Ask any makeup artist what their favorite products are, and it’ll probably be a mix of high and low. While renowned formulas like Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation (yes, even Remastered version) and Dior Appreciate 999 Rouge Dior Velvet red lipstick A staple of makeup kit that will always remain the same, most artists would be lost without their old reliable drugstore buys.
Almost as if in perfect balance, sections of their kits will exceed $145 (hi, Hermes Plein Air Luminous Matte) To $10 mascaraPlayground and performance with star quality in the evening. But after asking more than 15 expert makeup artists whether drugstore SKUs could match (or even outperform) higher-end options, the overwhelming majority said yes — although, they agree that not all formulas are created equal.
celebrity makeup artist Neil Scibelli believes that, despite differences in formula, the rapid success of drugstore beauty can be attributed to accessibility. “People want the flexibility to try new looks without investing much, and mass brands make this a real possibility for consumers and beauty fans,” he explains. In an economy where the cost of living and other essential expenses continue to rise, Scibelli believes beauty isn’t the main focus for most people — which is why accessible, low-priced, drugstore heroes make the biggest impact. Luckily, pros say there are a handful that can keep your expensive purchase intact or even replace it.
Keep scrolling for our master list of drugstore beauty products that behave like designer.
11 Drugstore Beauty Products That Rival Luxury Formulas
NYX Professional Makeup
Long Lasting Slim Lip Pencil
According to the pros, lip liners are a hit with opportunists at both drugstores and luxury retailers alike, but nothing beats NYX’s low-price offering. “NYX lip liners are just as good as their more expensive counterparts,” says the celebrity MUA. kirin furnaceWhich makes celebrities like Chase Infinity and Lily Allen glamorous. “I swear by them!” she adds. celebrity makeup artist mickle clip Specifically cites the brand’s Slim Liner as a personal favorite. “It gets used a lot in my kit,” he explains, “who wears what.” The formula is silky soft and available in a variety of shades, each offering impressive long-wear and comfortable texture.
loreal
Surefire 3-Second Setting Mist Spray
Setting spray is an essential in every makeup artist’s kit, but most people can attest that you don’t need to spend $30+ on a bottle to get high-end, long-lasting results. “I honestly prefer the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Setting Spray to the One/Size,” a celebrity makeup artist told me confidentially, referencing the mega-viral. Till Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray One/Size.
Scibelli agrees that setting sprays are a category where drugstore luxury formulas perform as well as pricier foundations. “You can think of it as similar to fashion, where you might pair a high-end bag with some 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. Looks like others would agree as experts Kelly Anne Sewell And alexandra french This lash-defining, volume-boosting mascara has been recommended over pricier choices before. The curved brush delivers superior application, catching every last fine lash – yes, even the tiny lashes at the inner corners – and giving your fringe noticeable, yet natural-looking length with each swipe.
colourpop
Hydrapop Glossy Lip Stain
Bhatti loves these long-lasting glossy lip stains with high impact. The formula goes on with a high-shine, pigmented oomph that ultimately dries into a watercolor wash of color – allowing you to build intensity as desired throughout the day, or hydrate the skin and leave a no-fuss kiss of color that will last for hours. “I use them constantly,” she adds. “They are high-performance products that feel luxurious.”
Kiko Milano
3D Hydra Lipgloss
Lip gloss is another category full of formulas that excel in both the drugstore aisles and the luxury plane. Clip personally recommends Kiko Milano’s 3D Hydra Gloss, which retails for just $14 and comes in a range of juicy, vibrant shades in glossy and traditional glossy finishes. We WWW editors love our luxury formulas from Dior, Chanel, and Armani Beauty, but no one can deny the power of a good drugstore lip gloss.
Maybelline
Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder
In the age of glass skin and dewy makeup, powder is easy to overlook. However, professionals confirm this product is a must-have in any form of makeup — whether for setting, baking, or foundation — especially if you’re going to be wearing it for a long period of time. This is a common drugstore pick for any makeup aficionado, as its versatile formula allows you to apply a light layer over liquid foundation to set makeup or apply it directly to the skin with a sponge for optimal oil control and buildable coverage. Plus, it’s available in 25 flexible colors.
makeup revolution
Superdew Sundew Skin Tint SPF 30
Cibelli wasted no time in recommending Revolution Beauty at Target for luxury-level performance, but focused specifically on this SPF-boosted skin tint from Makeup Revolution. “It’s packed with skin care and antioxidants, but most of all, it gives your skin an even glow for $17,” she said. “People are already comparing it to Fenty and Laura Mercier’s skin tone.”
Milani
Color Fetish Lip Stain
For another lip stain option, experts recommend Milani’s Color Fetish Tube for its semi-matte formula, hydrating formula, and long-staying power that provides up to eight hours of no-change color. Its plush doe foot Applicator extends to an angled point that makes it easy to sketch precise lines and a defined Cupid’s bow, before filling in the rest of the lips – each stroke delivers luxurious hydration thanks to its hyaluronic acid and squalane-infused formula.
Maybelline
Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick
Speaking of no-buzz lip colors, Spickard advocates Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick when it comes to drugstore formulas. “Maybelline’s long-wear lipsticks last longer than any luxury brand,” he says. The bulletproof formula—which offers up to 16 hours of wear, high pigmentation, and resistance to water, sweat, stains, and spills—is surprisingly comfortable despite its high-quality performance. Plus, it comes in over 30 colors. What more can you want?
Neutrogena
Healthy Glow Creamy Blush Stick
Another product that Scibelli says can compete with the big names is this juicy, hydrating blush stick from Neutrogena. “It’s a buildable, creamy blush stick that goes on very smooth and is infused with mango butter,” he describes. She adds, “The color range is really beautiful, offering shades ranging from mauves to peachy tones to deep berry tones. This is definitely one of the best cream blush formulations I’ve tested from drugstore.”
Maybelline
Lifter Liner Lip Liner Pencil
Although our experts prefer it NYX Slim PencilThere is another lip liner that has come out of our expert surveys and landed on this page. Maybelline Lifter Liner is a matte, contouring lip pencil that gives your pout a plumper, more cushioned look with every swipe. Its formula is designed to last long after hours of wear while hydrating the lips with hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil, which gives the cream tip a luxurious glide.
Why would celebrity makeup artists only purchase luxury items?
While there are many products you can buy at the drugstore to get comparable results while saving money, Scibelli says there are a few categories worth investing in when it comes to beauty. “I’ll usually pick out luxury eyeshadow palettes and lipsticks for clients,” he explains, noting that his clients can be seen on the red carpet hours after sitting in his chair, which requires a creaseless formula. “However, as a consumer, I would rather buy my (face) cleanser from the drugstore because it lasts for a much shorter period of time on our skin,” he explains. The makeup artist also depends on the drugstore for makeup kit essentials like makeup remover and mascara.
He advises, “I would invest in a powerful skin care serum that will meet your individual skin care needs, and then mix and match with some drugstore skin care products and SPFs.” However, when it comes to foundation, Scibelli recommends heading to your favorite beauty retailer and working with an expert to find the perfect color match (and ideally something with more skin-care benefits) — things you can’t find at the drugstore.
