The makeup artist for Alexa Demie mentions that these drugstore products, priced at $16 or less, are essential items in her professional kit.

      Welcome to Drugstore Heroes, a monthly feature where we highlight the often-overlooked and underrated beauty products available at drugstores that professionals in the industry rely on. We’re reaching out to tastemakers, including editors, content creators, and even celebrities, to share their top picks for affordable yet effective items. Get ready to discover the finest in drugstore beauty.

      I follow many makeup artists on Instagram—it’s a natural part of being a beauty editor. I admire how each artist brings their own unique style, technique, and aesthetic. For instance, Mary Phillips is renowned for her underpainting method, while Nam Vo is famous for achieving "dewy dumpling" skin. One of my favorite makeup artists is Alexandra French, who has worked with stars like Katy Perry, Charlotte Lawrence, Victoria Pedretti, and Alexa Demie. She was also involved in the show Euphoria alongside lead makeup artist Donni Davy. Her impressive résumé aside, what attracts me to her is her frequent sharing of budget-friendly product suggestions and her ability to break down popular looks into easy-to-follow tutorials. It’s a beauty editor’s dream come true.

      French excels at creating a broad range of makeup styles, from soft and understated to bold and daring. However, I particularly love her unique editorial and experimental creations. Whether she’s using glittery lipstick or holographic highlighter, French makes everything appear cool and effortless. It's not sorcery; it's true makeup mastery!

      Below, French shares her cherished drugstore makeup products that she consistently uses with her celebrity clients. Continue scrolling to check them all out, starting from a $16 velvety foundation to a $4 eyelash curler and more. These are the accessible products she has tried, tested, and loved the most.

      How frequently do you use drugstore products on your celebrity clients, and would you say they are essentials in your kit?

      Drugstore products have become truly remarkable these days. With the rise of TikTok and Instagram reviews, they’re compelled to compete with what works and what’s trending since reviews are posted online daily. If a product doesn’t perform or is just a gimmick, people will call it out quickly. My kit is filled with drugstore items! If it performs well, simplifies my work, pleases my clients, and looks great on the makeup, I wouldn’t care if it's a drugstore brand.

      What would you say to someone who believes that only pricey beauty products can be effective?

      Numerous drugstore brands replicate well-known high-end products, and honestly, in some cases, they do it better than the originals. Not always, but often, you’re just paying for the brand name. Companies like Maybelline conduct extensive testing and wear trials before any product launches, which can take years. Drugstore brands have the global reach and funds to get it right, and they typically do! Most are long-lasting formulas as well, staying true to their claims—something that isn’t always the case with luxury products.

      Do you have any tips for navigating drugstore aisles and finding good beauty products?

      Stick with colors you're familiar with when choosing lip liners or lipsticks, and do the same for foundation. Pick a finish you're used to. The best part is, if you don't like the product, you can always return it, and if you love it—which is likely—it won’t break the bank!

      French's Favorite Drugstore Beauty Products

      Maybelline

      Super Stay Up to 30HR Wear Lumi-Matte Longwear Foundation

      "Maybelline nails it with their foundations. Every finish lives up to its promises; they are all incredibly long-wearing and leave skin looking natural. The formulas are buildable, making them ideal for any desired level of coverage."

      Maybelline

      Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara

      "Maybelline offers the best drugstore mascara, and I’d argue it’s among the best in the industry. They provide every finish, effect, and color you could want. Unfortunately, my lashes are short, stubby, and don’t hold a curl. Nothing else keeps my lashes curled and elevated all day long like the Sky High Waterproof Mascara! It’s definitely a must-have for me."

      NYX Professional Makeup

      Lip Lingerie Lip Liner Stain

      "I’m in love with this new lip-stain trend in beauty. And a lip stain marker? Yes, please! It’s incredibly user-friendly and effective. It genuinely lasts all day, and the color selection is impressive, including some cooler tones that are often missing in stain products."

      E.l.f. Cosmetics

      Eyelash Curler

      "I’ve been raving about this eyelash curler online for years. At just $4, it gives the most amazing curl without hurting your hand or pinching your eyes."

      Milani

      Cheek Kiss Cream Bronzer

      "These became popular for a reason!