Hey, you! Yes, you, looking all confused about what makeup products to get for that wedding reception or your newly designed makeup cabinet! You’ve probably been scouring Instagram or TikTok trying to figure out what foundation to get for your luscious dark skin tone or which lipstick will favor your mood, but all the information just made you a little bit more confused – and well, just fed up!
Fear, not fellow queen, because we battled our way through Sephora’s and Amazon’s makeup tabs to create a list, just exclusively designed for you, of the perfect beauty products (all under $20, of course – we frugal too) to help you illuminate your inner beauty and capture world-class IG selfies.
Keep scrolling for the newbie makeup products cheat sheet.
Real Techniques Mini Expert Face Brush ($10)
While you can always reach your sponges or use your fingers to apply makeup as a newb, a good complexion brush can be the difference between looking all caked up and creating a seamless, blended look.
This travel-sized complexion brush from Real Techniques, for instance, allows you to have more control over your blending – not to mention allows you to create a buffed-to-perfection finish wherever you go.
Plus, the ultra-plush synthetic bristles are so absurdly soft you won’t believe it costs just $10 bucks.
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation ($9)
Amazon reviews sing praises of this damn-near weightless foundation from Maybelline, which according to them, glides on like a silky dream.
The rare mattifying formula features clay works and micro-powders that blur pores and keep shine at bay for hours. Additionally, the foundation is non-comedogenic and non-irritating, making it the perfect fit for sensitive skin types.
Its impressive 37-shade range means you’ll enjoy a natural, seamless finish regardless of skin tone.
NYX Bare With Me Hydrating Face & Body Concealer Serum ($11)
Highlight, correct, conceal is the name of the game with this Bare With Me Concealer Serum from NYX.
Its lightweight, medium coverage reduces the appearance of blemishes, dark circles, hyperpigmentation, and redness and even helps you say goodbye to skin stress thanks to its cica and camellia sinensis extract. It’s no-makeup makeup done effortlessly.
Bonus: you can apply it to your body for a natural, healthy-looking glow.
e.l.f Cosmetics Primer Infused Bronzer ($7)
Calling all the dark-skinned goddesses: you’ll look sun-kissed and Aphrodite-like with this long-wearing matte bronzer. Its finely-milled, gel-like texture allows you to dust it onto your skin to give you that lit-from-within, summery radiance.
Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner Pencil ($7)
Have you been struggling to pull off the perfect cat-eye? This cost-friendly gel eyeliner’s got you covered. The silky, pigmented formula glides on your waterline without tugging and comes with a built-in smudger that blends and softens color to create a smoldering, smokey eye look – fast.
L’Oréal Paris Lash Paradise Mascara ($10)
If you loathe clumps, can’t turn away a natural look, and can’t stand smudging, this L’Oréal Paris Mascara is for you.
Its volumizing and lengthening formula gives you a feathery soft lash fringe without flaking or smudging. And with Sir John’s approval (Beyoncé’s makeup artist), you can enjoy an out-of-this-world lash effect.
Juvia’s Place The Chocolate Eyeshadow Palette ($8)
If you’re looking to put together a quick, barely-there makeup look for your business meeting or just want to add a little somethin’ somethin’ for your date night, this Juvia’s Place eyeshadow palette is where it’s at.
It’s compact enough to carry on the go, and every shade is deeply pigmented to give you that soft, natural look or a complete, drop-dead gorgeous glam moment.
Urban Decay de-Slick Oil Control Matte Makeup Setting Spray ($15)
This non-irritating, clear-setting spray helps keep your makeup fresh for up to 18 hours without fading or smudging, meaning it’s an incredible formula to have in your go-to purse for photo-loaded events.
The best part? It’s suitable for all skin types.
Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick ($8)
When a lippie stays put throughout a three-course meal, you know it’s worth every penny. Drugstore or not, this Maybelline staple is unarguably the most long-lasting formula, never smudging or fading, no matter how many creasy snacks, cocktails you down, or whom you kiss (honest to God, it’s make-out proof).
It also comes in 46 super-saturated, skin-flattering shades with options for everyone’s color preference. The super-easy-to-use precise applicator is just an added bonus.
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Water ($4)
Those with oily skin types will love this mattifying micellar water from Garnier. It’s gentle enough to use on your eye and lips but potent enough to help absorb excess oil. Also, the budget-friendly formula erases makeup in a flash and doesn’t leave your face feeling dry or greasy.
