InStyle’s January 17, 2026 guide presents 13 drugstore makeup picks priced under $20, selected from products its editors say they tested. The available article text identifies several products and describes their finishes and reported tester experiences, but not all 13 names. Here are the identifiable picks—and what to consider before buying—without filling in the missing entries.
How InStyle says it chose its drugstore makeup picks
InStyle’s guide says its editors considered efficacy, finish, texture, and other factors when selecting products from recent testing. The article states that the publication tests over 1,000 beauty products a year; that is InStyle’s own description of its testing volume, not an independently verified industry statistic. It does not provide sample sizes, test duration, a scoring rubric, or controlled comparisons in the available text. InStyle guide reproduction, January 17, 2026
The products below are therefore best read as editorial picks with reported tester impressions, not as a standardized ranking or independent head-to-head test. The guide frames its selections as under $20, but current prices, formulas, shade availability, and listings have not been verified.
Identifiable picks and what they are suited to
| Product | Reported result | Fit and trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| L’Oréal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation | Medium coverage with a skin-like, semi-matte finish; the guide reports 40 shades. A tester with dry skin said it blurred and evened the complexion without clinging to dry patches or settling into pores or lines. | A possible choice for someone seeking medium coverage and a less dewy finish. The tester’s experience is not a guarantee for every skin type or application. |
| e.l.f. Camo Concealer | Full coverage with a dewy, skin-like finish. A tester said it covered dark circles and felt smooth and hydrating. | The guide cautions that the dewier finish may be less suitable for oilier skin. |
| Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser | Described as smoothing the look of pores and helping makeup last. | The guide says its slip may not suit oily skin shoppers, who may prefer Maybelline Prime Blur and Pore Minimizer Primer. |
| NYX Buttermelt Bronzer | Described as pigmented and blendable, with ten shades. | The guide warns that the deepest shade may work better as blush than bronzer on dark skin, so check how the shade reads on your complexion. |
| Juvia’s Place Blushed Liquid Blush | Described as highly pigmented and dewy, with 12 shades. The guide says the product is designed to accommodate a range of skin tones and identifies Juvia’s Place as Black-owned. | Because it is highly pigmented, start with a small amount and build if needed; the article recommends quality brushes for application. |
Other described categories whose exact products are not identified
The reproduced text describes additional picks but omits their exact brand or product names. Those entries cannot be reliably matched to a product listing from the available information.
#1 Best Overall
- NUDE LOOK KIT: Get the nude look for any eye color with this set, which Includes 9 eye shadows, 2 eyeliners and 2 mascaras. Custom palette can be used wet for intense color and dry for a softer result
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- CoverGirl mascara: Reported as lightweight and lifting, with a tester noting resistance to flaking and smudging. The exact mascara name is not shown.
- Setting spray: Described as dewy and hydrating, with the guide saying it works best for normal-to-dry skin. Its brand and exact name are not shown.
- Brow gel: Said to tint, shape, and fill sparse areas without flaking, but not to hold unruly brows firmly. The brand and name are not shown.
- Neutral eyeshadow palette: Described as having ten shades, including five shimmers, with blendability and wear noted by a tester. Its brand and name are not shown.
The guide’s available text does not identify the remaining entries needed to reconstruct all 13 picks, so this list should not be treated as the complete lineup.
How to choose among these picks
Start with the finish and your skin type
The foundation is described as semi-matte, while the concealer and liquid blush are dewy. InStyle specifically flags the concealer as potentially less suitable for oilier skin and the setting spray as best for normal-to-dry skin. These are editorial fit notes, not universal rules: wear can vary with skin preparation, climate, and other products.
Rank #2
- Blush and Highlighter Duo: This highlighter and blush combo instantly sculpts, defines, and highlights in one sweep. Each duo has two levels of intensity for color that compliments every skin tone
- Get Glowing: These soft, buildable shades blend to a perfect finish, enhancing cheeks with ultra-reflective, micro-fine pearl pigments for a luminous, radiant glow. Layer together or use alone
- Best Face Forward: From bronzer and blush to primer, highlighter, natural finish powder, and concealer, we've got you covered and photo ready for your next big thing. You've met your true makeup match
- Always Cruelty Free: We are 100% cruelty free and always have been. We also carry vegan makeup & tools such as foundation, nail polish, contour palettes, lipstick, makeup brushes and more
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Check shade and placement before purchasing
The guide reports 40 foundation shades, ten bronzer shades, and 12 liquid blush shades. Shade counts alone do not establish that a particular tone is available or will suit you now. For bronzer especially, the article’s note about the deepest NYX shade is a reminder to consider the color’s effect on your skin rather than relying only on the product category label.
Consider application tools
Makeup educator Rose Siard says, “The difference in brush quality can be large in how it affects the application, blend, and wear time of your makeup.” This is her advice as quoted in the guide; it is not a measured comparison of brush performance. For a highly pigmented liquid blush, applying a small amount and blending before adding more can help control intensity.
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Rank #3
- Professional Makeup Brush Set by Mlemle: This set includes 21 brushes designed for various makeup applications, such as eye shadow, crease shadow, concealer, blush, foundation, loose or pressed powders, highlighter, and eyebrows. It’s ideal for applying, blending, and shading makeup products, offering convenience for daily use.
- Non-Absorbent Makeup Sponge and Powder puff: Even experienced makeup artists find that a brush set alone doesn’t cover all their needs. Our latex-free makeup sponge and Powder puff, with its skin-like texture and pore-like design, complements the brush set, making it easier for both beginners and professionals to create flawless makeup looks.
- Beginner-Friendly: Each brush is labeled with its purpose, so even beginners can easily understand how to use them. While the brushes have specific functions, their versatility allows for various applications, making them adaptable to different needs.
- Soft Bristles: The bristles are made from high-quality synthetic fibers, specifically soft and silky nylon, ensuring long-lasting durability. They are finely crafted and dense, making them ideal for sensitive skin, and they have excellent powder-holding capabilities to help you achieve a flawless finish.
- Elegant Packaging, Perfect for Gift-Giving: The brush set comes in attractive, sturdy packaging, making it a great gift choice for occasions like Christmas, Mother’s Day, Halloween, Valentine’s Day, Women’s Day, or any special event.
What the guide’s claims do—and do not—establish
Makeup educator Rose Siard says, “You can absolutely get a beautiful, polished makeup look using only drugstore products,” and advises, “The key to shopping drugstore is knowing your skin and doing a tiny bit of homework.” Makeup artist and educator Erica Taylor, who specializes in mature skin, says she looks for “products with hydrating, skin-supportive ingredients,” and adds that “Drugstore formulas have become so elevated that you can get a luxury-level finish without the luxury price.” These are the experts’ views as attributed by InStyle, not independent assessments of every product in this list.
Before buying, check the current product name and formula, the shade offered by the retailer, and the price shown at checkout. The article’s under-$20 framing is tied to its January 2026 publication; it does not establish that every pick remains below that price today.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 18 HOUR HOLD: Say goodbye to midday touch-ups! This spray keeps your makeup looking fresh and flawless for a full 18 hours, so you can focus on living your day without worrying about your look.
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Rank #4
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