10 Beauty Products You Shouldn't Buy From The Dollar Store & 10 That Are Worth It
A Smarter Way To Shop The Beauty Aisle
Everyone loves finding a good deal, but when it comes to shopping for beauty at the dollar store, it's important you don't get swept up by all the low price tags. Sadly, sometimes the cheapest option isn't always the best value for your skin, hair, or eyes. To know which goodies you can stock up for cheap and which ones you'll need to splurge on, we've created this list so you're in the know.
1. Liquid Foundation
If you've been wearing makeup for a while, you'll know that liquid foundation is one product you can never be cheap with. Quality matters here, and if you're looking to buy from the dollar store, you're not just going to struggle with the shade accuracy, but the formulas tend to be runny and inconsistent. And if you're acne-prone or have sensitive skin, these cheap options usually come heavily scented.
2. Mascara
If there's one rule in makeup, it's that you should always pick quality products for anything used close to your eyes. One poor formula and you might cause more problems than you wanted! Bargain mascaras also tend to dry out too fast, will flake into your lash line, or smear easily. Just pick the safer route and don't risk irritating your eyes.
3. Liquid Eyeliner
Following the rule we just mentioned, eyeliner is also a must-skip at the dollar store. Eyerliners found here tend to be low-quality, and you might notice it transfers onto the crease or fades unevenly after an hour or two. Since it’s an eye product, just splurge a bit to find something that stays put and applies smoothly.
4. Sunscreen
Everyone needs sunscreen in their daily routine, and as a product you seriously rely on for protection, dollar store finds just aren't going to cut it. This isn't the place to gamble! You don't want to buy something expired that won't work as effectively or might feel unpleasant on your skin. A trusted sunscreen that you’ll actually wear is the better deal.
5. Retinol or “Anti-Aging” Serums
A good serum usually promises some pretty big results, but at a dollar store, all it's doing is hyping you up instead of giving real performance. You need good ingredients for good skincare, and that small price tag simply won't cut it. If you have sensitive skin, you'll want to be even more careful as many cheap skincare products come with heavy scents.
6. Hair Bleach Kits
You definitely don't want to treat bleaching your hair as a casual experiment, especially when cheap kits from the dollar store only promise unpredictable outcomes. For something this extreme, you'll want safer options or even consider professional help if you want it done right. It's definitely not something you want to save a few bucks on!
7. Nail Glue
Dollar store nail glue can seem enticing in the moment, but they often bond too aggressively or not enough, and either outcome is annoying. A poor formula may even lead to lifting, where moisture gets trapped and leads to irritation around the nail, or if the nozzle clogs or the glue gets stringy, application becomes messy fast.
8. Exfoliating Scrubs With Large Grit
Cheap scrubs often come with large, chunky grits that might seem great for exfoliating, but the truth is, it's harsh for your skin and can leave it more irritated than before. And if you've got sensitive skin, you definitely won't want one of these options that likely come with tons of fragrance mixed in, too.
9. Random “Whitening” Tooth Products
You should never put random tooth products in your mouth, especially ones that are cheap and unreliable. Dollar store whitening strips, gels, or powders can be overly abrasive or irritating to gums, and results are often inconsistent, and sensitivity can sneak up on you after a few uses. Only stick with reputable brands.
10. Sheet Masks With Unclear Ingredients
If you don't know what goes in it, don't buy it. A sheet mask looks harmless, but mystery formulas can leave your skin itchy or flushed. Some low-cost masks contain strong fragrance, alcohol, or irritating preservatives that don’t suit everyone, and honestly, you also don’t always know how long they’ve been sitting around, which matters for liquids and extracts.
1. Cotton Pads and Cotton Swabs
As practical basics that are the same whether you buy one from a no-name brand or one with fancy packaging, this dollar store find will do the job regardless. Cotton pads are great for toner, micellar water, and quick makeup fixes, while swabs help with cleanup around eyeliner, lipstick edges, or nail polish mistakes. If you're in need of either, the dollar store is your friend.
2. Nail Files and Buffers
If you love doing your nails at home, you're likely in need of files and buffers. Good news is, the dollar store often has plenty of options and you don't need these to be expensive to work for your needs. You’ll want to replace these regularly anyway, so paying less makes sense. Just avoid anything that feels overly rough or sharp on first use.
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3. Hair Ties and Scrunchies
Hair accessories are easy to lose, so it’s nice to stock up without thinking too hard about it. Imagine how painful it would be to lose an expensive one! Luckily, many dollar-store hair ties work perfectly well for ponytails, buns, and gym days.
4. Shower Caps and Hair Wraps
A shower cap is a simple tool that protects your hairstyle and saves you time. Dollar-store versions are often just as functional as pricier ones, especially for occasional use. It's the kind of beauty product you can save on so that you can put your money better spent elsewhere.
5. Basic Hand Cream
Hand cream is something you’ll reapply often, so affordability helps you use it consistently. As long as you're careful of any sensitivites you may have, many inexpensive formulas focus on straightforward moisturizers that do the job without extra fuss. If you’re fragrance-sensitive, scan labels and choose the simplest option.
6. Body Lotion for Everyday Use
The same logic applies to body lotion. A basic body lotion can be a solid buy when you’re just looking to fight dryness after a shower. If you don't need anything specific, then you don’t need a luxury formula! Dollar-store bottles are also convenient for travel or keeping in a gym bag.
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7. Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly is reliable, versatile, and usually inexpensive no matter where you buy it. It's a good-to-have item to keep on hand at all times, so why not stock up at the dollar store? It can help seal in moisture on dry spots, protect chapped lips, and reduce friction in problem areas. This is a practical staple that often performs exactly as expected.
8. Nail Polish Remover
This utility product is perfectly effective when bought at the dollar store, so nail polish lovers unite! You don't need to buy expensive brands if you're just looking to do a quick cleanup and remove old polish before putting on a fresh coat.
9. Disposable Razors for Travel
The dollar store is a great place to find travel-ready beauty products for traveling. Case in point: disposable razors! These are convenient for short trips, gym bags, or emergency touch-ups. You’re not committing to a long-term tool, so the lower price fits the purpose.
10. Makeup Sponges for One-Off Needs
If you need a sponge for a costume, a Halloween party, or a last-minute backup, the dollar store can be a practical stop. These won't be the best you've ever used, but some sponges can still blend decently when damp, especially for light coverage or quick touch-ups.
