I'm a Bridal Makeup Artist—5 Reliable Drugstore Essentials I Use on Almost Every Client

      Welcome to Drugstore Heroes, a monthly series where we highlight the often-neglected and underappreciated beauty products available at drugstores that industry professionals rely on. We’re reaching out to tastemakers, including editors, content creators, and even celebrities, to share their favorite recommendations for affordable yet effective items. Prepare to discover the finest in drugstore beauty.

      For many, the wedding day is among the most significant and high-pressure beauty occasions in their lives. When else do you host a grand celebration that requires months or even years of planning? When else do you gather all the key figures in your life for an event? And when else are you captured in photographs so extensively? This is certainly not the time for makeup failures such as flaking, smudging, or feathering.

      Whether you're enlisting the help of a professional makeup artist or opting to do it yourself (which is entirely doable), using reliable, long-lasting products is crucial. You need items that can stand up to sweat, tears, high-resolution photography, and more. Surprisingly, some of the most reliable wedding-proof makeup products are found at drugstores. Brielle Pollara, a celebrity and bridal makeup artist, confirms this truth. Below, she reveals her five most dependable and budget-friendly makeup products for weddings from her professional kit.

      How frequently do you utilize drugstore makeup products on your celebrity and bridal clients?

      I use drugstore items more than most people might assume. While my kit includes many high-end essentials, there are several drugstore products I swear by, particularly for lips and complexion. It all comes down to which products perform best under lighting, cameras, and for all-day wear. Regardless of the price, if something has proven its effectiveness, I’ll include it.

      What would you say to someone who believes that drugstore makeup can't compete with luxury brands, particularly for a significant occasion like a wedding?

      I would explain that price doesn’t always correlate with performance. There are drugstore items that surpass some luxury offerings. For crucial events such as weddings, it's more about how the makeup looks on the skin and in photos than the brand name or the cost. If it’s in my kit, it's because I've thoroughly tested it and found it effective, not merely because it has a high price tag.

      Any advice for discovering quality drugstore makeup products? There are so many choices!

      My top tip would be to swatch and research. Look up reviews from professional makeup artists on platforms like TikTok or Instagram instead of just following influencers. Additionally, consider what works best for your skin type. Always conduct a wear test at home before relying on a product for an important occasion to mitigate unpleasant surprises. Don’t overlook dupes, either! Many drugstore brands formulate products similarly to high-end ones. Numerous drugstore lines offer excellent quality; you just need to know where to look.

      Pollara's All-Time Favorite Drugstore Makeup Products:

      NYX Professional Makeup

      Epic Wear Long Lasting Liquid Eyeliner

      "This eyeliner is a staple in both my personal and professional makeup kits! It lasts all day, is waterproof, and is incredibly easy to apply! My most frequently used shades are black and brown."

      L'Oréal

      Colour Riche Original Satin Lipstick in Fairest Nude

      "This has been one of my all-time favorite lipsticks for the past decade! It looks fantastic on nearly all skin tones and has a wonderful shine. I always combine it with a brown lip liner for the ideal nude lip."

      Milani

      Color Fetish Matte Lipstick in Pleasure

      "This lipstick has a matte finish but is also very moisturizing, ensuring your lips don’t look or feel dry. It’s the perfect nude lipstick for medium skin tones due to its peachy undertone, and at $11, it’s a bargain."

      Maybelline

      Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara

      "I’ve used this mascara daily for years. The fan-effect brush provides length and volume, and its creamy formula ensures your lashes never appear clumpy. I typically use the shade Blackest Black, though I sometimes opt for Brown Black for a softer appearance."

      L.A. Girl

      Shockwave Lipliner in Gingerbread

      "I adore L.A. Girl's Shockwave Liners. They feature a creamy formula that glides on effortlessly while lasting for hours. Gingerbread is a warm nude lip liner that pairs beautifully with nearly every lipstick shade. Plus, it’s only $6."

      Pollara's selection of five wedding-proof makeup products totals $51, demonstrating budget-friendly beauty for your big day.