I've lived in NYC for almost a year and a half now. As you can imagine, living here costs a pretty penny, so I've had to be smart with my spending. Don't get me wrong—I love a designer lipstick, an expensive mascara, or a $400 face mask as much as anyone, but I've learned there are dozens of hidden gems you can get for $20 or less. I challenged myself to narrow it down to the 15 products that have completely surpassed my expectations and whose performance is on par with the more expensive products I have. Keep reading to see them all, including an innovative moisturizer, a Dior lip oil dupe, and my favorite holy-grail mascara.
The Inkey List
Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturizer
This new launch will quickly become a staple in your routine. The rich, velvety formula has one-of-a-kind ingredients such as bio-active ceramides and gransil blur to restore skin to plump, dewy perfection. If you don't believe me, look at the before-and-afters.
Essence
Pure Nude Highlighter
Over 1000 five-star reviews can't be wrong. This highlighter leaves a beautiful golden finish that's nearly identical to one of my favorite luxury highlighters from Dior. (It's also a tenth of the price.)
Bubble Skincare
Overnight Hydrating Sleep Cream Mask
Bubble is one of the best drugstore skincare brands because its products have high-quality ingredients and affordable price points. This brand-new overnight face mask has maple sap, mandelic acid, and buriti oil to completely transform your skin while you get your beauty sleep.
Native
Unscented Mineral Sunscreen
Mineral sunscreen is a must in my morning skincare routine. I love that this one has a super-silky texture with no white cast. Plus, it's only $19.
Florence by Mills
Cheek Me Later Cream Vegan Blush
This creamy blush melts into your skin and imparts the most beautiful, natural flush. It contains kaolin clay, an oil-absorbing ingredient that dries down to a powder finish for long-lasting color.
Maybelline
Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer
Yep, you can fake a full eight hours of shut-eye with this best-selling concealer. If you still haven't tried it, I highly suggest you pick it up tosee for yourself.
Cay Skin
Isle Lip Balm SPF 30
TBH, lip sunscreen is a product I'd normally forget about, but this one has completely changed my mindset. It has SPF 30, a rosy tint, and a yummy vanilla marshmallow flavor.
Tweezerman
Classic Eyelash Curler
If you want to instantly open up your eyes, an eyelash curler is a must. It's the one beauty tool I can't live without.
E.l.f. Cosmetics
Halo Glow Highlight Beauty Wand
This is basically a $9 dupe for the Charlotte Tilbury Glow Wand. The dewy, champagne shimmer is simply stunning.
Vanicream
Daily Facial Moisturizer With Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid
If you have sensitive, breakout-prone skin like I do, allow me to introduce you to your new holy-grail daily moisturizer. It has derm-approved, non-comedogenic ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, squalane, and glycerin.
E.l.f. Cosmetics
Glow Reviver Lip Oil
I thought I'd be forever devoted to my favorite $40 lip oil, but this $8 one changed my mind. It's nearly identical to the more luxurious lip oils I've tried—from the sleek tube to the plush doe-foot applicator to the glossy finish.
Nyx Professional Makeup
Jumbo Eye Pencil
My life was forever changed when I started lining my waterline with white eyeliner. It makes your eyes pop and gives you this wide-eyed, doll-like look that I just love.
Essence
Lash Princess Sculpted Volume Mascara
Full, fluttery lashes are just a swipe away with this mascara. In my opinion, it's the best one at the drugstore.
La Roche-Posay
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
I love a calming, gentle face cleanser that refreshes my skin without disrupting the barrier. This derm-approved option has niacinamide, ceramides, and a creamy, cloud-like texture.
CeraVe
Hydrating Micellar Water
CeraVe has been a go-to brand of mine for years. This micellar water is a crucial step in my daily double-cleanse routine, and it's the only one that doesn't sting my sensitive eyes.
Emma is a beauty editor on the branded content team. She’s a passionate writer who loves all things beauty, wellness, and personal growth. Before pursuing writing, she worked in influencer marketing at Gallery Media Group, which owns digital brand PureWow. She lives in New York City, where you can usually find her running to a Pilates class or sipping on a green juice in the park.