Beauty Products Under $25 That are Better Than High End | The Skinny Confidential

Emma, a beauty editor at Who What Wear is back today and going to share her favorite drugstore beauty finds.

We LOVE when Emma comes on the blog because she always delivers tried and true recommendations You know this already if you read her first posts here and here.

We all know about beauty industry markups and while some things are totally worth the splurge, others aren’t. Emma is here to share her favorite beauty products that are under $25.

Let’s welcome Emma back to the blog.

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From viral drugstore gems to platinum and gold-infused eye creams, there’s a whole array of beauty products at our fingertips. As an editor, I get the opportunity to test tons of these products—and let’s just say…after one too many bad reactions or unimpressive results, I’ve learned that cost doesn’t equal efficacy.

I wrote about this in my first ever TSC blog post about my Top Beauty Tips and Products, and since then I’ve been dying to share all the affordable (like, we’re talking under $25) products that low-key blow me away. And as much as I myself am a sucker for pretty packaging and a beautiful application experience, it’s what’s on the inside (aka the ingredients list) that counts. And the truth is, you don’t always have to shell out tons of money.

Before I get into it, let me just say, too—it’s totally up to you what you want to splurge on (and I don’t judge!), but if you’re looking for the crème de la crème of affordable beauty, you’ve come to the right place. And of course, these are recs you can trust because they’re all products I personally use and love! So let’s get started. 

Beauty Products Under $25 That are Better Than High End

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser 

I’ve been a fan of this uber-popular face wash since I was in college. The ceramides and hyaluronic acid give it a gorgeous gel-cream texture that cleanses your skin without stripping the barrier or leaving it feeling tight. If you’re a sensitive skin girlie on a budget, you truly can’t go wrong with CeraVe. 

Bubble Vitamin C Serum

We all know that vitamin C is a must-have for a bright, glowing complexion. I spent literal years searching for a vitamin C serum that was gentle enough for my sensitive skin, and I finally found it—for $19! This serum from Bubble makes my skin bright, even, and radiant with no irritation. I can’t imagine my morning routine without it now. 

Inkey List Bio-Active Ceramide Moisturizer

Moisturizers are one of the categories I will happily splurge on, but with this one you don’t have to. The velvety formula genuinely feels like it should be triple the price. It’s rich in ceramides and glycerin, so you can bet when you finish the jar your skin will be restored to plump, dewy perfection.

Elf Holy Hydration Face Cream

Okay I’m genuinely shocked that this face cream is $13?? That’s less than a smoothie at Erewhon! It checks off everything that I personally look for in a moisturizer: it’s fragrance-free, ultra-hydrating, and has this luxurious texture that’s to-die-for. The formula is spiked with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and everyone’s favorite ingredient du jour: peptides. 

Bubble Power Wave Moisturizer 

I know, I know, another moisturizer? Sorry, but I can’t not mention this new launch from Bubble! It has a creamy, dreamy texture and drenches your skin in hydrating ingredients like aquaxyl, shea butter, and peptides. This will unlock your skin’s glowy potential, trust me! Plus, I love the airless pump applicator—you just press down and the product comes out in a cute little flower shape. 

Marin Lip Balm

I realize $20 might seem like a lot for a lip balm, but this one hydrated my lips better than the Prada one that’s over double the price—so it’s worth it, okay? The Blueberry French Toast flavor is so delectable and yummy, and the formula is legit unlike any other I’ve tried before. It has emollients like squalane and coconut oil, but it also has a one-of-a-kind ingredient: marine glycoproteins. The science behind this eco-friendly ingredient is above my comprehension, but it makes my lips feel so pillowy-soft. I also have to share that this brand is near and dear to my heart because I worked here back in 2021! The founders, Amber and Patrick, are amazing people and you’ll also feel good knowing that you’re supporting a sustainable, mission-driven company.

Essence Lash Princess Mascara

If there’s one makeup product that the drugstore does right, it’s mascara. Like, it should be a crime to spend more than $10 on mascara. IMO, this is the best one. It’ll give you full, fluttery lashes with one swipe.

Glossier Lip Liner

If you’re looking for the perfect liner to enhance your natural lip color, here it is. It’s honestly shockingly longwearing—like, I should know by now but I’m always surprised when I still see it stays on after I’ve eaten.

Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

This will forever be a staple in my bodycare routine. It’s better than any other more expensive body lotion I’ve used. It makes my skin, and especially my hands, feel so soft. It’s probably because it has a whole medley of moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, vitamin B5, and avocado oil. I would bathe in it if I could.

Rhode Pocket Blush

Even if I wasn’t a Hailey Bieber fan, I would still be obsessed with this blush. The creamy formula blends in effortlessly and gives the most natural, dewy flush. Sleepy Girl—a gorgeous soft mauve, is always my go-to shade, but I also love Juice Box for a hot pink moment or Date Cake for a “sunburned” flush.

Tower 28 Concealer

I’ve tried countless concealers over the years, but none have impressed me quite like this one. I find that it’s high-coverage enough to conceal my under eye circles and any breakouts, but still looks so natural and blends into the skin like a dream. It makes sense since it has skincare-level ingredients like hyaluronic acid and centella asiatica. For only $22, it’s beyond worth it.

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What are some drugstore treasures you’ve discovered? As Emma says, you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for effective beauty products.

Be sure to follow Emma on Instagram and check out her other blog posts here and here.

x, The Skinny Confidential team.

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