Budget-Friendly Makeup for Beginners: Get Started Under $20

Starting your makeup journey can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re on a tight budget. The good news? You don’t need to break the bank to look fabulous. With just $20, you can build a beginner-friendly makeup kit that covers the essentials—think flawless skin, defined eyes, and a pop of color on your lips. This guide will walk you through affordable products, tips for application, and how to maximize every dollar. Let’s dive into the world of budget-friendly beauty!

Why Budget Makeup Works for Beginners

Makeup doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective. Drugstore brands have stepped up their game, offering quality formulas that rival high-end products. For beginners, starting with affordable options makes sense—you’re still learning what works for you, and there’s no pressure to splurge on something you might not master right away. Plus, with $20, you can experiment without guilt. The key is knowing where to spend and how to stretch your budget across a few versatile items.

Setting Your $20 Budget Priorities

For this challenge, we’ll focus on five core items: foundation or BB cream, mascara, eyeliner, blush, and lip color. These essentials create a simple, polished look perfect for everyday wear. Prices fluctuate depending on where you shop (think Walmart, Target, or online retailers like Amazon), but everything listed here fits within the $20 total. Ready? Let’s break it down.

1. Foundation or BB Cream ($5-$7)

A good base evens out your skin tone and gives you a smooth canvas. For beginners, a BB cream is a fantastic choice—it’s lighter than foundation, hydrates your skin, and often includes SPF. Try e.l.f. BB Cream SPF 20, usually around $6. It’s lightweight, blends easily with your fingers (no fancy brushes needed!), and comes in multiple shades. If you prefer more coverage, Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation retails for about $5. It’s buildable, so you can layer it up for blemishes or keep it sheer for a natural vibe. Test it on your jawline in-store to match your shade.

Tip: Use clean hands to apply—blend from the center of your face outward for a seamless finish. A little goes a long way, so start small.

2. Mascara ($4-$5)

Mascara is a game-changer—it opens up your eyes and makes you look awake, even on a rough morning. The Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara is a cult favorite at just $4.99. It lengthens and volumizes without clumping, and the conic brush grabs every lash. Another solid pick is Maybelline Lash Sensational for around $5 (often on sale). It fans out lashes beautifully, perfect for a beginner who wants impact without fuss.

Tip: Wiggle the wand at the base of your lashes, then sweep upward. One coat is enough for daytime; add a second for drama.

3. Eyeliner ($3-$4)

Eyeliner defines your eyes and adds that extra oomph. Pencils are the easiest for beginners since they’re forgiving and blendable. NYX Professional Makeup Slim Eye Pencil costs about $3.50 and glides on smoothly in shades like black, brown, or even fun colors if you’re feeling bold. If you’re up for a challenge, L.A. Colors Liquid Eyeliner is only $2-$3 and has a fine tip for winging it out—though it takes practice!

Tip: Rest your elbow on a table for stability. Draw small dashes along your lash line, then connect them. Smudge with a cotton swab if you mess up.

4. Blush ($3-$5)

Blush brings life to your face, and a little color goes a long way. The e.l.f. Primer-Infused Blush ($5) is a steal—it’s long-lasting and doubles as a subtle highlighter in some shades. For an even cheaper option, Wet n Wild Color Icon Blush runs about $3 and offers buildable pigmentation. Pick a peachy or pink tone that complements your skin; fair skin loves soft pinks, while deeper tones glow with corals or berries.

Tip: Smile, then tap the blush onto the apples of your cheeks with your fingers or a cheap sponge. Blend upward toward your temples.

5. Lip Color ($2-$4)

Lipstick or gloss ties your look together. For versatility, grab Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick ($4) in a neutral shade like mauve or rose—it works for school, work, or a night out. If gloss is more your speed, NYX Butter Gloss ($4) feels luxe, isn’t sticky, and adds a juicy shine. Both brands offer shades for every skin tone, so play around to find your fave.

Tip: Exfoliate your lips with a damp cloth first for a smooth application. Outline with a finger if you want precision with lipstick.

Sample $20 Shopping List

Here’s a realistic breakdown:

• e.l.f. BB Cream: $6

• Essence Lash Princess Mascara: $5

• NYX Slim Eye Pencil: $3.50

• Wet n Wild Blush: $3

• NYX Butter Gloss: $4
  Total: $21.50 (Look for sales or swap an item to hit $20 exact!)

Tools You Don’t Need (Yet)

Brushes and sponges are nice, but as a beginner, your fingers work fine. Foundation blends with fingertips, blush taps on easily, and eyeliner smudges with a cotton swab. Save the tool splurge for later when you’re hooked on makeup and want to level up.

Application Tips for a Quick Routine

Got your goodies? Here’s a 10-minute routine:

1. Base: Dot BB cream on your forehead, cheeks, and chin. Blend outward.

2. Eyes: Line your upper lash line with pencil, then coat lashes with mascara.

3. Cheeks: Dab blush on and blend up.

4. Lips: Swipe on your lip color, and you’re done!

Practice makes perfect—don’t stress if it’s uneven the first time. Watch YouTube tutorials for visual help (search “beginner makeup under $20” for budget-specific ideas).

Where to Shop Smart

Walmart and Target carry most of these brands in-store, but check online for deals—Amazon often has lower prices or multipacks. Dollar Tree sometimes stocks e.l.f. or L.A. Colors for $1.25, stretching your budget further. Sign up for store rewards or browse clearance bins for unexpected steals.

Why $20 Is Enough

This kit proves you don’t need a ton of products to look put-together. These five items cover the basics, and as you grow, you can add extras like concealer or brow gel. The beauty of budget makeup is its accessibility—brands like e.l.f., Wet n Wild, and NYX are formulated to perform without the flashy price tag. You’re not sacrificing quality; you’re just skipping the luxury packaging.

Confidence Is Your Best Accessory

Makeup is about feeling good, not following rules. Experiment with what you’ve got—mix blush with lip gloss for a custom shade, or use eyeliner as a brow filler in a pinch. Mistakes wipe off, so have fun! At under $20, you’re free to play without pressure.

Final Thoughts

Building a makeup collection doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With $20, you can snag a BB cream, mascara, eyeliner, blush, and lip color—all beginner-friendly and widely available. These products deliver a fresh, everyday look that’s easy to master. So grab your budget, hit the drugstore, and start your beauty adventure. Who says glamour has to come with a big price tag?