As a makeup artist I am often asked what are my recommendations for makeup. I have had the luxury of using myself a guinea pig for years to find what works best for me and my clients. When it comes to drugstore makeup these are my tried and true. Here are my best drugstore makeup recommendations:

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Loreal True Match Lumi Cushion : This foundation is dewy with buildable coverage. I love the packaging. It is perfect for on the go. Make sure you seal the lid when done so you don’t dry out the sponge. My favorite way to use it is by dabbing it on with a stippling brush and then blending.

Loreal True Match Lumi: The biggest priority for my dry skin is making my foundation look natural and this product is hard to beat. I am extremely picky about my foundations because of my dry to combination skin and I love that this is a beautiful, luminous finish. And I do mean LUMINOUS.

Ardell Wispies and Demi Wispies: These are the perfect affordable false lashes. They’re not too thick, they look natural but give such definition to your eyes. I can wear them to date night and I have used them on brides. Just ensure that you are cutting them to size for your eye. If you have trouble applying you can always cut them into thirds and apply them that way.

NYX Liquid Suede Lipstick: The key to any great lipstick is first finding your right shade. The color Soft Spoken is a go to for many and always sold out at stores. Its the perfect color from the fairest to the tannest. The applicator is great because you can apply more evenly and you need less strokes for full even coverage. It goes on opaque and ultra creamy. It dries to a velvety matte with a subtle sheen.

L’OREAL PARIS MAKEUP LASH PARADISE WATERPROOF MASCARA: This mascara gives me the length and color that I wish I woke up with. It is buildable without getting clumpy (you must wait for the coat to dry before applying the next). When I am running out of the house and I just want to look alive and fake looking well rested I use this. It doesn’t leave flakes on my face at the end of the day.

Real Techniques Sponge: At a 1/3 of the price of a Beauty Blender this dupe is five stars. I have at least 4-5 beauty blenders in my kit. I will not be buying anymore. This allows you to add on product flawlessly and absorb any additional product not needed. It can be used for liquids and for powders. Ensure however, that you do remember to wet the sponge just like the BB.
Real Technique brushes: They are an amazing deal for the price. Ulta often has BOGO at 50% off which makes them a steal! They are great quality and have little to no shedding. They can be used wet and dry and the bristles are very soft. A single MAC brush costs more than 5 of these brushes.
Milani Baked Blush: My favorite of all is Luminoso. This is amazing on so many skin tones. It’s not chalky, chunky or have too much sheen. It is very smooth and a little goes a long way. The pigment is beautiful and I prefer it over NARS Orgasm.
Maybeline Fit Me Concealer: When I am out of my UD Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer and I haven’t had a chance to run to Sephora to stock up this is my go to. It is very creamy. Doesn’t crease if applied properly and blends out beautifully. For the price a little goes a long way so you are really getting your money’s worth.
Duo lash glue: I have been through different brands of lash glue and this one is my tried and true. I keep this one on hand at home for myself and it is stocked in my kit. Apply a small amount, wait a minute for it to get tacky and apply. I prefer the clear as opposed to the black however I have used the black in the past and have no complaints about it. It removes gently without ripping off your lashes and great for sensitive eyes.

• All photos used in this post are of models that I have done as their makeup artist.