The Best Makeup Under $10 You Should Try

Last updated on October 22nd, 2021 at 09:36 pm

I did a poll on Instagram where I asked if you wanted to see a full list of all my favorite makeup under $10, or a pared down list to do a full look and the results were split down the middle! 

So, here’s the best of both worlds! First, I’ll show you a look done with just products under $10. And then I’ll give you a giant list of even more amazing products! 

Great makeup under $10!

Primer

E.l.f Poreless Putty Primer – $9

The e.l.f Putty Primer is one of my favorites that I’ve used in however long I can remember. It creates such a smooth canvas for my foundation, and my skin ends up looking fantastic! 

I highly recommend getting the associated brush that has the scoop on one end and the stippling brush on the other. You don’t have to dig your fingers into the putty, so you’re keeping your nails clean and bacteria out!

Foundation

Wet n Wild Photo Focus Stick Foundation – $6.49

I’ve been a fan of the Photo Focus liquid foundation for a while, but I decided to give the stick foundation a try, and I’m not disappointed! First off, I was surprised at the color match, since I’ve been awful at finding the right shade lately!

I dabbed the foundation just where I need it on my face, and blended it in with my Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Foundation Brush, but you could use a makeup sponge too! 

I love that I can build up the coverage where I want, and it’s really easy to place just where you need it too! 

Concealer

E.l.f Hydrating Camo Concealer – $6

For the longest time, after using different concealers my under eyes would end up looking creasy and crepey and it hadn’t occurred to me why. After trying the e.l.f Hydrating Camo Concealer I realized it was because I needed more hydration! 

I usually need a couple layers to cover my dark under eyes, but it stays looking beautiful! Plus, if you don’t feel like using foundation, use this concealer to cover up any trouble spots and you’re good to go!

Powder

Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder – $7.99

I’ve been using loose powder for a while, but was on the hunt for a pressed powder recently and something a little less messy. 

I’m a fan of the loose powder, so I decided to give the pressed version a try and I’m a big fan! Sets all my liquid makeup, and keeps my face looking matte! 

Brows

Wet n Wild Ultimate Brow Micro Pencil – $4.49

This brow pencil gives you so much bang for your buck! Be forewarned, it’s really pigmented, so if you aren’t careful (like I was the first time), you might end up with some super dark brows! 

I love that this brow pencil isn’t waxy and you only need a little pressure to see color. I hate when I feel like I’m pressing so hard to try and get just a little bit of product into my brows!

Eyes

E.l.f Bite Size Eyeshadow Palette – $3

I can’t say enough good things about these eyeshadow palettes, I’ve done a post just about them here, and they’re just $3! 

ColourPop Crème Eyeshadow – $8

These creme shadows are beautiful colors, and super easy to use! I just used my finger to smudge the product on my lids. Then I used a color from the e.l.f Bite Size palette in my crease to blend it out to add a little more depth. But this shadow would be beautiful on its own!

Revlon Liquid liner

I haven’t used a liquid liner like this in a while (I’ve been using a felt-tip pen for the longest time), so I wasn’t sure how this was going to turn out. But I was pleasantly surprised at how my eyeliner turned out! I found this liner can be a little patchy, but as long as you’re not putting layer on top of layer while it’s still wet you should be fine! 

Bronzer

E.l.f Primer Infused Bronzer

You can’t beat this bronzer for the price! I have bronzers that cost nearly 10x this much, and perform just as well!

Make sure you use a light hand too apply, and blend it out as needed!

Blush

J.Cat Beauty Blush-Mallow Blusher

I was shocked at how pigmented this Marshmallow Blush by J.Cat is. Before using it on my face the first time, I tried it out on the back of my hand, and thank goodness I did! I did 3-4 swipes with my finger, and ended up with a TON of product. 

So when it came time to try it out on face, I used the e.l.f Putty Blush Brush and lightly tapped the product once, and it was more than enough for beautiful flushed cheeks. So be careful!  

Highlight

Essence Pure Nude Highlighter – $4.99

This highlighter is gorgeous on the high points of your cheeks for a subtle highlight, or you can use it all over your face! This product will give you a lit-from-within glow!

I like to use this on the apples of my cheeks, nose, chin, and a little above my eyebrows. Super affordable and a beautiful product! 

Mascara

Essence Lash Princess – $4.99

If you’ve followed us for a little while, you might remember I’ve talked about this mascara a handful of times. 

It can be a little thick, so make sure you wipe off the wand a little bit before applying. I’ve noticed if I don’t take a little bit of product off, my lashes can get a little gloopy looking. But the volume and length this mascara gives you is crazy!

Setting Spray

NYX Bare With Me Aloe & Cucumber Extract Primer & Setting Spray – $10

This setting spray is a great alternative to more expensive options, and can be used to prep your skin, set your makeup, and refresh your makeup throughout the day! 

There wasn’t a super strong smell, and while there is alcohol in the product, it isn’t the first ingredient and isn’t overly drying. 

Lip

ColourPop Lux Liquid Lip – $8

I used to buy all the ColourPop liquid lipsticks, but they were kind of over drying. So I was intrigued by the velvet formula. It’s not as moisturizing as other lipsticks, but it gives a beautiful soft matte finish, and the color is easily buildable. 

More makeup under $10!

Here’s a giant list of makeup under $10 that I’ve tried and loved!

Face

Wet n Wild Prime Focus Impossible Primer – $6.99
e.l.f. Cosmetics Hydrating Camo Concealer – $6
Wet n Wild Photo Focus Liquid Foundation – $6.49
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer – $9.99
Wet n Wild MegaLast Incognito All-Day Full Coverage Concealer – $4.99
e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Setting Powder – $8

Blush and Bronzer

Essence The Blush – $2.99
e.l.f. Cosmetics Bite-Size Face Duo – $3
ColourPop Blush Stix – $9
Milani Baked Bronzer – $9.99

Highlight

Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder – $5.99
ColourPop Super Shock Highlighter – $8

Eyes

NYX Professional Makeup Slim Eyeliner – $3.99
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara – $9.49
L’Oreal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes – $9.49
Wet n Wild Color Icon 10-Pan Shadow Palette – $5.99
ColourPop Super Shock Shadow – $6

Lips

Essence Soft & Precise Lip Pencil – $1.99
ChapStick Total Hydration Vitamin Enriched Lip Oil – $4.99
Essence This Is Nude Lipstick – $3.99
NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss Non-Sticky Lip Gloss – $5
ColourPop Lippie Stix – $7

Looking for more affordable makeup? Check out my favorite “cheap” makeup brands!

Do you have any makeup under $10 that you love? Make sure you share it with us in the comments!