The Best essence Makeup Products Under $10

September is around the corner, and you know what that means (screams: new beauty routine). Time to hit the refresh button on your daily beauty lineup. We’re giving up the tea on the best morning, midday and evening finds–all under $10–so you can still function in this economy. If affordable luxury is your love language, you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up the only beauty essentials playlist you need this season. Let’s get to it.

Morning Beauty Must-Haves

Your A.M. makeup routine is as essential as your caffeine fix and hyperfixation breakfast. Now, we’re not saying you have to go all out with a full face of makeup, but we are saying you need these basics sorted. 

Foundation Stick

Say it with us: polished skin is always a good idea. Put your complexion in glow-up mode by applying this foundation stick to any areas of the face that need evening out. Try the inner and outer eye corners, around the base nose on red areas and any other parts of the face that could use a brightening boost. This blendable formula goes on smoothly and leaves skin looking refreshed and glowing in seconds, thanks to its stick applicator. 

Contouring Duo Stick

If you’re noticing a theme for your morning must-haves, you’re on the right track. Convenience is where it’s at when time is a premium. This contour stick gives you gorgeous definition in a hurry. This is not your average 10-step contour situation–it’s way better because it’s fast and effective. Simply apply the contour shade to key areas of the face like the upper sides of the forehead, along the sides of the nose, cheek hollows, temples and jawline. Next, take the highlight end of the stick and swipe it over the apples of the cheeks, the center of the forehead and nose and even below your browbone. This will give you that coveted definition and sculpting while it sets your face card up for the whole day. 

Midday Pick Me Ups

We know what you’re thinking: why would we recommend a midday beauty session in the first place? Well, maybe your mornings are rushed and your afternoons start to show on your face. Set your afternoon complexion up for success with a few effortless products that only take minutes to apply. 

Brighten Up Banana Powder

Stop that midday shine in its tracks with the help of this translucent brightening powder. It gives your skin an instant lift in just a few swipes and leaves with a beautiful matte finish. If you’re someone whose makeup melts down after lunch, don’t hesitate to stock up on this. Ditto if any exposure to the slightest humidity sends you into a sweat spiral. 

Glossy Glaze Lipstick

Every lunch break should end with a fresh lippie application. If you spend your days in a corporate setting, this rings even more true. Add instant polish to your pout with a high-shine lipstick in a gorgeous neutral. We love the shade On Cloud Nude. Tell us, what’s better than a lipstick that feels like a gloss but serves up pouty perfection? 

Baby Got Blush

This one’s for all the cream blush lovers. Ever notice how your cream blush tends to fade fast if you put it on in the morning? Why not swipe on a creamy blush stick in the afternoon? It only takes seconds for this blush stick to give you a soft and pretty flush that looks super natural. Blend it in using your fingers for the most natural midday effect.

Evening Glam

Note: this section applies to the instances where your evening plans don’t involve bingeing your latest reality-TV obsession. As your major bases are covered above, all you really need to take your look from work to wow are some finishing touches to give you that glam effect for after dark. 

Lash Without Limits Mascara

Could a lash boost really up your beauty game? Always. A few swipes of a lengthening and volumizing mascara can make a huge difference in your day-to-night transformation. This tubing formula gives you 10X lashes with not a lot of effort (yes, please!).

Long-lasting Eye Pencil

Continuing on the glam eyes trend train is outlining your eyes with a precise eyeliner. You could even smoke it out a bit if you want to up the sultry factor. We especially love an inner eyeliner moment for a hot date night. This formula checks off all the after-dark boxes because it lasts long, is waterproof and is easy to apply in a dark bathroom thanks to its ultra-fine tip and twist applicator.

Baby Got Holo Glow Highlighter Stick

Your last stop before evening glam bliss is a highlighter stick. This product grants you instant goddess-vibes access with its holographic shimmer power. Apply it to the tops of your cheeks and inner eye corners for that stunning sparkle effect.