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Ask any makeup artist what their favorite products are and you’ll likely get a mix of highs and lows. There are also famous formulas like Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation; Re-adjusted version<\/u>) and Dior Praise 999 Rouge Dior Velvet red lipstick<\/u> Will forever remain a staple in the makeup kit, most artists would be lost without their old reliable drugstore buys<\/u>.<\/p>\n
As if in perfect balance, each section of the kit flies off the $145 base (hello, hermes pleinair luminous matte<\/u>) to $10 mascara<\/u>take the arena into the evening and perform with star quality. But when we asked more than 15 professional makeup artists whether drugstore SKUs can match (or even outperform) luxury products, the overwhelming majority said yes. However, they agree that not all formulas are created equal.<\/p>\n\nfamous makeup artist Neil Scibelli<\/u> believes that the great success of drugstore beauty products, despite differences in formulation, is due to their ease of access. “People want the flexibility to try new styles without over-investing, and mass brands are making that a real possibility for consumers and beauty fans,” he explains. In an economy where the cost of living and other necessities continue to rise, Scibelli recognizes that beauty is not the main focus for most people. That’s why easily accessible, low-cost drugstore heroes make the biggest impact. Luckily, there are some products that the pros say can rival or even replace more expensive purchases.<\/p>\n
Keep scrolling for our master list of drugstore beauty products that work like designers.<\/p>\n
11 drugstore beauty products that rival high-end formulas<\/span><\/h2>\n\n
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NYX professional makeup<\/p>\n
Long Lasting Slim Lip Pencil<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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\nLip liners are opportunistic at drugstores and luxury stores alike, experts say, but nothing beats NYX’s lower-priced offerings. “NYX lip liners are just as good as the more expensive lip liners,” says celebrity MUA Kirin Bhatti, who dazzles the likes of Chase Infinity and Lily Allen. \u201cI swear to them!\u201d she added. Celebrity makeup artist Mikal Klip specifically cites the brand’s slim liner as a personal favorite. \u201d[It] I play with it a lot in my kit,\u201d they told Who What Wear. The formula is silky soft and comes in a variety of shades, each offering impressive long-wear and comfortable texture.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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loreal<\/p>\n
Reliable 3 second setting mist spray<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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\nSetting sprays are a must-have in every makeup artist’s kit, but most people can attest that you don’t need to spend more than $30 on a bottle to get high-end, long-lasting results. “Honestly, I prefer the L’Or\u00e9al Paris Infallible Setting Spray over One\/Size,” one celebrity makeup artist privately told me, referring to the huge hit One\/Size On Till Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray. <\/p>\n
Scibelli agrees that setting sprays are a drugstore category that works just as well as high-end formulas and even more expensive foundations. \u201cYou can think of it as similar to fashion, where you combine a luxury bag with a fast-fashion item,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Maybelline<\/p>\n
lash sensational washable mascara<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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\n“I can’t believe I spend more than $15 on mascara,” one celebrity MUA told WWW anonymously. Others seem to agree, as experts Kelly-Anne Sewell and Alexandra French have previously recommended this mascara for accentuating and adding volume to your lashes better than expensive mascaras. The curved brush improves ease of application and captures every last fine lash, including short lashes at the inner corner, creating a natural length while highlighting your fringe with every swipe. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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color pop<\/p>\n
hydrapop glossy lip stain<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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\nBhatty loves this glossy lip stain for its high-impact and long-lasting color. The formula swipes on with a sparkling, highly pigmented glow that dries down to a watercolor-like color. If you want, you can build up the intensity throughout the day or leave your skin with a moisturized kiss of color that lasts for hours. \u201cI use it all the time,\u201d she added. It is a high-performance product with a luxurious feel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Kiko Milano<\/p>\n
3D hydra lip gloss<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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\nLip gloss is another category that’s rich with great formulas, both in drugstore aisles and in high-end machines. Klip’s personal recommendation is Kiko Milano’s 3D Hydra Gloss. Retailing for just $14, they come in a variety of juicy, vibrant colors, with glitter and a traditional gloss finish. We at WWW editors love the luxurious formulas of Dior, Chanel, and Armani Beauty, but no one can deny the power of a good drugstore lip gloss. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Maybelline<\/p>\n
Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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\nIn the age of glass skin and makeup, powder is often overlooked. However, professionals agree that this product is a must-have for makeup, whether in any form: setting, baking, foundation, etc., especially when used for a long time. This drugstore product is highly recommended by anyone who is particular about makeup. The versatile formula can be applied lightly with a brush over liquid foundation to set makeup, or applied directly to skin with a sponge for optimal oil control and buildable coverage. Plus, it’s available in 25 flexible shades.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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makeup revolution<\/p>\n
Super Dewy Sundew Skin Tint SPF 30<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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\nScibelli recommends Target’s entire range of Revolution Beauty for luxury-level performance, but she’s particularly focused on Makeup Revolution’s SPF-enhanced skin tint. “It’s loaded with skin care and antioxidants, but best of all, it gives your skin this clear, even glow for $17,” he gushes. “People are already comparing it to Fenty’s or Laura Mercier’s skin tone.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Milani<\/p>\n
color fetish lip stain<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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\nFor another lip stain option, experts recommend Milani’s Color Fetish Tube, which has a semi-matte formula, a moisturizing formula, and long-wearing color that won’t fade for up to 8 hours. The Plush Do Foot applicator extends to an angled tip that allows you to easily sketch precise lines and defined cupid’s bows before filling in the rest of your lips. Every stroke provides rich hydration thanks to a formula with hyaluronic acid and squalane. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Maybelline<\/p>\n
super stay matte ink liquid lipstick<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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\nSpeaking of no-compromise lip color, Spickard recommends Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick for a standout formula available at drugstores. “Maybelline’s long-lasting lipsticks last longer than any luxury brand,” he says. With up to 16 hours of wear, high pigmentation, and resistance to water, sweat, dirt, and food, the bulletproof formula is incredibly comfortable despite its high-quality performance. Plus, it comes in over 30 shades. What more could you want?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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neutrogena<\/p>\n
Healthy Glow Creamy Blush Stick<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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\nAnother product that Scibelli says can compete with big-name manufacturers is Neutrogena’s Juicy and Moisturizing Cheek Stick. “It’s a buildable creamy cheek stick that feels super smooth and is infused with mango butter,” he explains. “The color range is really beautiful, offering shades from mauve to peach tones to deeper berry tones. This is definitely one of the best cream cheek formulas I’ve tested in a drugstore,” he added.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Maybelline<\/p>\n
lifter liner lip liner pencil<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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\nOur experts love the NYX Slim Pencil, but there’s another lip liner that made it onto this page from our expert survey. Maybelline Lifter Liner is a matte contouring lip pencil that gives lips a plump, cushioned look with every swipe. Its formula is designed to last for hours on end while moisturizing your lips with hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil, giving the cream tip a luxurious glide.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Why do only celebrity makeup artists buy luxury products?<\/span><\/h3>\nWhile there are many products that can give you comparable results while saving money by shopping at the drugstore, Scibelli says there are a few beauty categories that are worth investing in. \u201cI usually choose a high-end eyeshadow palette or lipstick for my clients,\u201d he explains. His clients hit the red carpet hours after sitting in their chairs, and need a wrinkle-free formula to do so. \u201cBut as a consumer, I would pick up my product. [face] Makeup artists also rely on drugstores for makeup kit essentials like makeup remover and mascara.<\/p>\n
“Invest in a strong skincare serum that addresses your personal skincare needs and pair it with your drugstore skincare and SPF,” he recommends. However, when it comes to foundation, Scibelli recommends heading to your local beauty store and looking for the expert’s perfect color match (and ideally one with a bit more skincare benefits). This is something you can’t get at a drugstore.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n