TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.3*
Why it's great: "This [brand] makes so many colors ... that anyone can find a perfect shade," raves one reader of this self-sharpening eyeliner, which comes in 13 hues. Other readers agree, adding that the colors are "vibrant."
"It applies without tugging, keeps a good point after sharpening, smudges/blends beautifully, doesn't fade and it's half the price of other store brands to boot. I think I have found my new favorite eyeliner."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.4*
Why it's great: "These lip products are a cross between a lip balm and lipstick," says one reader. "They moisturize your lips while leaving a very pretty color." Other users add that the product "smells wonderful," "is like a grown-up lip balm" and "has a nice sheer color." The neutral shade Sugar Cookie is a reader favorite.
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.4*
Why it's great: Reviewers say that this is a lip gloss that even people who don't tend to like lip gloss will love. "Great pigmentation that gives your lips a nice wash of color," one user writes. "Applies supersmooth and not too sticky; smells nice."
"It makes my mouth water just opening it," one reader writes, "It smells just like dessert....It glides well and does not feel clumpy or caked on after having it on for a few hours."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.4*
Why it's great: According to reviewers, this budget blush comes with a substantial amount of product and an impressive color payoff. "For $2.99, you get a blush that is incredibly creamy, pigmented and long lasting," raves one reader, adding that the product is "truly one of [her] favorite blush[es] of all time -- and not just in the drugstore."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.8*
Why it's great: Readers recommend these "extremely" moisturizing lip balms to those looking for a "creamy" product that "smells amazing," "make[s] your lips so soft" and "adds a hint of color."
Reviewers love that there are "so many colors to choose from" and that the product leaves lips with a "juicy" finish.
If your budget's more canned tuna than caviar, your makeup doesn't have to suffer. Like the right $5 bottle of wine can taste just as good as a $50 bottle, the best cheap makeup can produce equally high-end results.
True, budget makeup finds may not flaunt the same ritzy brand name or museum-worthy packaging as pricier products -- but if a gorgeously made-up face is what you're after, the world of cheap makeup has a slew of gems to offer.
Of course, not all cheap makeup products live up to our standards. Some are poorly made and have almost no pigment, melt off your face within minutes and end up highlighting your imperfections. We can all agree that a $2 lipstick that you never use isn't really a deal after all.
Then again, you don't have to drain your bank account for stay-all-day eyeliner, full-coverage concealer, creamy, pigmented blush, lipstick and more. But don't take our words for it. Listen to our trusty TotalBeauty.com reviewers, who took to the drugstore aisles to find these select cheap makeup treasures that compare to products five times their price.
The following 15 best cheap makeup products are consumer-approved, high-quality and available for $5 or less.
