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13 Walmart Makeup Products That Are Affordable and Effective

By
Melanie Rud
Melanie Rud
Melanie Rud

Melanie Rud is a Chicago-based writer with 10 years of experience covering beauty. She covers all things skincare for Byrdie, from ingredients to acne advice.

Byrdie's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on 05/02/22 12:05PM
Makeup products arranged on a grey background

Byrdie / Alli Waataja

We have yet to meet someone who doesn’t get jazzed about finding high-quality, budget-friendly makeup. And while that once was no easy feat, these days, it’s gotten easier and easier to find a new go-to foundation or signature lip color at an affordable price. One of the best places to shop for amazing, makeup that won’t break the bank? Walmart. Believe it, the megastore offers some of the best of the best beauty finds, from drugstore classics to new indie brands—and everything in between. “Walmart offers a great range of beauty products—there really is something for everyone,” says New York City makeup artist and beauty expert Neil Scibelli.

The number of awesome options can actually be somewhat overwhelming, so we narrowed it down to Walmart’s must-try makeup staples. Try one or try them all—at these prices, you easily can.

Keep scrolling for the best Walmart makeup products.

01 of 13

Flower Beauty In Your Prime Primer

Flower Beauty In Your Prime Primer

Walmart

What We Like

  • Soft-focus matte finish
  • Absorbs quickly
  • Lightweight

What We Don't Like

  • Glitter is unappealing to some

Yes, you need a primer, and yes, it should definitely be this one. From Drew Barrymore’s line (which makes some of our all-time favorite affordable makeup goods), this formula smooths skin and ups the staying power of your makeup. There are also three variants to choose from—hydrating, illuminating, and pore-minimizing—so there’s a little something for everyone.

Price at time of publish: $15

Key Ingredients: Dimethicone Crosspolymer | Skin Type: All | Dosage: Daily as needed | Size: 1.0 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

02 of 13

CoverGirl Clean Fresh Skin Milk Foundation

COVERGIRL Clean Fresh Skin Milk Foundation, Hydrating Foundation, Vegan, 1 Count, Liquid Foundation, Moisturizing Foundation, Lightweight Foundation, All Day Healthy Glow, Nourishes Skin, Cruelty Free

Amazon

What We Like

  • Infused with soothing aloe
  • Dewy finish
  • Lightweight

What We Don't Like

  • May smell bad to some

Scibelli says this is one of his favorite new complexion products. “Although it says foundation, it’s made with hydrating coconut and aloe and goes on super sheer, more like a tinted moisturizer,” he says. You can use it as an everyday base to help even out your skin tone or use it as a concealer and just dab onto strategic areas, he adds. Either way, it leaves what he calls, “a beautiful, skin-like finish.”

Price at time of publish: $14

Coverage: Light | Shade Range: Fair to Deep Dark | Finish: Dewy | Size: 1.0 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

03 of 13

Maybelline Dream Radiant Liquid Hydrating Foundation

Maybelline Dream Radiant Liquid Medium Coverage Hydrating Makeup, Lightweight Liquid Foundation, Caramel, 1 Fl; Oz

Amazon

What We Like

  • 20 different shades
  • 12 hours of hydration
  • Formulated with hyaluronic acid and collagen

What We Don't Like

  • Feels heavy to some

On the flip side, if you’re looking for a foundation that has some more coverage to it, Scibelli recommends this guy, which he says is comparable to a luxury formula. It’s infused with both hyaluronic acid and collagen, never a bad thing, and comes in 20 shades. It is super pigmented, so if you want to sheer it out a bit, try Scibelli’s tip and mix a few drops with a bit of moisturizer.

Price at time of publish: $5

Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: Fair to Deep Dark | Finish: Radiant, Natural | Size: 1.0 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

04 of 13

Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer

Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer

Amazon

What We Like

  • Crease-resistant coverage
  • Produces a glow
  • Easy to apply

What We Don't Like

  • Not much staying power

One of the all-time best-selling drugstore concealers, ever, this classic truly can’t be beaten. Indeed, it works beautifully under the eyes and has a daily sheer formula that counteracts darkness and shadows without ever looking cakey or mask-like. But it’s great for using on other areas of the face, too, no matter whether you’re trying to camo blemishes or dark spots. Bonus points for the included sponge applicator that makes blending a breeze.

Price at time of publish: $11

Coverage Level: Lightweight | Finish: Radiant | Shades: 18 | Size: 0.2 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

05 of 13

Revlon Photoready Insta-Blush Stick

Revlon Photoready Insta-Blush Stick

CVS

What We Like

  • Easy to apply
  • Mess-proof
  • Luxurious cream-to-powder formula

What We Don't Like

  • Pigment could be deeper

Super sheer and extremely blendable, this blush is pretty much foolproof. Swipe it onto the apples of your cheeks, then rub it with your fingertips (no tools required) for the optimal amount of just-pinched color. Even though it goes on like a cream, it dries down like a powder, making it great for all skin types.

Price at time of publish: $13

Finish: Sheer | Colors: 4 | Size: 0.24 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

06 of 13

Rimmel Natural Bronzer

Rimmel Natural Bronzer, Sun Bronze (34788724022)

Amazon

What We Like

  • Comfortable
  • SPF 15 formula
  • Natural looking

What We Don't Like

  • Tends to fade

To look effortlessly sun-kissed without ever stepping foot in the sun (and risking sun damage, ahem), dust on this bronzer. All four tones blend beautifully into the skin and aren’t in the least bit orange-y, so you never have to worry about looking like an Oompa-Loompa. Also nice: It’s waterproof, and claims to last up to 10 hours.

Price at time of publish: $10

Skin Type: All | Finish: Matte | Colors: 4 | Size: 0.49 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

07 of 13

Physicians Formula Butter Highlighter

Physicians Formula Butter Highlighter

Walgreens

What We Like

  • Blendable
  • Nutrient-rich
  • Good for sensitive skin

What We Don't Like

  • More glittery than glowy

This aptly-named product does indeed go on like buttah. Credit three different types of butter—murumuru, cupuacu, and tucuma—that give its beautifully creamy texture, which dries down to a nice powdery finish. Light-diffusing particles make the highlighting effect shimmery and radiant without ever veering into disco ball territory.

Price at time of publish: $12

Type: Blendable | Finish: Radiant | Shades: 4 | Size: 0.17 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

08 of 13

Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon Lipstick

Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon Lipstick

What We Like

  • Transfer-resistant
  • Glides on
  • Has a built-in sharpener

What We Don't Like

  • A little drying

This is a take on the brand’s long-lasting liquid lipstick, offering the same mind-blowing staying power (truly, it doesn’t budge) but in what we find to be an easier-to-apply crayon format. While the finish is matte, it’s not drying, and there are over 20 shades to choose from. Given the affordable price, we strongly suggest picking up more than one.

Price at time of publish: $11

Type: Liquid | Active Ingredients: Trimethylsiloxyphenyl Dimethicone, Isohexadecane | Finish: Matte | Colors: 29 | Size: 0.04 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

09 of 13

Aquaphor Immediate Relief Lip Repair

Aquaphor Immediate Relief Lip Repair

Walmart

What We Like

  • Immediate relief
  • Formulated with nourishing vitamins
  • Made for sensitive skin

What We Don't Like

  • Not long-lasting

While you won’t find this in the makeup aisle, it easily could live there. Of course, it serves all of those functions you’ve obviously used it for in the past: protecting chapped lips, alleviating irritation on the skin, hydrating dry cuticles, you get the picture. But it can—and should—be worked into your makeup routine, too. Scibelli says it’s a staple in his makeup kit; he uses it as a base to mix powder pigments with and turn them into cream formulas. You can even dab some onto cheekbones in place of a highlighter or layer it over lipstick to add sheen.

Price at time of publish: $5

Active Ingredients: Petrolatum, Avobenzone | Size: 0.3 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

What Our Testers Say

"While the fragrance-free balm is on the thick side, it also pairs well with lipstick provided you let it sink in all the way and wipe off any excess." — Sarah Y. Wu, Products Tester

10 of 13

L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara

L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara

Amazon

What We Like

  • Instantly builds dramatic volume
  • Adds five times more thickness
  • Smudge-resistant

What We Don't Like

  • Not for sensitive skin

Scibelli is a big fan of drugstore mascaras in general (as are we), but this classic is one of his favorites. The formula adds volume, while the fluffy brush grips and curls the lashes upwards at the same time, he says, adding that it’s also smudge-free. He loves the carbon black shade, though there are eight colors to choose from.

Price at time of publish: $11

Benefits: Resists clumping, softens, and builds lashes | Size: 0.26 oz. | Shades: 20 | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No

11 of 13

e.l.f. Cosmetics Need it Nude Eyeshadow Palette

e.l.f. Cosmetics Need it Nude Eyeshadow Palette

Walmart

What We Like

  • Vegan
  • Good pigment
  • Can be used wet as a liner

What We Don't Like

  • Not much staying power

We guarantee you’ll reach for this palette of 10, super wearable, beautifully neutral shadows time after time after time. Ranging from creamy tans to shimmery champagnes to deep chocolate, this checks all of our neutral eye boxes. Not to mention that the versatile formula can easily be used wet as a liner, and the pigment is buildable, too.

Price at time of publish: $17

Finish: Shimmery | Size: 0.49 oz. | Shades: 10 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

12 of 13

NYX Professional Makeup Micro Brow Pencil

NYX Professional Makeup Micro Brow Pencil

Amazon

What We Like

  • Creamy feel
  • Gets the finest hairs
  • Vegan

What We Don't Like

  • Hard to apply

“This is one of my favorite drugstore finds because it’s really comparable to many luxury brow pencils. The precision point is great for zeroing in on exactly the spots you need to fill it, and then you can blend in the color with the spoolie brush on the other end,” says Scibelli. He also calls out the range of undertones, a notable point when it comes to brow products, many of which come in a limited array of shades, and the impressive staying power.

Price at time of publish: $11

Type: Pencil | Size: 0.003 oz. | Shades: 8 | Free of: Parabens, Alcohol | Cruelty-Free: Yes

13 of 13

Jergens Natural Glow Self Tanning Daily Moisturizer

Jergens Natural Glow + Firming Daily Moisturizer, 2 pack

Amazon

What We Like

  • Hydrating
  • Infused with antioxidants
  • Fresh scent

What We Don't Like

  • Splotchy

Let’s not forget that makeup isn’t just for your face. Scibelli says this moisturizer-self-tanner hybrid is his go-to for adding a hint of skin-perfecting color on arms and legs before a big event. Plus, you never end up smelling like a self-tanner or have to worry about streaks.

Price at time of publish: $13

Type: Moisturizer, Lotion | Size: 7.5 oz. | Application Method: Manual, Lotion | Shades: Medium to Deep | Cruelty-Free: No

Final Verdict

Walmart is a veritable treasure trove of awesome makeup finds. The Covergirl Fresh Skin Milk Foundation (view at Walmart) is an excellent sheer foundation, infused with skincare ingredients for added benefits. Also in the complexion department, don’t miss the cult-classic Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Concealer (view at Walmart). Meanwhile, when it comes to eyes, the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara (view at Walmart) remains a perennial favorite among pros and consumers alike. It’s also worth picking up at least one (if not more) color of the Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon Lipstick (view at Walmart), an easy-to-apply lippie that can withstand pretty much anything.

Meet the Expert

Neil Scibelli is a New York City-based celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert. He focuses largely on fashion, celebrity, and television, as well as sharing his beauty education via contributions to various makeup outlets. 

What to Look For in Walmart Makeup

Reviews

The hardest part about shopping at Walmart (or any drugstore-type store, for that matter) is that you can’t try on most things, says Scibelli. He suggests reading reviews and doing some research before hitting the store or online shopping.

Color

Again, since you can’t try it on, finding the right shade can be tough. Scibelli suggests holding the bottle or tube against your inner arm or even jawline to find the best match. You can even purchase a few colors and bring them home to see how they look in your normal lighting. 

FAQ
  • How do I do my makeup on a budget?

    Doing your makeup on a budget is totally possible. Choose tried and true brands that are effective yet affordable. The basics include foundation, powder, concealer, mascara, and blush. Nice-to-have products include eyeliner, setting spray, and highlighter.

  • Which makeup brand is best and cheap?

    Several affordable and effective makeup brands include e.l.f., Maybelline, Flower, Cover Girl, Revlon, Physician’s Formula, Rimmel, and L’Oreal Paris. Each brand covers the basics such as foundation, powders, concealers, lip and eyeliners, mascaras, highlighters, blushes, and much more.

  • Is it good to buy makeup from Walmart?

    Walmart is a good place to buy makeup because they provide a vast range of products at competitive prices, often with discounts and sales. If you are on a budget, you will find many effective and affordable makeup brands at Walmart. Not only are the popular mainstream brands available there, but many Walmart stores also carry upcoming new and indie brands of makeup.

Why Trust Byrdie?

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. True story, she once purchased an entirely new makeup wardrobe at Walmart after forgetting her makeup bag while traveling. 

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any Walmart makeup products from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

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