17 Brands Like NYX for Affordable Beauty Essentials

Explore brands like NYX offering affordable, high-quality, cruelty-free makeup. Discover bold trends and everyday essentials without breaking the bank.
Written by: 
Ash Read
Last updated: 

Chances are, your makeup bag has seen a product or two from NYX. It's the go-to brand for high-quality, cruelty-free makeup that lets you play with bold trends and stock up on everyday essentials without feeling guilty about the price tag, with most items falling between $5 and $20.

If you love NYX for its vibrant colors, pro-level formulas, and accessible price point, you're in luck. The beauty world is full of amazing brands that deliver the same level of creativity and value. Here are 17 similar brands to check out next.

1. e.l.f. Cosmetics

Known for being cruelty-free, vegan, and incredibly affordable, e.l.f. is a must-try if you love NYX. With nearly everything priced between $3 and $15, you can build a full-face routine without hesitation. Their product lineup is huge, covering everything from viral primers and concealers to skincare-infused foundations.

While NYX focuses heavily on bold artistic expression, e.l.f. excels at creating high-performing dupes and reliable essentials with an added emphasis on clean ingredients and sustainable packaging.

Shop now at elfcosmetics.com

2. ColourPop

If the reason you love NYX is for the endless, vibrant color options, then ColourPop will be your new best friend. This brand is a cult favorite for its intensely pigmented eyeshadows, trendy lip formulas, and exciting collaborations, with most products priced from $5 to $20. They are masters of hitting trends at lightning speed.

While both brands thrive on color, ColourPop leans more into pop culture-themed collections and playful, punchy aesthetics, making it perfect for adventurous makeup lovers who want the newest thing, right now.

Shop now at colourpop.com

3. Milani

Milani brings a touch of Italian luxury to the drugstore aisle, offering high-quality formulas that give a luminous, expensive-looking finish. With prices generally between $5 and $15, their baked blushes, concealers, and inclusive foundation ranges are standouts.

Compared to NYX's edgier, more professionally-focused vibe, Milani is all about creating radiant, glowing, and sophisticated looks. Think of it as NYX’s slightly more polished older sister who loves a good highlight.

Shop now at milanicosmetics.com

4. BH Cosmetics

Calling all eyeshadow lovers! BH Cosmetics specializes in creating massive, vibrant eyeshadow palettes, killer brushes, and gleaming highlighters that are perfect for creative looks. Most of their palettes and products run from $8 to $20, offering amazing value for the amount of pigment you get.

Like NYX, BH is all about bold color and artistry, but its primary focus is on playful, powerful eye makeup collections packed with a huge range of shades and finishes.

Shop now at bhcosmetics.com

5. Profusion Beauty

Profusion is a super-accessible brand that makes it easy to experiment with new trends. With a wide array of eyeshadow palettes, face palettes, and essential foundations mostly under $10, it's a fantastic choice for beauty beginners or anyone wanting to build a versatile collection on a budget.

Similar to NYX, Profusion provides affordable, on-trend colors, but with an even more playful and approachable vibe that makes it perfect for dipping your toes into the world of creative makeup.

Shop now at profusionbeauty.com

6. Makeup Revolution

Makeup Revolution is famous for its fast-fashion approach to beauty, dropping trend-driven collections and affordable dupes for high-end products almost weekly. With prices usually hitting that sweet spot of $5 to $15, you can find everything from extensive foundation ranges to collaborations with your favorite pop culture brands.

While NYX keeps its finger on the pulse of professional trends, Makeup Revolution is all about giving you what's currently viral, making it your go-to for experimenting with statement looks without the commitment.

Shop now at makeuprevolutionusa.com

7. Juvia’s Place

If you want pigment that packs a serious punch, look no further than Juvia's Place. Celebrated for its Afrocentric-inspired art and intensely saturated eyeshadow palettes, this brand delivers unparalleled color payoff, with most items ringing up around $20. Its foundation and concealer shades are also top-tier for deeper skin tones.

While NYX offers wide shade ranges, Juvia’s Place specializes in creating high-impact, artistic colors that don’t shy away from being bold, making it a favorite among makeup artists and anyone who wants their look to stand out.

Shop now at juviasplace.com

8. Beauty Bakerie

Beauty Bakerie wraps up high-performance, long-lasting formulas in the cutest bakery-themed packaging imaginable. Known for its smudge-proof liquid lipsticks and inclusive range of foundations (priced around $10-$20), the brand focuses on cruelty-free and clean ingredients.

Both brands prioritize inclusivity and fun, wearable makeup, but Beauty Bakerie adds a uniquely sweet and playful branding experience to its tough-as-nails formulas.

Shop now at beautybakerie.com

9. Revolution Beauty

Revolution Beauty, the UK-based mothership of Makeup Revolution, offers a massive portfolio of makeup and skincare with something for absolutely everyone. With most products under $15, you can explore everything from everyday basics to bold, themed palettes and influencer collaborations.

Like NYX, Revolution Beauty is committed to making beauty trends accessible to all through a huge variety of high-quality, cruelty-free options for endless experimentation.

Shop now at revolutionbeauty.com

10. L.A. Girl

A true staple in the affordable beauty scene, L.A. Girl is praised for its high-quality complexion products, especially its iconic Pro Conceal. With prices mainly between $4 and $10, it's the perfect brand for achieving a flawless base and grabbing reliable staples like eyeliners and lip glosses.

While NYX offers a mix of artistic and everyday products, L.A. Girl shines brightest when it comes to creating that polished, professional-looking base, making its complexion offerings a must-have.

Shop now at lagirlusa.com

11. Black Radiance

Black Radiance is a brand dedicated to celebrating and serving melanin-rich skin. They create stunning foundations, buttery eyeshadows, and lush lip colors specifically formulated to complement deeper skin tones, all within a $5 to $15 price point.

While NYX strives for broad inclusivity, Black Radiance's core mission is to cater to the specific needs of WOC, providing expertly crafted shades and formulas that eliminate the guesswork of finding your perfect match.

Shop now at blackradiancebeauty.com

12. Kiss Beauty

Kiss is already your go-to for lashes and nails, but their makeup line is a hidden gem for affordable finds. With most products under $10, you can discover trendy items like glittery eyeshadows, versatile palettes, and of course, a massive selection of false lashes that rival any high-end brand.

Like NYX, Kiss brings fun and creativity to your makeup routine, but with a special focus on eye-enhancing products that complete any look, from everyday natural to full-on glam.

Shop now at kissbeautycosmetics.com

13. Wet n Wild

A true OG of drugstore beauty, Wet n Wild has been delivering on-trend products for shockingly low prices for decades. With many items available for under $5, it's the perfect brand for guilt-free experimentation, whether you're trying a new color of their iconic MegaLast lipstick or grabbing a versatile eyeshadow quad.

Comparable to NYX in its cruelty-free commitment and expansive product range, Wet n Wild takes affordability to the next level, proving that great makeup doesn't have to cost more than your morning coffee.

Shop now at www.wetnwildbeauty.com

14. Catrice Cosmetics

Hailing from Europe, Catrice offers luxury-inspired makeup without the luxury price tag, with most products priced between $4 and $15. The brand is known for its innovative, high-quality formulas like the HD Liquid Coverage Foundation and True Skin concealer, which often perform like high-end competitors!

Catrice shares NYX’s passion for on-trend, high-performance makeup, but with what could be described as a slightly more sophisticated and polished European aesthetic focused on creating a flawless-looking base.

Shop now at www.catrice.us

15. Essence

If you're looking for fun, effective makeup at ridiculously low prices, Essence is the answer. As Catrice's sister brand, they offer a vast range of products, with viral hits like the Lash Princess Mascara costing less than $5. It's perfect for trendy colors and daily essentials that won't make a dent in your wallet.

Much like NYX, Essence makes experimenting with makeup fun and accessible, but at an even lower price point that makes it perfect for teens, beginners, or anyone wanting to try out a new look.

Shop now at essencemakeup.com

16. Flower Beauty

Created by Drew Barrymore, Flower Beauty is all about creating high-quality, cruelty-free makeup that helps you look and feel your best. With prices mostly under $20, fan favorites include their Blush Bomb Color Drops and Light Illusion Foundation. The brand's focus is on enhancing your natural beauty with fresh, radiant finishes.

Flower offers the same accessible price point as NYX but leans toward a softer, more polished, and naturally beautiful aesthetic rather than bold, artistic looks.

Shop now at flowerbeauty.com

17. Sleek MakeUP

Sleek MakeUP is a UK-based brand celebrated for its highly pigmented products and inclusive shade ranges, especially for deeper skin tones. Best known for their eyeshadow palettes and highlighter kits typically priced under $15, they offer professional-quality makeup in chic, minimalist packaging.

Similar to NYX, Sleek delivers bold color payoff and trendy items at an affordable price, but often with a slightly more edgy, sophisticated, and modern vibe.

Shop now at www.sleekmakeup.com/us/

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