101 Budget Beauty Buys
We've already ID'ed the 33 best beauty picks of all-time. Now, we're letting you in on the wallet-friendly, under $25 bargain drugstore products worth picking up.
By Leah Melby
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Fragrance-Free
Finally, ladies who prefer their products scent-free can indulge in Olay's smoothing and hydrating hero. Hyaluronic acid works as a natural filler to help plump up complexions.
$24.99; drugstore.com
Head & Shoulders Smooth & Silky
Signature dandruff-fighting now has the added bonus of super hydration. Really wow them with flake-free, silky strands.
$7.99 each; drugstore.com
e.l.f. Studio Body Shimmer
Add a little shimmer to cheeks, eyes, or bod with this purse-packable twist-up stick.
$3; eyeslipsface.com
Dove Winter Care Body Wash
Take care of extra parched skin with this hydrating heavy-hitter. A combo of moisturizing cream and oil work together to banish that itchy, flaky feel.
$4.49; drugstore.com
Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color
Intensify your color with a line made to bring out dark shades' strongest tones. Count on hydration post-dye, thanks to avocado and olive oils.
$5.99; amazon.com
Puristics Totally Ageless Daily Anti-Aging Lotion
Monitoring what icky stuff you absorb through your skin is easier with a smart formula. Pump daily for UV protection without dyes, perfumes, or synthetic preservatives.
$21.99; amazon.com
NYC Smooch Proof 16H Lip Stain
Apply your lip color once and don't think about it the rest of the day with a long-wear stain that cheerfully looks like a beauty marker.
$4.49; drugstore.com
Remington Wrap to Waves Styler
Get your own head of sexy, beachy waves with a two-pronged tool perfect for wrapping.
$24.97; amazon.com
göt2b Rockin' It Encore Fresh Dry Shampoo
Because rockstars are clearly the hard partying, dirty type who can't be bothered to shower: an aerosol, brush-through dry shampoo fit for the tour bus.
$5.99; amazon.com
EcoTools 20 Cosmetic Applicators
Stock your makeup bag with these bamboo-handled cuties. Three different sizes are perfect for all-over color or simple shadowing.
$1.99; walmart.com
Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush
An ultra-light formula you can bounce your finger off of (really!) thanks to the magic of silicone elastomers. More than just cool, it feels like a powder but goes on like a cream.
$7.99; walgreens.com
Jergens Overnight Repair
Make your lotion work way after the sun's gone down. This vitamin-infused pick uses primrose extract for supercharged skin-healing throughout the night.
$5.16; amazon.com
Nice 'N Easy Color Blend Foam
At-home hair color gets easier with a simple-to-apply foam that becomes liquid as soon as it interacts with hair's natural oils. Go ahead, cancel your salon appointment.
$9.99; drugstore.com
Aussie Smoothing Serum
Use on damp hair to help ward off heat damage and environmental worries. Already dried? Try as the finishing touch.
$9.38; amazon.com
CoverGirl BlastFlipstick
Get your lip color exactly where you want it with two shades in one stick (one's shimmery!).
$7.99; amazon.com
Essie School of Hard Rocks Nail Polish
Experiment with color via your nails. This easy-to-wear green feels fresh and garners all kinds of compliments (we tried it!).
$8; amazon.com
Vichy NormaDerm Triple Action Anti-Acne Hydrating Lotion
This blemish-fighting cocktail uses salicylic and glycolic acids, plus LHA, to clear skin, mattify, and hydrate. Start kissing pimples buh-bye now.
$19.99; amazon.com
Amika Obliphica Curl Defining Cream
Treat coarse, curly strands with antioxidants and the obliphica berry, containing omega 7, an all-hailed nutrient most commonly found in fish oil.
$24; beauty.com
Degree Expert Protection Motion Sense Deodorant
Feel confident in your odor-protection with this smart deodorant, created with capsules that start working when your arms start swinging.
$5.99; amazon.com
Herbal Essences Touchably Smooth Shampoo & Conditioner
Get the perfect amount of hydration for your hair, courtesy of a built-in, moisturizing serum. The pair will get hair clean and keep locks smooth.
$5.24 and $3.99; amazon.com
Hard Candy Stroke of Gorgeous Waterproof Felt Tip Eyeliner
Grip like you would a pen and get ready to draw on some glam. The aqua metallic shade is perfect for adding a pop of color, and the formula contains a serum to promote lash growth.
$5; walmart.com
Yes to Blueberries Age Refresh Brightening Eye Roller
Treat the delicate skin under your eyes and fight off free radicals with vitamin C from blueberries. Horse chestnut seed extract works against dark circles, while bearberry leaf aids in brightening.
$19.99; drugstore.com
Sonia Kashuk Luxe Mademoiselle Clutch
A quilted cosmetic case so chic it doubles as an evening bag? Yes, please.
$24.99; target.com
Avon Advance Techniques 3D Rescue Treatment
Work on every facet of your mane with this nutrient-packed treatment. The leave-in formula reverses damage from chemicals and heat, leaving you with softer strands and less split ends.
$12; avon.com
St. Ives Olive Cleanser
Get a clean face and soft skin thanks to a generous donation from olives and their leaves: glycerides, a water-soluble oil that excels at moisturizing skin.
$5.99; drugstore.com
Colgate Optic White Toothpaste
Forget pricey in-office whitening treatments, and keep your teeth glistening with a hydrogen peroxide paste that promises results similar to sticky strips.
$6.94; amazon.com
Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm
Craving tint with the lip-soothing ingredients of a balm? Meet our favorite combo of shea butter and color.
$6.99; drugstore.com
True Blue Spa 60-Second Manicure Hand Scrub
Why pay a manicurist when you can indulge at home? The sweetness of sugar crystals exfoliates hands and cleans up cuticles, leaving your paws primed for polish (D.I.Y., of course).
$12; bathandbodyworks.com
Nuance Salma Hayek Flawless Coverage Mineral Foundation
Who knows better than goddess of the big screen, Salma Hayek, about looking flawless? A semi-matte powder conceals imperfections and evens out your complexion for a Hollywood-worthy look.
$13.99; cvs.com
Physicians Formula Instant Skin Calming Spray
Ingredients like algae make a single spritz your best bet against redness and irritation caused by inflammation, outside stressors, or conditions like Rosacea.
$16.97; walmart.com
Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure
Be your own manicurist with a polish that combines base coat, color, and top coat, along with a dose of nutrients to keep nails strong and long.
$5.24; drugstore.com
Specific Beauty Professional Moisture Complex
Specifically designed for the full range of skin-tones, this paraben-free hydrator works at restoring the skin's natural protective barrier to avoid future water loss.
$14.99; target.com
Rimmel Stay Glossy Lip Gloss
Ingredients like cotton and silk keep your pucker moisturized while the perfect amount of shine keeps it sexy for up to six hours.
$5.29; walgreens.com
Essence of Beauty Teardrop Sponges
The antioxidant acai helps these sponges give a smooth finish, while an antimicrobial formula fights germs.
$3.99; cvs.com
L'Oréal Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara in Carbon Black
Eager to get flirty lashes that are blacker than black? Try this new midnight hue that's twice as dark as the original black color.
$7; amazon.com
Coppertone Sport Pro-Series Sunscreen
Sun scientists are ensuring your SPF stays put, no matter whether you're spiking a volleyball or taking a serious hike, with new DuraFlex technology.
$10.99; drugstore.com
Jasön Pure Natural Shampoo & Conditioner
Suds'ing sulfates are removed from these eco-formulas. Instead, jojoba seed oil provides moisture while chamomile and grapefruit extracts promote hair growth. Get ready for healthy, long locks!
$10.49 each; wholefoods.com
Sally Hansen Firming Hand Creme
Show your hands some anti-aging love with this peptide-packed bottle. A non-greasy solution means you can apply and go about your business as normal.
$5.50; drugstore.com
Shea Moisture Olive & Green Tea Massage, Bath, and Body Oil
Make your at-home massages and baths a little more decadent with this soothing olive and green tea concoction.
$9.99; target.com
RoC Retinol Correxion Sensitive Night Cream
Sensitive skinned ladies and retinol newbies can harness the ingredient's power with a gentler formula that still promises results (without the irritated dermal evidence).
$18.39; drugstore.com
One Leave-On Eye Rescue Mask
For ladies too lazy to slice up a cucumber, we found 'em pre-made! The famed veggie is combined with chamomile for disposable pads to calm puffy, tired eyes.
$2.50; ulta.com
NYX XTreme Lip Cream
Too highly pigmented to be considered solely a gloss, this little hybrid packs a lot of color and shine for bold lips.
$4.99; amazon.com
Almay Clear Complexion
Use your foundation to help clear up your skin, rather than just conceal. Salicylic acid fights future blemishes, licorice extract soothes redness, and a mineral complex absorbs for a shine-free look.
$14.50; amazon.com
Revlon ColorStay Crème Gel Liner
Every woman should have a waterproof, smudge-proof, not-going-anywhere eyeliner in her cosmetic case. This gel formula comes in vivid colors to put a spin on your regular eye makeup.
$9.99; drugstore.com
Let's Jam Custard Cream Gel
Maintain your style for 24-hours and beyond with this mineral oil and petroleum gel.
$3.99; walgreens.com
Dr. LeWinn by Kinerase Instant Dermal Wrinkle Filler
Kinetin, the special ingredient used in higher-priced Kinerase, is harnessed to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with one application.
$24.97; walmart.com
Iman Luxury Translucent Powder
A mineral composition that finishes makeup, absorbs oil, and stops shine makes this powder a must-have. And the gorgeous, facted compact design doesn't hurt, either.
$20; drugstore.com
Kiss My Face Pomegranate Acai Castile Soap
Eco cleaners will love this vegan soap. It can be used on anything, from your kitchen counter-tops to your bod. Suds in good conscience!
$15.38 for 34 oz.; amazon.com
Dial NutriSkin Extra Dry Lotion
Feed your skin with this carefully concocted lotion. Omegas 3 and 6 balance moisture levels naturally, while vitamin F helps with elasticity (woo hoo!).
$4.99; drugstore.com
Demeter Fragrance Library Dirt
Find an affordable signature scent that you'll love from a range of spritzers inspired by, um, unusual things (that still manage to smell superb!).
$20; amazon.com
TRESemmé Fresh Start Moisturizing Waterless Foam Shampoo
Get a fresh head of hair without stepping foot in the shower with this waterless pick. The mousse consistency uses aloe and witch hazel, a natural astringent, to remove oil and hydrate hair.
$4.49; amazon.com
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night Moisturizer
Retinol and a glucose complex work day and night to fight age spots and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Consider it an affordable time machine.
$14.75; amazon.com
NP Set Eye Shadow Duos
Take the guess work out of color-matching with shadow duos paired by a professional makeup artist.
$10 each; target.com
Goody Doublewear 2-in-1 Ponytailer and Bracelet
Accessories and beauty join hands, er, wrists, with these brilliant elastics. Classy metal tubing adds some flare to your 'do and makes pretty good arm candy, too!
$4.88 for three; walmart.com
Boots No7 "The Magic of Lipstick"
Lipstick know-it-all, Poppy King, lent her magic to Boots for a collection of seven creamy lipsticks and corresponding glosses that are as swoon-worthy as her higher-priced tubes.
$9.99 each; shopbootsusa.com
Nicole by OPI The Gold Shoulder
OPI's little sister band packs the same trendy punch at a lower price. Put a metallic spin on your favorite neutral hue, and you're good to go.
$7; walmart.com
Lumene Sensitive Touch 5 Min SOS Cream
Those with sensitive skin have found their secret weapon. Organic linen extract will help calm irritated skin in 5-minutes, flat. We call that priceless.
$19.99; drugstore.com
Dove Active Clean Dual-Sided Shower Tool
De-clutter your shower with smart, 2-in-1 tools. We suggest stealing this men's scrubber, with a side for cleaning and a rougher side for exfoliating.
$4.99; amazon.com
Nature's Gate Pomegranate and Sunflower Cleansing Bar
Get a bang for your buck with these wallet-friendly triple milled soaps. Seven different moisturizing agents work together for hydrated hands, while pomegranate and sunflower provide antioxidants (and smell pretty, too!).
$7.58 for two; amazon.com
Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion
Moisturize and relax at the same time, thanks to a smart marriage of shea butter and calming lavender and jasmine.
$7.99; drugstore.com
Clearasil Perfectawash
Avoid over-cleansing with this motion sensor activated dispenser, providing the perfecta amount of face wash.
$19.99 for dispenser and two refills; amazon.com
JK Jemma Kidd i-Sculpt Shadow and Liner
Avoid excess digging around in your makeup bag with this smart double-sided pick. One end is a crayon liner, and the other is a spongy shadow applicator that'll double as a smoky eye smudger.
$17; target.com
Kiss My Face Green Tea & Bamboo Moisture Shave
Get sexy gams with this essential oil-fortified shaver. The inclusion of anti-aging bamboo lets you smoothly delay the signs of aging.
$7.49; amazon.com
China Glaze 3D Nail Lacquer
Glitz-addict? Take your shine to new levels with 3D polish that uses different sizes and shapes of glitter for dimensional appeal.
$3.84 per bottles; amazon.com
Calgon Ageless Bath Pearls
A mix of collagen, vitamin E, and pearl powder is encapsulated in these little beauties to help your skin glow.
$6.49; drugstore.com
L'Oréal Elnett Satin Strong Hold Hairspray
One of the few backstage-beloved classics you can find at your local corner store, the super-fine spray on this pick leaves a non-gunky finish that's easy to brush through.
$12.58; amazon.com
John Frieda Large Thermal Brush
Crafted with holes in the barrel, this round brush gets more air to more strands, resulting in quicker drying time.
$14.99; drugstore.com
Clean & Clear Morning Burst Charge Body Wash
Get ready to face the day with a solution that includes energizing citrus.
$3.97; amazon.com
Pixi Wakeup Concealer
Banish darkness and fine lines with a brush-on gel formula. Bonus: The waterproof formula will keep you looking fresh wherever they day might take you.
$18; target.com
Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes
One little wipe does the work of giants, cleansing, removing makeup, and toning at once.
$5.99; drugstore.com
Boots Extracts Olive Wonderbalm
Soothe dry skin with extra virgin olive oil and shea butter sourced from a women's cooperative in West Africa.
$6.99; target.com
Bath & Body Works Select-a-Shimmer
Whatever side of the sparkle debate you're on, this double barreled tube lets you mix your own combo of lotion and glitter. Glam as you see fit!
$14; bathandbodyworks.com
Nutra Nail Gel Perfect
Love the durability of a gel mani but hate the price tag? With a steady hand and a little bit of patience, you can D.I.Y. it with a new at-home kit.
$9.72; amazon.com
Essence Colour & Shine Eye Shadow
Get some shimmer along with your color via this marbelized pick, available in neutrals and bold picks alike.
$2.99; ulta.com
Bioré Steam Activated Cleanser
Take one pump of face wash and mix with a relaxing, steamy shower for optimum pore cleansing. Expect a bonus tingle, thanks to mint extract.
$7.11; amazon.com
Dr. Scholl's For Her Sole Expressions
The add-your-own comfort of shoe inserts gets playful with new, funky prints. Even if you're the only one who knows you've got leopard soles, it's still worth it.
$12.49; drugstore.com
Avon Skin So Soft Perfecting Oil
This vitamin-packed oil fights uneven skin tone and does a number on scars and stretch marks, to boot!
$12; avon.com
Alba Botanica Creamy Piña Colada Body Wash
Step into your shower and somewhere exotic with this tropical cleanser, made with pineapple and sugar cane extracts for radiant skin all over.
$8.95; albabotanica.com
Aveeno Positively Radiant Eye Illuminator
Perk up your peepers with a mix of soy and vitamin B3. The sparkling eye effect? Courtesy of light-diffusing technology.
$14.99; drugstore.com
Wet N Wild Fast Dry Nail Color
Play with all the colorful polish and glitter you can dream of. At less than two bucks a pop, buy a rainbow's worth!
$1.99; walgreens.com
CoverGirl + Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation
Get immediate flaw-hiding coverage with a foundation that's in it for the long haul. This smart mix includes an antioxidant serum that helps with long-term clarity and protects against additional damage from free radicals.
$13.99; amazon.com
Schick Intuition
This self-sudsing razor makes shaving a snap. The blades are encircled by an all-natural moisturizer made of aloe and vitamin E that takes the place of shaving cream.
$8.99; amazon.com
Modella Train Case
Store your makeup somewhere cheery with this coated canvas bag. The durable design is perfect for wiping off any spilled powders or creams.
$9.99; walgreens.com
Matrix Total Results Amplify Conditioner
Pump up limp strands with a phyto-protein-packed formula that'll give you volume (and sex appeal!).
$9; matrix.com
Aubrey NuStyle Organic Detangler & Shine Booster
Organic aloe vera goes to work on increasing moisture and softness, while quinoa protein ups shine. What's healthy for you is good for your hair, too.
$7.10; amazon.com
ImPress Press-On Manicure
Remember playing with press-on nails as a girl? They're back, but in shorter lengths and fun patterns that feel more modern than the long fakes of yore.
$7.99; cvs.com
Maybelline Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Shadow
Try a long-lasting shadow that mimics the high intensity coloring of real ink. It's the same bright expression made possible by tats, minus the painful removal process.
$6.99; drugstore.com
Mark Super Flip Color Kit
Broaden your options with this multi-hued palette, flip-able to access nine eye shadows and the same amount of pretty lip picks.
$20; avon.com
Hard Candy Undercover Agent
Fight dark circles and fine lines with a concealer tip that screws off to reveal a brightening lotion. Genius!
$6; walmart.com
GeoGirl Feather Lash Mascara
For a touch of definition that won't feel too made-up, try a weightless mascara that adds length without clumps.
$4.29; drugstore.com
Kanshi Instantly Refreshing Foot Spray
Pamper your feet after a long day with this triple mint spray. It's good for keeping 'em clean, too: Lemon myrtle is antimicrobial to protect against funky stuff.
$10; amazon.com
Sonia Kashuk Instructional Eye Palette
Score makeup and a professional lesson for less than 20 bucks with this smart pick. Twelve eye shadows come with a trio of step-by-step instructions for makeup artist-approved style.
$19.99; target.com
Rimmel Fix & Perfect Pro Primer
Start fighting shine before you've even left your house in the morning. A beauty game-changer, primer helps the rest of your products go on smoothly and minimizes pores. Win, win!
$6.89; drugstore.com
Motions Hold & Shine Styling Spray
A non-sticky hair spray that gives shine while fighting humidity? Sign us up, please!
$6.29; amazon.com
Reach by Design Toothbrushes
Brush fashionably with a colorful limited edition pick created by designer Shoshanna Gruss.
$8.98 for two; amazon.com
Salon Perfect Nail Lacquer
Give glitter a break and try a new kind of shine with chromed polish.
$2.98 each; walmart.com
Gold 'N Hot 1 1/4" Curling Iron
Take a salon essential home with you for cheap. This gold-plated curler, beloved by stylists, is the easiest route to perfect spirals.
$14.99; folica.com
Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Moisture Balance Shampoo & Conditioner
Want strands that'll beg people to run their fingers through it? This duo uses calendula, ginger, and aloe vera for hydrated smoothness.
$4.99 each; drugstore.com
NYX Color Lip Balm
Give your kisser the hydration of a normal lip balm along with a punch of bright color.
$3.75; amazon.com
Bodycology Enchanted Forest Shower Gel
We love the intoxicating scent of this budget find, a perfumed shower gel and bubble bath that'd make a nice addition to any tub.
$3.99; target.com
Pure Silk Dry Skin Therapy Shave Cream
Sure, shaving's an annoyance but it gets better if you think of it as a skin indulgence. This dry formula includes chamomile, vitamin E, and Irish moss to help keep your stems hydrated.
$1.79-$2.49; amazon.com





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