Finding a flattering lip stain or matching contour that goes on flawlessly is no small feat.
And while the makeup industry is slowly but surely, making more of an effort to be inclusive in shade ranges and products (finally, because we deserve it), scrolling through the never-ending pages for a luxuriously creamy matte foundation is still an overwhelming task.
That’s why we decided to take up the challenge and scoured through these product-rich websites to curate a list of budget-friendly, premium-quality makeup products that might change your life (or your beauty routine, at least).
Keep going for the goods.
Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $16
There’s a reason why this SPF option keeps flying off retail sites. Designed with dark-skinned queens in mind, the sunscreen goes on seamlessly sheer, so you can say deuces to an ashy residue.
It’s also one of the few sunscreen options that doubles up as a moisturizer, thanks to its soothing and refreshing ingredients.
L’Oréal Infallible Fresh Wear 24H Foundation, $13
For a luminously seamless, no-pores-in-sight look, this matte steal from L’Oréal Paris is your best bet. Its hydrating, oil-free, SPF-infused formula is perfect for dry to sensitive skin and protects you from UVA and UVB damage.
The best part?
It’s ultra-lightweight and incredibly long-lasting, so you have an airbrushed look that lasts up to 24 hours without weighing you down.
Huda Beauty The Overachiever High Coverage Concealer, $15
If you’re looking for a concealer that supports the fake-it-till-you-make-it’ philosophy or the ‘I woke up like this’ trend, here’s your secret weapon. It packs a surprisingly seamless amount of coverage with just one swipe to deliver a flawless, velvety finish.
Bad Habit Rose Highlighter 6-Shade Makeup Palette, $12
Hands down, this is the best highlighter on the market. The top far-right, shine hue gives your that edgy, holographic vibe, while the bottom far-left, bubbly shade gives you that radiant, all-natural finish (hey, some of us have day jobs).
CoverGirl Full Spectrum Contour &Correct Cream Palette, $9
This palette makes contouring effortless. Its matte and shimmer finishes let you mix and match based on your personal style or mood. You can use the top left shade to brighten the skin when it’s looking a bit too meh and the bottom hues to add some much-needed definition.
Plus, its ultra-creamy blend goes on like a dream – meaning you don’t have to worry about your contour finish looking waayy too obvious.
Need more reasons to add it to your shopping cart? It goes for only $9. Talk about a perfect steal.
Iman Cosmetics Luxury Pressed Powder, $16
If you’re looking for a setting powder that lives up to its name, get this Iman Cosmetics option. Its finely milled powder blends into the skin to completely reduce the appearance of oil, pores, and shine, offering you a soft-focus touch to your makeup.
Drops pen, adds to shopping cart.
Glossier Boy Brow, $16
Glossier Boy Brow checks all our brow gel boxes. Its lightweight formula holds up well, is non-sticky, and doesn’t flake. It also earns some major bonus points thanks to the atelocollagen, lecithin, and oleic acid that conditions and moisturizes your delicate brow strands.
It’s definitely the best brow product to help add an extra oomph to your fall ‘no makeup makeup look.’ Plus, with Yara Shahidi’s seal of approval, you know this must be the real deal.
Beauty Pie Moisture Lock Wondergel Lip Liner, $3
This luscious deep-toned lip liner takes things up a notch and delivers smooth, precise lines thanks to its ultra-defined tip. It’s also infused with incredibly-hydrating ingredients that nourish the skin and gives you a non-drying texture to enhance and define your pout.
We challenge you to find something better.
Inglot Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in 449, $16
Imagine this: It’s Wednesday morning, and you’re about to head to the most life-changing meeting. You’re looking for that bold but still minimalistic lip color but aren’t sure what to reach for. Go ahead and try out this ‘your lips but better’ chocolate burgundy hue.
Since its formula is so ultra-rich, the color payoff is seamless – meaning all you need is a single swipe for a flawless, all-naturel pout.
L’Oréal Paris Lineur Liquid Eyeliner, $8
Amazon shoppers have nothing but praise for this liquid eyeliner from L’Oréal Paris. Its uniquely designed super-fine tip allows you to create the cutest baby wings, while its waterproof formula will allow your sexy cat-eye makeup look to last through a torrential downpour or sweat-packed dance class.
