10 Must-Have Makeup Products Under $20 That Beauty Gurus Love

When it comes to makeup, you don’t have to break the bank to get high-quality products that deliver flawless results. Beauty gurus and influencers have uncovered countless hidden gems in the drugstore and online that rival high-end brands—all without blowing your budget. From foundations that provide an airbrushed finish to mascaras that give you the perfect flutter, there are plenty of affordable options out there that work just as well as their luxury counterparts.

In this article, we’ll explore 10 must-have makeup products under $20 that beauty gurus love. These budget-friendly beauty staples offer top-notch performance and are perfect for building a flawless makeup collection without overspending.

1. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation

Price: Around $7

Beauty gurus swear by this affordable foundation for its lightweight formula and ability to deliver a smooth, matte finish. Ideal for normal to oily skin, the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation offers buildable coverage that blurs pores and keeps shine at bay all day long.

Why It’s Loved: It’s a budget-friendly foundation that feels like high-end, providing natural, skin-like coverage with a matte finish.

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2. e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer

Price: Around $6

This full-coverage, hydrating concealer from e.l.f. is a fan favorite for its ability to hide dark circles, blemishes, and uneven skin tone without feeling cakey. The formula is enriched with moisturizing ingredients, making it perfect for those with dry or sensitive skin.

Why It’s Loved: Beauty gurus rave about its long-lasting formula and the flawless, hydrated finish it provides—perfect for under-eye use.

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3. NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss

Price: Around $5

When it comes to lip products, beauty influencers love the NYX Butter Gloss for its creamy texture and high-shine finish. Available in a variety of shades, this gloss glides on smoothly and provides a non-sticky, long-lasting shine.

Why It’s Loved: The formula feels luxurious, and the color payoff is excellent, making it a go-to lip gloss for any occasion.

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4. Milani Baked Blush

Price: Around $8

The Milani Baked Blush is a cult favorite, adored by beauty gurus for its natural flush and luminous finish. With its finely milled powder and beautiful shimmer, this blush adds a pop of color and a hint of glow to any makeup look.

Why It’s Loved: Beauty influencers love how it mimics the look of high-end blushes, with rich pigmentation and a radiant finish that flatters every skin tone.

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5. Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder

Price: Around $5

Looking for an affordable highlighter that delivers a blinding glow? The Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder is a favorite among beauty influencers for its buttery texture and intense shimmer. It’s the perfect addition to any makeup routine, giving you that Instagram-worthy glow without the high-end price tag.

Why It’s Loved: It delivers a high-impact glow and blends seamlessly into the skin, making it a steal at its affordable price point.

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6. L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara

Price: Around $11

Lash Paradise Mascara by L'Oréal is often compared to high-end mascaras thanks to its volumizing, lengthening formula. Beauty gurus love it for the dramatic, false-lash effect it creates, lifting and separating lashes for all-day volume and curl.

Why It’s Loved: The formula is smudge-proof and clump-free, providing voluminous, fluttery lashes at a fraction of the cost of designer mascaras.

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7. e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer

Price: Around $9

This viral primer from e.l.f. has earned a place in many beauty bloggers’ makeup bags for its ability to blur pores and create a smooth canvas for foundation. Inspired by luxury primers, the Poreless Putty Primer fills in fine lines and imperfections for a flawless finish.

Why It’s Loved: It’s an affordable dupe for high-end primers and helps makeup last all day, making it a must-have for those with oily or combination skin.

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8. Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner

Price: Around $9

Beauty influencers can’t get enough of the Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner for its precision and staying power. The smudge-proof formula makes it ideal for achieving sharp, defined wings that last all day without fading.

Why It’s Loved: The long-lasting formula and precise applicator make it a top choice for beauty lovers who want bold, defined eyeliner at an affordable price.

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9. Maybelline The Nudes Eyeshadow Palette

Price: Around $12

Beauty gurus love this eyeshadow palette for its versatility and wide range of neutral shades. From soft mattes to shimmering metallics, the Maybelline The Nudes Palette offers endless options for creating both day and night looks.

Why It’s Loved: With 12 highly pigmented shades, this palette offers plenty of color payoff and blendability, rivaling more expensive eyeshadow collections.

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10. Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder

Price: Around $5

For those with oily skin, Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder is a holy grail product. Beauty influencers praise its mattifying powers, which keep shine at bay throughout the day. It’s perfect for setting makeup and providing a long-lasting, shine-free finish.

Why It’s Loved: It’s lightweight, provides excellent oil control, and is one of the best budget-friendly powders for achieving a matte look.

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Final Thoughts

You don’t have to spend a fortune to achieve a flawless makeup look. These 10 must-have makeup products under $20 are favorites among beauty gurus for their quality, performance, and affordability. From foundation and concealer to highlighter and mascara, these budget-friendly gems can easily become staples in your makeup routine, helping you achieve the look of luxury for less.

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