comes to your full-face beauty routine, there is never a requirement to break the bank. Drugstore makeup has been killing it and rivaling high-end for a long time now. I like the expensive stuff just as much as the next person, but promoting affordable items is always my passion. 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. With that being said, this list is not complete! I cannot try or own everything, so I need your help in the comments to fill in. This post is pretty much wet n wild and elf Cosmetics, as they dominate the low price scene.
One note on price. Ulta’s 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.
Best Drugstore Beauty Products Under $5
Face Makeup Under 5 Dollars
wet n wild Prime Focus Impossible Primer
First in the best makeup under $5 is face products, and we have the wet n wild Prime Focus Impossible Primer. She has similar elements to Smashbox Photofinish, but is still unique. It has no oils or silicone, but it still applies like a silicone primer that smooths and hydrates the skin. It is a nice pair to the wet n wild family of foundations and concealers.
elf Flawless Finish Foundation
Second is the elf Flawless Finish Foundation. It has a beautiful satin finish that leans almost dewy, but it always looks fresh with a lightweight, buildable coverage. This foundation lasts all day and has been one of my favorites for a long time.
wet n wild megaglo Highlighting Powder
Third for the best drugstore makeup is the wet n wild megaglo Highlighting Powder line. When it 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
Fourth is the wet n wild photofocus Loose Setting Powder. It does an excellent job of setting your entire face for all-day wear, and it also bakes perfectly good. I use this in almost all of my wet n wild blog posts and it never fails me, plus you get so much product and bang for your buck.
wet n wild photofocus Liquid Foundation
Fifth for the best makeup under $5 face items is the wet n wild photofocus Liquid Foundation. 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
Next are the elf Bite Size Face Duos. 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
Here are the OG wet n wild megaglo Contouring Palettes. 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 photofocus Stick Foundation
Continuing on, this is the wet n wild photofocus Stick Foundation. Unlike other foundation sticks that I have tried, this formula easily blends into the skin and the coverage is buildable to full coverage. It is somewhat satin, but leans more to matte. This is a great choice for every day wear in terms of how long it will last, but I would not use it for a special occasion.
wet n wild megalast Incognito All-Day Full Coverage Concealer
Here is the wet n wild megalast Incognito All-Day Full Coverage Concealer. I have been reaching for it a lot in its release year of 2021 because it 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 Setting Spray
Next in the best makeup under $5 is the wet n wild photofocus Setting Spray. It features a natural finish that will not change the finish of your final makeup look. This will set your makeup as a fine option for daily use. I do not believe that it extends wear, which is a hard feat to find with setting sprays. The sprayer is fine enough that it is good and you will not get any complaints from me.
wet n wild photofocus Concealer
The last item in the face category is the wet n wild photofocus Concealer. 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 Soft Matte Lip Cream
The next category in the best beauty products under $5 is lips, starting with the Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream line. This may just be the most lightweight and mousy matte liquid lipstick that you will ever wear. It dries down in a matter of minutes, and it never dries your lips out or gets crusty. You can get a high-medium coverage with these, and they last pretty good through eating and drinking. The shade range is quite extensive, and I have many swatches for you to review.
Nyx Retractable Long-Lasting Mechanical Lip Liner
Second is the Nyx Retractable Long-Lasting Mechanical Lip Liner. 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
Third is the wet n wild megalast Liquid Catsuit Matte Lipstick line. 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
Ending the best makeup under $5 lip options are the wet n wild megalast Matte Lipsticks. 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
The last category in the makeup for $5 is eyes. First is the Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara. 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
Second for the best drugstore makeup under $5 for the eye area is the elf Instant Lift Brow Pencil. 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
Third is the elf Wow Brow Gel. 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
Fourth for makeup under 5 dollars online is the elf Ultra Precise Brow Pencil. 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
Fifth in this list of the best makeup under $5 for the eyes is the Essence Make Me Brow Eyebrow Gel Mascara. 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 Putty Eye Primer
Next are the elf Putty Eye Primers. They provide a matte base with a tint of color. These will prevent your eyeshadow from fading, creasing, moving, etc. all day long. I like to apply them with a brush, and I recommend setting them with some neutral powder to prevent the formula from creasing before you put your eyeshadow on. Once these are set with powder, they are locked down.
elf Bite Size Eyeshadow
Here are the elf Bite Size Eyeshadows. 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
Continuing on is one of my all-time-favorites, the elf Lock On Liner and Brow Cream. 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
Next is the wet n wild ultimatebrow Retractible. 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 photofocus Eyeshadow Primer
Here is the wet n wild photofocus Eyeshadow Primer. 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
Here are the wet n wild coloricon 5-pan Shadows. 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
Pressing on, I have the wet n wild Brow-Sessive Brow Shaping Gel. 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 Retractable Eyeliner
Here are the wet n wild Retractable Eyeliners. 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!
wet n wild ultimatebrow Pomade
The last item in this list of the best makeup under $5 is the wet n wild ultimatebrow Pomade. It features a tiny brush in the handle that can be used to get hairlike strokes, but you can use your own applicator. This pomade is creamy and smooth, and never waxy. It will last all day with a soft-focus fill.
Shop the Best Beauty Products Under $5
Conclusion
In summary of the best makeup under $5, quality and superior looks do not have to be sacrificed to save money. The products mentioned in this list are my favorites and have been for a long time because they outperform pricey makeup. I have blog posts covering every product discussed here, so you can use the search bar if you want more details on anything. Plus, do not forget to leave your selections in the comments to help everyone out. Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.
Do you wear more affordable, expensive, or mixed priced points with your makeup?
