Budget Makeup Best Sellers: Smart Buys That Cut Few Corners

These plant-based cloth wipes are ophthalmologist, dermatologist and allergy tested and skip fragrance, alcohol, parabens and dyes. Buyers say they shift waterproof mascara without irritation or breakouts. A minority report a burning sensation, so patch-test if your skin is reactive.

The bendy Flex Tower brush and bamboo-fiber formula are built for long, full lashes, and many reviewers call it the best mascara they have used. It is washable and suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. The corner it cuts: some buyers see flaking or clumping.

Reviewers love how the conic fiber brush gives a falsies-style effect and single out its value for money. It is cruelty free and free from fragrance, oil, silicones and parabens. Expect trade-offs: many buyers say it smudges, and staying power splits opinion.

A fine-tip retractable pencil on one end and a spoolie on the other gives you a complete brow tool. Buyers say it looks natural rather than drawn on and rivals pricier brands. The weak spot is a tip that can break easily, and some find the shades run dark.

It goes on white and adapts to your tone as you blend, with three broad shades (Light, Medium, Medium Dark) instead of dozens. Customers like the lightweight feel and that it doesn't settle into lines. Color match and coverage are mixed, which is the cost of a one-size-fits-many approach.

This creamy pencil glides on without tugging and leaves a semi-matte finish that works alone or under lipstick. Reviewers say it pairs nicely with glosses and performs almost like pricier liners. Wear time is where it can fall short for some.

It claims up to 24-hour, waterproof, transfer-proof wear and is safe for the waterline, plus it includes a built-in sharpener and smudger. Buyers praise how it stays put all day. The trade-offs are a tip that breaks often and pencils that can feel dry.

A large 400 mL bottle cleanses and removes makeup, sunscreen and oil in one step without rinsing. Customers say it doesn't sting or dry skin and suits both oily and dry types. Because you supply your own cotton pads, one bottle stretches far further than single-use wipes.

Twenty individually wrapped towelettes slip into a bag, and buyers say one wipe is big enough for the whole face. The formula adds hyaluronic acid and micellar water. Individual wrapping costs more per wipe, and reviewers grumble that packets are hard to open without scissors.

A microfine aerosol mist claims up to 36-hour, transfer and sweat-resistant wear, and buyers say a little goes a long way. It's the add-on that protects everything else you bought. Downsides: a strong smell and a texture some compare to hairspray.