How to Cut Your Beauty Bill in Half with Dollar Store Makeup Hacks

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Let’s be real—beauty products can get crazy expensive. That perfect foundation? $40. Eyeshadow palettes? Don’t even get me started. If your makeup obsession has your wallet crying, it’s time to make friends with an unlikely hero: the dollar store. Yes, the dollar store. Don’t let those low prices fool you—there are some absolute gems hidden in those aisles. With a little creativity, some clever swaps, and a bit of DIY magic, you can still look fabulous without the jaw-dropping receipts. Whether you’re new to dollar store shopping or a seasoned bargain hunter, these hacks will help you cut your beauty bill in half (or more!). The best part? Some of these tips are so easy you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner. From multipurpose products to tools that do double-duty, we’ve got all the tricks to keep your makeup stash stocked and affordable. So, grab a basket, and let’s dive into the world of dollar store beauty magic—you’re about to glow on a budget!

Make Your Own Tinted Moisturizer

Lotion Sun Screen
Image Credit: Deposit Photos/IgorVetushko.

Foundations can be pricey, but you don’t have to splurge. Grab a lightweight moisturizer from the dollar store and mix it with a small amount of your favorite foundation. Boom! You’ve got yourself a DIY tinted moisturizer that hydrates your skin and gives you coverage.

Lipstick as Cream Blush? Yes, Please!

Make Up Lip Stick
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Why buy both when one product can do the job? Pick up a creamy lipstick from the dollar store in a rosy or coral shade, and dab it on your cheeks for an instant blush. Bonus points: it’ll match your lips perfectly!

Setting Spray Substitute: Rose Water

Rose Water Make Up
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Those expensive setting sprays aren’t your only option. Many dollar stores carry rose water, which you can mist over your makeup to set everything in place. It smells great, feels refreshing, and helps prevent makeup meltdown.

Eyeshadow Palettes That Double as Brow Powder

Eye Shadow Make Up
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You don’t need a separate brow kit. Grab a neutral-toned eyeshadow palette and use it to fill in your brows. Use the lighter shades for day and the darker shades for drama—two looks for the price of one!

DIY Highlighter from Loose Pigments

Make Up
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No highlighter? No problem! Look for loose pigments or shimmery eyeshadows. Mix them with a bit of your moisturizer or body lotion, and voila—you’ve got a glowing highlighter for a fraction of the cost.

Cotton Swabs: The Ultimate Makeup Tool

Q-Tip
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Skip the pricey makeup brushes and grab a pack of cotton swabs. They’re perfect for smudging eyeliner, cleaning up mistakes, and applying precise highlighter to your inner corners. Plus, you get hundreds for just a dollar

Eyeliner as Lip Liner

Eye Liner Make Up
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Why spend extra on lip liners? Brown or nude eyeliners can double as lip liners in a pinch. Just make sure you sanitize the pencil between uses if you’re switching from eyes to lips.

Use Baby Powder as Dry Shampoo

Baby Powder
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Who needs $20 dry shampoo? A dollar store container of baby powder works just as well. Sprinkle a little on your roots, massage it in, and enjoy that fresh, grease-free hair.

Gel Nail Polish Top Coat Hack

Nail Polish
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Can’t afford a gel manicure? No worries! Pick up a shiny top coat at the dollar store and apply it over your regular polish. It’ll give you that glossy, gel-like finish without the salon price tag.

Lip Balm as a Primer for Eyeshadow

Lip Balm Make Up
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No fancy eyeshadow primer? Use a thin layer of lip balm to prep your lids. It helps the shadow stick better and makes colors pop—just don’t go overboard, or things will get too sticky!

Micellar Water: Your Budget-Friendly Cleanser

Micellar Water
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Many dollar stores now carry micellar water, and it’s a total game-changer. It removes makeup, cleanses your skin, and leaves you feeling refreshed—no fancy cleanser required.

Reusable Makeup Wipes: Save the Planet and Your Money

Make Up Wipes
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Skip the disposable wipes and grab some reusable microfiber cloths. They’re gentle on your skin, easy to wash, and way more eco-friendly than single-use options.

Mascara as Eyeliner? Absolutely!

Mascara
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In a pinch, your mascara can do double duty as eyeliner. Use a small angled brush to dip into the mascara wand, then apply it along your lash line for a quick and easy eyeliner look.

Nail Polish for Custom Jewelry Touch-Ups

Nail Polish
Image Credit: Deposit Photos/Nik_Merkulov.

Those trendy rings and earrings that chip? Use dollar store nail polish to touch them up! Clear polish is great for preventing tarnish, and colored polish works wonders on chipped enamel jewelry.

Travel-Sized Finds Are Your Best Friend

Make Up
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Don’t overlook the travel section at dollar stores. You can stock up on mini versions of products like makeup wipes, lotions, and hair sprays—perfect for on-the-go touch-ups or trying new products without committing to full sizes.

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Weights Exercise TV
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When it comes to healthy living, many people think you need a lot of money to do it right. The reality is that there are plenty of ways to live a healthy lifestyle without breaking the bank.

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22 Best Places To Get Cheap Clothes

Woman Shopping
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Are you looking for the best places to get cheap clothes? We got you. Whether you’re looking to shop in-store or online, here are the best places to get cheap clothes.

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