Between inflation and looming tariffs, complex multi-step routines, and a never-ending trend cycle, doesn't it seem like all of our beauty spending habits are just going off the rails? Like, one minute you're innocently perusing the hair aisle at Ulta, and the next minute you've got two shampoos that cost more than $100 in your cart. But it doesn't have to be this way! Enter: This list of 36 inexpensive beauty finds that our editors swear by. Trust us when we say that these skincare, makeup, haircare, and bodycare products work just as well as luxury alternatives that cost five, six, or even seven (!) times the price. At $10 or less, you can comfortably shop our favorites without breaking the bank. What are you waiting for?
The Best Inexpensive Makeup
Award-winning eye, lip, and cheek products...all for less than the price of a latte? No, you're not dreaming.
"The sleek packaging and ultra-plush applicator feel luxurious, while the nourishing, minty formula keeps my lips soft and glossy. It’s like a little moment of self-care, wrapped up in e.l.f.’s signature vibe."—Julee Wilson, beauty editor-at-large
"My favorite lip pencil of all time!!! The fact that it's just $5 is unreal because the formula is incredibly smooth, pigmented, and long-wearing."—Lauren Balsamo, beauty director
"In a world of $30 mascaras, it's hard to find an affordable formula that actually lengthens and volumizes. Somehow Essence did it for $5."—Jasmine Hyman, assistant beauty editor
"As a glowy blush lover, this blush-highlighter multi-stick leaves me with the most gorgeous and dewy finish"—JH
"A dab of this on my zits, and it's like I never even went through puberty. Jk, but kinda?"—Beth Gillette, beauty editor
"I am a clear brow gel conossoiur and this one from Milani is always a favorite. It gives brows light hold without ever getting flaky."—LB
"I love a tinted lip balm and I can confirm—Maybelline Baby Lips is that girl! My lips went from struggling to soft as a baby’s bottom in just a few days thanks to the 8-hour moisture formulation."—JW
"I just swipe these across my eyelids whenever I want to do a quick look, and they don't budge for hours, even if I get lazy and skip primer. Huge."—BG
Best Eyeliner
af94 Gel Eyeliner
"Gliding this eyeliner along my waterline and winging it at the outer corner is beyond easy because the formula is so creamy and gel-like, but it also seriously stays put for hours."—BG
The Best Inexpensive Skincare
When it comes to a solid skincare routine, less is often more—both in terms of price and formulation. These skincare products stand out for their accessible price points and use of simple yet efficacious ingredients.
"Dermatologists always recommend this face wash. It's gentle and effectively removes makeup and excess oil. I've used it for years on my sensitive, acne-prone skin and have never had any issues."—LB
"Super hydrated and supple skin for less than $10 is hard to come by but this supercharged hyaluronic acid serum is ideal for my very dry skin, and it layers well with all my other skincare steps."—JH
"Differin is just one of those brands you can trust if you have acne-prone skin. I love their soothing face lotion, which never breaks me out and layers nicely with other actives in my routine—like salicylic acid and retinol."—LB
"This is an excellent exfoliator for anyone with clogged pores, oily skin, or breakouts. The salicylic acid eats away at buildup and dead skin to minimize blackheads and whiteheads."—LB
"IMO, the best toners have simple, gentle formulas that help reset your skin post-cleanse. Neutrogena's does exactly that—and even gives the skin a lil hydration boost courtesy of glycerin and panthenol."—LB
"This sunscreen stick is suprisingly non-greasy and stays put throughout sweat and water. Pro tip: I love using it on my shoulders and chest, too."—JH
"Of all the Starface pimple patches, these lil blue stars are my fave since they use salicylic acid to treat a zit while covering it up."—BG
"I love regular Aquaphor but sometimes it can be kinda messy to apply to lips. Hence my obsession with this Aquaphor lip balm. It has the same moisturizing powers as the OG formula but you don't need to worry about your fingers getting all goopy."—LB
"If I'm at home, there's a 99% chance I have some sort of face mask on. And I love this one for hours of hydration."—JH
The Best Inexpensive Haircare
ICYMI, we're officially back in our drugstore hair era (thanks to Alix Earle). But it's not just Pantene that's having a moment. Shop more of our budget-friendly faves from iconic brands like John Frieda, Tresemme, and more.
"I love how soft and smooth this shampoo makes my hair feel post-wash. In true CeraVe fashion, the gentle formula cleanses without stripping your strands or scalp."—LB
"As someone with super dry and damaged hair, this hydrating conditioner actually makes my hair feel moisturized. I even leave it in for a few extra minutes like a mask for extra nourishment."—JH
"The GOAT of smoothing creams. I've used this on my frizz-prone hair since middle school and it's never let me down—even when it's humid as hell outside."—LB
"Oribe's Dry Texturing Spray is my fave, but at $52, I have a hard time recommedning it to friends. That's where NYM version comes in—it gives hair that same effortlessly tousled effect but for a fifth of the price."—LB
"Pantene is having a renaissance of sorts, so if you're rediscovering the brand or trying it for the first time, do not sleep on their rescue shots. The super concentrated masks make my hair feel like freaking silk."—LB
"I test basically every dry shampoo that comes out on my ultra-fine hair, and this one gives me the most volume of all time—without irritating my scalp or leaving behind a white cast."—BG
"When I want my hair to feel smooth and soft, I spritz this on while its damp, then dry with a blow-dry brush. My hair looks sleek as hell without the crunch or dryness."—BG
"This oil is like a spa day in a bottle for my hair and scalp—infused with biotin, rosemary, and peppermint—my strands feel thicker, my scalp feels refreshed, and the shine is next-level fabulous!"—JW
"I know what you're thinking, and nope, this absolutely does not make your hair crunchy or oily. Just volumized and defined."—BG
The Best Inexpensive Bodycare
From hyaluronic acid-packed body washes to all the shaving essentials that keep your skin silky smooth, these editor-favorites will keep you feeling squeaky clean and pampered af.
"I freakin' love how quicky this body serum sinks into my skin with zero residue at all."—BG
"Not only does this body lotion feel super lightweight and smoothes my skin, but it also smells soooo good. No notes."—JH
"This made shaving soooo easy—I was actually shocked. And I love that it's a pump bottle for simple in-shower dispensing."—BG
"I dread shaving my legs, but this hydrating shaving cream makes my razor glide like butter and leaves my legs feeling extra soft after."—JH
"As someone with super sensitive skin, I'm prone to ingrowns everywhere. This serum treats and prevents them with ease."—JH
"This body wash is honestly so moisturizing that I can skip body lotion when I get out of the shower and my skin isn't the slightest bit dry or flaky."—LB
"A deodorant that goes on clear and keeps my B.O. at bay even through sweaty workouts is amazing enough, but it's even better when it costs less than my desk lunch."—BG
"I'm a sucker for all things vanilla, hence my obsession with this yummy body scrub. It smells like freaking dessert and makes my skin ridiculously smooth." —LB
"When I'm on-the-go, so this hand butter is my secret weapon for keeping my hands luxuriously soft and radiant without a greasy feel. The rich blend of shea butter, coconut oil, and peptides feels like a hydration hug!"—JW
Why Trust Cosmopolitan?
Jasmine Hyman is the assistant beauty editor at Cosmopolitan where she covers all the best beauty products from LED devices to acne-safe foundations. For this story, she, along with beauty editor Beth Gillette, beauty director Lauren Balsamo, and beauty editor-at-large Julee Wilson raved about all their favorite products under $10 from years of testing to curate this extensive edit.
Jasmine Hyman
Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
