20 Affordable Drugstore Makeup Alternatives to High-End Beauty Products
Love luxury makeup but not the luxury price tag? Discover 20 budget-friendly beauty products inspired by popular high-end foundations, lipsticks, mascaras, eyeshadow palettes, and more!
If there’s one thing I love more than discovering an amazing beauty product, it’s finding a budget-friendly alternative that creates a similar look without the luxury price tag. Because let’s be real, girl, building your dream makeup collection can get EXPENSIVE! Between foundations, lipsticks, eyeshadow palettes, and setting powders, those little beauty purchases add up FAST. Luckily, you don’t need to spend a fortune to create gorgeous everyday makeup looks. I’ve rounded up 20 affordable drugstore makeup alternatives to popular high-end beauty products, including some of my favourite beauty comparisons for anyone who loves looking fabulous on a budget. Whether you’re refreshing your makeup bag, experimenting with new colours, or simply trying to save a little money, these affordable beauty finds are worth exploring!
Note: Prices listed are from the original roundup and may have changed. Some products or shades may also be discontinued, and similar shades or product types don’t necessarily mean identical formulas or results.
1. Urban Decay Naked Palette vs. Rimmel Magnif’Eyes Palette
High-end: Urban Decay Naked Palette — Originally $54
Affordable alternative: Rimmel Magnif’Eyes Palette — Originally $8
If you love classic neutral eyeshadow looks, the Urban Decay Naked Palette is probably already on your beauty radar. The Rimmel Magnif’Eyes Palette offers a more affordable way to experiment with a similar neutral-inspired makeup aesthetic. From everyday makeup to dramatic smoky eyes, a versatile eyeshadow palette is always a beauty bag essential.
2. MAC Velvet Teddy Lipstick vs. Wet n Wild Bare It All
High-end: MAC Lipstick in Velvet Teddy — Originally $17
Affordable alternative: Wet n Wild Lipstick in Bare It All — Originally $2
Can we talk about how much we LOVE a good nude lipstick?! MAC Velvet Teddy has long been a favourite for creating a classic, wearable nude lip. Wet n Wild Bare It All offers a budget-friendly option in a similar nude-inspired colour family. If you’re building an everyday makeup collection, a flattering nude lipstick is one of those beauty essentials you’ll reach for constantly.
3. Champagne Pop Highlighter vs. E.L.F. Blush Gems
High-end: Champagne Pop Highlighter — Originally $38
Affordable alternative: E.L.F. Highlighter in Blush Gems — Originally $4
If you love glowing skin, a beautiful highlighter is an absolute must! Champagne Pop became a beauty favourite for its warm, luminous glow, while E.L.F. Blush Gems offered an affordable way to experiment with a similarly radiant makeup look. Apply a little highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones for an easy glow that works beautifully with both everyday and evening makeup.
4. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara vs. L’Oréal Lash Paradise Mascara
High-end: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara — Originally $23
Affordable alternative: L’Oréal Lash Paradise Mascara — Originally $10
Let’s be real: finding a good mascara is practically a beauty girl rite of passage. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara is known for creating dramatic-looking lashes, while L’Oréal Lash Paradise is a popular drugstore option for anyone who loves a full, voluminous lash look. Both are worth exploring if you want bold lashes without relying on falsies every day.
5. Laura Mercier Setting Powder vs. NYX Set It & Don’t Fret It Powder
High-end: Laura Mercier Setting Powder — Originally $38
Affordable alternative: NYX Set It & Don’t Fret It Setting Powder — Originally $10
A good setting powder can make a noticeable difference in how your makeup looks throughout the day. Laura Mercier’s setting powder is a longtime luxury beauty favourite, while NYX Set It & Don’t Fret It offers a more affordable option for setting makeup and reducing unwanted shine. If you have oily or combination skin, try applying a small amount to your T-zone for a more polished finish.
6. Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit vs. NYX Highlight & Contour Pro Palette
High-end: Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit — Originally $40
Affordable alternative: NYX Highlight & Contour Pro Palette — Originally $25
If you’re interested in contouring, a palette with multiple shades can be a great addition to your makeup collection. The Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit became popular for its sculpting and highlighting powders, while the NYX Highlight & Contour Pro Palette offers a more affordable option with a similar multipurpose concept. I love products that let you experiment with different makeup looks without needing to purchase a dozen individual powders.
7. Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation vs. Revlon ColorStay Foundation
High-end: Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation — Originally $42
Affordable alternative: Revlon ColorStay Foundation — Originally $13
If you love long-wearing foundation, this comparison is definitely worth checking out. Estée Lauder Double Wear is known for its lasting coverage, while Revlon ColorStay is a popular drugstore foundation option for anyone who wants makeup that stays looking fresh throughout the day. While the formulas aren’t identical, both product lines appeal to beauty lovers who want reliable coverage for busy days and special occasions.
8. NARS Orgasm Blush & Laguna Bronzer Duo vs. E.L.F. Blush & Bronzer
High-end: NARS Orgasm Blush & Laguna Bronzer Duo — Originally $24
Affordable alternative: E.L.F. Blush & Bronzer — Originally $6
If you love multitasking makeup products, a blush-and-bronzer compact is SUCH a convenient addition to your beauty bag. The NARS duo combines two popular complexion shades, while E.L.F. offers a more affordable blush-and-bronzer option for creating a similar rosy, sun-kissed makeup aesthetic. These compact products are especially convenient for travelling or quick makeup touch-ups.
9. YSL Glossy Stain in Fuchsia Filtre vs. L’Oréal Pink Tremolo
High-end: YSL Glossy Stain in Fuchsia Filtre — Originally $36
Affordable alternative: L’Oréal Lipstick in Pink Tremolo — Originally $5
Sometimes all you need is a bold pink lip to make your entire makeup look feel a little more fun. YSL’s Fuchsia Filtre is a beautiful source of inspiration for vibrant lip colour, while L’Oréal Pink Tremolo offers a more affordable way to experiment with a similar bright pink aesthetic. Pair it with glowing skin, simple eye makeup, and your favourite mascara for an effortlessly pretty look.
10. Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette vs. CoverGirl Roses TruNaked Palette
High-end: Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette — Originally $54
Affordable alternative: CoverGirl Roses TruNaked Eyeshadow Palette — Originally $13
Rose-toned eyeshadows are SO pretty, especially if you love feminine, romantic makeup looks. The Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette became a beauty favourite for its gorgeous pink and mauve shades, while the CoverGirl Roses TruNaked Palette offers an affordable option for creating similar rosy-neutral looks. I love these colours for brunch dates, weddings, and everyday makeup when you want something soft and pretty.
11. Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade vs. NYX Tame & Frame Brow Pomade
High-end: Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade — Originally $18
Affordable alternative: NYX Tame & Frame Tinted Brow Pomade — Originally $7
Brows can completely change the appearance of your makeup, and finding the right brow product is SUCH a game changer. Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade became popular for creating defined, filled-in brows, while NYX Tame & Frame offers a more affordable pomade-style option. If you love a sculpted brow look, a tinted pomade can help fill in sparse areas and define your natural shape.
12. Lancôme Mascara Primer vs. L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Primer
High-end: Lancôme Mascara Primer — Originally $25.50
Affordable alternative: L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Primer — Originally $9
If you’ve never tried a mascara primer, consider this your sign to experiment! Lash primers are designed to be applied before mascara and can help create the appearance of fuller, more defined lashes. Lancôme offers a luxury option, while L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Primer provides a more affordable way to add an extra step to your lash routine.
13. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette vs. E.L.F. Illuminating Palette
High-end: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette — Originally $62
Affordable alternative: E.L.F. Illuminating Palette — Originally $6
There’s something SO pretty about makeup that gives your skin a soft, luminous finish. The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette is known for its complexion-enhancing powders, while the E.L.F. Illuminating Palette offers a budget-friendly option for experimenting with different highlighting effects. If you love a natural glow, start with a light application and build until you achieve your preferred finish.
14. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer vs. Maybelline Fit Me Concealer
High-end: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer — Originally $30
Affordable alternative: Maybelline Fit Me Concealer — Originally $7
Concealer is one of those makeup products I absolutely cannot live without. Whether you’re brightening your under-eye area, covering a blemish, or evening out redness, finding the right formula can make a huge difference. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer is a popular luxury favourite, while Maybelline Fit Me offers a more affordable option for everyday coverage.
15. LORAC PRO Palette vs. Makeup Revolution Iconic Pro 1 Palette
High-end: LORAC PRO Palette — Originally $44
Affordable alternative: Makeup Revolution Iconic Pro 1 Eyeshadow Palette — Originally $12
If you love having plenty of eyeshadow options, a versatile palette is a must-have. The LORAC PRO Palette became popular for its mix of everyday neutrals and dramatic shades, while Makeup Revolution’s Iconic Pro 1 offers a budget-friendly way to experiment with similar eye makeup styles. I especially love palettes that include both matte and shimmery finishes because they make creating different looks SO much easier.
16. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation vs. L’Oréal True Match Foundation
High-end: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation — Originally $64
Affordable alternative: L’Oréal True Match Foundation — Originally $9.74
If you love a natural-looking complexion, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is a popular luxury option known for its beautiful finish. L’Oréal True Match offers a more affordable foundation choice for anyone who wants to even out their skin tone without spending a fortune. I especially love foundations that enhance your natural skin rather than completely covering it.
17. Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer vs. NYX Matte Bronzer
High-end: Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer — Originally $29
Affordable alternative: NYX Matte Bronzer — Originally $9
A good matte bronzer is one of my favourite ways to add warmth and dimension to my makeup. Benefit Hoola is a longtime beauty favourite, while NYX Matte Bronzer offers a more affordable option for creating a softly bronzed complexion. I love lightly applying bronzer around my forehead and cheekbones for a natural-looking, sun-kissed finish.
18. MAC Spice Lip Pencil vs. NYX Ever Lip Pencil
High-end: MAC Lip Pencil in Spice — Originally $17.50
Affordable alternative: NYX Lip Pencil in Ever — Originally $4
A good lip liner can completely transform your makeup routine. MAC Spice has long been a popular shade for creating defined, natural-looking lips, while NYX Ever offers a more affordable option in a similar warm, rosy-brown colour family. I love pairing lip liner with nude lipstick or gloss for an easy, polished finish.
19. Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette vs. CoverGirl Nudes TruNaked Palette
High-end: Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette — Originally $54
Affordable alternative: CoverGirl Nudes TruNaked Eyeshadow Palette — Originally $13
If cool-toned neutral eyeshadow is your thing, this beauty comparison is for you! Urban Decay Naked 2 was loved for its taupe, brown, and smoky shades, while CoverGirl’s Nudes TruNaked Palette offers a more affordable selection of neutral colours. Whether you’re getting ready for work or creating a glam evening look, a good neutral palette is one of those makeup products you’ll use again and again.
20. Chanel Mademoiselle Lipstick vs. NYX B52 Lipstick
High-end: Chanel Lipstick in Mademoiselle — Originally $37
Affordable alternative: NYX Lipstick in B52 — Originally $4
There’s something about a classic rose-nude lipstick that makes any makeup look feel instantly more sophisticated. Chanel Mademoiselle is a beautiful example of an elegant everyday lip colour, while NYX B52 offers an affordable option for experimenting with a similar rosy-neutral look. This type of lipstick is perfect for everything from casual coffee dates to dressier evening plans.
