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Beauty/Makeup/Drugstore

Top 10 Drugstore Cult Beauty Buys

10 Drugstore Buys That Makeup Artists, Celebs, and Beauty Junkies Swear By

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When your makeup bag needs a refresh but your budget says otherwise, there’s only one place to go: the drugstore. With shelves full of reasonably priced cosmetics (many of which are dupes for popular higher-end products), the drugstore is the perfect place to shop when you’re running out of funds for your faves. Unfortunately, not every drugstore product is going to give you the results you’re looking for, so it’s important to know which ones are the real deal.

That’s where we come in. We’ve done the research for you and come up with a list of 10 drugstore makeup products that are getting rave reviews from shoppers just like you. From a buttery bronzer that could be mistaken for Bobbi Brown to an illuminizing lotion akin to ILIA’s liquid light, the lineup of cosmetics below has a budget-friendly option for every beauty.

How We Found The Best Drugstore Cult Makeup Buys

To save you from hours of obsessively scrolling through product reviews and comparing price tags, we’ve gathered the best drugstore beauty products using our ultra-smart and unbiased algorithm. This tool, which you won’t find anywhere else, helps us identify standout products by analyzing a range of data, including beauty editor recommendations, expert product reviews, and word-of-mouth on social media. Keep scrolling to see why you should swear by our top picks. 

Jump To Products

June 12, 2024

Written By:Sierra Rogers

Product Expert:Georgia Jones

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Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

The Rankings


10
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Rank & Style Approved

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L'Oréal Paris True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum

Overall Score

4.8

10

L'Oréal Paris True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum

4.47

16882 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

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Best Drugstore Cult Tinted Serum

WHAT IT DOES
The True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum provides lightweight coverage and a dose of hydration. A combination of luminous mineral pigments and hyaluronic acid makes this serum ideal for those who want a brightening boost of moisture without feeling weighed down.

MORE TO KNOW
You can layer this serum under foundation or use it alone. For a perfect application, shake the bottle before doling it out. 

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L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara

Overall Score

4.8

09

L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara

4.37

91343 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Drugstore Cult Mascara

WHAT IT DOES
Feathery-soft lashes are just a few swipes away with L'Oréal's Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara. Featuring the brand's fan-favorite soft wavy bristle brush, this mascara lengthens and separates lashes to create a dramatic look.

PROMISING REVIEW
"I have tried other drugstore mascaras in the past, but this is the one I reach for the most. I love how full my lashes look once I apply this mascara. I love that it reaches every lash, separates them, and lengthens them beautifully without clumping."

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Milani Baked Blush

Overall Score

4.85

08

Milani Baked Blush

4.51

40589 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Drugstore Cult Blush

WHAT IT DOES
Get a vibrant glow this summer with Milani's Baked Blush. This highly pigmented, blendable blush comes in eight shades, from Petal Primavera to Bella Bellini. Try applying it to the apples of your cheeks, across your hairline, and the bridge of your nose.

MORE TO KNOW
This blush is made in Italy, where the superfine pigments are baked in the sun on terracotta tiles.

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Revlon Super Lustrous The Gloss

Overall Score

4.85

07

Revlon Super Lustrous The Gloss

4.47

42502 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Drugstore Cult Lip Gloss

WHAT IT DOES
Nonsticky lip gloss? Sign us up. Revlon's Super Lustrous The Gloss delivers shine and a pop of color without the mess. The formula features hydrating ingredients like agave, moringa oil, and cupuacu butter.

MORE TO KNOW
There's a clear version of this gloss if you're looking for shine without the tint.

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L'Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer

Overall Score

4.9

06

L'Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer

4.59

403445 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

5

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Drugstore Cult Illuminator

WHAT IT DOES
Meet L'Oréal's Lumi Glotion: a primer, moisturizer, and highlighter all in one. Use it on your face or body, on top of makeup, or underneath—there are no rules, only a glowy finish that's bound to turn heads.

PROMISING REVIEW
"I love this product! I put it underneath my foundation and it gives a nice glow without being oily."

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Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation

Overall Score

4.9

05

Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation

4.49

164860 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Drugstore Cult Foundation

WHAT IT DOES
If you're in the market for a foundation that will create a poreless finish, Maybelline's Fit Me Matte Liquid Foundation is a good option for you. Oil-free and lightweight, this foundation is designed to provide medium coverage that lasts for up to 12 hours.

MORE TO KNOW
There are 40 different shades to choose from with the Fit Me Liquid Foundation, making it easy to find the right color for your complexion.

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E.l.f. Cosmetics Makeup Power Grip Face Primer

Overall Score

4.9

04

E.l.f. Cosmetics Makeup Power Grip Face Primer

4.63

30426 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

5

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Drugstore Cult Primer

WHAT IT DOES
With a name like Power Grip Primer, you know exactly what to expect from this product. Formulated to create a smooth foundation for makeup application, this gel-based primer goes on with a clear finish and "grips" makeup for a long-lasting, smudge-free look.

MORE TO KNOW
This primer contains hyaluronic acid for an extra dose of moisturization.


E.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter

Overall Score

4.95

03

E.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter

4.52

29365 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

5

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Drugstore Cult Multitasker

WHAT IT DOES
The Halo Glow Liquid Filter can be used in several different ways. You can use it on its own, as a primer before you apply foundation, or as a highlighter on your cheekbones and chin. You can even mix it with your foundation for a smoot, soft-focus look.

PROMISING REVIEW
"I love how radiant my face looks. I wore it alone with a bit of concealer and I'm in love. It has enough pigment almost like a CC cream but a lot more dewy. It does feel extremely hydrating on your skin. If you have oily skin, I would pair it up with a matte primer or foundation to balance it out. I have really dry skin so, this worked out for me perfectly."

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Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer

Overall Score

5

02

Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer

4.64

88194 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

5

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Drugstore Cult Bronzer

WHAT IT DOES
The Butter Bronzer takes advantage of the skin-nourishing properties of murumuru butter, an emollient derived from murumuru palm tree nuts. With its rich, creamy texture, this bronzer delivers a blendable burst of color that you can usually only get from a beach vacation.

MORE TO KNOW
This product is safe for sensitive skin as it's hypoallergenic, oil-free, and noncomedogenic.

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Maybelline Lifter Gloss With Hyaluronic Acid

Overall Score

5

01

Maybelline Lifter Gloss With Hyaluronic Acid

4.52

54257 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

5

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Drugstore Cult Beauty Product Overall

WHAT IT DOES
Comparable to Kosas' Wet Lip Oil Gloss, the Lifter Gloss from Maybelline plumps your pout while providing a swipe of shine. It's made with hyaluronic acid for a hydrating formula that volumizes lips and smooths out lip lines.

MORE TO KNOW
From a champagne shade called Sun to a ruby red color called Rust, you'll love all 15 hues this gloss is available in.

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