If you have sensitive skin or just prefer makeup that feels good and does good, you’re probably familiar with Physicians Formula. It’s the drugstore MVP for gentle, dermatologist-approved formulas that deliver great results without the sky-high price tags, with most products sitting comfortably between $8 and $20.
For those who love its skin-friendly approach but are looking to explore other affordable options, you're in the right place. From clean beauty heroes to brands with vibrant, high-pigment formulas, here are 17 brands like Physicians Formula that deliver quality without breaking the bank.
As a powerhouse of affordable beauty, e.l.f. is a must-try if you love Physicians Formula. With prices usually ranging from $3 to $15, they offer an impressive selection of vegan and cruelty-free makeup and skincare that often goes viral for a reason. They share a commitment to clean ingredients and have become a go-to for effective primers, concealers, and skincare that are gentle enough for most skin types.
Shop now at elfcosmetics.com
If you're looking for drugstore makeup with a more luxurious feel, Milani is your answer. Known for rich pigments and long-lasting formulas, their products range from about $5 to $15. Their Baked Blushes are iconic, offering a radiant glow reminiscent of Physicians Formula’s Murumuru Butter collection. Milani focuses on high-quality formulas that cater to a wide range of skin tones, making it perfect for anyone who wants affordable glam.
Shop now at milanicosmetics.com
A true budget beauty hero, Wet n Wild delivers trendy and reliable products with most items costing less than $10. They are famously cruelty-free and offer everything from vibrant Photo Focus foundations to buttery Megaglo highlighters. Like Physicians Formula, Wet n Wild provides accessible, high-performing makeup that proves affordability doesn't mean you have to compromise on quality or ethics.
Shop now at wetnwildbeauty.com
Famous for its fun collaborations and trendy product drops, ColourPop offers high-quality, cruelty-free makeup at insanely low prices, often from $5 to $15. Their vast range of eyeshadows, lip products, and complexion goodies are known for their impressive pigmentation and creative formulas. If you love the affordability of Physicians Formula but want to experiment with more color and trend-focused items, ColourPop is an essential stop.
Shop now at colourpop.com
Pixi bridges the gap between drugstore and high-end, focusing on skincare-infused makeup designed to give you a "good-skin" glow. With prices from $10 to $30, Pixi shares Physicians Formula's emphasis on skin-loving ingredients. Their products, like the famous Glow Tonic and H2O Skintint, are all about creating a radiant, healthy-looking complexion, making it a great pick for those who prioritize a natural, luminous finish.
Shop now at pixibeauty.com
Jordana is one of the most budget-friendly brands on shelves, with most of its products priced well under $5. While easy on the wallet, they deliver surprisingly high-quality essentials, especially their eyeliners and blushes. Similar to Physicians Formula, Jordana offers dermatologist-tested options perfect for quick, reliable beauty finds without any fuss or major investment.
Shop now at jordanacosmetics.com
CoverGirl is a drugstore icon for a reason, offering a huge portfolio of inclusive and dependable makeup from $5 to $15. They deliver on shade ranges, particularly with their TruBlend foundation line, and have become Leaping Bunny Certified, meaning all their products are cruelty-free. Like Physicians Formula, CoverGirl provides accessible staples that often include skincare benefits, making clean and conscious beauty available to everyone.
Shop now at covergirl.com
For professional-grade results on a budget, NYX is unbeatable. Priced between $5 and $15, they are famous for their pro-level primers, setting sprays, and a huge variety of lip formulas. NYX combines a cruelty-free ethos with on-trend, high-performance products that cater to creative makeup lovers who still prioritize gentle and effective formulas, much like Physicians Formula's fanbase.
Shop now at nyxcosmetics.com
L.A. Girl is celebrated for bringing high-pigment, stellar-performing makeup to the drugstore aisles for under $10. Their Pro.Conceal HD Concealer is a holy-grail product for countless beauty enthusiasts for its coverage and shade range. For those who love the accessibility of Physicians Formula but crave more coverage and bold color payoff, L.A. Girl is a fantastic choice.
Shop now at lagirlusa.com
If the hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested aspect of Physicians Formula is what ropes you in, then Almay is your perfect match. Built entirely around creating clean, gentle products for sensitive skin and eyes, Almay shares the same core mission. With prices from $8 to $20, you can trust their foundations, mascaras, and makeup removers to be free of fragrances and irritants, ensuring your makeup routine is as comfortable as it is beautiful.
Shop now at almay.com
Known for its rock-bottom prices (seriously, most things are under $10) and strict European clean-beauty standards, essence is a goldmine. The brand is cruelty-free and beloved for its viral Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara and other fun, high-quality makeup staples. It's a key alternative for anyone who wants hyper-affordable, playful, and consciously formulated products.
Shop now at essencemakeup.com
Bringing a pop of glitter and bold color to an accessible price point, Hard Candy offers edgy and fun makeup for under $10. Known for their vibrant aesthetic and long-wearing 'Glamoflauge' concealers, this brand is for anyone who loves to experiment. Much like Physicians Formula, Hard Candy is a cruelty-free brand that delivers quality without being too serious.
Shop now at hardcandy.com
Known for its natural ethos, Burt’s Bees makeup line extends its philosophy into color cosmetics. With prices from $8 to $20, their makeup is formulated without parabens, phthalates, SLS, or synthetic fragrances. If you’re drawn to Physicians Formula for its gentle and more natural-leaning ingredients, the Burt’s Bees line of foundations, blushes, and glossy lip oils will feel right at home in your collection.
Shop now at burtsbees.com
Created by Drew Barrymore, Flower Beauty is designed to bring a touch of luxury to the drugstore. The entire line is cruelty-free, with standout products like the Light Illusion Foundation and Blush Bombs that rival high-end competitors. Priced mainly from $8 to $15, it's a stellar alternative for those who appreciate high-performing formulas and sleek packaging without the hefty price.
Shop now at flowerbeauty.com
Sheer Miracle is a smaller, organic mineral makeup brand with an accessible price point, typically under $15 for many items. They specialize in super-minimalist products that enhance natural beauty, offering things like concealers and finishing powders with short, pronounceable ingredient lists. It's an ideal choice for makeup minimalists who love Physicians Formula's gentle approach and want to support a brand focused on clean, simple formulations.
Shop now at sheermiracle.com
Revlon is a timeless drugstore brand known for its classic approach and innovative formulas, priced generally between $5 and $15. Their ColorStay and PhotoReady lines offer reliable performance, and like Physicians Formula, they often infuse their products with skin-loving extras like SPF and antioxidants. For dependable, everyday staples with a touch of elegance, Revlon remains a trusted choice.
Shop now at revlon.com
While often seen as a pro-artist brand, Inglot's prices are surprisingly close to high-end drugstore, with individual shadows and products generally in the $10 to $20 range. Known for their customizable Freedom System palettes and vibrant, high-performance pigments, they share Physicians Formula's commitment to creating cruelty-free, skin-compatible products. If you’re ready to graduate to more customizable makeup without leaving the affordable price range, Inglot is a fantastic find.
Shop now at inglotusa.com
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