I adore luxury beauty items, yet these products priced under $20 hold a constant place in my routine.

      June 3, 2025

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      Source: Tinsley Crisp for The Everygirl

      Regrettably, I often experience the frustrating issue of all my beauty products depleting at once. My bathroom trash can, overflowing with empty bottles, serves as a constant reminder that I need to restock at Sephora—but with the current economy, that can take up a significant portion of my paycheck. Until the situation improves, I’ve made it my mission to discover affordable alternatives for my luxury beauty products.

      Let me be clear; I definitely reach for my Valentino blush every morning, but over the years, I’ve learned that there are numerous budget-friendly products that rival the pricier options. The challenge? Locating affordable products that match the performance of luxury items is like searching for a needle in a haystack. Fortunately, I’ve spent years researching and have discovered what I consider the cream of the crop. Here are my 15 must-have beauty products priced under $20.

      Source: Tinsley Crisp for The Everygirl

      1. Eucerin Immersive Hydration Daily Face Lotion ($17)

      Not long ago, I was convinced that I had the best moisturizer available, only for my dermatologist to suggest I replace it with Eucerin’s daily moisturizer. Right after that, I found the nearest CVS and purchased it, all the while skeptical that this $16 lotion could outperform the $78 jar sitting in my cabinet. But as they say, trust the experts. Thanks to my doctor, I probably won’t spend more than $20 on a moisturizer again.

      2. The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil ($11)

      Recently, while out shopping, I visited The Ordinary to buy my favorite rose hip seed oil. I mainly use it during my morning Gua Sha routine (which I wholeheartedly recommend) and occasionally at night if my skin is feeling dry. Later that day, my husband noticed a charge of $11.97 on our card. He was aware I went out for some beauty products, but given my reputation for splurging, he thought the charge seemed uncharacteristically low. I explained it was me purchasing a face product, and he responded, "You got a serum for under $15?" Yes, indeed, and it truly works.

      3. e.l.f. Power Grip Primer ($10)

      I’ve been using e.l.f.’s Power Grip Primer for years. In the past, I tried other higher-priced primers but felt that the quality didn't justify the cost. Priced under $10, its sticky, gel-like texture keeps my makeup intact all day, while its hyaluronic acid content hydrates and smooths my skin.

      4. NYX Matte Makeup Setting Spray ($10)

      Previously, I was a big fan of Urban Decay’s All Nighter Waterproof Setting Spray, but when I found myself in sunny Orlando without my setting spray and no Sephora nearby, I decided to try NYX’s Matte Makeup Setting Spray instead. Almost $30 cheaper, I doubted it would work. To my amazement, my makeup stayed perfectly intact after a long day at Disney.

      5. Vaseline Body Balm Stick ($7)

      As a child of the ’90s, I always had a jar of Vaseline under the bathroom sink. For some reason, I overlooked petroleum jelly as I grew older until I discovered the brand’s healing formula in stick form: Vaseline’s Body Balm Stick. Although it's meant for overall body use, I've used it as an overnight lip mask for years. If you want a sun-kissed, shimmering look, try the Vaseline Cocoa Shimmer Body Balm Stick—just a swipe over your collarbone will give you that beachy glow.

      6. The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream ($11)

      I’m very particular about my under-eye area, which has been a source of insecurity for as long as I can remember. Naturally, I’ve tried every concealer, serum, and color corrector on the market, so I know what I’m talking about. After wasting over $100 on a hyped-up, ineffective eye serum, I was so frustrated that I impulsively picked up The INKEY List’s popular Caffeine Eye Cream. At just over $10, it’s an excellent daytime under-eye serum that reduces dark circles and minimizes fine lines.

      7. Tanologist Hydrating Gradual Tan Lotion ($16)

      I’ve never been one for traditional self-tanners, mainly because I dislike the idea of waking up to orange sheets. However, I’ve used Jergens Natural Glow Self Tanning Lotion since high school and haven’t been able to quit tanning lotions since. Unlike traditional bronzing mousses, tanning lotions are for everyday use and