Growing up, I was never super into makeup or beauty products. I always find it very difficult to nail. In fact, I am quickly approaching 30 and I still find it difficult to understand half of the time. I know what to do yet when it comes time to actually do it, it’s like all knowledge goes out the window. That’s why I typically just skip makeup altogether or wear as little as possible to make me look a little more… awake. Because of this, I don’t spend money on expensive makeup products. I prefer drugstore products that won’t break the bank and that are easy to use. If this sounds like you, you’re in luck. Because we makeup novices have to stick together. That’s why I’ve rounded up 37 makeup products you can get on Amazon that are perfect for people who rarely wear makeup. That’s right—these require very little effort and won’t hurt your wallet. Products like these eyeshadow sticks, this lip balm, and this tinted moisturizer are so easy even we can use them to enhance our natural beauty.
Make Eyeshadow Easy
Eye shadow is arguably one of the hardest aspects of makeup to nail. I’ve been on this planet for going on 29 years and I still haven’t figured it out. That’s why I like things like these eyeshadow sticks.
Reviews say, “I am NOT an eye shadow wearer generally. MAYBE special occasions. but I bought this thinking it might be nice to have something for every day. This is totally easy to put on and is just enough to look like you are more put together than normal (covers up redness on lids), but doesn’t look too makeup-y.”
This Mascara Went Viral
With over 90,000 reviews, this mascara has earned its 4.4-star rating. In fact, it even went viral on TikTok, too. That’s how good it is. And the best part is that it’s not expensive.
Reviews say, “I love it. Not flaky and easy to wash off (mine is NOT waterproof). I always have the problem of raccoon eyes after washing off mascara even if I wash it multiple times… this mascara has been easy to wash off. I love the length and separation, that this mascara provides and it is affordable! My BFF commented on my mascara last night when we had dinner so that was a great confirmation, so this is now my new favorite!”
This Lip Balm Changes Color with Your pH
This lip balm goes on clear with a tint of shimmer yet as it mixes with your natural pH levels, it becomes a beautiful soft pink color. It’s also formulated with vitamin E to help leave you moisturized.
Reviews say, “This is the best lip balm! It is moisturizing and lasts for hours. I live in the desert and dry skin, lips and general dehydration are problematic. This is the longest-lasting lip balm I’ve ever used. Did I mention it’s vegan? The glitter is dissolvable & ocean-safe too. Bonus is that the color is gorgeous! I forgot I had it on one day and received several compliments on my ‘lipstick.'”
Get a Summer Glow
This is yet another product that went viral on TikTok for being an affordable dupe of Charlotte Tilbury. Use it by itself for a very natural look or wear it under your foundation for an extra glow.
Reviews say, “I love this product. It makes it look like you have a natural glow, without feeling heavy or looking cakey. Great for those with dry skin who can’t wear heavy foundation but want to smooth out their skin.”
Get Fuller-Looking Lips
With over 25,000 reviews and an almost perfect 5-star rating, this lipgloss has made its way as an “Amazon’s Choice” product. It visibly smoothes the surface of your lips and enhances your lip contour, leaving you with fuller-looking lips.
Reviews say, “I am a picky picky person when it comes to lip anything, especially my glosses. I don’t like sticky, but I don’t like too sheer so you have to re-apply it every 5 minutes directly after I eat or sip a soda. I like a bit of shimmer but nothing that I can actually feel on my lips or I will inevitably end up [wiping] it off and having to re-apply (gross). So this formula is an awesome alternative to a higher-end brand that I’ve paid over $30 for and I love it almost as much! Love the smell, doesn’t have a horrible taste, great price, and no glitter! Good buy.”
Get Longer Lashes
If you don’t want to do your makeup but you still want the look of long lashes, apply this lash serum every single day and watch as they’re transformed within weeks.
Reviews say, “My hairdresser told me about this stuff and said, “it works so good I had to stop using it every night.” I thought to myself “Oh yeah, lashes too long, no such thing” but I’m on my second tube and I’m going to start using it every other night. My lashes are so long, and it’s like I have a double row of lashes. My bottom lashes are thicker too. I rarely write reviews but wanted to share because it really really works.”
This Will Transform Your Eyebrows
Brows are such a hassle to do. Yet they can make or break the look of your makeup. If you’re a beginner, I highly recommend trying out this brow contour kit. It comes with instructions, brow powders, concealer, highlighter, setting pomade, stencils, and more.
Reviews say, “Love it! I am a beginner at styling my own eyebrows and this was so simple and came out looking great! I went on a run when it was really hot and even though the rest of my makeup didn’t survive the sweat, my eyebrows didn’t even smudge! Highly recommended!”
This Foundation Is Super Lightweight
This is by far one of my favorite foundations of all time—and it only costs $7. It’s lightweight (seriously, you can barely tell you’re wearing it), buildable if you want something more full coverage, and comes in a range of colors.
Reviews say, “This is my go-to foundation for every day! I have combination skin that is more towards the dry side but I also have large pores. After putting on a pore-minimizing primer all I do is blot this foundation on using a sponge and it blends absolutely perfectly with my skin color. I don’t have to touch it up at all throughout the day, even though I sweat at work. It keeps my skin perfectly matte all day we met all day and no pores show whatsoever.”
This Mascara Only Costs $5
When you don’t wear makeup often, you don’t want to cough up a ton of money on products. That’s why this mascara is an absolute must-have. It’s less than $5, which is pretty much unheard of. Plus it actually works!
Reviews say, “This mascara makes my tiny nothing lashes look gorgeous! I’ve been looking for an affordable mascara that gives me length & curl, and I finally found it!”
Cover up Imperfections
e.l.f. is one of my favorite brands for makeup because it works well and it’s affordable. That’s why this list has so many products from them. Apologizing for it now. This concealer gives you 16 hours of coverage, leaving you looking bright and awake.
Reviews say, “This is a good budget-friendly product, and it’s full coverage. This can stand against high-end products. I just love how it blends perfectly and it gives me a glow. Get it, you won’t be disappointed. Value for your buck.”
Get Bushy Brows
To get bushy brows with very little effort, use this brow gel from NYX. For less than $7, you get a non-sticky, transparent hold that lasts up to 16 hours.
Reviews say, “I love this brow glue as it goes on a little tacky rather than watery—allowing you to shape your brows before it dries. I like to brush through with a clean mascara wand and press the hairs up against the skin with my finger to create a perfect, long-lasting hold for the day on my clients and myself. Love this product!”
This Foundation Doesn’t Get Cakey
This is arguably my second favorite foundation of all time. It’s so good that it’s almost tied with the other one I mentioned. Although it’s a powder, it covers like liquid and mattifies without looking cakey.
Reviews say, “I swear, I’m straight shook! I never believe the hype on social media or even makeup in general, but this product lives up to it. It is lightweight and outperforms my expensive concealers and foundation. I did not receive this product as part of a promotion and I am not being paid to make this review, nor do I work in the makeup industry. This is the real deal.”
This Tinted Moisturizer Is Suitable for All Skin Tones
I know not everyone loves foundation—no matter how light. If you prefer something lighter and more hydrating, try out this tinted moisturizer. It gives you a no-makeup look while being lightweight and non-greasy.
Reviews say, “I absolutely love this product. It adds hydration to my dry skin but it’s not greasy feeling at all. It’s very lightweight. It blends into my fair skin perfectly. I’ve tried other tinted moisturizers before that were a little too dark but this is great. It’s a moisturizer, SPF, and has a little tint to it as well. It’s perfect for that natural makeup look. I will be purchasing this regularly.”
This Primer Has Built-in Sun Protection
No makeup look is complete without a good primer. If you don’t wear makeup often, you may not know which primer to use. That’s why I recommend this one if you’re looking for multiple products in one. It blurs pores, has SPF protection, and protects against creasing.
Reviews say, “This is the best eyeshadow primer I have ever purchased! I was on the fence as other primers have left my eyes feeling sticky, or heavy, and after long periods of time, I still tend to get creases. Not with this primer. A little goes a long way with this primer. It lasts all day, and I have even gone to work a few times still wearing ‘last night’s makeup’ because it holds so well.”
Make Yourself Shine
I am a big fan of sticks because of their ease of use. And you can basically find a stick for everything. Eyeshadow, contour, and now highlighter. This one adds a barely-there shimmer that is beautiful when the light hits it.
Reviews say, “I can’t say enough about this product. I absolutely love both colors. It’s the right amount of a soft shimmer highlight. I will never want to run out of this beauty product! Plus, one swipe goes a long way! I put it on the cheekbones and also straight down my nose, it’s a perfect accent.”
This Tinted Hydrator
With over 4,000 reviews and a price tag of less than $5, this tinted hydrator offers buildable coverage while remaining intensely hydrating. And it comes in a range of colors.
Reviews say, “I never wear foundation because no matter what primer or moisturizer I use, the foundation feels cloying and dry and I can’t stand the feel of it. This tinted moisturizer is fantastic, though! My face doesn’t feel dry and the coverage is just right for me.”
This {{Lip Oil}} Isn’t Tacky Once It Dries
“It doesn’t put out a whole lot of product, just a thin layer, but it’s meant to be lightweight, and at this price, you wouldn’t want too much at a time. it looks glossy but not thick and makes my lips look fuller, smoother, and actually plumped up a bit. Hydrating like a balm, this lip oil also adds a glossy sheen to your puckered lips. This is a great alternative for people who want to wear a fashionable Chapstick.”
We couldn’t agree more about this {{stunning lip oil}}!
This Tinted Serum Foundation Is My New Go-To
I first came across this tinted serum foundation on TikTok and since then, I’ve seen countless videos raving about it. So I had to have it, obviously. Now I can’t get enough of it.
Reviews say, “This is by far the best foundation I have ever used in my 13 years of doing makeup. I have also noticed that my skin has been softer and more even after using it. And, for this value?! How could you pass that up?!”
Get a Warm Island Glow
Now that summer is here, it’s the perfect time to achieve that warm island glow. And getting that bronzed look has never been easier thanks to this butter bronzer from Physicians Formula.
Reviews say, “Love this bronzer! I was skeptical of this powder at first as a very pale redhead (I am skeptical of bronzers, tbh), but this one has really surprised me! I love the color on my skin! I also love how I can use this powder for my brows to help fill them in & I have used this as a shadow! So many uses! I would definitely recommend & will be buying it again! It also smells amazing and arrived on time!”
Fight Redness
If you’re like me and you struggle with redness, I recommend this BB cream. It’s earned over 20,000 reviews and 4.3-ratings after all because everyone agrees with me.
Reviews say, “I swear by this. Been using it for about a year now, it goes on every day and gets all the redness off my face, when I’m in a hurry I just top it off with a little powder and I’m done but it’s a perfect base layer for any makeup routine if you had a lot of redness like I do.”
Your Makeup Won’t Budge
Infused with squalane for optimal hydration, this primer is yet another thing that has gone viral on TikTok. At this point, that’s where I get all of my recommendations. They have yet to lead me astray.
Reviews say, “Normally my makeup goes on great, but then once it dries it’s super crusty and shows my [pores], but this made everything so smooth and my skin has never looked so healthy. Even after I took my makeup off my skin felt moisturized which is a hard thing to do with my dry skin. I saw the hype all over social media about this primer and I never believed it, but finally decided to take the plunge and test it out and now I’ll never go without it.”
This Liquid Lipstick Lasts up to 16 Hours
For a pigmented, glossy look that lasts up to 16 hours, opt for this liquid lip color. It comes in 10 different colors so you can wear it with every single outfit you own, and it doesn’t transfer no matter what you do.
Reviews say, “This lip color is what it claims—it is in fact a super stay lip color. I can drink coffee and eat and the color stays on. For me, it lasted for 11 hours. The price is incredible for the quality of this color.”
This Multi-Stick Won’t Break the Bank
Told you that I like sticks! This multi-stick, especially. It’s a whopping $5 and can be used as blush, lipstick, and eyeshadow for a monochromatic, cohesive look. Or mix and match it with other palettes.
Reviews say, “I’m not a make-up kinda gal and don’t like spending time in the mornings putting stuff on my face. It just doesn’t feel good—foundation can make you feel ‘smothered.’ But this little stick is something entirely different! It’s for all you folks that don’t like wasting time and money but still want to look ‘fresh’ and put together. This is what you’ve been waiting for! And at this price point, you can buy several! I bought two different colors and will buy them again.”
This Eye Pencil Is a Multitasker
Yet another product that is super versatile. Why would you not want an eye pencil that can be used as a cream eyeshadow, liner, or highlighter? Especially if you hate doing makeup in the first place!
Reviews say, “I’ve been searching high and low for these exact shades and not only did I find the right shade, but these are also so very simple to use. You can smudge it with your finger or a brush or you can just draw it on, so you can get any kind of look you like.”
Shape and Define Brows
Let me just start this off by saying that this eyebrow pencil only costs $3. That’s right. $3! That’s less than you spend on your daily Starbucks. And it helps you shape, define, and fill your brows, giving you a lift look instantly.
Reviews say, “I have the misfortune of being cursed with half brown and half blonde eyebrows, making me look like I have half an eyebrow at all times. These eyebrow brushes are extremely easy to use and work well for when you are on the go. It literally takes seconds to fill my eyebrows in and go about my day. It is also great for the money. Why spend ten dollars on an eyebrow kit that does the same thing as this three dollar brush.”
This Mousse Is Four Products in One
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without this 4-in-1 mousse. It acts as a primer, foundation, concealer, and powder in one application. It doesn’t get much easier than that!
Reviews say, “So um… this is legit perfection. I have extremely pale skin and finding a good match is hard. When I first started putting this on I felt like maybe I was committing a hate crime and seriously doubted it would work… after completing putting it on I was surprised at how it lightened up but still didn’t feel it matched right. But the feel and smell made up for it. I just shrugged it off and did other things… a walked passed the mirror about 5 minutes later and did a double-take. It was a perfect match! How? Magic. My new favorite makeup.”
Kiss Pores Goodbye
Kiss pores goodbye with this primer from Maybelline. It goes on like a moisturizer to help create a smooth canvas that allows your foundation to go on flawlessly.
Reviews say, “I have rather large pores in my face that tend to look huge after I apply foundation. I used to purchase expensive primers until I tried this. I was amazed at how it minimizes the size of my large pores & how incredibly silky smooth it glides on my face. I have sensitive skin & I have never had one bad reaction using this product & I have been using it for a couple of years now. I have now replaced using expensive primers with the Maybelline Baby Skin.”
Get a Matte Finish
I wasn’t lying when I said half of this list was going to be e.l.f. products. This setting spray is ideal for anyone who has oily skin and finds that they need a little help taking away the shine without ruining their makeup.
Reviews say, “Good lord this stuff really holds your look in place. I cried for almost an hour and my makeup didn’t smudge in the slightest. It doesn’t smell bad, dries fast, and is easy to remove with most makeup removers. 12/10. I love this stuff.”
This Contour Stick Is Creamy and Blendable
For the ultimate dynamic duo, use this contour stick. On one side you have a creamy highlight and on the other, you have a blendable contour that helps you shape your face.
Reviews say, “I am totally new to contouring and didn’t want to end up looking like I had dirt all over my face or like pop art in my attempt in learning this makeup technique. In my research, this product continued to come up as a great product for beginners. I was happy to find that applying was really easy. I felt I could control the amount of product I was putting on my face really well.”
Achieve an Airbrushed Look
You don’t need to use Photoshop to achieve the airbrushed look. Not when this airbrush foundation exists. The spray application offers buildable coverage that is lightweight yet hides those hard-to-cover spots.
Reviews say, “I have used this foundation for more than a year and it is the most natural-looking I’ve ever used. It covers uneven skin tones, goes on super easily, stays on, and never gets oily. It is excellent coverage and is completely natural looking. It does not look thick or as if you have makeup on. Sheer with perfect coverage.”
Sculpt Your Face
Another contour palette? Are you shocked? Because you shouldn’t be. This palette costs less than $3 and does an incredible job of sculpting your face.
Reviews say, “I am a makeup novice, but this really helped me add some dimension to my face. It was inexpensive and let me try contouring without committing to a high-dollar kit. I think a more talented person might even do better.”
This Liquid Is Highly Pigmented
“Wow! This stuff is cool! I wasn’t sure what to expect since I’d never used a liquid-to-powder eyeshadow before. I’m not super experienced with makeup. I stick to the basics, mostly. I applied some to the center of my lids and just started blending with my finger. I already had some neutral shadow on, and this just added a gorgeous shimmer. It looks really great! It blends SO easily and you can layer it to get a more dramatic look. I liked how it highlighted my eyes without adding too much color (Aphrodite). I have fair skin and this blended really well on me. In addition, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to remove. It stayed put once it was dry, but a bit of micellar water on a cotton pad took it right off with no glitter left behind. THAT is a miracle!”
I think Natalie bout summarized it perfectly with this review!
This Primer Has Marshmallow Extract to Soothe Skin
Made with marshmallow root, this primer smoothes and softens the skin, making it makeup ready for hours on end. Plus, it’s non-comedogenic and dermatologist-tested.
Reviews say, “The smell is faint but so amazing. It’s like sweet marshmallows and candy. Now, onto the function. I am soo in love with this primer. I turn 50 this next week and I don’t have any wrinkles yet but my pores are hideous nowadays. This primer smooths my face like glass and my foundation glides on. I looked fresh all day long. This is my newest favorite primer.”
This Gel-Cream Blush Glides onto Skin
If you prefer a gel blush rather than the sticks I’ve mentioned, you may love this one from Maybelline. It’s a gel-cream blush that can be applied with ease with just your fingers.
Reviews say, “I’m a huge fan of low-maintenance makeup. I love this because I can use it on my cheeks and lips. Similar to a stain, it spreads very evenly before it dries. I feel like it gives me an instant rosy glow. Perfect for mature skin! On a day when I don’t feel like makeup, I will use this and some mascara and it makes a difference! I will be keeping this in my makeup routine.”
Keep Lips Hydrated
“Cannot love this more! It’s so moisturizing and the color it turns is awesome for everyday wear! I’m a female machinery mechanic and I do not go to work looking pretty by any means, but it’s so nice to have something functional that can also add a little girlie to my day. This lip gloss will not disappoint!”
Brb, adding this aloe lipstick to my cart right now!
This Lip Tint Comes in Gorgeous Shades
As much as I love wearing lipstick, I hate having to reapply it constantly after I take a drink or eat some food. It seems like a total waste of product. Plus, a lot of them leave my lips feeling dry. But not this lip tint. It’s velvety soft, highly pigmented, and lasts forever.
Reviews say, “I haven’t worn makeup in a long time and I’m finally at a point in my life to take care of and love myself again so I thought I’d try some lip color. I found this and I like pink, so the color is great. The texture is like smooth light lotion for your lips”
Toss This Makeup Stick into Your Purse
And, of course, I’m ending this list with more sticks, this time it’s a makeup stick. Because they’re just so dang handy when you’re feeling lazy or you don’t know what you’re doing—which is me all the time.
Reviews say, “I love this product. It’s creamy, so it blends perfectly with my foundation & concealer. The product is big enough to do cheekbones, jawline, & forehead contour lines — but not too big so you’re able to contour a nose bridge & where ever else it’s needed. Its pigments are extremely vivid, and by the time you’re finished blending in, it is both noticeable yet subtle. Great for advanced & beginner makeup!”