9 Keys to Creating an Affordable Makeup Kit You'll Love

Advertiser Disclosure ▾

This page contains affiliate links from which we receive a compensation. Like many publications Wise Bread is supported by affiliate commission from partner companies whose products appear on our site. This may influence which products we write about and the location and order in which products appear. We aren't able to cover every product in the marketplace.

Wise Bread Picks

• Travel Rewards Credit Cards
• Cash Back Credit Cards
• 0% Balance Transfer Credit Cards

You don't need to spend much to upgrade your makeup kit. Nowadays, some drugstore cosmetics can stand up to the most expensive luxury brands, all at a fraction of the price. To get you started, we've included some tips to help you create the best makeup kit anyone can afford.

1. Choose the Right Shade

It's crucial that you choose the right shade for your skin. Otherwise, you may end up wasting money on a product that is too pale or dark for your complexion. If you aren't sure which shades are right for you, ask a professional at a store like Sephora, or try a tester bottle on the back of your hand.

2. Return Products You Don't Love

If you bring something home and realize it doesn't match your skin tone or style, don't be afraid to take it back. Many drugstores, department stores, and specialty stores will accept returns, so you're not stuck wasting money on something you'll never wear.

3. Find Your Must-Have Products

There are certain products that a makeup kit just can't do without. For instance, you should look for items that have multiple uses (like Vaseline), and narrow down the rest. Some other things that you need to have in your makeup kit may include:

• Concealer
• Foundation, or BB or CC cream
• Face primer
• Powder
• Blush
• Highlighter
• Contour powder
• Eyebrow pencil, powder, pomade, or gel
• Eyeshadow
• Eyeliner
• Mascara or false eyelashes
• Lipstick, lip liner, or lip gloss

4. Try the $20 Makeup Challenge

Have you heard of the $20 makeup challenge? Some of the most trusted professional makeup artists, beauty bloggers, and everyday beauty mavens are taking part in the challenge to find great drugstore makeup kits for a total cost of only $20 or less. Find someone on Pinterest or YouTube who closely matches your skin tone, complexion, and personal style, and follow their suggestions. You can also browse #20makeupchallenge on social media to see some of the best makeup hauls for $20 or less.

5. Find Top Makeup Artist Picks

There are countless videos and articles highlighting top makeup artist picks for under $20 or $50. We have also found some of the best makeup items in each category, so you can get the most for your money. Read our picks for the best of the following types of makeup:

• Concealers
• Foundations
• Contour powders
• BB creams and CC creams
• Eyebrow pencils
• Mascaras
• False eyelashes
• Lip liners
• Makeup primers

6. Choose the Right Brushes

You don't need to spend a lot to get quality brushes. There are a number of available sets for well under $20, such as Amazon's best-selling makeup brush kit, which includes everything you'll likely need. You can even find deals that include quality makeup brushes and a complexion beauty blender for around $15. If you take care of your brushes and clean them regularly, they will last for years.

7. Take Advantage of Discounts

When shopping at stores like Sephora or Ulta, either online or in-store, make sure to take advantage of all the savings they offer. Look for sales, coupons, promo codes, and store loyalty programs. These can result in discounts, free products, and exclusive store promotions.

8. Try Brand Starter Kits

Choosing starter kits, whenever possible, will allow you to try out many different items from the same brand at a lower cost. This way you can find your favorites, so you always know what to buy without worrying about wasting money. Some of the best starter kits include:

• Smashbox Try It Kits – $21.95
• Physicians Formula All-in-1 Beauty Balm Kit – $22.31
• Physicians Formula Eye Enhancing Kit – $12.35
• Tweezerman Mini Brow Rescue Kit – $20.39

9. Buy a Pre-Made Kit

When all else fails, you can just buy a new makeup kit outright. You can get one in a reusable train case or purchase a small makeup palette with everything you need to get started.

Do you have other suggestions for creating the best frugal makeup kit? Please share your thoughts in the comments!

Like this article? Pin it!