Affordable Drugstore Makeup Brands That Actually Deliver

L’Oréal

Price range: €€€ (for drugstore)
Feels like: high-end makeup without the high-end price

L’Oréal is one of those brands that truly blurs the line between drugstore and luxury. The formulas feel polished, the packaging is sleek, and the shade ranges are usually solid.

Best picks:

• Foundations, concealers – reliable, flattering, and long-lasting

• Lipsticks – creamy, comfortable, and elegant

• Mascaras – some of the best (if not the best) drugstore mascaras out there

If you want makeup that feels expensive but doesn’t completely hurt your wallet, L’Oréal is a safe bet.

Maybelline

Price range: €€–€€€
Feels like: trendy, reliable, easy to use

Maybelline is a drugstore classic for a reason. It’s consistent, accessible, and great at keeping up with makeup trends.

Best picks:

• Lip liners – smooth, pigmented, and easy to wear (long-lasting and great colors)

• Lip glosses – shiny without being sticky

• Foundations, concealers – great everyday options with good coverage

This is the brand I reach for when I want something that just works and doesn’t require much thought.

NYX

Price range: €€
Feels like: creative, pro-inspired makeup on a budget

NYX sits right in that sweet spot between affordable and professional-feeling. It’s amazing if you like experimenting without committing to high prices.

Best picks:

• Lip liners – iconic for a reason

• Brow products – especially for styling and shaping

• Blushes – easy to blend and very wearable

If you love variety and playing around with makeup, NYX gives you options without the guilt.

e.l.f.

Price range: €
Feels like: simple, effective, surprisingly good

e.l.f. is proof that affordable makeup doesn’t have to be bad. Their products are minimal, easy to use, and often outperform much more expensive alternatives.

Best picks:

• Blushes – soft, blendable, and flattering

• Primers – especially good for the price

• Lipsticks – comfortable and great for everyday wear

This is one of the best brands if you’re just starting out or want solid basics without spending much.

Milani

Price range: €
Feels like: glowy, flattering, and reliable

Milani doesn’t have the biggest range, but when they do something well, they do it really well.

Best pick:

• Blushes – pigmented, long-lasting, and universally loved

• Bronzers - when it comes to color and shine, they deliver

If you’re only buying one thing from Milani, make it a blush - really one of the best.

Essence

Price range: € (very affordable)
Feels like: fun, youthful, budget-friendly

Essence is unbeatable when it comes to price. It’s not about luxury — it’s about finding gems for just a few euros.

Best picks:

• Mascaras – legendary for a reason

• Highlighters – glowy without looking heavy

Perfect for experimenting, backups, or when you just want something cheap that actually works.

Final thoughts

You don’t need a fully luxury makeup bag to look put-together. Mixing a few “almost fancy” products with budget-friendly staples is often the smartest (and most sustainable) way to do makeup.

If I had to build a full face from the drugstore, I’d do it without hesitation — and probably save enough money for a weekend trip or a nice dinner instead.

Very Almost Fancy ✨