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14 Budget-Friendly Beauty Products You Should Be Buying at the Dollar Store

These dollar store treasures that will leave you looking fabulous for less.

happy woman shopping for handwashes in supermarket
Updated Sept. 24, 2024
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Dollar stores can be a good option to save money on groceries and other staple items you need every day. But what about a bit of pampering?

It’s OK to treat yourself by spending some cash on beauty products. And if you buy them at the dollar store, you won’t bust your budget.

Following are some items to consider adding to your shopping list the next time you head to the dollar store.

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Nail polish

Ilja/Adobe woman having her nails painted in pastel color at a salon

You might not be able to afford a fancy manicure if you’re on a tight budget, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have gorgeous nails.

Grab some nail polish at your local dollar store. You'll find an array of gorgeous colors, regardless of how subdued or over the top you want to go with your nails.

Also, check your local dollar store for nail polish remover to clean up any mistakes or when you need to change your color.

Lip balm

Alliance/Adobe woman wearing white jumper using fingers to apply lip balm from container on chapped lips

Pucker up and keep your lips from chapping with some lip balm. Your local dollar store should have plenty of different flavors, and you might also find medicated balm for chapped lips.

Hair accessories

julia/Adobe colorful silk scrunchies in pastel colors scattered over white backdrop

It’s easy to lose hair ties, scrunchies, barrettes, and other accessories that keep your hair up and out of your face.

There is a good chance you will find these items at your local dollar store. It’s also a good idea to check your local store for brushes and combs that will help keep your hair looking good.

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Makeup storage

Pixel-Shot/Adobe white dresser with crystal makeup organizer having lipsticks and blushes with blush on brush at table

Are your bathroom drawers littered with lipstick, blush, eye shadow, and mascara? Get control of your makeup supplies by purchasing storage containers.

Grab these containers from the dollar store, even if they are not explicitly labeled for makeup.

Cotton balls

MikeFusaro/Adobe mason jars full of cotton swab and cotton balls placed on wooden shelf inside bathroom

Cotton balls are a great way to wipe off makeup and nail polish. You can also use them to apply perfume.

Stock up on bags from your local dollar store so you never run out. Check out your different options to see if you can get a bigger size depending on your needs.

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Makeup removal

New Africa/Adobe beautiful woman wearing white silk robe using cotton pad to remove makeup while holding makeup remover in hand

Getting all that foundation, powder, and eye shadow off your face can be tough after a long day. That is why you need makeup remover in your bathroom.

Dollar stores have you covered with several options, including pre-treated facial wipes that can get that extra makeup out of your pores for a clean post-makeup face.

Bath bombs

Inna 's/Adobe bath ball with lotion and candles with lavender placed on the side of a bath tub at spa

Do you love spending time in a warm bath? Then, check out your local dollar store to see if it has bath bombs with scents such as citrus or coconut.

Bath bombs can be expensive, especially considering you only use them once. But some good dollar-store options make bath bombs enjoyable and affordable.

Lotion

Yakobchuk Olena/Adobe woman pumping out moisturizer in hand from bottle

It’s essential to give your skin some TLC throughout the day. But some lotions can get expensive if you need to keep your skin moisturized constantly.

Instead of paying for expensive lotions, grab some hand cream or lotion from the dollar store. Dollar stores typically offer a variety of scents and moisturizer levels.

Shampoo

now on/Adobe man standing in shower using shampoo to wash and massage his scalp

You don’t have to compromise on hair care when you shop at a dollar store.

Check out your local store for brand-name shampoos and compare costs: You may find that prices are lower at the dollar store than at other retailers.

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Shower fizzies

Irina Bort/Adobe A picture of shower fizzies

Stop by the dollar store and grab some shower fizzies, the shower version of a bath bomb.

The fizzies come in different smells that can relax and calm you in the shower after a long day or help get your morning started right.

Makeup brushes

puhhha/Adobe happy woman using an eyeshadow brush to apply makeup on eyes

Pick up some makeup brushes at your local dollar store to apply all that gorgeous makeup to your face.

Makeup brushes come in all shapes and sizes. Check out your dollar store for different brush options and brush kits that offer a variety of options in one box.

Travel bottles

pixel-shot/Adobe woman packing body care essentials in traveling pouch with light in background

Is there a specific shampoo or hand lotion you take with you everywhere? Make traveling a little easier with travel-size bottles from your local dollar store.

You will find shampoo, lotions, and other liquids you can take along in a travel bag.

Hand soap

New Africa/Adobe woman pumping out liquid soap in hand at bathroom

If you got into the habit of washing your hands during the COVID-19 pandemic, you might have noticed just how much soap you can use regularly.

So, stock up on hand soap from your local dollar store. In addition, you can choose from plenty of liquid or bar soap options.

Remember to grab some hand sanitizer as well, which you can also get at your favorite store.

Mascara

WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobe beautiful young woman standing in front of mirror at home applying mascara

Want your eyelashes to stand out? Pick up some mascara at the dollar store.

Many dollar stores carry a variety of name-brand mascaras. Grab your favorite option at an affordable price.

Bottom line

Syda Productions/Adobe couple standing at cashier paying for the things purchased at the grocery store

It’s easy to shop on a tight budget and keep more money in your wallet when you take advantage of discount shops such as dollar stores.

Compare dollar-store options to the expensive name brands you usually buy. You might be surprised at the dollar-store quality.