7 Target Beauty Products Under $20 That Work Better Than Luxury Brands

Outside a Target Store in maryland
Neal McNeil / iStock.com

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.

20 Years
Helping You Live Richer

Reviewed
by Experts

Trusted by
Millions of Readers

Target’s beauty aisle has gotten serious. And at a reasonable price.

According to beauty editors and makeup artists who test both, these seven products match or beat high-end alternatives that cost two to five times more.

e.l.f. Power Grip Primer

  • Price: $11

The e.l.f. Power Grip Primer replaces Milk Makeup’s Hydro Grip Primer at $38 and Dior Forever Velvet Veil at $53. The sticky gel texture grips makeup the same way but adds niacinamide to smooth skin. People with oily or combination skin say it causes less pilling and holds longer than the expensive versions.

Milani Make It Last Setting Spray

  • Price: $16.99

Milani Make It Last competes with Urban Decay All Nighter at $34 and Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Spray at $39. It locks makeup for 12 to 16 hours without drying out your face. Makeup artists say it outperforms All Nighter on long days and works better for mature skin because it doesn’t feel as harsh.

MCoBeauty Flawless Glow Luminous Skin Filter

  • Price: $14.99

This MCoBeauty skin filter does what Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter does at $50. Same soft-focus glow, same blurring effect, works under or over foundation. The difference is it doesn’t emphasize texture as much and costs less than one-third of the price.

e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream

  • Price: $14

The e.l.f. Holy Hydration Face Cream stands in for Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream at $72 and First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream at $42. It has ceramides, peptides and hyaluronic acid but feels lighter than both expensive options. Beauty forums constantly mention this as a luxury dupe that actually performs.

Good Molecules Daily Brightening Serum

  • Price: $7.99

Good Molecules Daily Brightening Serum replaces SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense at $115. It uses beta arbutin for brightening instead of vitamin C, which means less irritation for sensitive skin. It layers better under other products and doesn’t cause the stinging some expensive serums do.

Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer

  • Price: $13.99

Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer beats La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair at $24.99 and SkinFix Barrier+ Cream at $54. Dermatologists recommend this over luxury creams because it has no fragrance, no irritating actives and stronger ceramide barrier repair. If your skin freaks out easily, this works better than more prestigous brands.

MCoBeauty Miracle Flawless Pressed Powder

  • Price: $9.99

The MCoBeauty Miracle Flawless Pressed Powder duplicates Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder at $43. It blurs without looking chalky and sets makeup without settling into fine lines. The soft-focus effect works the same as the luxury version.

Editor’s note: Pricing is accurate as of Feb. 24, 2026. Pricing and availability are subject to change.

BEFORE YOU GO

See Today's Best
Banking Offers

Looks like you're using an adblocker

Please disable your adblocker to enjoy the optimal web experience and access the quality content you appreciate from GOBankingRates.

  • AdBlock / uBlock / Brave
    1. Click the ad blocker extension icon to the right of the address bar
    2. Disable on this site
    3. Refresh the page
  • Firefox / Edge / DuckDuckGo
    1. Click on the icon to the left of the address bar
    2. Disable Tracking Protection
    3. Refresh the page
  • Ghostery
    1. Click the blue ghost icon to the right of the address bar
    2. Disable Ad-Blocking, Anti-Tracking, and Never-Consent
    3. Refresh the page