Drugstore makeup has always been my jam. When I first started my Youtube beauty journey, drugstore makeup was all that I could afford. So trying out new drugstore makeup in 2025 is a no brainer for me. It’s hard to say this list is the best of the best, so I’ll say this is the best drugstore makeup, so far of 2025.
Doing most of my beauty shopping from the drugstore side of Ulta, Walgreens, and CVS, i’ve been able to test a lot of the new releases that caught my eye. Beauty brands like Morphe, Milani, and standards like Maybelline, L’Oreal and Covergirl have all released some stellar makeup the first half of 2025.
The drugstore brands are starting to keep up with the higher end releases, but the prices are creeping up there with their high end counterparts. With that said, let’s get into some of my favorite drugstore makeup releases of 2025.
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Covergirl Outlast Lip Stain has been a fan favorite this year and for good reason. Not only is this lip crayon easy to apply, it wears all day without drying my lips. The colors are vibrant and range from bright plum to taupey nudes. According to social media, this is a very alternative to the Huda Beauty lip stains. These retail for 11.99 at Ulta.
Maybelline Super Stay Lumi Matte Foundation has won me over as one of the best foundations I’ve tried this year. Not only is it long-wearing, but the formula is a natural matte finish that’s not radiant but not super matte that you look dry. As someone with dry skin, it’s refreshing to wear a natural matte foundation that won’t emphasize my texture or cling to my already dry skin. This foundation comes in 26 shades with neutral, cool and warm undertones. For reference, check out my full review and wear test of this foundation here:
Morphe cosmetics comeback has been something to watch. The brand has had their share of controversies over the years for sure, but in 2025, they have revamped in a major way. The brand has always done eyeshadow well, in my opinion and the Morphe ChromaPlus 6 Pan Eyeshadow Palettes are even better than previous palettes. I love that these eyeshadows come in a nice, neat compact with a mirror and sturdy packaging. The stand out molten chrome shades add razzle dazzle to an every day eyeshadow look. These palettes make me excited to create eyeshadow looks again!
NYX ButterMelt Highlighters have made my 2014-2016 makeup heart so happy! Long live a good cheek highlighter that gives you bling without being too glittery. The shade Buttah In Bronze is my absolute favorite from this collection because it’s so reminiscent of a classic MAC highlighter. These have a butter soft formula and this particular shade has zero glitter with a nice coppery finish. NYX has always been a top runner with lip products but their complexion products are making their way to the top of my list.
E.L.F. Cosmetics has been the drugstore makeup go to for years. The brand has consistently evolved with the trends over the years while keeping their prices mainly the same. This spring ELF released the ELF Halo Glow Skin Tint with SPF 50. This serum like, hydrating skin tint gives a light buildable coverage with a dewy finish. The mineral SPF component adds an extra layer of sun protection I found that this serum like skin tint melts into my skin and the SPF leaves no white cast. This comes in 18 flexible shades and retails for $18.00
Maybelline Lifter Glaze Oil Balm is the answer to the question of can you have a lip balm with the pigment of a gloss and they formula of a lipstick? Maybelline said, YES! The Lifter Glaze Oil Balms are formulated with hyaluronic acid which gives a noticeable smoothness over time. These lippies retail for $8.99 and come in 12 shades.
Revolution Beauty, formally known as Makeup Revolution has been quietly dropping makeup gems for a while now. The new Revolution Beauty Skin Silk Under Eye Brightener Concealer has a cooling wand applicator that makes the hydrating formula apply so smooth and seamless. The coverage and texture of the concealer is lightweight so it’s perfect for the no-makeup makeup days.
In my opinion, adding bronzer to your makeup routine completely elevates the look. Maybelline Lifter Stix-Multi Use Sticks makes bronzing, contouring and highlighting so easy with this multi-use stick. I use the shade 70 for bronzing and the formula is so creamy and easy to blend that even the novice makeup lover can use these with ease.
How does a lipstick have a velvet finish, yet plump the lips and provide pigment and smoothness? I don’t know but the About-Face Blurred Matte Lip Plump does all of those things for the affordable price of $18. The plumping properties are not harsh but feel more like a light cooling sensation. As a tip, get the shade Petite Rouge for an ultimate red lip look.
L’Oreal Infallible BlurFection Loose Powder in the shade Light Pink has been the drugstore loose powder of my dreams. It’s not only blurring but gives a natural finish to any makeup look. Whether you have dry skin like I do oily, combination, this loose powder will finish your makeup off beautifully.
This list is just a small portion of the best drugstore makeup of 2025. We are gearing up for the fall season and I’m excited to see what the more affordable brands have in store for fall and holiday makeup releases. If you’re on a budget like I am, check out my Ulta Beauty Favorites for more of my affordable drugstore makeup picks.