A $5 beauty buy is the same price as your morning latte, but we argue it has way more payoff at the end of the day. And really, at prices like those, you can technically have your flawless face and your latte, too.
That said, not all makeup cheapies are made equal: And since there are definitely some budget beauty products that aren't worth your money, we enlisted some celebrity makeup artist help. They shared their favorite inexpensive beauty finds that they always keep on hand.
Geoffrey Rodriguez, a celebrity makeup artist to stars such as Gigi Hadid, Padma Lakshmi, and Emma Watson, says that so much of his work is filmed in natural daylight which can be unforgiving when it comes to makeup. "I originally tried the Moisturizing Lip Shimmers for an outdoor beach shoot several years ago, and now I always have a selection in my kit," he tells us. "The hydrating formula adds the perfect hint of sheer color and shimmer and is a total bargain."
"The texture of this eyeliner is amazing. It glides on without much pressure and has a cream-like consistency," says Jenni Shaw, a celebrity, editorial, and commercial makeup artist. "It's perfect for blending out to create a haze around the eye. Super sexy."
These faux lashes are dramatic enough to add oomph, without reading as over-the-top. "One of my clients uses these all the time, and when I did her makeup one day she asked me if I could use her lashes instead of what I had in my kit," says Maria Licari, a bridal and celebrity makeup artist. "To my surprise they were full, lengthy and wispy enough to impress me. I went and bought a bunch for my kit." They come in several styles, but Licari says her favorite set is Scandal.
"Recently, while browsing the shelves at a local drugstore, I stumbled upon Wet n Wild's selection of vegan makeup brushes. I couldn't believe how affordable they are, and quickly grabbed a selection to purchase," says Rodriguez. "Most of the brushes, including foundation — contour, and kabuki brushes — sell for $3.49, and there's a full selection of incredible eye makeup brushes including liner and crease for the incredibly low price of .99 cents each!"
