Looking polished doesn’t have to mean dropping $300 at a beauty counter. Drugstore shelves are stacked with products that can compete—sometimes outperform—luxury brands. While the packaging might be simpler, the formulas often use the same active ingredients, and the results speak for themselves.
Whether you’re looking for a glow-boosting serum or a moisturizer that hydrates, you don’t need to splurge. Let’s look at affordable skincare products that hold their own next to high-end favorites.
Skincare Swaps That Work
High-end skincare often promises miracles, but the drugstore aisle delivers results without the premium price tag.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream vs. La Mer Crème de la Mer
CeraVe’s cult-favorite moisturizer has become a staple for good reason. Packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, it strengthens the skin barrier and locks in moisture—no luxury markup required.
Dermatologists often recommend it for sensitive or dry skin. La Mer’s version may have more glamour, but the basic hydration benefits are nearly identical.
Bonus: Click here for your chance to claim a CeraVe sample.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% vs. Drunk Elephant B-Goldi Bright Drops
Niacinamide helps reduce redness, smooth texture, and regulate oil. The Ordinary’s formula delivers all of that at a fraction of the cost.
Drunk Elephant’s serum has extras like antioxidants, but if you’re looking to clear pores and even tone, The Ordinary gets the job done for under $10.
Bonus: Click here for your chance to claim a The Ordinary sample.
e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream vs. Tatcha Water Cream
Lightweight, hydrating, and perfect under makeup, e.l.f.’s Holy Hydration! Cream mimics the texture and feel of Tatcha’s Water Cream. It includes hyaluronic acid and peptides for a plumping effect without the luxury price tag.
For oily or combo skin types, this is a great daytime option. These swaps prove that solid skincare doesn’t have to be expensive but needs to be effective.
Bonus: Click here for your chance to claim an e.l.f. sample.
Makeup Dupes Worth Trying
Pricey palettes and prestige brands get a lot of attention, but plenty of makeup essentials from the drugstore offer the same payoff. These picks do the job just as well, and often better, for a fraction of the cost.
Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation vs. Estée Lauder Double Wear
Estée Lauder’s Double Wear is known for its matte finish and full coverage. Wet n Wild’s Photo Focus Foundation gives a similar result and works well under lights or flash photography. It blends easily, controls shine, and stays put all day. Bonus: It often costs under $7.
Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso vs. NARS Orgasm Blush
Milani’s Baked Blush in Luminoso often gets compared to NARS Orgasm, and for good reason. The peachy-pink color flatters most skin tones, and the soft shimmer adds a natural flush. It builds easily without looking chalky or too sparkly.
Haircare That Punches Above Its Price
Salon-quality hair doesn’t always require a trip to the salon. These drugstore haircare finds rival some of the best-known brands in texture, results, and fragrance.
Aussie 3-Minute Miracle Moist vs. Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner
Olaplex is praised for repairing damaged hair, but Aussie’s 3-Minute Miracle Moist leaves hair silky and smooth with one quick use. It works well on dry or frizzy hair and is easy to use without extra wait time in the shower.
Bonus: Click here for your chance to claim an Aussie sample.
Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Dry Shampoo vs. Living Proof Perfect Hair Day
Dry shampoo is one of those things you either love or avoid, often based on price. Not Your Mother’s version refreshes second-day hair, absorbs oil fast, and leaves no white cast. The scent is light, and it works on fine or thick hair.
Bonus: Click here for your chance to claim a Not Your Mother’s sample.
Tools & Extras That Deliver
The right tools can make a big difference, and drugstore options remain competitive against high-end names. These beauty extras prove you don’t need to splurge to get a smooth, polished finish.
Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge vs. Beautyblender Original
The Beautyblender has its fans, but Real Techniques’ version delivers similar results at a lower price. The sponge is soft, easy to clean, and designed to apply liquid and cream products with a smooth finish. The flat edge adds extra control for under-eye and contour blending.
e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer vs. Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer
e.l.f.’s Poreless Putty Primer smooths texture and grips makeup like a much more expensive primer. It feels silky but not greasy and works well with both matte and dewy foundations. For less than $15, this is an easy add to any routine.
Bonus: Click here for your chance to claim an e.l.f. sample.
Essence Lash Princess Mascara
There’s no high-end match listed here because this one competes with almost everything. Essence Lash Princess has a loyal following thanks to its lengthening formula and dramatic finish. It’s less than $5 and frequently appears on “best mascara” lists.
Bonus: Click here for your chance to claim an Essence Lash sample.
Budget Beauty That Works
Luxury beauty products get a lot of hype, but drugstore brands have quietly raised the bar. From skincare to mascara to tools, plenty of affordable options work just as well as the expensive versions.
Before your next restock, give these low-cost favorites a try. You might be surprised how many of them earn a permanent spot in your routine with no splurge required.