As much as we love makeup, it can be overwhelming! Like… which trends are we following? Which products are in and which products are out? What looks are getting the most buzz? But, here’s the important question: which products are the most affordable and achieve the same look as high-end makeup?
We’re all about getting the same results without the high-end price tag and drugstore makeup shows that you don’t need to splurge.
We know what you’re thinking: “Not all drugstore makeup is created equal,” and we get that! We’ve all been burned by a product that looks nothing like it was advertised to be. But drugstore makeup has realllyyy stepped its game up in recent years, and we’re not just talkin’ quality.
Plenty of drugstore beauty products are made right here in the USA and they just hit different. But how, you might ask? These products aren’t just affordable, they’re formulated with much higher standards than you may have anticipated.
Whether you’re going for full glam or a light natural touch-up, we’re super excited to share a round-up of the best USA-made drugstore makeup brands that prove you don’t need to spend a fortune for good quality. Ready to find your new affordable faves??? Let’s dive in!
Beauty on a Budget: 15 Drugstore Makeup Made in USA
Before we jump in, we need to go over what drugstore makeup really means. This can help you better appreciate your options, and understand exactly what we mean when we say high-end products versus drugstore products.
Drugstore Makeup 101: What Does Drugstore Makeup Mean?
If you’ve ever been iffy about swapping out your pricier makeup products for drugstore brands, wondered why it’s called “drugstore makeup,” or wanted to know how it stacks up against high-end cosmetics, here’s the tea. Welcome to drugstore makeup 101, baddies! Class is in session.
Drugstore makeup refers to products that you can find at places that also carry over-the-counter meds hence the term “drugstore”. Places like Target, Walgreens, CVS, Walmart you get the gist. Historically, pharmacies are where you could get affordable beauty products right alongside your toothpaste and your Tylenol. Now… How are they different?
Think about the 3 Ps: price, packaging, and presence. Drugstore makeup is cheaper, it has simpler packaging, and it’s readily available at most stores no Sephora trip needed.
Are you ready for the REAL tea??? Drugstore makeup brands tend to use the same manufacturers and formulas as high-end products. Sooo when it comes to high-end brands, what are we paying for, then? Revisit your 3 Ps.
High-end brands typically offer more luxurious packaging, they’re available in fewer stores (presence is harder to come by), and they pay attention to niche needs, like super extensive shade ranges or ultra-luxe textures all of which contribute to higher prices.
Now for our last important question: is drugstore makeup as safe to use?
Is Drugstore Makeup Safe?
Drugstore makeup is absolutely safe to use. Beauty brands offered at drugstores are subjected to the same safety regulations as high-end products so safety is never what you’re paying for, here.
When comparing drugstore makeup to other options, drugstore brands still have regulated ingredients, still follow mass production standards, and are typically dermatologist tested (particularly if it’s marketed for sensitive skin).
Drugstore products are ever-changing just as high-end products are! In comparison to years before, clean ingredients and sustainable practices are top priority. Bottom line? Get that $12 foundation, sis!
What Are Drugstore Makeup Brands That Are Made in USA?
Milani Bright Side Illuminating Primer
You know those videos that ask people what that one makeup product they couldn’t live without is? Our answer is def primer. It’s the base to a flawless makeup routine!
We LOVE Milani, and not just because they have an entire section dedicated to their USA-made makeup. This vegan illuminating primer is the BOMBBB.
With ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin B5, squalane, and jojoba oil, you aren’t just prepping your skin for makeup you’re treating your skin to a spa sesh with its super hydrating and nourishing formula! Yes, plz!
L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion
Don’t let the name fool you, L’Oreal actually manufactures about ⅔ of their products in the USA! And, if you want a little added glow to your makeup routine, L’Oreal Paris’s glotion is the missing ingredient.
The hydrating formula is infused with glycerin and shea butter for a natural, all-day glow. Not only can you use this under your foundation, it works for any target area on your body! Want glowy collarbones for a chic night out? NBD, you now have a product for it.
It’s also non-comedogenic, uses clean ingredients, and is suitable for all skin types including acne-prone skin. ILY L’Oreal!
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation
Maybelline’s “Fit Me Foundation” has taken the world by STORM. This is a drugstore holy grail for the girls with oily or combo skin that are looking for a medium coverage foundation.
This foundation refines pores for a flawless matte finish, it’s formulated for all-day wear, and it comes in 40 different shades LOVEEE. It’s one of the most highly-praised USA-made foundations for a reason, gf.
Revlon ColorStay Full Cover Longwear Matte Foundation
If you’re more of a full coverage baddie, this matte foundation from Revlon will WOW you. It’s lightweight texture gives you a smooth matte finish that claims to be transfer-proof for a solid 24-hour wear. It’s a foundation that lasts literally all day.
They’ve reformulated this product from previous releases to realllyyyy bump up the coverage. If you plan on doing a full face before going out into the heat and humidity, this drugstore foundation is the one you’ll wanna use.
L’Oreal Paris True Match Super Blendable Foundation
Have you ever put on your foundation just to later look in the mirror and see the harshest foundation line you’ve ever seen? We’re rolling our eyes in solidarity with you, girl.
Gone are the days where you can see where your foundation begins and ends, all thanks to this true match vegan foundation. Not only is it seamlessly blendable, it’s free of alcohols, oils, and fragrances to give you a moisturizing, medium coverage finish.
It’s time to find your true shade match, baddies!
Milani Longwear Concealer
With concealer, we want something pigmented enough to cover dark spots and blemishes, and creamy enough to blend seamlessly with our skin. Milani’s American-made drugstore concealer is what we’ve been missing our entire lives.
This lightweight and water-resistant concealer is perfect for a crease-free 12-hour wear. The antioxidant-filled formula also helps your skin avoid all those nasty environmental toxins while moisturizing and hydrating. Does it get any better than that?!?
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Pressed Face Powder
Throughout your day, it’s inevitable that your makeup becomes greasy and oily but that’s what pressed powder is for!
Maybelline’s Fit Me + Poreless Pressed Powder is the perfect pick-me-up for your makeup. In just a few seconds after use, your skin goes from “oily and sheen” to “matte and poreless”. This allergy-tested, non-comedogenic powder is exactly what you need for some serious shine control.
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick
We’re lovingggg this Super Lustrous lipstick from Revlon and that’s not just because Madelyn Cline is the face of the product RN.
This lipstick has a mass following for a reason. Its hyperpigmented conditioning ingredients glides on smoothie to reduce fine lines and dryness for the perfect lip.
With a HUUUGE range of shades, we’re tempted to buy one in every color.
Maybelline SuperStay Vinyl Ink No-Budge Lipcolor
If you’re looking for an affordable USA-made liquid lip color, look no further. Maybelline’s glossy vinyl Ink lipstick is a high-quality, long-lasting lip color that’s locked in for up to a 16-hour wear. From morning coffee to late nights out, your smudge-free and transfer-free liquid lip is ready to slay.
You currently have 20 durable and high-impact shades to choose from, with new colors constantly being added. All that for less than $15?!? We won’t have any buyer’s remorse here.
Maybelline SuperStay 2-Step Liquid Lipstick
If you thought the Vinyl Ink lipcolor was good with its 16-hour wear, wait until you use this 2-step liquid lipstick that can last up to 24 hours yuuup, you read that right.
This isn’t any ordinary liquid lip. The top of the tube is dedicated to your lip color, and the bottom of the tube has a moisturizing balm to lock in the color and the moisture. It’s a fantastic 2-in-1 multi-tasking powerhouse. This is why we LOVE American-made drugstore brands, ladies.
Milani Highly Rated Diamond Lip Gloss
Every lipstick could use a high-quality gloss to finish it off! Consider Milani’s Diamond Gloss as your lipstick’s partner in crime.
The Diamond Gloss uses hyaluronic acid and oils for an ultra-clear formula that’s non-sticky, but produces a high-shine. It also has the added bonus of providing an optical volumizing effect, so you even get a plumper, sexier pout with each application!
Milani Conceal + Perfect Face Lift Liquid Highlighter
Highlighter is a MUST for impactful contouring. If you’re picky about your highlighter . . . let us tell you there’s no room for disappointment with this highlighter from Milani. It’s PERFECTION..
It’s a buildable product that lets you shine however much (or little) you want. No matter your desired luminosity, this is a formula that adds the perfect “candlelit glow” to every area you apply it to.
Pacifica Fluffy Blush
Blush has been essential to makeup routines for literally centuries, so who are we to pass it up? This Pacifica Fluffy Blush is the perfect American-made product to add some life back into your look.
The air-whipped formula is perfect for creating a buildable application, letting you go as light or heavy-handed as you wish. And because it’s a liquid formula rather than a powder, it’s a great way to implement vegan collagen into your routine for added hydration too!
Skip those blushes that are formulated with talc, parabens, and phthalates you’re doing your skin a favor with this product.
Maybelline Sky High Mascara
This USA-made Maybelline mascara didn’t come to ‘eff around. With just a few swipes, you get a mascara that volumizes, extends, and lifts from every angle. Oh, and it’s waterproof AF, so no more flakey or smudged lashes messing up your makeup throughout the day.
This bamboo-extract infused mascara is allergy and ophthalmologist tested, so contact wearers and those with sensitive eyes can benefit from this mascara, too.
Milani Stay Put Brow Color
Whether you’re adding a subtle touch of color or sculpting your brows to perfection, Milani’s Stay Put formula ensures flawless brows for up to 16 hours.
The dual-ended applicator included with every purchase lets you apply the pomade with precision, and brush your brows out for your ideal look when you’re done.
THX Milani for an unbeatable, American-made brow product we’re obsessed with it.
Which American-made drugstore makeup are you adding into your routine?
At the end of the day, makeup IS skin care! Choosing the right products is important. But, that doesn’t mean that the “right” products are always high-end and expensive. From lip balms to mascaras, drugstore makeup brands are here to show you that for a third of the cost, you can get just as chic and glamorous results.
For alllll kinds of inspo, from American-made gifts, to outfit ideas, to lifestyle tips and beyond, check out our blog! And before you go shopping for just any regular-shmegular products, check out our shop to find (better) American-made alternatives!
