Currently, the beauty market is flooded with makeup brands of varying qualities and prices. With new brands launching nearly every month, it can be hard to find quality makeup on a budget. Nevertheless, if you are short on cash and not afraid to think outside the box, these affordable and easily accessible makeup brands may be for you.
E.L.F.
E.L.F., known as Eyes, Lips, Face, is an inexpensive, high-quality makeup brand with most products listed at $5 and under. The brand includes skincare, mineral makeup, brushes, lip care and more. E.L.F. is a known 100 percent “cruelty free” brand, meaning that they do not test on animals. It is sold in stores such as Target, Walgreens, Walmart as well as other bargain big-named places.
NYX
NYX, named after the Greek goddess of the night, is a makeup brand known for highly-pigmented colors and lasting coverage for a fraction of the cost of prestige brands. Sold in Ulta, Target, Urban Outfitters and more, this makeup brand is available for anything, from face and eyes to lips and nails. They even offer tools for makeup application like brushes and eyelash curlers.
Essence Cosmetics
Essence Cosmetics is a European makeup brand that made its way to the U.S. in 2008 and started selling in Ulta stores in 2009. It is a little known brand due to the company redirecting their spending budget from advertising to formulating high-quality products at low prices. Essence Cosmetics has won awards for its lipsticks and features only their best-selling products in U.S. markets.
BH Cosmetics
BH Cosmetics features eye makeup, lipstick, foundation, concealer and makeup accessories in their cosmetics line. Most makeup palettes are between $9 to $20 for a decent-sized palette of colors whether it be eyeshadow, blush, concealer or bronzer. The products are sold on their website BH Cosmetics.
Topshop
British high-street brand Topshop not only has amazing clothing, but a quality makeup line with fun packaging. All the products, from lip liners and eyeshadows to blush and mascara, are under $20. The pigments used for the eyeshadows, blushes and lipsticks are complementary to a street style lifestyle. The line can be found at Topshop stores or on their website in addition to Nordstrom.
