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We love designer beauty as much as the next person, but your everyday drugstore product can be just as good, if not better. And there’s no superior way to uncover the best affordable beauty finds than by looking at red carpet picks from A-listers and their makeup artists.
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The 2024 Met Gala was the ideal case study. First off, the makeup had to look flawless in real life. Secondly, and arguably most importantly, it had to photograph well. Plus, it needed to last. From L’Oreal to Revlon, the biggest stars certainly didn’t shy away from bargain beauty. In fact, both Madelyn Cline and Ashley Graham wore full faces of Revlon, and Elle Fanning, Kendall Jenner and Camila Cabello all used the same L’Oreal highlighting skin tint to achieve dewy perfection.
Whether you’re looking for full coverage glam or neutral staples to add to your everyday routine, here are the tried-and-true drugstore beauty products with prices that just can’t be beat.
L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion
$8.49 $16.99 50% off
To say L’Oreal’s Lumi Glotion was the product of the 2024 Met Gala is truly an understatement. Elle Fanning, Kendall Jenner and Camila Cabello used this hydrating skin tint to add that enviable glowing-from-within look. It works just as well on its own for a no-makeup makeup look.
Revlon Powder Blush
$8 and up $13 38% off
$8.48 $13.29 36% off
When it comes to powder blushes, Revlon makes one of the best and most affordable celebrity favorites. Both Madelyn Cline and Ashley Graham wore the popular shade Naughty Nude (006) to the Met Gala 2024 for a neutral, bronzy finish.
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick
$6.48 $10.49 38% off
If you’re looking for the perfect lip to match your nude cheek, Revlon’s Super Lustrous Lipstick in shade Bare It All (755) is the way to go. It’s another favorite that MUA Jen Tioseco used in Madelyn Cline’s Met Gala makeup to achieve her “soft, fresh and whimsical” appearance. And if you’re in the market for something other than nude — you’re in luck — this best-seller comes in 72 shades total.
L’Oreal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear Matte Bronzer
$12.41 $15.99 22% off
If you’re on the hunt for a matte bronzer, look no further than L’Oreal. Camila Cabello wore it to the Met Gala in tandem with the brand’s Infallible Matte Blush for a natural flush of color.
NYX Ultimate Utopia 40 Pan Palette
When it comes to event eyeshadow, the more the merrier, and there’s no better example of this than NYX’s creamy pressed pigments in matte and metallic finishes. At the 2024 Met Gala, makeup artist Erika La’ Pearl used shades of green from this $35 palette to seamlessly match Cardi B’s emerald necklace, contacts and nails.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara
This is Sofia Richie Grainge’s go-to mascara (and the one she wore during her jaw-dropping wedding). It’s also just $10. Richie’s makeup artist Pati Dubroff used the waterproof formula for her big day, but you can also score it in a washable version if you’d prefer.
Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer
$13.02 $16.49 21% off
Speaking of Sofia Richie Grainge, she calls this bronzer one of her “secret faves” in a viral TikTok video. Use the included sponge applicator or do like Sofia and apply with a big fluffy brush to get her signature sun-kissed glow.
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