This blog post was updated on December 12, 2024.
I love big gifts, but makeup stocking stuffers have a special place in my heart. If you’ve read my Holiday Gift Guide for Beauty and Makeup Enthusiasts, you know that there’s something for everyone on your list, from a great book for makeup beginners to a little something for trendsetters. But, if you’re looking for something a little bit smaller to stuff into a stocking, the drugstore makeup aisles are the perfect place to go!
The problem is, there are soooo many options available at the drugstore that it can be really confusing and overwhelming. That’s why I decided to create this list, to help you on your gift-buying journey. In this list, you will find my current drugstore makeup faves… I hope it helps!
Best Makeup Stocking Stuffers for Every Beauty Lover
When it comes to makeup stocking stuffers, it’s all about finding compact, affordable, and versatile products that anyone can use. Whether you’re shopping for a makeup newbie or a seasoned beauty lover, these drugstore gems are guaranteed to please.
Note that some of these links are affiliate links, which means I can make a [very] small commission if you purchase the item. However, these are all products I would wholeheartedly recommend even if there were no commissions attached.
Best Drugstore Foundation
Revlon Color Stay Foundation & Loreal True Match Foundation
I used both of these foundations in the early days of my makeup artist business because of their high performance and low price point. If you can’t find an exact color match (and you can afford it), pick up a few shades so the recipient can custom blend their own foundation! I like applying these foundations with a brush, and my favorite is Senna’s Foundation Brush.
Looking for inclusive makeup no matter your genre and lots of foundation shades?! Check out 10 of the most inclusive makeup brands out there.
Almay Tinted Moisturizer is perfect for the person on your list who doesn’t want or necessarily need full coverage. I like this option because the camouflage color technology in these bad boys is out of this world and actually does “blend” beautifully into your natural skin tone. You can always wear an additional layer if you want a little more coverage. By the way, some of the leading and top makeup artists in the world rave about Almay –– their tonality is pretty great.
Best Drugstore Makeup Brushes
This sponge has nearly the same performance as its famous “pink” older sister but at half the price. Remember that if you take care of your makeup sponges, they’ll take care of you! Wash them often (especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin) using a gentle cleanser or even a baby shampoo and let them air dry completely before putting them away.
Real Techniques Setting Powder Brush
I love this brush so much – its shape makes it great for setting powder in small areas, but you can also buff out your foundation with it, contour, apply blush, and highlight with it, too. I have five on hand at any given time so suffice it to say, it’s always on my list of makeup stocking stuffers.
If you want to learn more about makeup brushes, check out this post on makeup brushes. Or, if you want to dive even deeper into this topic, my Essential Makeup Tools Guide is another great resource. It’s a must-read if you’re looking to give your makeup tool collection a thoughtful overhaul.
Best Drugstore Lip Care
These little lip balm balls are just as cute and fun as they are practical. They are the perfect little makeup stocking stuffers! The formulation of this balm gives your lips a really subtle shine effect, but it’s not glossy at all. EOS Lip Balms are perfect for those who like a soft and organic lip balm. Go ahead and add a few of these to your loved ones’ stockings this year.
I am pretty sure I have every color of the NYX lip liners in my pro kit. It’s fun to play around with different shades! I consider them to be staples and you don’t have to feel bad using them every day because the price point isn’t painful like some of the high-end brands. Plus, they are wood, so they sharpen easily, which is always a huge perk in my book.
Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick
I’m not a huge fan of liquid lipstick because the formulas are extremely drying and can be damaging to the lips over time. But this particular formula is one that I’m happy to recommend. Maybelline turned to pro makeup artists to help formulate this product line and color story –– so you know you’re getting a well-thought-out lipstick at a fraction of the cost of department store brands.
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Best Drugstore Blushes and Bronzers
Milani Baked Blushes & Milani Lip Glosses
These baked blushes rival some of the top-dollar baked blushes I’ve used over the years and the color pays off is amazing. The finish is also so gorgeous and flattering. A definite must! And their lip glosses offer a perfect, dynamic top coat that isn’t too sticky or too glittery — flattering all the way. I’m glad the big influencers haven’t ruined this cult-favorite for makeup artists brand… yet.
Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer (for light to medium skin tones)
I did an entire drugstore bronzer haul (read here) and when I think about drugstore bronzers, this is the one that always pops into my mind first. Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer adds warmth and a sun-kissed glow to your skin without harmful rays and as an added bonus, it smells like a tropical vacation!
Cover Girl Queen – Ebony Bronze (for deep and melanin-rich skin tones)
Want to shade and bronze your gorgeous melanin skin tone? This is by far my favorite drugstore option. It can be hard to find a really good bronzer for deep skin tones, but this one is not only extremely affordable, it’s pigmented, blends nicely, and the packaging is effective and thoughtfully made.
Best Drugstore Eye Makeup
I’m always saying that you are mostly paying for brand recognition and packaging when you buy mascara. The actual quality is hardly ever reflected in the price –– and this mascara is proof of that. It performs beautifully, making it a top pick for makeup stocking stuffers.
NYX Epic Wear Waterproof Eyeliner Stick
This eyeliner stick is a game-changer for long-lasting, smudge-proof wear. It glides on smoothly with intense pigmentation and stays put through tears, rain, and everything in between. It’s an ideal stocking stuffer for anyone who loves bold and reliable eye looks.
Why Makeup Stocking Stuffers Are the Best Gifts
Makeup stocking stuffers are not only fun and budget-friendly, but they’re also an excellent way to introduce someone to new products. With so many drugstore options available, it’s easy to curate a thoughtful and personalized selection. Plus, they’re small enough to tuck into even the tiniest of stockings, making them a delightful surprise on Christmas morning.
Did you like this list? Let me know if you have any favorite drugstore finds that make perfect makeup stocking stuffers!
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Beauty is about perception, not about make-up. I think the beginning of all beauty is knowing and liking oneself. You can't put on make-up, or dress yourself, or do you hair with any sort of fun or joy if you're doing it from a position of correction.
kevyn aucoin
