A Professional Makeup Artist Says These Drugstore Makeup Products Outperform Their Expensive, Luxury Counterparts

As any beauty lover knows, putting together a full face of makeup can get really expensive. And while pros will tell you that certain products—like a perfectly matched foundation or a creamy lipstick you’ll wear every day—are worth splurging on, there are plenty of spots in your routine you can save on. These days, there are a slew of great products in every category available at the drugstore (yes, even foundation and concealer), and professional makeup artist Janelle Mariss revealed some of her favorites in a recent TikTok video.

“As a professional makeup artist, I’m going to share with you drugstore makeup that performs just as good if not better than high-end makeup,” says Mariss in the video. “These are the best of the best products.”

Not a single one of her picks will run you more than $25 (and many of them actually cost less than $10), which means you can easily put together an entire routine (and then some) for under $100. While some of them, like e.l.f.’s primers and L’Oréal’s foundations, are fan favorites, others, like the No. 7 Illuminating Powder and Kokie Cosmetics Blush, are under-the-radar dupes for far pricier products.

Mariss’ list includes options for all skin types and complexion concerns, so you can choose exactly what you need to create your own wallet-friendly face—whether that means going for a “no-makeup makeup” look or going full glam. Keep scrolling to shop for yourself.

Maybelline Total Temptation Brow Definer Pencil — $8.00

This is Mariss’ favorite brow pencil at the moment. It features a teardrop-shaped tip to fill and define your brows and a spoolie brush to help you fluff them out, delivering a softly defined, natural-looking brow.

e.l.f Power Grip Primer — $10.00

“The e.l.f Power Grip Primer is the best primer at the drugstore right now,” says Mariss. It has a gel texture that grips onto makeup, holding it in place all day long. Plus, it contains hyaluronic acid to moisturize and plump the skin.

e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer — $9.00

“If you have a lot of texture and you’re oily I recommend the e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer,” she says. It provides a smooth, velvety base and is made with squalene for optimal hydration.

Versed Mood Lighting Glow Drops — $18.00

“A good alternative to the Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter is the Versed Mood Lighting Glow Drops,” says Mariss. “You can use it on its own, or I like to mix it with my SPF. It gives a nice all-over glow.”

L'Oréal True Match Nude Tinted Serum — $20.00

“My favorite base product is the L’Oréal True Match Nude Tinted Serum,” says Mariss. “I love this better than any high-end foundation that I own at the moment.” It features hyaluronic acid and luminous mineral pigments to instantly make your skin appear plump and glowy.

e.l.f. Camo CC Cream — $13.00

“If you need something with a little bit more coverage I highly recommend the e.l.f. Camo CC cream,” she says. It provides medium-to-full coverage with a natural finish. Plus, it’s formulated with SPF 30 to help protect against sun damage.

NYX Bare With Me Concealer — $11.00

“The NYX Bare With Me Concealer is my favorite concealer at the drugstore,” she says. “It goes so smooth under the eye, doesn’t crease, and it has a nice natural finish.”

Revlon Colorstay Skin Awaken 5-in-1 Concealer — $12.00

Mariss likes to use this concealer from Revlon in a color that’s a few shades deeper than her skin tone to contour her face. “It melts into the skin and doesn’t look heavy,” she says.

e.l.f. Putty Blush — $7.00

“I absolutely love the e.l.f. Putty Blush is in the shade Bora Bora,” which is a hot pink, says Mariss. It’s also available in other fun summery shades like coral.”

ColourPop Super Shock Highlighter — $8.00

“ColourPop Super Shock cheek in wisp is my favorite champagne highlight,” says Mariss. “It has a nice cream-to-powder finish.”

L'Oreal Hydra Perfecte — $9.00

“L’Oréal Hydra Perfecte powder is almost as good as my Hourglass loose powder,” says Mariss. The biggest difference? It’s one-fifth of the price.

Maybelline Master Fix — $4.00

“Before I start my under eyes I like to spray with my favorite setting spray Maybelline Master Fix,” she says. “It’s literally favorite even compared to high-end ones.”

No7 Lift & Illuminate Powder — $13.00

“The No7 Lift & Illuminate Powder in a darker shade makes the perfect bronzer,” she says. “It smooths out the skin and doesn’t go on patchy. I’ve heard some people say this is a dupe for the Charlotte Tilbury bronzer.”

Kokie Professional Soft Gradient Blush — $8.00

“Kokie cosmetics blush in the shade heartthrob is my favorite blush of all time,” she says. “It’s so smoothing and pigmented and stays put all-day.”