Dollar-Store Makeup Products You Should And Shouldn't Buy, According To Our Makeup Artists

When it comes to makeup and beauty products, we all know that price often reflects quality — but let's be real, not everyone has the budget for splurging on high-end brands. In fact, even drugstore prices can be a stretch sometimes — so, in order to help anyone who wants to look their best on a low budget, we've set out to uncover just which dollar-store beauty buys are actually worth your money.

To get all the inside scoop, we've reached out to professional makeup artists Amber Renee and Jade Griffin, who share their expert opinions exclusively with Glam. What have we learned after talking to them? It turns out that there are some hidden beauty and makeup gems at the dollar store, and one of them is, surprisingly, nail polish! "You can find a variety of colors at dollar stores that are great for experimenting with different looks," Renee explains to us. "While the quality can vary, many brands at this price point offer decent pigmentation and staying power, making them ideal for occasional use or for trying out new nail trends." However, if you do decide to get some of these expert-approved makeup products from the dollar store, make sure you check the expiration date, as makeup stock turnover might be a bit slower there compared to drugstores.

Now, if you're curious about what else besides nail polish is actually worth grabbing at the dollar store — Renee and Griffin had plenty more to say about the best beauty bargains (as well as the products you should definitely skip)!

If you wear foundation, getting it at the dollar store is not something our experts recommend. "Dollar-store options often lack variety or quality, leading to patchy, uneven results," Jade Griffin, licensed esthetician of Queen Productions, explains exclusively to Glam. And Amber Renee couldn't agree more. "The formula and shade range for foundations at dollar stores are often limited, and the quality can be inconsistent," Renee adds. "Investing in a foundation that matches your skin tone and type is crucial, as it directly impacts your overall makeup look and skin health."

Now, if you can stretch your budget just a little, there are far better options out there. Here are 15 drugstore foundations that are perfect for any skin type. The Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Oil-Free Foundation is one drugstore-level option that comes highly recommended. Along the lines of their foundation advice, our experts also don't recommend going to the dollar store for any liquid makeup products meant for larger areas of your skin. And while you could experiment with dollar-store concealers, let's be real — you don't need a pro to tell you that they'll probably crease, move around, and look patchy before you even step out the door. 

While our experts haven't given any strong negatives about powder products, we don't recommend using a setting powder from the dollar store, as it's something you apply all over your face. However, when it comes to powder blush, bronzer, and highlighter, you can experiment with them since they're applied in smaller areas. Just be cautious of any potential irritation, and do a small patch test before applying it.

We all know that chapsticks are kind of like bobby pins — we hoard them and somehow still manage to lose them constantly. Now, while splurging on a great overnight lip mask is something we definitely recommend as it can help prevent dry, flaky lips, budget-friendly chapsticks stashed in your bag, car, and every random drawer at home are a true game-changer. And according to our experts, dollar-store options are totally fair game.

"Name-brand chapsticks and lip balms are cheaper than supermarkets," Jade Griffin shares with us, and Amber Renee is on the same page. "Dollar-store lip balms are often quite effective and hydrating," Renee adds in our exclusive conversation. "They're inexpensive, it's easy to try different flavors or brands without a significant investment." Plus, she points out that most dollar-store options have basic yet effective ingredients that "keep your lips moisturized without irritation." Now, stock up on your favorite dollar-store lip balm flavors, and spread them out in all your go-to spots. That way, your lips stay hydrated no matter where you are. And the best part? Next time you lose one, you won't be too sad — because it was super affordable and you can easily replace it!

One thing that our experts 100% agree on is that anything you apply near your eyes should come from a brand you trust. Otherwise, you're just asking for smudging, irritation, or, even worse — an eye infection like conjunctivitis or styes. So, when you're strolling through the mascara section at your local dollar store, do yourself a favor and keep walking, no matter how fun that purple mascara might look. 

"Mascara is a product that is applied close to the eyes, and getting a poorly formulated or expired product can lead to irritation or even infection," Amber Renee explains exclusively to Glam. "Higher-quality mascaras tend to have better formulations that do not flake or smudge, ensuring a safer and more effective application," she adds. One product that has no paraffins, parabens, silicones, synthetic fragrances, or mineral oil is the Honest Beauty 2-in-1 Extreme Length Clean Mascara + Lash Primer. Similar to mascara, getting eyelash glue from the dollar store also isn't something we'd recommend as it is applied super close to your lash line. Actual fake lashes, on the other hand, are totally fair game!

As we all know, eyes tend to be more sensitive than other areas of the face, so extra precaution is necessary. Now, if you are on the lookout for a new mascara, check out Glam's best mascaras of 2024, as some affordable drugstore options have made the cut! 

Since eyebrows aren't as sensitive as your eyes, you can actually experiment with dollar-store brow pencils — and the same goes for lip pencils. If you're still figuring out which shades suit you best, this is an easy way to test what you like without breaking the bank. "You can find great quality brow and lip pencils for under a dollar!" Jade Griffin tells us exclusively. Getting a muted-brown shade for the popular lip contouring trend is an easy way to explore new makeup hacks without investing in expensive products. As for the trend, it involves overlining your lips — focusing on the Cupid's bow and bottom center — to achieve a natural shade that will make your lips appear more pouty. 

Of course, don't expect miracles in terms of smooth application or longevity when it comes to brow and lip pencils from the dollar store, but hey — these two are easy enough applications that you can do quick touch-ups throughout the day. In fact, you can totally use a dollar-store brow pencil for the celeb-approved makeup trick that makes showing off your freckles easy — just get a shade that matches your natural freckles best!

We have already established that mascaras aren't really something you should purchase at the dollar store, but if you're thinking that the price for a waterproof one is too good to pass on — think again. "Dollar-store waterproof mascaras or liners may smudge, flake, or be difficult to remove safely," Jade Griffin notes in our exclusive chat.

Apart from performance issues, there are some waterproof mascara ingredients that may make you think twice before using it again. Toxic chemicals like poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are often found in waterproof mascara formulas, so if you plan on buying one, always make sure you double-check the ingredients. And we agree with the expert: It's best to steer clear of dollar-store mascara options altogether. Instead, you can always consider giving the no-mascara makeup trend, which has gotten more and more popular over the years, a chance!

If you are using makeup remover wipes, getting them at the dollar store is totally fine, according to our experts. "Makeup remover wipes are typically affordable at dollar stores, and while some may not be as effective as higher-end products, they can work well for quick touch-ups or travel," Amber Renee shares with us exclusively. "They are convenient for removing makeup at the end of the day and often come in travel-friendly packaging," the makeup artist adds.

However, here at Glam, we aren't huge fans of makeup remover wipes. While they're great for travel or emergencies, using them daily isn't the best for your skin or the environment. So, if you are someone who relies on them every single day, it's time to put down the disposable makeup wipes. Instead, you can make some DIY makeup removers that are just as efficient but much better for you. Or even better, give the double-cleansing method a chance — trust us, your face will feel so clean that going back to makeup wipes won't cross your mind ever again!

While eyebrow pencils and lip pencils are fair game, getting eyeliners from the dollar store isn't something our experts recommend. "Similar to mascara, eyeliners that are cheap may not have the same precision or lasting power as established brands," Amber Renee explains exclusively to Glam. "You want an eyeliner that glides on smoothly and lasts throughout the day without irritating your eyes, which may not be guaranteed with dollar-store options." The wet n wild Mega Last Breakup Proof Liquid Eyeliner, on the other hand, is highly rated for its ability to last up to 16 hours.

Instead, invest in a fan-favorite eyeliner that checks all the boxes. Glam's list of 2024's best eyeliners has some incredible drugstore recommendations that won't break the bank. And if you were considering dollar-store eyeliners in bold colors for spring and summer, here's a pro tip: You can turn eyeshadow into eyeliner using a damp angled brush. That way, you can use shades from a palette you already own — no need to risk a low-quality liner or an infection! Speaking of eyeshadows — the same thing applies, if it's used close to your waterline, you should definitely avoid purchasing it at the dollar store. 

When it comes to makeup tools, it's no secret that they can be quite pricey, especially with the variety of brushes and sponges available. Now, if you're a professional makeup artist, you should invest in some good ones. But if your makeup routine is on the simpler side, getting a couple of brushes from the dollar store to add to your collection is totally fine. "Basic makeup brushes and sponges can often be found at dollar stores," Amber Renee says. "While they may not match the quality of high-end brushes, they can be great for beginners or as backups." If you are unsure of just how much you'll use a particular type of brush or sponge — getting them from the dollar store allows you to test them out before investing in pricier (and higher-quality) options. "From blending sponges to basic eyeshadow brushes, they can still serve a purpose for simple applications," the expert adds.

Jade Griffin couldn't agree more: "Makeup tools such as makeup brushes ... makeup bags, mirrors, and even eyelash curlers are great finds at the dollar store," she observes in our exclusive chat. If you're someone building your makeup-tool collection from scratch, the dollar store is definitely a great place to get a variety of products at a very affordable price. And if you already have a great collection of tools, the dollar store might still be worth checking out for those tools your collection might be missing!

Even though some makeup products can be purchased at the dollar store, our experts agree that skincare is something you should avoid getting at super-low dollar-store prices. "While some basic skincare items may be okay, it's generally advisable to avoid dollar-store skincare products," Amber Renee explains. "The formulations may be less effective or potentially harmful, as quality control can vary greatly. Ingredients that irritate the skin or don't provide any benefits should be avoided," the makeup artist adds.

Jade Griffin echoes this in our exclusive conversation. "Low-cost moisturizers, primers, or cleansers might contain harsh ingredients that can irritate your skin or fail to properly prep it for makeup," she explains. Now, while there are skincare products that we recommend you to include in your routine, the truth is that there are only three essential skincare steps you need to do daily: Cleanse, moisturize, and protect from the sun. So, while we're all for double cleansing, using serums, and exploring new skincare formulations, all you need to do is invest in a good cleanser (like the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser), moisturizer (such as the Neutrogena Fragrance Free Daily Facial Moisturizer), and SPF — all of which you can easily find at a decent price at a drugstore. The best part about great skincare products is that you generally only need to use small amounts of them — which means that they will actually last you for a while.

When it comes to single-use face masks, they can get very pricey. But according to our experts, you can get them at the dollar store without breaking the bank as they aren't skincare products that you use daily or that stay on your skin for super long. "Dollar stores often carry single-use face masks or sheet masks that are perfect for a pamper night without breaking the bank," Amber Renee shares exclusively with Glam. "These can be a fun way to try new skincare products without committing to more expensive brands."

Now, if you are planning to use them at your next girls-night-in as a low-key spa experience, keep in mind that while these masks can be a fun way to hydrate or help dry out pimples, they don't perform any miracles. Instead, they serve more of a ritualistic relaxing purpose rather than being truly groundbreaking skincare products. However, as a disclaimer, if you or your friends notice any irritation while using these masks, make sure to remove them immediately and wash your face with a gentle cleanser. It's always best to be cautious with skincare products — especially if they claim to have any active ingredients.

When it comes to sun protection, our experts don't recommend relying on the dollar store to provide you with effective sunscreens. "Protecting your skin is crucial, so investing in a high-quality sunscreen that has undergone rigorous testing for effectiveness is essential," Amber Renee says in our exclusive chat. "Most dollar-store sunscreens may not provide adequate protection or could even have outdated or ineffective formulations." You're better off forking out a little more on something like the EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46 or even the more budget-friendly Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Face Sunscreen + Hydrating Serum.

Proper sun protection is one of the most important steps in your everyday skincare routine, so it's best to invest in a trusted, high-quality product that gets the job done. That said, your sun-protection strategy should include more than just an SPF — and the dollar store is a great option if you're looking for something additional for your sun-protection routine, like a hat to keep your face in the shade all day. Hats can provide an extra layer of protection, and you don't have to spend a lot to get one!

Now, before you head to your local dollar store to hunt down some of these expert-approved beauty gems, be sure to inspect each product carefully. Check for any changes in consistency and smell (if possible), as well as packaging, before making a purchase. Just because a particular product category is generally considered safe, that doesn't mean that every item within it meets the same standards. As always, trust your instincts — if something seems off, it's best to skip it. A quick examination can help you determine whether a product is worth trying or is better left on the shelf! In general, dollar-store makeup can be a great option for beginners, those experimenting with new looks, creating Halloween makeup, or any situation where long-lasting performance isn't a priority.