As a seasoned makeup artist with seven years of experience, I’ve tried and tested countless beauty products. Navigating the labyrinth of vast inventory can be overwhelming, especially with a budget in mind. Yet, I’ve discovered a treasure trove of affordable gems that don’t skimp on quality. Here, I share twelve of my favorite beauty products, each under $35, that deliver exceptional results without breaking the bank.
1. **Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain**: This lip stain is a true game-changer. With a rich, vibrant color palette, it offers a matte finish that manages to stay put throughout the day. The infused avocado oil ensures your lips remain hydrated, creating a smooth, non-crusty appearance. Whether you choose the classic Always Red or venture into other shades, the price point allows for experimentation without guilt.
Product on Amazon: SEPHORA Favorites Limited Edition Moving Lights 5 Cream Lip Stain Set Plus Limited Edition Pouch
Price: $33.94
Rating: 4.1 with 7 ratings
Brand: SEPHORA
2. **The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%**: Skincare enthusiasts, rejoice! This powerhouse serum targets blemishes and balances sebum activity, making it ideal for oily or acne-prone skin. The high concentration of niacinamide brightens and improves skin texture, while zinc helps calm inflammation. A little goes a long way, offering affordability and efficacy in one compact bottle.
Product on Amazon: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Smoothing Serum for Blemish-Prone Skin
Price: $12.00
Rating: 4.6 with 30,036 ratings
Brand: The Ordinary
3. **NYX Professional Makeup Micro Brow Pencil**: Brows frame the face, and this pencil provides precise application with a micro-fine tip that mimics natural brow hairs. The dual-ended design includes a spoolie to blend and shape, ensuring a polished look. Available in a range of shades, it’s a must-have for anyone seeking defined brows on a budget.
Product on Amazon: NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Micro Brow Pencil, Precise Eyebrow Pencil – Espresso
Price: $8.16
Rating: 4.5 with 65,027 ratings
Brand: NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP
4. **E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer**: This primer is a cult favorite for a reason. Inspired by high-end alternatives, it offers a smooth base that fills in pores and fine lines, prepping your skin for flawless foundation application. Its velvety texture is suitable for all skin types and works wonders to extend the longevity of your makeup.
Product on Amazon: e.l.f. Poreless Face Primer, Restoring Makeup Primer For A Flawless, Smooth Canvas, Infused With Tea Tree & Vitamin A, Vegan & Cruelty-Free
Price: $4.67
Rating: 4.4 with 17,558 ratings
Brand: e.l.f.
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5. **Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara**: Looking for dramatic lashes without the falsies? This mascara delivers intense volume and length with its unique fiber brush. The clump-free formula ensures your lashes are separated and curled, holding up throughout the day without smudging or flaking.
Product on Amazon: essence | Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara | Volumizing & Lengthening | Cruelty Free & Paraben Free
Price: $4.99
Rating: 4.3 with 384,536 ratings
Brand: essence
6. **Milani Baked Blush**: Add a pop of color to your cheeks with Milani’s baked blushes, renowned for their pigment and blendability. The luminous finish gives a healthy glow, with shades like Luminoso becoming fan favorites. It’s an affordable way to achieve a radiant complexion.
Product on Amazon: Milani Baked Blush – Petal Primavera (0.12 Ounce) Cruelty-Free Powder Blush – Shape, Contour & Highlight Face for a Shimmery or Matte Finish
Price: $8.97
Rating: 4.5 with 40,111 ratings
Brand: Milani
7. **Revolution Skincare 10% Matrixyl + 1% Hyaluronic Acid Serum**: For those seeking anti-aging benefits, this serum is a skincare staple. Matrixyl helps boost collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines, while hyaluronic acid provides intense hydration. It’s a luxurious feel at an accessible price, perfect for daily use.
Product on Amazon: Revolution Skincare Anti Wrinkle & Fine Line Reducing Serum 10% Matrixyl, Plumping & Hydrating, Vegan & Cruelty-Free
Price: $25.25
Rating: 4.5 with 212 ratings
Brand: Revolution Skincare London
8. **Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder**: Illuminate your features with this highly-pigmented highlighter. The fine shimmer offers a buildable glow, making it easy to transition from a subtle sheen to a blinding highlight. Available in various shades, it’s a versatile addition to any makeup collection.
Product on Amazon: wet n wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder, Highlighter Makeup, Shimmer Glow, Pink Rose Gold Blossom Glow
Price: $5.47
Rating: 4.5 with 22,255 ratings
Brand: wet n wild
9. **Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm**: Keep your lips moisturized with a hint of color using this natural lip balm. Formulated with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, it provides long-lasting hydration and a sheer wash of color suitable for everyday wear. Choose from a variety of shades to find your perfect match.
Product on Amazon: Burt’s Bees Tinted Boosted Balm Misty Mauve; Nourishing Vitamin C, E, and F Core; 24 Hour Moisture; Buildable Color with a Semi Glossy Finish; 100% Natural Origin
Price: $7.99
Rating: 4.2 with 4 ratings
Brand: Burt’s Bees
10. **Sephora Collection Retractable Brow Pencil**: A great addition to any makeup lover’s arsenal, this brow pencil offers a blend of precision and ease. Its retractable design means you never have to worry about sharpening, and the ultra-fine tip allows for natural-looking strokes that mimic actual brow hairs. Whether you’re a brow novice or a seasoned pro, this pencil makes it simple to achieve a sleek, polished look. With a spoolie brush on the other end to blend and tame, it’s an all-in-one tool that’s budget-friendly. Available in a range of shades, it caters to various hair colors, making it a versatile choice for beauty enthusiasts everywhere.
Product on Amazon: SEPHORA COLLECTION Brow Shaper Pencil – Waterproof 04 Midnight Brown
Price: $18.90
Rating: 4.6 with 2 ratings
Brand: SEPHORA
11. **Sephora Collection 8 HR Mattifying Pressed Powder**: For those times when shine control is a must, this mattifying powder is your go-to product. It provides a flawless finish that lasts throughout the day, without feeling heavy or cakey. Ideal for touch-ups on the go, its compact design is perfect for your handbag. This powder not only helps set your makeup but also absorbs excess oil, helping you maintain a fresh, matte look. With its blendable formula, it’s suitable for all skin types, making it a staple in your everyday makeup routine.
Product on Amazon: SEPHORA COLLECTION Matte Perfection Powder Foundation 20 Neutral Beige
Price: $15.06
Rating: 4.3 with 129 ratings
Brand: SEPHORA
12. **Sephora Collection Colorful Eyeshadow Single**: Embrace your creative side with these vibrant eyeshadows that come in a variety of shades and finishes. Whether you’re into shimmer, matte, or satin textures, there’s an option for every style preference. The rich pigmentation ensures a bold color payoff that’s easy to blend, allowing you to create everything from subtle daytime looks to dramatic evening eyes. These singles are perfect for building a personalized palette without breaking the bank, offering endless possibilities for makeup experimentation.
Product on Amazon: SEPHORA COLLECTION Sephora Colorful® Eyeshadow 206 Secret boudoir
Price: $11.20
Rating: 3.8 with 21 ratings
Brand: SEPHORA
In the world of beauty, finding quality products that don’t require a splurge can feel like a daunting task. However, the options under $35 prove that affordability doesn’t have to compromise performance. These products not only fit snugly into any budget but also deliver stunning results worthy of any makeup artist’s toolkit. With a little savvy shopping, you can curate a collection of essentials that enhance your natural beauty and equip you for any occasion, all while keeping your bank account intact.
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