10 Drugstore Makeup Brands That Beat High-End Products in 2025

Are Drugstore Makeup Brands Just as Good as High-End Products?
Have you ever splurged on a high-end makeup product, only to find a budget-friendly drugstore alternative that works just as well, if not better? It's no secret that the beauty industry has evolved, and drugstore makeup brands are stepping up their game, offering high-quality products at a fraction of the cost. Today, some of the most impressive affordable makeup formulas can easily compete with their luxury counterparts. The lines between budget beauty products and high-end makeup are now blurring, and drugstore products are emerging as powerful contenders.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at 10 drugstore makeup brands that have proven to deliver exceptional performance in 2025. Get ready to explore affordable makeup options that can rival even the most coveted high-end products in your beauty bag.

The Best Drugstore Makeup Brands of 2025

The beauty industry has always been dominated by high-end brands, but recently, drugstore makeup brands have made significant strides in offering innovative and high-performance products. Here are the standout brands making waves in 2025:

1. Typsy Beauty

Before diving into the world of drugstore makeup brands, let's take a moment to highlight Typsy Beauty, a brand that redefines affordable luxury. Known for its commitment to quality, Typsy Beauty brings premium formulations to the masses without the hefty price tag. With a focus on clean ingredients and skin-loving properties, Typsy Beauty offers a range of products that can compete with even the most expensive beauty brands.

From long-lasting foundations to vibrant lipsticks, Typsy Beauty has solidified its place as a go-to choice for beauty lovers who don’t want to break the bank but still want high-end results. Their products are designed to deliver the same results as your favorite luxury makeup brands, but at a fraction of the price.

2. e.l.f. Cosmetics: The King of High-End Dupes

When it comes to affordable makeup, e.l.f. Cosmetics have been at the forefront of offering high-end dupes. This brand is well-known for providing budget-friendly products that are direct competitors to luxury makeup. e.l.f.’s formulations often mirror the feel and performance of premium products, making it a top choice for those on a budget.

• Hero Product: Halo Glow Liquid Filter – A highly coveted dupe for Charlotte Tilbury’s Flawless Filter, this product offers radiant, glowing skin at an affordable price.
  
• Runner-up: Power Grip Primer – A great alternative to Milk Makeup’s Hydro Grip Primer, helping makeup last longer with a smooth, flawless finish.

3. Maybelline New York: Affordable Innovation

Maybelline New York is a staple in the drugstore beauty aisle, consistently delivering products that perform as well as luxury alternatives. From foundations to mascaras, Maybelline has maintained its reputation as a drugstore makeup brand that continuously innovates.

• Hero Product: Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara – Known for its volumizing and lengthening effects, it competes with Lancôme’s Hypnôse Mascara.
  
• Runner-up: Fit Me Concealer – Often compared to Tarte Shape Tape, this concealer provides full coverage without feeling heavy.

4. L'Oréal Paris: Luxury Formulas at a Fraction of the Price

L'Oréal Paris has long been known for its high-performance products, and in 2025, it continues to push the envelope with luxurious formulations that rival premium makeup brands. Known for offering a wide variety of products, from foundations to mascaras, L'Oréal is an accessible brand that delivers luxury-feeling formulas without the luxury price tag.

• Hero Product: Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation – This foundation offers long-lasting coverage comparable to Estee Lauder’s Double Wear.
  
• Runner-up: Voluminous Panorama Mascara – Offers intense volume and separation, competing with high-end brands like Chanel Le Volume de Chanel.

5. NYX Professional Makeup: Professional Quality on a Budget

NYX Professional Makeup has gained a reputation as a go-to drugstore makeup brand that delivers professional-quality products without the high-end price tag. From lip products to eyeshadows, NYX continues to impress beauty lovers with its innovative formulas.

• Hero Product: Buttermelt Blushes – Known for their creamy, blendable formula, these blushes rival NARS products.
  
• Runner-up: Epic Ink Liner – This waterproof liquid eyeliner provides intense pigmentation, similar to Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner.

6. Milani Cosmetics: High-Pigment and Affordable

Milani Cosmetics is a fan favorite for budget beauty products that deliver bold color and high pigment. Milani is widely praised for its high-quality formulations that perform similarly to luxury products, making it a solid choice for anyone seeking vibrant and effective makeup.

• Hero Product: Make It Last Setting Spray – Known for its ability to lock makeup in place, this setting spray is a great dupe for Urban Decay’s All-Nighter.
  
• Runner-up: Baked Blushes – These blushes deliver a radiant, glowing finish comparable to Laura Geller’s Baked Blush.

7. Essence Cosmetics: Unbeatable Performance on a Budget

Essence Cosmetics is one of the most affordable drugstore makeup brands, offering high-performing products at a fraction of the price of luxury beauty. Known for its cruelty-free and vegan formulas, Essence has become a cult favorite among makeup enthusiasts.

• Hero Product: Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara – This mascara provides dramatic volume and length, comparable to Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara.
  
• Runner-up: Pure Nude Highlighter – Offers a soft, glowing finish similar to Becca’s Shimmering Skin Perfector.

8. ColourPop Cosmetics: Trend-Forward and Affordable

ColourPop Cosmetics is an online-exclusive brand known for its vibrant, highly pigmented products that perform similarly to high-end brands. With an emphasis on affordable eyeshadows, blushes, and highlighters, ColourPop is a go-to for those seeking budget beauty products without compromising on quality.

• Hero Product: Pressed Powder Palettes – These palettes offer intense pigment and blendability, similar to Anastasia Beverly Hills eyeshadow collections.
  
• Runner-up: Super Shock Highlighters – Known for their creamy texture and intense payoff, these highlighters rival Fenty Beauty’s Killawatt Highlighter.

9. CoverGirl: Reinventing Drugstore Beauty

CoverGirl is another iconic drugstore makeup brand that continues to impress with its revamped formulas and high-performance products. From foundations to mascaras, CoverGirl’s products are now more conscious and effective, making it a top competitor to high-end brands.

• Hero Product: Lash Blast Cleantopia Mascara – This plant-based mascara delivers impressive volume and definition, similar to Chanel’s Le Volume Mascara.
  
• Runner-up: Clean Fresh Skin Milk Foundation – A lightweight foundation that offers a dewy finish comparable to Glossier’s Perfecting Skin Tint.

10. Revlon: Classic Beauty with Modern Upgrades

Revlon continues to be a classic drugstore makeup brand that holds its own with updated formulas and new innovations. With a mix of old favorites and new releases, Revlon is a great option for affordable makeup lovers.

• Hero Product: ColorStay Suede Ink Lipstick – Offers long wear and a comfortable matte finish, rivaling Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution.
  
• Runner-up: Super Lustrous Lip Gloss – A glossy finish that hydrates, comparable to Fenty Beauty’s Gloss Bomb.

How to Make the Switch to Affordable Beauty

Switching from luxury makeup to drugstore makeup brands doesn’t have to feel like a compromise. Focus on products that excel in categories like mascara, eyeliner, and blush—where budget beauty products shine. Save your splurges for foundation or skincare, but experiment with affordable makeup in other areas to find your perfect match.

Start by trying out these top-rated products and sharing your favorite drugstore makeup finds in the comments below.

Affordable Beauty That Doesn’t Compromise on Quality

In 2025, drugstore makeup brands will have become fierce competitors to luxury beauty brands, offering high-quality formulas that perform just as well at a fraction of the cost. Brands like Typsy Beauty, Maybelline, and L’Oréal Paris prove that budget beauty products don’t have to skimp on performance or innovation.

Make the switch today and experience the power of affordable makeup without compromising on quality. Share your favorite drugstore makeup products and tips with us in the comments. We’d love to hear what works for you!

FAQs 

Which drugstore makeup brands are as good as luxury ones?

Typsy Beauty, e.l.f. Cosmetics, Maybelline, and L’Oréal all offer products that perform just as well as high-end makeup brands. Their formulations are top-notch, making them great options for anyone seeking luxury performance at an affordable price.

What is the best drugstore mascara that compares to high-end brands?

Maybelline’s Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara and Essence’s Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara provide incredible length and volume, making them comparable to luxury mascaras like Lancôme’s Hypnôse.

Are drugstore foundations good quality?

Yes! L’Oréal Paris, Maybelline, and Revlon all offer foundations that provide long-lasting coverage and a smooth finish, making them worthy alternatives to expensive luxury foundations.

Which drugstore foundation is best for oily skin?

For oily skin, Maybelline’s Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation and L'Oréal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation offer long-lasting, oil-controlling formulas that provide a matte finish without looking cakey.

Can drugstore makeup last all day?

Yes, many drugstore makeup brands offer long-lasting formulas that can stay in place all day. Products like Milani Make It Last Setting Spray and e.l.f. Power Grip Primer helps to lock in makeup, ensuring a fresh look that lasts from morning to night.