I've been a makeup artist for over 9 years. Here are 9 drugstore products that perform better than high-end items.

I think the ELF Power Grip formula is one of the best primers on the market, and it's only $10.

It creates a tacky base for makeup to grip onto so everything stays in place all day. In my experience, it works perfectly on all skin types and textures.

The L'Oreal True Match formula has a similar texture and finish to some of my most expensive foundations.

Its silky, satin finish sits beautifully on the skin and has medium buildable coverage. It's also the type of base product that could work well for many different skin types across all ages.

This tinted serum is about $15 at most drugstores near me.

The ELF Hydrating Camo concealer is a stunning full-coverage product to create a hydrated, plump-looking finish under the eye.

The $7 concealer looks flawless without appearing dry or cakey, making it perfect for concealing dark under-eyes and spot-correcting blemishes on the face.

The $13 No7 Perfect Light pressed powder is one the best ones you'll find for under $20.

It's a fine powder, so it sets the makeup without looking like an extra layer of product caking up the skin.

It's great for all skin types, blurs pores, and ensures makeup lasts all day.

If you're looking for an amazing bronzer on a budget, look no further than this $17 Physicians Formula product.

The Butter bronzers practically melt into the skin, and they're buildable without leaving the skin looking patchy or muddy.

I believe the Physicians Formula ultra-fine liquid eyeliner is the best liquid liner pen on the market.

I've tried my fair share of expensive eyeliners, and nothing compares to this one. It's ultra-pigmented, inky, and stays on all day.

The $12.50 eyeliner also doesn't dry out as fast as most liquid eye pens I've tried.

The Milani Anti-Gravity mascara is perfect for achieving long, full-looking lashes with no clumping.

It holds the curl of the lash all day and doesn't flake.

This mascara is only $12 at drugstores near me.

The $10 setting spray from Maybelline will hold the makeup in place all day.

There have been plenty of times when my clients have told me they've accidentally fallen asleep in their makeup and woke up with it perfectly intact, thanks to this product.

The $11 Maybelline Lifter glosses are extremely comparable to my $30 ones.

They leave the lips super juicy and glossy without being too sticky.

The available color selection is stunning. Each is opaque enough to wear on its own but also looks beautiful layered over lipstick.

This story was originally published on September 20, 2022, and most recently updated on January 27, 2025.