TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.0*
Why it's great: Readers love this "creamy" liner-lipstick hybrid, which glides on smoothly without tugging at lips. Reviewers report that the pencil has a "long-lasting formula" and comes in a variety of "highly pigmented" colors. Several users say that the liners also work well as a blush and eye shadow.
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.1*
Why it's great: Readers find that these drugstore lashes have amazing staying power. One reader says these lashes can be worn from day to night "without budging." Another reader comments that they are "easy to apply, look natural ... and feel great." "Hands-down the best lashes ever," says another reviewer.
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.1*
Why it's great: Readers say this budget brow kit is "amazing" -- and not just for the price. They appreciate that the kit comes with a mirror, slated brush and a pair of "useful" tweezers, as well as two shades of high-quality brow powder and a setting wax -- everything you need to achieve the perfect brow for less than $5.
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.1*
Why it's great: Reviewers say this affordable powder "helps mattify the skin flawlessly." One user writes, "It is translucent, just like it says, and keeps my makeup looking perfect from morning to night." Other perks include the "silky smooth" texture, "sleek" packaging and "lightweight" feel.
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."
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.
