We all love a good splurge on beauty products. But as excited as we get over luxury foundations, there are just as many (if not more!) instances when we fall head-over-heels in love with something we pick up from the drugstore. Whether it's a nail polish, makeup wipes, or our favorite red lipstick, the under-$20 products seem to be the ones we always have on us.So forget everything you think you know about the drugstore. Quality products are there — you just have to know where to look. Ahead, our editors spill the intel on the wares they adore that also happen to be easy on their wallets. Just follow our lead, and you'll be shopping like a bargain pro in no time.
You know you've discovered a holy-grail product when you find yourself reaching for this $6 brush over all the high-end brushes at your disposal. Its shape and the density of the bristles are perfect for quickly buffing in foundation and applying cream blush and bronzer.
E.L.F. Selfie Ready Foundation Brush, $6, available at E.L.F.
If winter is drying out your skin, give a cream cleanser a go. This one deeply hydrates and smells like coconut.
Yes To Coconut Ultra Hydrating Crème Cleanser, $9.99, available at Ulta.
This moisturizing lip balm has a subtle tint, so you can take care of your pout while still getting a nice wash of color.
CoverGirl Colorlicious Oh Sugar! Lip Balm, $8.99, available at Ulta.
It's clutch for banishing blemishes, but gentle enough for your body and your face.
Alba Botanica Natural AcneDote Deep Pore Wash, $8.99, available at Drugstore.com.
If your hair is feeling parched, this is one of the best (and cheapest, and fastest) treatments out there.
Aussie Moist 3 Minute Miracle Deep Conditioner, $2.97, available at Walmart.
These cleansing wipes are lifesavers. They remove makeup, dirt, and sweat without being harsh — and are so deep-cleansing they're almost as good as washing your face.
Cetaphil Cleansing Cloths, $6.37, available at Cetaphil.
You never know when you're going to need a cotton swab, some makeup remover, or both. These solve all three dilemmas in one, clickable stick.
Almay Oil Free Makeup Eraser Sticks, $6.49, available at Ulta.
Don't apply this hydrator like you would a regular cream. Instead, delicately pat it into the skin. The result is a soft, clear, radiant complexion that's hydrated without feeling the least bit sticky or greasy.
Hada Labo Tokyo Anti-Aging Hydrator, $15.99, available at Walgreens.
Not exactly the most careful when it comes to shaving? Schick's blades hug the skin without being too rough, so even the fumbliest fingers can get a silky-smooth shave, sans nicks.
Schick Quattro for Women Razor, $7.76, available at Walmart.
If you can't justify spending a fortune on brushes, but don't want to skimp on quality, Sonia Kashuk's sets are for you.
Sonia Kashuk Essential Eye Kit, $11.59, available at Target.
This hair mousse is the holy grail — non-sticky, good hold, and super-lightweight — making it ideal for achieving loose, easy looks as well as gravity-defying updos.
Toni&Guy Prep Volume Plumping Mousse, $14.99, available at Target.
Creamy and pigmented, this lipstick blows many prestige picks out of the water.
Nyx Matte Lipstick in Alabama Brick Red, $6, available at Nyx Cosmetics.
Your secret to the perfect cat-eye: found. The formula is smooth and richly black, the brush is skinny and extremely easy to use, and it creates super-sharp lines in no time at all.
NYC Liquid Eyeliner, $2.99, available at CVS.
Revlon's scissor-like tweezers may look bizarre, but they're your brows' new secret weapon. They open up much wider than traditionally slanted tweezers, which makes it easier to grab fine brow hairs.
Revlon Perfectweeze Tweezer Slant Tip, $5.49, available at Walgreens.
We dare you to find a nail polish that lasts as long as this one.
Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear in Coral Reef, $2.99, available at Ulta.
Dickinson's Witch Hazel Toner has amazing zit-clearing powers — but it's way, way gentler than other acne-fighting toners.
Dickinson's Witch Hazel Toner, $5.99, available at Walgreens.
This mascara is a classic for instantly long, thick lashes. And call us crazy, but we think it takes significantly fewer coats to get that exaggerated, spidery look.
L'Oréal Voluminous Carbon Black Volume Building Mascara, $7.99, available at Ulta.
The queen of texturizing products, this cream is great for all lengths — even if it was originally marketed for short hair.
Sexy Hair Slept In Texture Crème, $16.45, available at Walmart.
Ridged nails are the bane of any polish enthusiast's existence. This formula fills in those bumps, so you get the smoothest manicure every time.
Cutex Baseworx Smoothing & Strengthening Base Coat, $7.99, available at Drugstore.com.
There are hundreds of dry shampoos on the market — but Tresemmé's absorbs oil well, smells amazing, and won't break the bank.
Tresemmé Fresh Start Basic Care Dry Shampoo, $5.99, available at Ulta.
If nail art's not your game, reach for this bottle. Your digits will look speckled and cool in just one easy swipe.
Maybelline Color Show Polka Dots, $3.99, available at Maybelline.
A classic red lipstick is something everyone should have in their arsenal — and this is the perfect starter version for newbies. It's wallet-friendly (great for experimenting with shades) and looks as expensive as a department-store version.
Revlon Pearl Lipstick in Cherry Blossom, $6.39, available at Drugstore.com.
Some of us aren't all that great with keeping our tools in good shape. So, replace your fancy-schmancy lash curler with this one from E.L.F. It works great, and it won't break your heart if you lose or bend it.
E.L.F. Studio Eyelash Curler, $3, available at E.L.F.
Just like traditional BB creams for your face, Pantene's version for hair packs tons of benefits into a single formula. It harnesses the power of a shine spray, frizz serum, and heat protectant all in one.
Pantene Pro-V Ultimate 10 BB Crème, $6.49, available at Target.
As awesome as exfoliating konjac sponges are, you may feel a little guilty dropping double-digits on high-end versions only to throw them out after a few weeks. (They aren't meant to last forever.) But at $5.99 a pop, EcoTools' sponge is a totally justifiable expense, and (bonus!) it's infused with pore-purging charcoal.
EcoTools Konjac Pure Complexion Facial Sponge, $5.99, available at Drugstore.com.
When it comes to eyeshadow, it's all about texture. Maybelline's Color Tattoo line offers a gel formula, making application easy-peasy with significant color payoff.
Maybelline EyeStudio Color Tattoo Eye Shadow, $6.99, available at Ulta.
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