Editor-Approved Makeup Under $100
Here's How Our Beauty Editors Would Fill a Makeup Bag With a $100 Budget
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There are a seemingly endless amount of makeup products on the market and more coming out all of the time. At POPSUGAR, our beauty editors try dozens a month, but even they have their favourite go-to products. That's why we asked them how they would restock their makeup bags if they were starting from nothing, with just $100.
Some editors chose a team of drugstore gems, while others invested in a few luxury staples. Ahead, find out which makeup products make our editors feel their best and they absolutely could not do without. You might even find your next holy grail product.
Makeup Under $100: Quality Over Quantity
"My makeup bag would consist of quality over quantity. The essentials I use (literally) every single day are Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer ($30) for my undereyes and problem spots, then a little Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade ($21) to fill in sparse areas on my eyebrows, Tarte's Light, Camera, Lashes Mascara ($23), and my perfect no-lipstick lipstick, the Beauty by POPSUGAR Sweet Stx Satin Matte Lip Colour in First Kiss ($20). Done, done, and done!" — Charisandra Perez, coordinator, Social Media and Partnerships
Total: $94
Makeup Under $100: One Go-To Splurge
"Even though it'd eat up a large chunk of my budget, I'd be nothing without the It Cosmetics CC Cream+ ($39) – what, is that dramatic? – so I'd make that my one splurge. Then, I'd stock up on the essentials: a mini Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer ($16) because a little goes a long way, ColourPop Super Shock Blush in Growth Flirt ($8) for a punch of colour, the DHC Liquid Eyeliner ($20) because it's the best won't-budge-a-bit formula I've found, and the always-reliable CoverGirl Exhibitionist Mascara ($11)." — Kelsey Castañon, senior editor, Beauty
Total: $94
Makeup Under $100: A Multistep Routine
"I'm the type of person who doesn't want to skip a step in my makeup routine, so I would fill my bag to the brim with choices. I'd start with the E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer ($8), which always smoothes out my skin and creates a great base for my face products. Next, I'd purchase the Wet n Wild Photofocus Foundation ($6) and Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer ($10) because they're always my go-tos for perfecting my complexion. I also would want a product to bulk up my brows, like the E.l.f. Eyebrow Kit ($4), which features a pomade and a powder to set it with. I use my Nudestix Nudies Bloom All Over Dewy Colour ($32) almost every day and would be happy to splurge on it to be able to get the easy-to-blend colour on my cheeks.
For my eyes, I'd splurge on two reliable treats and pick up two staples at the drugstore. I've long loved the Wet n Wild Megaliner ($4) for my daily winged eyeliner, and the L'oréal Paris Lash Paradise Mascara ($8) builds volume better than many more expensive mascaras. Last, I'd make sure to have the Laura Mercier Eye Basics ($3) primer to make my eye shadow last all day and pick up the mini Too Faced Shake Your Palm Palms Eye Shadow Palette ($25), which has a bevy of pretty neutral shades. Even with a budget, I'd ensure I had a lot of makeup." — Sarah Siegel, assistant editor, Beauty
Total: $100
Makeup Under $100: A Natural, Polished Routine
"Just like my makeup routine, I'd start filling up my makeup bag with a primer that'll ensure my makeup will last all day long, like the E.l.f. Cosmetics Jelly Pop Dew Primer ($8). When it comes to foundation, I can be very picky and prefer a lightweight coverage, which is why I don't mind splurging on a good formula like the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser ($47). I'd follow up with Maybelline SuperStay Concealer ($7), which is also a lightweight formula with buildable coverage, making it great for undereye circles. Then, I'd go with the Milani Baked Bronzer ($7), which is deemed a drugstore cult favourite for a reason, and I'd finish by buying a pretty portable eye shadow palette like the Urban Decay On The Run Minis in Highway Queen ($25)." — Genesis Rivas, assistant editor, Makeup.com and Skincare.com
Total: $94
Makeup Under $100: A Multitasking Team
"For under $100, I could stack my makeup bag with all of the essentials for my daily look. I swear by the It Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ ($39) to give me natural-looking coverage (and SPF protection) and the Maybelline SuperStay Full Coverage Concealer ($7) for covering any skin imperfections. When it comes to blush, bronzer, and the basic eye shadow needs, the Stila Perfect Me, Perfect Hue Eye and Cheek Palette ($39) has everything I could want, and for under $10, you can't beat the Essence The False Lashes Mascara Extreme Volume and Curl ($5). To finish it off, I'd be sure to grab the E.l.f. Day to Night Duo in The Best Berries ($5), because every makeup stash needs a good nude lippie." — Jessica Harrington, associate editor, Makeup.com and Skincare.com
Total: $95
Makeup Under $100: Stick to the Basics
"My holy grail complexion product is the Erborian BB Créme Au Ginseng ($39) — it's a one-stop shop for glowing, plump, hydrated skin and SPF protection. I'd also throw in Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage Concealer ($7) and Hourglass Scattered Light Eyeshadow in Aura ($29) for a pop of colour on my eyes. Because no makeup stash is complete without a good mascara, I'd spend the rest of my budget on Buxom Lash Mascara in Blackest Black ($22)." — Samantha Holender, assistant editor, Makeup.com and Skincare.com
Total: $97
