Today I’m sharing The Best Affordable Makeup & Beauty Products of 2017, including several products that I use on the daily!
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The Best Affordable Makeup & Beauty Products of 2017
Happy New Year lovelies! I’m super excited today to be sharing The Best Makeup & Beauty Products of 2017- all of which are great quality and super affordable. Many of these products are best-sellers and rightfully so- they’re awesome!
I like creating these types of posts for you all because I know how seriously overwhelming it can sometimes be trying to decide on which products to purchase at the drugstore when there is so much to choose from. (#makeupoverwhelmisreal)
These makeup and beauty products are what I found to be the best of the best this year in terms of quality and coverage and I personally use and love all of these products! And in case you still have any beauty gift cards left to spend from Christmas, I’m sharing links of all the products below for easy shopping!
The Best Affordable Makeup & Beauty Products of 2017
Best Affordable Foundation
Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage Foundation– This full-coverage foundation has such a pretty finish and I always get so many compliments when wearing it. Unlike other full coverage foundations that can be heavy on the skin, this product does a perfect job of staying lightweight while still providing amazing coverage! (Tip: It can be hard to find in drugstores, so I recommend buying from Ulta)
- Runner-up: Loreal Infallible Total Cover Foundation– Another great full-coverage foundation with a light-weight, almost mousse-like consistency that feels great on the skin. Love wearing this one in the warmer months.
Best Affordable Concealer
Tarte Shape Tape Concealer– I already raved about this product in my 20 Christmas Gifts For The Beauty Lover post, but if you haven’t yet jumped on the bandwagon, do it. This by far has the BEST coverage out of any concealers I’ve ever tried and it will definitely cover any dark circles or redness that you have. It is $27, which I know is pricier than a lot of drugstore concealers you can find, but it’s worth paying a little bit extra for the quality in my opinion.
- Runner-up: Wet n’ Wild Photo Focus Concealer – Only $4 and has AMAZING coverage! I wear this one for everyday looks and it’s a definite fave in my collection.
Read Next: Top 5 Under Eye Concealers for Dark Circles
Best Affordable Blush
Pixi By Petra + Aspynovard Glow-y Powder in Rome Rose– I can’t say enough good things about this blush. The color is gorgeous, is universally flattering, and the little specks of shimmer in it just add the perfect touch to your skin. (Check out my full review with swatches over here)
- Runner-up: Milani Illuminating Face Powder Beauty’s Touch – Can’t go wrong with Milani blushes and this multi-colored one is perfect for adding a beautiful rosy glow to the cheeks!
Read Next: The 10 Best Drugstore Blushes Under $10
Best Affordable Contouring Palette
Wet n’ Wild Mega Glow Contouring Palette- I’ve used this product for 3 years straight and it still hasn’t let me down. The contour shade is the perfect shade for defining the face and the powder consistency glides on seamlessly.
- Runner-up: Pixi Strobe & Bronze Palette- If you can spend just a little more, this Pixi palette doubles for contouring and highlighting and has the absolute prettiest shades! (You can see all the colors + swatches over here)
Best Affordable Highlighter
Wet n’ Wild Mega Glow Highlighting Powder– Another epic hit from Wet n’ Wild is of course their Mega Glow Highlighting Powders. These beautiful golds and champagnes give you that perfect glow when highlighting the cheekbone, and needless to say they’re a serious steal at $5 each!
- Runner-up: Maybelline Face Studio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter in Molten Gold– This highlighter is so pretty for adding a sun-kissed shimmer to the skin- especially in the warmer months! I love applying it to the cheekbones, tip of my nose, and brow bone area for a beautiful glow!
Best Affordable Eyeshadow Palette
Morphe Jaclyn Hill Eyeshadow Palette– I know I’ve mentioned this product at least a dozen times this year, but it truly is an amazing palette full of so many versatile colors. From beautiful mattes to stunning shimmers, there’s a little something for every eye makeup look you could possibly dream of creating throughout the year! If you still need some persuading, check out my in-depth review of the palette over here with swatches of all 35 gorgeous shades.
- Runner-up: Pixi Get the Look “It’s Eye Time” Palette– This $25 palette has beautiful colors and all the shades you need for creating simple everyday eye looks or sexy smoky eyes. I reach for this palette all the time! (Check out one of the eyeshadow looks I created with this palette over here)
Best Affordable Mascara
L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara– For the longest time the L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara has been my holy grail, but the Lash Paradise Mascara has quickly became a new favorite of mine. Not only does it lengthen and darken lashes for adding a bold impact, but it does an incredible job of curling and lifting the lashes for that flirty look that every girl loves!
- Runner-up: Essence Cosmetics Lash Princess Sculpted Volume Mascara– This mascara is truly amazing at curling and defining the lashes and at less than $5 you can’t beat the value!
Best Affordable Eyeliner
Wet n’ Wild Pro-line Felt Tip Liner– Applying eyeliner doesn’t have to be hard with this amazing felt tip liner from Wet n’ Wild! The pointed tip makes creating thin or thick eyeliner looks incredibly easy and it seriously lasts all day long- even better than some of the high end liners that you’ll pay a lot more for!
- Runner-up: Essence Cosmetics Eyeliner Pen– Another great drugstore eyeliner that literally glides right on and is perfect for achieving a winged look! Plus it’s only $3!
Best Eyebrow Pencil
Nyx Professional Makeup Micro Brow Pencil– I’m SO glad I listened to all my wonderful readers and tried out this brow pencil, because before I was paying $30 a pop for the ABH one, and let me tell you- this one works just as amazing! It’s a 100% dupe and at only $10 it’s a total steal. If you’re still paying for high end brow pencils- STOP and try this one instead. You can thank me later! 😉
- Runner-up: Maybelline Eye Studio Brow Precise Micro– This affordable brow pencil is another great option, is super precise, and is great for quickly filling in brows! Plus it’s only $6!
Best Affordable Makeup Brush Set
Real Techniques Illuminate & Accentuate Set– This set from Real Techniques has all the essentials including a bronzer brush, a contour brush, 2 of their best sponges for applying foundation and concealer, and 3 amazing eye shadow brushes. Plus the colors of the handles are so pretty!
- Runner-up: e.l.f. Luxe Brush Collection – This 8 piece set is perfect for beginners and I currently use so many of the e.l.f. professional brushes in my collection!
Best Affordable Lip Product
Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lipstick– In terms of lipsticks, Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte lipsticks can’t be beat. The colors are gorgeous, last all day, and the creamy matte formula has the most beautiful matte finish with just a touch of glossiness.
- Runner-up: Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick– For liquid lipsticks, the Revlon ColorStay collection is the best of the best in terms of affordability, staying power, and color! Even better- they don’t dry your lips out like a lot of liquid lipsticks.
Read Next: 6 Tips for Wearing Bold Lipstick + Rocking It
Best Affordable Nail Polish
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish– By far the best drugstore nail polish around! Not only are the colors beautiful but it’s also a long-lasting finish! I am always able to get a week’s wear out of this polish, which is awesome! (I’m rough on my nails too because I’m always typing)
- Runner-up: Sinful Colors Professional Nail Color – I’m a fan of this brand simply for the amazing color selection. I can always find the prettiest shades and despite the low price tag they wear really well!
Best Affordable Makeup Remover
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Cleanser & Makeup Remover– Last but not least I can’t forget the best products for removing makeup! This cleanser and makeup remover is my absolute favorite and it leaves nothing behind! I’m always amazed at how easily it removes all the makeup on my face and leaves my skin feeling refreshed afterwards.
- Runner-up: e.l.f. Makeup Remover Cleansing Cloths – In terms of makeup wipes, these affordable cleansing cloths from e.l.f. are great for removing heavy eye makeup and are perfect for traveling!
Shop the Post!
And that’s a wrap for The Best Affordable Makeup & Beauty Products of 2017! I hope you enjoyed today’s post and found some new products that you’d like to try out very soon. Let me know if there’s any other favorites of yours that I didn’t mention- I always love hearing your all’s recommendations too!
Quick side-note: I updated my blog theme over the weekend- yay! It was time for a fresh look and I love how chic and girly it all looks! That being said, I’m still trying to work out all the kinks that comes with doing updates. Please bear with me if anything looks a little wonky for a few days. I’ll get it all prettied up ASAP, I promise! 😉
Have an awesome Monday, and thanks for stopping by! – Cara
P.S. Love this post? Then save it for later! 🙂
Chelsea says
January 8, 2018 at 7:35 amI love Wet N Wild!!! Especially their eye shadow!!! Great roundup, girl!
Kindly Unspoken says
January 13, 2018 at 10:34 amI’ve never tried their eyeshadow much, but I love their face products like highlighters, blushes, and bronzers. Such a great, affordable brand!
Lindsay Latimer says
January 8, 2018 at 8:36 amI just bought that mascara and can’t wait to give it a try! I use the micellar water every night to remove my eye makeup! and that Pixi blush is gorgeous. Definitely on my list to try!
Kindly Unspoken says
January 13, 2018 at 10:35 amI think you’ll love that mascara! It does such a nice job of curling the lashes! And I don’t know if you have a Target nearby but they have the Pixi blush 50% off right now! And it would look so beautiful on your skin tone 🙂
Lecy | A Simpler Grace says
January 8, 2018 at 8:36 amThere are so many amazing products here and so many that I need to try. I love Tarte and Pixi! Making a shopping list right now!
Kindly Unspoken says
January 13, 2018 at 10:35 amThey’re two of my favorite brands! 🙂
Cait says
January 8, 2018 at 8:49 amive been on the hunt for new makeup so this is perfect!
Kindly Unspoken says
January 13, 2018 at 10:35 amHappy Shopping Cait! 🙂
Lily says
January 8, 2018 at 9:39 amI’ve heard so many amazing things about Pixi blushes, so I must try some out soon. And those brushes, they are so cute!
Kindly Unspoken says
January 13, 2018 at 10:36 amAren’t they so pretty?! I love girly looking brushes!
Karly says
January 8, 2018 at 10:01 amThese always are some of my favorite posts! I agree with almost all your Wet n Wild recommendations – so many good products from there this year. I just got my first Morphe shadow palette for Xmas, so I’m excited to play around with it. And, I’m determined to try shape tape this year! Thanks for all the suggestions. 🙂
Kindly Unspoken says
January 13, 2018 at 10:37 amMorphe palettes are so good! I definitely use them on the regular! And Tarte is actually going to release a shape tape foundation later this month- so I’m excited to give that a try because the concealer rocks. Have a great weekend! 🙂
Marette Flora says
January 8, 2018 at 11:01 amI actually used up that entire Wet n Wild highlighter! I feel like it’s so hard to use things up! Also love the Essence mascara.
Kindly Unspoken says
January 13, 2018 at 10:38 amI’m sometimes shocked at how great the quality is on drugstore items, and I don’t know why people pay so much for products that don’t work nearly as good. lol have a great weekend!
Nadine says
January 8, 2018 at 11:54 amThose real techniques brushes are so pretty!!! Love how fun they are! I also love anything I have tried by Pixi as well. I cant get into the Essence mascara. It just isnt good for me and gets clumpy and rubs all over my face somehow. I know so many that like it though! I use the Garnier water often to remove makeup. It works really well!
Kindly Unspoken says
January 13, 2018 at 10:41 amOh bummer the mascara wasn’t good for you! It’s weird sometimes how certain products are great for some but not so much for others. I’m that way with the Wet n’ Wild Photofocus Foundation. Love the concealer but the foundation to me is like colored down water lol.
Kate says
January 8, 2018 at 12:40 pmI have yet to jump on the Pixi bandwagon, but hear so many amazing things! That blush is too pretty <3
Green Fashionista
Kindly Unspoken says
January 13, 2018 at 10:41 amYou SO need to! I think you’d love their blushes especially!
Andrea Nine says
January 8, 2018 at 12:52 pmYou are so good, I know I can always count on you to bring us top notch and affordable beauty items! Can’t wait to try the ones I haven’t.
Kindly Unspoken says
January 13, 2018 at 10:43 amThank-you! It’s my mission in life to get people to stop paying so much for beauty products haha Happy Saturday, friend!
Tanya Dufour says
January 8, 2018 at 1:12 pmAlot of these are my favorites as well like the Nyx MIcrobrow and the Tarte Shape Tape. I need to try that Maybelline foundation. I love the Fit Me Matte and Poreless and my all time favorite is L’Oreal Infallible. I need to film a 2018 Beauty Favorites video asap!
Kindly Unspoken says
January 13, 2018 at 10:44 amIf you love the other Maybelline foundations you’ll definitely like this one then. And yeah I’d love to see your video with faves! I’m thinking of doing a video with a look featuring some of my beauty faves of 2017, just need to actually do it and quit procrastinating lol.
Emelia Lawrence says
January 8, 2018 at 1:25 pmI love love love Shape Tape! I have been looking for a dupe for my Stila eyeliner- because I use it alllll the time and it’s not cheap. I’ll have to try Wet N Wild or Essence, thanks for the recommendations as always 🙂
Kindly Unspoken says
January 13, 2018 at 10:45 amSo glad you love the shape tape too. I can’t recommend it enough! And yes I’d give those a try first and if they don’t work for you at least you didn’t pay an arm and a leg! But I think you’ll love them! 😉
summer says
January 8, 2018 at 2:18 pmShape Tape. YES. It’s the best concealer and the only one that works for me. I actually have it in a few shades and use it overtop my full-coverage CC cream and it’s amazing!
Kindly Unspoken says
January 13, 2018 at 10:46 amAgreed! It’s soo good on those days where I don’t get a lot of sleep and need all the help I can get lol.
Rebecca Jo says
January 8, 2018 at 2:48 pmGood to know about the wet . wild concealer. I’m always looking for a good coverage
Kindly Unspoken says
January 13, 2018 at 10:46 amI’m honestly blown away with the quality of wet n wild products sometimes and the face that they’re so inexpensive!
Beth says
January 8, 2018 at 4:24 pmI bought the Pixi face powder highlighter last year and I’m still loving it! The Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water is the best! My face feels so soft.
Beth || http://www.TheStyleBouquet.com
Kindly Unspoken says
January 13, 2018 at 10:47 amAgreed! I just used it last night and it makes my skin feel so refreshed!
Whitney says
January 8, 2018 at 4:39 pmWhat a fun assortment! I’d love to try that wet and wild concealer and those ELF Luxe brushes. Do you have a favorite affordable water proof mascara?
Kindly Unspoken says
January 13, 2018 at 10:48 amLoreal telescopic is still probably my absolute favorite! Cover girl always has good options as well! 🙂
Erica @ Coming Up Roses says
January 9, 2018 at 7:28 amSo many of these are my faves too!! The Jaclyn palette, that Revlon matte HD gloss thing (I have a bunch and am OBSESSED)…still need to get Shape Tape, but your list is SPOT ON GIRL!
Kindly Unspoken says
January 13, 2018 at 10:49 amI think you’ll like Shape Tape! It’s good for those days when you need a little extra help in the “looking more awake” department. Or at least I know I do 😉 lol
Sarah says
January 9, 2018 at 9:58 amI really enjoyed reading this post. A lot of these products were on my to-try list. Now, after reading this, I have a better idea of what I’ll try first: Tarte concealer. Even if it’s more expensive than others, I’ve heard so many great things that I have to try it.
Kindly Unspoken says
January 13, 2018 at 10:50 amThanks Sarah- so glad you enjoyed it! And I completely agree with that- it is a little bit more than what you’d pay for some concealers at the drugstore, but well worth it in terms of quality and longevity. I’ve had mine for close to 3 months now and use it on the regular- so it really does go a long way. 🙂
Melissa @primpandprimebeauty says
January 9, 2018 at 11:21 amOMG so many of my favorites here! I’m on my 3rd bottle of the micellar water, and the Wet n Wild contour kit, and highlighters are Holy Grails of mine. I use them everyday.
Kindly Unspoken says
January 13, 2018 at 10:51 amYay! I’m the same way with wet n wild products- so many favorites!! 🙂
Whitney says
January 9, 2018 at 1:39 pmI love the Jaclyn Hill eyeshadow palette! It’s so amazing! I use it everyday!
Kindly Unspoken says
January 13, 2018 at 10:51 amThat’s awesome- it’s such a gorgeous palette! 🙂
jessica says
January 9, 2018 at 2:06 pmI love being able to mix high and low! Like my 6 dollar lipstick sure looks super nice with my 60 dollar concealer!! Happy NEW YEAR!! Would love for you to stop by and check out the latest!
xo, Jessica || The Petite Diaries
Kindly Unspoken says
January 13, 2018 at 10:52 amSame here! I sometimes spend more on certain items like foundations, but then I save on lipsticks and mascaras since I use them so much.
Taylor Mobley says
January 9, 2018 at 2:15 pmThese products are AWESOME! I have so many favorites on this list!
Kindly Unspoken says
January 13, 2018 at 10:53 amThanks! I <3 drugstore makeup! 🙂
Yvonne says
January 9, 2018 at 2:56 pmThanks for sharing all these great make up tips – the nail polish is also a favourite of mine. Otherwise I love Kiko makeup.
xx Yvonne
http://www.funkyforty.com
Kindly Unspoken says
January 13, 2018 at 10:53 amSo glad to hear! I’ve never tried that brand but will look into it!
Desire Anne says
January 9, 2018 at 4:35 pmThank you for this! Now I have new products to check out. I’m adding that Morpe palette to my wishlist.
I actually wear the Wet N Wild highlight you mentioned, and it’s amazing! I still can’t believe I paid $4 for it.
Kindly Unspoken says
January 13, 2018 at 10:53 amGlad you enjoyed it! And yes the wet n wild highlight palette is SO good!
Erin | A Welder's Wife says
January 9, 2018 at 6:13 pmI am so glad you mentioned Tarte’s Shape Tape Concealer! It is seriously the best thing ever! It is my splurge and pamper product, and a daily must have!
Kindly Unspoken says
January 13, 2018 at 10:54 amAgreed! Plus since it’s so full coverage it really does go a long way and you don’t have to use a ton of it! 🙂
chelsea jacobs says
January 10, 2018 at 2:00 pmWhat shade do you use in that brow pencil??
Kindly Unspoken says
January 13, 2018 at 10:55 amI use taupe because even though I’m blonde my brows and natural color is more like a dirty blonde so it matches perfectly!
SMD says
January 11, 2018 at 11:13 amI love the Essence mascara. My mom and aunt are using it as well.
Kindly Unspoken says
January 13, 2018 at 10:56 amThat’s awesome! I couldn’t believe how awesome of a job it does at curling the lashes too!
Sara says
January 13, 2018 at 9:54 amI accidentally bought micellar water instead of toner, but I decided to keep it. It’s so nice to be able to use it at the end of a long day…. It’s so much easier than being lazy and doing nothing. I’m going to keep that concealer on my short list of things to try if the stuff I just ordered doesn’t work out!
Kindly Unspoken says
January 13, 2018 at 10:57 amAgreed! It’s great for lazy evenings where you just want to quickly take your makeup off. 🙂
Kim says
January 14, 2018 at 1:45 pmI loved this roundup! You know i love a good buy! Will definitely have to pick up some of these products. XO – Kim
Kindly Unspoken says
January 17, 2018 at 8:48 pmThanks girl! Always a fan of affordable makeup! 🙂