Wallet-Friendly, But Make It Look Luxe—15 Under-$25 Beauty Staples That Look and Feel Elevated
When an item looks and feels way more expensive than its humble price tag, I call it a beauty magic trick. Ever slathered on a rich cream that rivals, well, the Rich Cream (IYKYK) only to find out it’s less than $20? It feels like stealing, and it makes me rather giddy (the saving money part, not the stealing). At this point, I have a running list of budget-friendly products that exude luxurious energy, from sleek packaging elements to incredible textures to sophisticated formulas with high-end actives (ahem, exosomes, peptides, and PDRN). Some are French pharmacy staples, others are Target gems, but all are worth your dollar—so go ahead and splurge on the lot.
15 Under-$25 Beauty Staples That Exude Luxury
Naturium
Multi-Peptide Eye Cream
On the topic of brands that should be way more expensive than they really are, I immediately think of Naturium. The skincare formulas are ultra sophisticated (enough to win a spot in our coveted Beauty 100 Awards), including this eye cream that features a bouquet of skin-firming peptides—including Argireline, which is known for having a Botox-like effect. Bonus points for the precise applicator tip that helps you target stubborn discoloration and fine lines at the inner and outer corners. I’ve gone through multiple $16 tubes at this point and will continue to stock up!
Maybelline
Lifter Gloss Honey’d Lip Gloss
I didn’t think Maybelline’s Lifter Gloss could get any chicer—then the brand released its Honey’d collection. It drenches my lips mirror-like shine, yet unlike actual honey, it doesn’t feel too sticky or heavy on my pout. The four tinted shades (Maple, Toffee, Toast, and Caramel) all scream luxe, but I’m partial to a dollop of true Honey whenever I’m craving a layer of juicy moisture.
Juvia’s Place
Bronzed Cream Bronzer
A cream bronzer this buttery and smooth should be three times this price. Period. Note, it doesn’t contain any shimmer, but it does feature light-reflecting pearls that give the skin a subtle, natural-looking radiance. It’s simply stunning.
Versed
Day Lash Lifting and Defining Mascara
Versed recently launched a “quiet luxury” rebrand this year with elevated, dustier packaging, but its mission has always remained the same: science-backed, innovative skin and makeup formulas, all under $25. The entire line is worth your dollar, but if I had to choose just one staple, it would have to be this lengthening mascara. The pigment deposits just the right amount of oomph for a natural lash look, but you could totally dial up the drama with extra coats for a night out—and it won’t ever clump. I’m partial to the brown shade for a “my lashes but better” effect.
Bubble
Magic Melt Micellar Milk
You’ve heard of micellar water, but what about micellar milk? I use this as the very first step in my double (or should I say triple?) cleansing routine, especially if I’m wearing stubborn eye makeup. Apply it on dry skin, massage it in gently to break up any makeup and oil, then wet your whole face or use a cotton pad to swipe off the residue.
e.l.f. Cosmetics
Bright Icon Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Serum
Vitamin C serums tend to cost a pretty penny, especially if they also contain vitamin E and ferulic acid (both of which bolster the antioxidant’s effects). I think we can all recite the most famous C E ferulic serum on the market, but what if I told you that this brightening solution from e.l.f. rivals that spendy number for 1/10 of the price? With a whopping 15% vitamin C (namely ascorbic acid, which is the most potent form of the antioxidant), 1% vitamin E, and 0.5% ferulic acid, this serum evens skin tone and imparts an allover glow within days.
I’ve tried air-dry creams upward of $100, and I always come back to this $12 pick. It’s the perfect formula for my wavy-curly strands—not too rich yet defines like a dream—and makes them look effortlessly tousled, every single time.
medicube
Salmon DNA PDRN Pink Collagen Jelly Gel Mask
Collagen masks are super buzzy at the moment thanks to their ability to firm and plump skin while you snooze, so if you’re on the hunt for one with special skin-transforming properties, you can’t go wrong with this pack of four. The ultra-hydrating, K-beauty formula is powered by polydeoxyribonucleotide (or PDRN), a compound found in salmon sperm that’s known for its skin-rejuvenating properties. Slap it on, wait for the opaque jelly to turn transparent (ideally overnight), and reveal buttery-smooth skin.
Revlon
Super Lustrous Glass Shine Balm
I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again: Revlon’s Super Lustrous Glass Shine Balm is the drugstore version of Chanel’s Rouge Coco Baume. Sheer yet buildable, the $10 staple delivers just a kiss of color and a whole lot of moisture-rich shine. I truly cannot pick my favorite shade, but Rum Raisin is the most TikTok-viral of the bunch (it constantly sells out), so I’d recommend snagging it while you still can.
SACHEU
Peel Off Lip Liner Stay-N
First Billie Eilish endorsed it; then Sofia Richie-Grainge sang its praises. This $12 peel-off lip stain certainly has a lot going for it at the moment! I can happily report that it really does live up to the hype; the shade Muah-ve deposits the prettiest hue that lasts all day, even after eating and drinking.
Verb
Density Peptide Hair Serum
This is a relatively new addition to my routine, but even after mere days of testing, I can already tell it’s going to be a daily staple. Niacinamide, ginseng, and a unique density complex help stimulate follicles and promote thickness, and the water-based formula never leaves my hair feeling too greasy. It has impressive clinically backed results to back up its hair growth claims (like 97% of participants noticing less hair fallout), but it doesn’t feel clinical; in fact, I find myself craving whiffs of the uplifting bergamot and sage scent.
Embryolisse
Lait-Crème Concentré
Embryolisse, you will always have my heart! The iconic Lait-Crème Concentré is one of the most covetable French moisturizers in the game with one tube sold every eight seconds, beloved by editors, celebrities, and makeup artists for its lightweight, whipped consistency and smooth, glowy finish. I often forget that it’s tagged at $17 (probably even less if you’re able to find it IRL at a French pharmacy).
Here’s another French pharmacy gem—although technically one that’s considered high-end. Sure, the full-size mist might set you back $49, but the $20 travel-size beauty is honestly better to have for on-the-go refreshes. I always keep one in my bag during the summer, along with a paper fan and trusty blotting papers.
The INKEY List
Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex Serum
Exosomes are also super buzzy at the moment due to their ability to improve skin recovery and promote collagen production, but they’re relatively young in the consumer skincare space, which is why most exosome-infused serums come with a pretty hefty price. When I saw The Inkey List’s serum tagged at $22, I audibly gasped. No lie, the budget-friendly formula smooths texture, evens skin tone, and reduces inflammation better than formulas more than five times the cost.
Beauty of Joseon
Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen
This lightweight tinted sunscreen checks all the sensorial boxes: buildable coverage, a silky, serum-like texture, and a true skin finish—not too dewy, not too matte. Designer Sandy Liang also considers it one of her go-tos, BTW, so you know this SPF feels straight-up luxurious.
Explore More:
