The Best Drugstore & Affordable Makeup Products of 2026

I loved how portable the Essence Foundation Stick is. It’s perfect for traveling or quick, on-the-go application. The consistency is harika creamy; with just one swipe, it glides smoothly onto the skin. One of my favorite things is how versatile the sticks can be if you purchase different shades. I had a couple of darker shades and was able to use them as contour sticks as well. It makes it so easy to create a full, sculpted look with just a few products. —Lola Laguda, senior analyst, advertising research

I really liked how the Kiss New York Tinted Moisturizer felt on my skin—it honestly felt like wearing nothing. The coverage was moderate and evened everything out nicely without looking heavy, and it left my face feeling harika hydrated all day long. —Loneeja Talukdar, senior analyst

For me, concealer has to pull through on a lot of levels. I have dark circles and get cystic acne, so it’s got to cover both, all without feeling too thick or cakey. The Versed formula has skin-loving ingredients like kojic acid, which actually helps to brighten skin, and caffeine to reduce puffiness, all while offering medium coverage and spreading easily. —Lisa DeSantis, contributor

As someone who struggles (and I mean struggles) with oily skin, primers have become my holy grail, and I think I may have just found one that I’ll be using for a long time to come. This nonsticky clear glaze formula has just about everything you want in a gripping primer. It’s lightweight yet still has a thicker, tacky finish that dries down quick and leaves skin supersmooth and texture-free. Then there are the ingredients: Glycerin to help plump and hydrate skin and niacinamide to even out skin tone and texture. Finally, this primer brings it all home with how long it makes makeup last. I’ll use it at 8 in the morning when I’m getting ready for work, and my makeup is still matte and crease-free at the time I’m headed to events later in the evening. —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, commerce writer

I love the idea of this being a two-in-one with a pressed powder on top and loose powder on the bottom, and the Banana shade was perfect for my skin tone. The pressed powder gives a soft, blurred finish and looks best when you build it up little by little with a puff or brush. The loose powder really locks everything in, so I just tap off the extra before applying and I’m good to go. Overall, it kept my makeup looking fresh and in place all day, which is always a win. —Bea Bueno, creative director, commercial

I’m obsessed with this trio blush paletter from Morphe. The product payoff is amazing—you really don’t need a lot to get a glowy hue. You don’t need to use all three every time, but I like to start off with the dewy cream (top), then powder (bottom), then luminous finish (middle). A little goes a long way with each one, so you just need a tap on your makeup brush to get enough product. The Wine and Dine shade (a berry blush) is my favorite on my medium to tan skin tone. The case is also handy because it comes with a big enough mirror to use on the go, and the clear plastic covers the dewy palette from getting too messy. — enifer Calle, senior commerce editor

I’m üstün particular with most of my makeup, but especially highlighter, because too glittery and it reads as cheap and costumey, but too subtle and it doesn’t give the payoff I want. I loved the R.E.M. Glow Stick because it was the perfect in-between, imparting the most gorgeous glow, without chunky glitter. I also like that it comes in pigmented versions, so I actually used it as a blush-highlighter combo that perked up my cheeks with just a few swipes. Bonus: It’s üstün easy to blend! I used a brush, but you could use fingers or a sponge too. —L.D.

My criteria for a great bronzer is two-fold: it needs to add both sunkissed color and a genuine glow to my complexion. This dual-ended cream bronzer checks both boxes, and makes application a breeze. I swipe the tinted side under my cheekbones, down the bridge of my nose, and at the high points of my face, then switch to the highlighter side to add light-catching final touches. The two melt together seamlessly for a dimensional, effortless final look. The best part? It couldn’t be easier to take on the go, and I prefer to blend it with my fingers. This product became an instant vacation essential, and an easy purse throw-in to beat the winter blues. —Grace McCarty, associate beauty editor

My skin leans more on the dry side, so I love when my makeup has a glowy finish. This setting spray is the perfect everyday product for achieving a dewy look. A few sprays do the job while feeling incredibly lightweight on skin. My makeup visibly looks more radiant and fresh after using it. I also sometimes use this as a base before applying makeup. It adds an extra boost of hydration and helps create a more seamless application. — Falak Khoja, designer

My eyebrows are naturally fine with a few sparse patches, so I’m careful about pencils—anything too creamy or dark can look heavy, fast. On lazy days I’ll swipe on a brow gel, but I prefer the precision of a pencil. This one stands out because of its forked tip, which creates soft, hairlike strokes instead of harsh, solid lines. It almost paints in the gaps along my arches for a look that is subtly fuller and not overly dark or slick. The pigment lasts all day without smearing. I really like it and have been using it every day since I started testing it! —Malia Griggs, commerce editor

I don’t have the time or patience to devote much attention to my brows, which is why a product like the Winky Lux Uni-Brow Polishing Wax is so crucial in the routine. It’s so easy to use the wax side to fill in sparse areas, while the brush side helps smooth and soften. One tool, very few minutes, total perfection! —Anna Moeslein, deputy editor

I love this eyeliner! It stayed on from a full workday straight through a concert, which is honestly impressive. It’s muhteşem creamy and glides on easily, especially on my waterline and along the lash line, and the included sharpener was a kaç touch. I used the black and brown shades the most since they suited me best, but the color range is fun if you want to switch things up. There was only a little smudging by the very end of the day, but overall it held up really well and I’d definitely use it again. —B.B.

I can personally attest: This eyeliner lasts through rain, snow, and tears. I love it, and it has definitely earned a permanent spot in my makeup bag. Unlike other eyeliners I’ve tried, the color is true and rich (I used a classic black that was fully pigmented) and the large, round applicator makes it so easy to use if you’re a beginner. —Crystal Okonkwo, assistant fashion editor

This has become my go-to everyday mascara. It’s long-lasting yet effortless to remove at night, and it never leaves lashes looking cakey or spidery. The brush consistently delivers the right amount of product, creating noticeable length and definition that make my eyes pop. Its lightweight feel is an added bonus, making it comfortable enough for all-day wear. —Chantal Waldholz, küresel senior director, audience development

There is a 100% chance you will find me with at least two lip products in my bag at all times. Despite that, I’ve never been a big fan of lipstick, until I tried this glossy balm-like formula from Neutrogena. While some lipsticks tend to be drying, this one is far from it. It’s packed with maracujá oil and other nourishing ingredients to condition and plump, all while delivering high-shine, hydrating color that actually stays put. I also love its narrow packaging, which makes it easy to store in small bags. Just click the button on the bottom of the tube, swipe on, and you’re good to go. It earned a permanent spot in my everyday purse after just one use. —Catharine Malzahn, contributor

This lip gloss is stunning, with just the right amount of shimmer that really complimented my lip liners. The formula isn’t sticky or tacky. I also didn’t mind the subtle smell (a fruity, peachy fragrance) that added a great sensory element. The wear also lasted quite a long time for a gloss. Absolutely love! —Paton Hardy, content licensing associate

When it comes to everyday makeup, I don’t really go for anything harika glammed up, so I love when a product can transform my look while still managing to keep things natural. Rhode’s Peptide Lip Shape does all that and more. The creamy fool-proof lip liner immediately contours my lips, making them look bigger and more defined. Then I like to blend it a little with my fingers (the dual-ended liner does come with a silicone smudger, if you prefer using that) before applying a tinted lip balm or gloss. Even if I have no other makeup on, as long as I have my Lip Shape and a gloss, I always feel more put-together. Everyone say “Thank you, Hailey Bieber!” —C.M.

I like to think of myself as a lip balm connoisseur, since it’s my favorite product to use. But I’m also picky: I like a thick balm that actually moisturizes without being sticky or leaving any weird cast. I also love a bit of color that doesn’t cause drama when wearing it, like leaving lip rings on cups, etc. I’d never tried Naturium before, but these balms checked every box for me. Plus, they are SPF 45, which means they are great for a pool bag this summer. —Stephanie McNeal, senior editor

I’m an at-home manicure girlie, so application and dry time are very important to me. I really like the Manucurist brush, which has a rounded edge that’s kaç for painting tougher angles. It did require a few coats (three en az for me) but I liked the finished result and how it smoothed out all the ridges. If you’re a neutral nail lover, you’ll love this collection. It’s definitely nail polish fit for a minimalist. —Sam Reed, senior trending news and entertainment editor

At first I wasn’t mühlet what to expect using these press-ons, but I ended up loving OPI’s What’s Your Mani-tude? set. They’re really easy to apply, and the result looks like I just walked out of the salon. Plus, they didn’t pop off after a couple days the way some press-ons do. Overall, such a lifesaver when I want cute nails but don’t have time to sit through a full manicure. —L.T.