By Mursal Rahman
In the world of makeup, quality often comes at a cost, but there’s a silver lining for beauty enthusiasts on a budget: drugstore shelves are stocked with hidden gems that won’t break the bank. Being beauty obsessed, we’re constantly paying attention to the latest trends, especially when it comes to the tools of the trade preferred by celebrity makeup artists. That’s why we’ve curated a collection of must-have drugstore makeup products favoured by these experts, offering you the chance to elevate your beauty game without emptying your pockets.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Lightweight Sunscreen Spray SPF 60
While Scott Barnes has many celebrity clients, he is known as J.Lo’s makeup artist. In 2019, he appeared on Tati Westbrook’s YouTube channel and revealed what drugstore beauty product is in his kit. He likes to use the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Lightweight Sunscreen Spray SPF 100 to provide a glow-y finish on the body. It’s a great alternative to buying a body shimmer because it also contains SPF. Although the SPF 100 version of the spray has been discontinued, the brand still sells the SPF 60 version of the spray.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 60, $17, walmart.ca
L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Waterproof Eyeshadow
Celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic – otherwise known as Kim Kardashian’s makeup artist – revealed his favourite drugstore products to Glamour. One of his go-to products is the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Waterproof Eyeshadow. He says they are very pigmented, so a little goes a long way, and they blend like a dream. A little goes a long way with the product, and it blends like a dream.
L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Waterproof Eyeshadow, $10, amazon.ca
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara in Cobalt Blue
While Sir John has worked on many celebrities, he is known as Beyoncé’s makeup artist. He revealed his favourite makeup products to Byrdie Magazine. One of them was the cult classic L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original mascara in the shade Cobalt Blue. He explains that “tinted mascara is a really easy way to embrace colour with open arms.” If he’s restrained for time and can’t do a blue eyeshadow look, a blue mascara does the trick. Dedivanovic and celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta are also fans of L’Oréal Paris Voluminous, but in Carbon Black.
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara in Cobalt Blue, $14, shoppersbeauty.ca
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer
Celebrity makeup artist Vincent Oquendo has worked with celebrities like Aja Naomi King, Ashley Graham and Karlie Kloss. One of his biggest pet peeves, he told Byrdie Magazine, is when you can see where the makeup ends on the face. He explains that he likes the applicator on the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer because it does all the blending for you.
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer, $20, shoppersbeauty.ca
Ardell Professional Eyelashes – Wispies
If you don’t know who Daniel Martin is, you should: he’s the one behind Meghan Markle’s wedding makeup look. He told InStyle that Ardell Professional Eyelash Wispies are one of his favourite affordable beauty products. He says lashes “add pop to the eyes to make them appear bigger.” We couldn’t agree more: nothing elevates a makeup look more than a good pair of lashes.
Ardell Professional Eyelashes – Wispies, $18, walmart.ca
NYX Micro Brow Pencil
Courtney Hart’s clientele includes Emma Chamberlain, Kristen Bell, Chelsea Handler, and more, and her work has been published in magazines like Vogue, Paper and W. On her TikTok page, she shares behind-the-scenes and product recommendations, including what’s in her kit. You’ll certain find the NYX Micro Brow Pencil in her kit; she says she likes eyebrow pencils with a skinny fine tip so she can get precise brush strokes.
NYX Micro Brow Pencil, $18, shoppersbeauty.ca
Brow Fast Sculpt, Mascara for Brows
Another celebrity makeup artist who’s definitely worth following on TikTok is Melissa Murdick. Her clients include Billie Eilish, Doja Cat and Lizzy Caplan, and she is well-known as one of Selena Gomez’s makeup artists. One of her favourite brow products is the Kosas Air Brow, but in a TikTok video, she shares an affordable alternative. She explains that even though the Maybelline Brow Fast has a different texture than the Air Brow, it lifts the brows, lasts all day, and has good colour payoff.
Brow Fast Sculpt, Mascara for Brows, $16, shoppersbeauty.ca
Milani Rose Powder Blush in Blossomtime Rose
While celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta is a huge fan of Maybelline products, he shares with Bustle that one of his favourite drugstore blushes is from Milani. He believes that blush performs like a high-end makeup product. His go-to shade is Blossomtime Rose. It’s not shimmery but does give the cheeks a slight luminosity.
Milani Rose Powder Blush in Blossomtime Rose, $14, shoppersbeauty.ca
Revlon Super Lustrous The Luscious Mattes Lipstick
Lisa Eldridge shares all of her favourite drugstore items on her blog and her YouTube channel. She’s a huge fan of Revlon products, explaining that she loves the brand’s matte lipsticks because they’re not drying, they feel comfortable on the lips and they last all day. Some common shades she uses are Nude 001 and Wild Thoughts 004.
Revlon Super Lustrous The Luscious Mattes Lipstick, $15, shoppersbeauty.ca
