I'm an NYC Beauty Editor—15 Under-$21 Gems That Actually Impress Me
I've lived in NYC for almost a year and a half now. As you can imagine, living here costs a pretty penny, so I've had to be smart with my spending. Don't get me wrong—I love a designer lipstick, an expensive mascara, or a $400 face mask as much as anyone, but I've learned there are dozens of hidden gems you can get for $20 or less. I challenged myself to narrow it down to the 15 products that have completely surpassed my expectations and whose performance is on par with the more expensive products I have. Keep reading to see them all, including an innovative moisturizer, a Dior lip oil dupe, and my favorite holy-grail mascara.
This new launch will quickly become a staple in your routine. The rich, velvety formula has one-of-a-kind ingredients such as bio-active ceramides and gransil blur to restore skin to plump, dewy perfection. If you don't believe me, look at the before-and-afters.
Over 1000 five-star reviews can't be wrong. This highlighter leaves a beautiful golden finish that's nearly identical to one of my favorite luxury highlighters from Dior. (It's also a tenth of the price.)
Bubble is one of the best drugstore skincare brands because its products have high-quality ingredients and affordable price points. This brand-new overnight face mask has maple sap, mandelic acid, and buriti oil to completely transform your skin while you get your beauty sleep.
Mineral sunscreen is a must in my morning skincare routine. I love that this one has a super-silky texture with no white cast. Plus, it's only $19.
This creamy blush melts into your skin and imparts the most beautiful, natural flush. It contains kaolin clay, an oil-absorbing ingredient that dries down to a powder finish for long-lasting color.
Yep, you can fake a full eight hours of shut-eye with this best-selling concealer. If you still haven't tried it, I highly suggest you pick it up to see for yourself.
TBH, lip sunscreen is a product I'd normally forget about, but this one has completely changed my mindset. It has SPF 30, a rosy tint, and a yummy vanilla marshmallow flavor.
If you want to instantly open up your eyes, an eyelash curler is a must. It's the one beauty tool I can't live without.
This is basically a $9 dupe for the Charlotte Tilbury Glow Wand. The dewy, champagne shimmer is simply stunning.
If you have sensitive, breakout-prone skin like I do, allow me to introduce you to your new holy-grail daily moisturizer. It has derm-approved, non-comedogenic ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, squalane, and glycerin.
I thought I'd be forever devoted to my favorite $40 lip oil, but this $8 one changed my mind. It's nearly identical to the more luxurious lip oils I've tried—from the sleek tube to the plush doe-foot applicator to the glossy finish.
My life was forever changed when I started lining my waterline with white eyeliner. It makes your eyes pop and gives you this wide-eyed, doll-like look that I just love.
Full, fluttery lashes are just a swipe away with this mascara. In my opinion, it's the best one at the drugstore.
Emma is an associate beauty editor of branded content. She’s a passionate writer who loves all things beauty, wellness, and personal growth. Before pursuing writing, she worked in influencer marketing at Gallery Media Group, which owns digital brand PureWow. She lives in New York City, where you can usually find her running to a Pilates class or sipping on a green juice in the park.