As the year comes to a close, we’re leaving splurging on high-end makeup in the past and embracing the quality of affordable brands. In a world where prices are rising and living can become expensive, makeup can become more of a luxury than ever before.
If you want to keep enjoying the art of makeup without burning through your wallet, here are the top affordable makeup brands of 2025, in no particular order.
CoverGirl
CoverGirl is an iconic drugstore makeup brand, known for its cruelty-free and affordable makeup and skincare products. Whether you need mascara, foundation, lipsticks, or simply skincare treatment, this brand sells it and at a price that won’t destory your wallet. True to its name, CoverGirl also keeps sensitive skin in mind, with its products being talc-free, fragrance-free, and dermatologist-tested. Their Clean Fresh collection, in particular, is known for being a good choice for sensitive skin and their Simply Ageless line combines makeup with skincare benefits like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C for moisturization and an even skin tone.
Some key products to try by CoverGirl are:
- Lash Blast Volume Mascara ($12.99)
- Simply Ageless Liquid Foundation ($18.99)
- Clean Fresh Blurring Skin Tint ($13.99)
Maybelline New York
Maybe it’s Maybelline… or maybe it’s a drugstore band that’s high-quality, innovative, and accessible. Known for popular lines such as Sky High Mascara and SuperStay lip colors, Maybelline has become a staple in affordable makeup. This isn’t without the work, though. Maybelline invests in research, with a team of scientists, dermatologists, and chemist to ensure products meet standards worthy of being high-end competition. Maybelline products are additionally available in many stores, making it a brand easy to find, especially in makeup emergencies.
Some key products to try by Maybelline are:
- Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer ($12.99)
- Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation ($11.99)
- Sky High Mascara ($13.99)
Morphe
If on the look for affordability with that professional touch, Morphe might be your next go-to makeup brand. Trusted by makeup artists and influencers, Morphe is both accessible and trend-driven, making sure that you can always stay in tune with the latest makeup styles by collaborating with both professional artists and well-known influencers. Their pigmented eyeshadows and newer products such as cream bronzers are especially favored, allowing the general public to experience genuine, high-end beauty for a fraction of the cost. Whether you’re just dabbling into the makeup scene or are a pro, Morphe can expand your makeup collection without compromising quality.
Some key products to try by Morphe are:
- 9T Neutral Territory Artistry Palette (€16)
- Rich & Foiled Artistry Palette (€16)
- Continuous Setting Mist ($18)
NYX Professional Makeup
Certifide by PETA as cruelty-free with many vegan products, NYX is a great choice for those who are conscious of their products’ ethics without losing makeup quality. With professional makeup that’s rich in pigmentation and widely ranging in shades, NYX is one of the most inclusive brands out there for makeup while still staying affordable and within a drugstore price range. If bold, colorful, and being in tune with what’s trending is your vibe, NYX can provide the intense color payoff you need.
Some key products to try by NYX are:
- Epic Ink Liner ($10)
- Lift and Snatch Brow Tint Pen ($13)
- Fat Oil Lip Drip ($10)
wet n wild
Budget-friendly, high-quality, and award-winning, Wet n Wild is certified cruelty-free by PETA and a great option for an affordable makeup brand. Wet n Wild has been around since 1979, meaning that its reputation has been decades in the making. The brand is also committed to producing “clean” beauty products and has been tested to have no lead in its lipsticks. With many Wet n Wild products have received awards from publications like Allure, People, and Cosmopolitan, it’s safe to say that you can experiment with Wet n Wild products without large financial commitment.
Some key products to try by Wet n Wild are:
- PhotoFocus foundation and loose powder line ($6.89)
- MegaGlo highlighters ($6.49)
- Megalast lipsticks ($5.49)
ColourPop Cosmetics
ColourPop is mostly sold online, but that doesn’t take away from their affordability and commitment to high-quality makeup products. From matte to metalic, ColourPop offers a plethora of finishes and an incredibly impressively selection of shades, making any look possible with a ColourPop palette. Products like their lip and cheek balms are additionally convenient for two-in-one options that performs well and is easy to use. Their frequent release of trendy and original products also inspire makeup lovers to purchase their products.
Some key products to try by ColourPop are:
- Super Shock Shadows ($7)
- Lippie Stix ($8)
- Ultra Matte Liquid Lipsticks ($9)
The verdict
Don’t waste money on high-end makeup products when there are countless drugstore-price brands that can deliver the same quality or better. While these aren’t all of the brands on our radar from 2025, these iconic, affordable makeup brands can be your start into favoring easily accesible products!
