Ask any makeup artist what their favorite products are, and it will probably be a mix of high and low. Although popular formulas like Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation (yes, even updated version) and Dior praised 999 Rouge Dior Velvet red lips will always be the basics of makeup, most artists will be lost without their confidence drug store buy.
In almost perfect balance, parts of their devices will start at $145 a base (hello, Hermès Plein Air Luminous Matte) to $10 mascarain the evening the playground and play with star quality. But after asking more than 15 makeup experts whether drugstore SKUs can match (or even surpass) high-end options, the vast majority said they do, however, agree that not all formulas are equal.
A famous makeup artist Neil Scibelli believes that, despite the differences in ingredients, the strong success of drugstore beauty can be attributed to availability. “People want the flexibility to try out new looks without spending too much, and more brands are making that a real opportunity for consumers and beauty enthusiasts,” she explains. In an economy where the cost of living and other necessary expenses are increasing, Scibelli realizes that beauty is not the main thing that many look for – that is why the available, cheap, drug-dealing heroes are so influential. Fortunately, there are a few that experts say can match, or even replace, your shopping cart.
Continue to browse our list of drugstore beauty products that work like a designer.
11 Drugstore Beauty Products That Rival the Best Trends
NYX Professional Makeup
Long Lasting Slim Lip Pencil
Lip liners are equal opportunities at both drugstore and luxury stores, in terms of benefits, but nothing beats NYX’s affordable offerings. “NYX lip liners are just as good as their more expensive counterparts,” says celebrity MUA Kirin Bhatty, who impresses the likes of Chase Infiniti and Lilly Allen. “I swear by them!” he adds. Celebrity makeup artist Mical Klip calls the brand’s Slim Liner your favorite. “[It] it gets a lot of play in my kit,” they tell Who What Wear. The formula is simple and available in a wide variety of colors, each one offering great length and shape.
L’Oreal
Infallible 3 Seconds Mist Spray
Setting sprays are a staple in every makeup artist’s kit, but many can attest that you don’t need to spend $30+ on a bottle to get high-end, long-lasting results. “I really prefer L’Oréal Paris Infallible Setting Spray to One/Size,” one celebrity makeup artist confides to me, referring to the mega-viral One/Size On ‘Til Dawn Matifying Waterproof Setting Spray.
Scibelli agrees that setting spray is an area where the drugstore works alongside high-end formulas—even expensive foundations. “You can think of it like fashion, where you can mix a high-end bag with fast fashion pieces,” he explains.
Maybelline
Lash Sensational Washable Mascara
“I don’t believe in spending more than $15 on mascara,” one celebrity MUA told WWW anonymously. It seems some would agree, as experts Kelli Anne Sewell and Alexandra French have previously recommended this lash-defining mascara, which adds volume to the more commonly used options. The curved brush offers enhanced application, capturing every last lash — yes, even the short ones in the inner corners — and giving your brows visible, but natural-looking length with each swipe.
ColourPop
Hydrapop Lip Stain
Bhatty loves these glossy lip stains for long-lasting, high-impact glam. The formula continues with a high shine, with a bright color that finally dries to wash the color of the water-which allows you to strengthen the energy when you desire throughout the day, or to add water to the skin and leave after the kiss of color that will last for many hours. “I use them all the time,” she adds. “They’re products that work well and feel great.”
KIKO Milan
3D Hydra Lipgloss
Lip gloss is another category full of formulas that excel in the aisles of the drugstore and on the luxury flight. Klip personally recommends the 3D Hydra glasses from Kiko Milano, which retail for just $14 and come in fun, bright, traditional colors. We WWW editors love our high-end formulas from Dior, Chanel, and Armani Beauty, but no one can deny the power of a good drugstore gloss.
Maybelline
Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder
In an age of glassy skin and dewy makeup, it’s easy to overlook powder. However, experts confirm this product as a must-have cosmetic for any makeup – whether it’s for setting, baking, or foundation – especially if you’re going to spend a long time. This drugstore option is a popular recommendation from anyone interested in makeup, as its versatile formula allows you to brush a light layer over the liquid foundation to create makeup or apply it directly to the skin with a sponge for optimal oil control and buildable protection. In addition, it is available in 25 different variants.
Makeup Revolution
Superdewy Sundew Skin Tint SPF 30
Scibelli wastes no time recommending Revolution Beauty in general at Target for its top-notch performance, but she’s especially into this SPF-enhanced skin tint from Makeup Revolution. “It has skin care and antioxidants, but above all, it gives this glow, even brightening your skin for $ 17,” he is afraid. “People are already comparing it to Fenty’s leather and Laura Mercier.”
Milan
Color Fetish Lip Stain
For another lip stain option, experts recommend Milani’s Color Fetish tubes for its semi-matte, hydrating formula, and long-lasting staying power that provides up to eight hours of color. Its tiger paw tool extends to a tip that makes it easy to draw precise lines and a cupid’s bow before filling the lips, – each stroke provides a rich hydration thanks to its hyaluronic acid and squalane-infused formula.
Maybelline
Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick
Speaking of lip colors that don’t budge, Spickard recommends Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick when it comes to standout drugstore formulas. She says: “Maybelline’s long-wear lipsticks are beautiful and dress up any type of situation. The bulletproof formula—which offers 16 hours of coverage, high color payoff, and resists water, sweat, smudges, and eating—is incredibly comfortable despite its premium performance. Plus, it comes in over 30 shades. What more could you ask for?”
Neutrogena
Healthy Glow Creamy Blush Stick
Another product that Scibelli says can compete with the bigger names is this blush stick from Neutrogena. “It’s a buildable, smooth blush stick that goes on very smooth and is infused with mango butter,” she explains. “The color range is really good, it offers shades from mauves to peachy tones to deep melee tones. This is definitely one of the best cream blush formulations I’ve tried from the drugstore,” he adds.
Maybelline
Lifter Liner Lip Liner Pencil
While our experts love the NYX Slim Pencil, there’s another lip that made it out of our experts’ picks and onto this page. The Maybelline Lifter Liner is a matte, contoured lip pencil that gives your pout a fuller, more flattering look with every swipe. Its formula is designed for long-lasting wear and hours of wear while moisturizing the lips with hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil, which gives the cream a smooth finish.
What Will Celebrity Makeup Artists Only Buy Makeup For?
While there are many products you can find while saving money by shopping at the drugstore, Scibelli says there are a few categories worth investing in when it comes to beauty. “I’ll often look for eyeshadow palettes and lipsticks for clients,” she explains – her clients are seen on red carpets hours after sitting in her chair, which requires creaseless formulas. “However, as a consumer, I would take mine [face] a drugstore cleanser because it’s on our skin for a very short time.
“I would invest in a strong skin care serum that addresses your skin care needs, then mix and match your skincare with SPF,” she recommends. However, when it comes to the basics, Scibelli recommends that you go to your favorite beauty retailer and look for a color that works well with a professional (and is actually something that has a lot of skin care benefits) – things you can’t find at the drugstore.
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