Last updated on December 27th, 2021 at 10:31 pm

Have you felt like you’ve been in a makeup rut over the past year? I love makeup, especially affordable makeup brands, but have felt like what’s the point if there’s nowhere to go? I’ve worn makeup on the occasional zoom call (thankfully my team isn’t huge on being on-camera), but nothing consistently. 

Now that things are starting to open up again, and we can see friends and loved ones, buying makeup is fun again! 

And although I love shopping at Sephora, it’s not always the most economical. If you’re ready to replace some of the old products in your bag, or want a complete overhaul, all of these products cost less than $100 total.

I’ve used and will gladly recommend all of these products, so you can’t go wrong! Plus, if you try these and they don’t work for you, and don’t get back to the store to return them (if you’re lazy like me), you didn’t spend much to start with!

There’s a lot of e.l.f Cosmetics on this list, but you have to trust me and give e.l.f a chance if you haven’t yet! It’s by far my favorite affordable makeup brand, and the quality is on par with way more expensive brands. I could probably do an entire face of just e.l.f Cosmetics makeup. 

E.l.f Poreless Putty Primer – $9

This primer is amazing, it blends right into my skin, and doesn’t ball up like a similar (and way more expensive) brand did. My skin looks smooth and flawless when I apply foundation (and it’s usually the e.l.f CC cream below). 

I highly recommend getting the Putty Primer Applicator. The little spatula is perfect for getting the product out, and then the brush blends it in seamlessly.  

E.l.f Cosmetics CC Cream – $14

This CC Cream is a great dupe for the IT Cosmetics CC Cream (that I love too!). It works so well with the primer, and looks great all day. This is one of few foundations that looks “natural” on me and doesn’t end up cakey. 

E.l.f Cosmetics Hydrating Camo Concealer – $6

I’ve been using the Tarte Shape Tape for years, and it’s great, but I realized it was a little drying. I saw this concealer used in a YouTube tutorial, and decided to give it a try. It doesn’t have quite as much coverage as the Shape Tape, but it does look more natural. Plus. if I don’t feel like wearing foundation that day I can use this concealer to cover up any problem areas. 

Maybelline Fit Me Loose Powder – $5.99

I was so surprised with how nice this powder is for such an affordable price. It’s finely milled, and goes on beautifully. After doing my makeup, my sister and I took Eme to the zoo, and boy was I sweaty. But miraculously, my entire face didn’t melt off, and my makeup still looked decent when I got home! Super impressed! 

Essence the Blush – $2.99

This blush went on so easily, and looked beautiful. Plus, the color is gorgeous! I can’t believe a blush this nice is just $2.99! I’m impressed with all of the Essence products I’ve tried, this might be one of my new favorite affordable makeup brands! I need to try out more products from them!

E.l.f Cosmetics Primer Infused Bronzer – $6

This bronzer is a great color for my skin, and I haven’t noticed it skipping while putting it on or any patchiness. I have a couple bronzers that I’ve paid a whole lot more for, and this one works just as well!

Wet n Wild Ultimate Brow Retract – $3

I was pleasantly surprised with the color payoff when I first used this. I half expected to have to press hard and go over the same spot again and again to get any coverage. Quite the contrary, I even checked to see what color I got (medium brown), to make sure the color wasn’t too dark! I used the spoolie and it blended out great! 

E.l.f Cosmetics Bite Sized Shadow Palettes – $3

I’ve waxed poetic about how much I LOVE these eyeshadow palettes, so read all about it here!

NYX Slim Eyeliner – $3.99

I got this eyeliner in Auburn, so it’s a little bit lighter of a color, but there wasn’t a huge color payoff (but it could just be the color too). It took a little work, but I did like the definition this liner gave my eyes. If I’m using a pencil liner, I’ll usually use a brown one because it’s more forgiving than a black liner. 

Essence Pure Nude Highlighter – $4.99

This isn’t an in-your-face highlighter, but it’s absolutely beautiful! I love to use this on the apples of my cheeks (or really anywhere on my face) for a super gorgeous, natural-looking glow. 

Loreal Double Extend Mascara – $8.99

This is my all-time favorite mascara, and has been for years. Maybe even a decade at this point. I read a magazine interview with Zooey Deschanel, and she said mascara always ran under her eyes and this was the only mascara that worked for her. I had the exact same problem, so decided to give it a shot. 

Step one is a nourishing base coat, and step two is a lengthening tube mascara. It doesn’t run or clump, and comes off with warm water. And the first time you take this mascara off, it’s wild. I like to call them little spider legs. 

Maybelline Sky High Mascara – $8.99

While Loreal Double Extend is the OG, this is a new favorite of mine. It makes my lashes CRAZY long. I was shocked the first time I used it. 

The way I apply my mascara is the first coat is always step one from Double Extend. Step two is Sky High Mascara, and that’s usually one or two coats. Then the last step is the Double Extend mascara. 

I find when I layer my mascaras with Double Extend, it makes taking it off at the end of the night so much easier. 

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick –  $5.69

These lipsticks are a classic, there’s so many beautiful colors – from reds to neutrals and everything in-between. Different finishes, and super comfortable to wear all-day. 

The best part is these lipsticks are so affordable that you can have different options to fit any mood or season!

E.l.f Cosmetics Hydrating Core Lip Shine – $6

If you’re looking for a lip product with a little color, this is a great option. It looks and feels great, and I don’t have to worry about getting lipstick all over my face when eating (doesn’t stop me from wearing a pretty lipstick though!)

Blistex Lip Balm – $2.89

I love lipstick, but lip balm is my go to. We wrote a post about caring for your lips, and I talked about my love and obsession with all things lip balm. 

TOTAL: $91.52

So, all in, this look came in under $100, with some money to spare! Use that $6 to buy the e.l.f Cosmetics Putty Primer Applicator! 

What are some of your favorite affordable makeup brands and products? I’d love to hear your recommendations!