The makeup artist for Alexa Demie reveals 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 from drugstores that industry insiders rely on. We’ve reached out to tastemakers, including editors, content creators, and celebrities, to share their favorite picks for affordable yet effective products. Prepare to discover the finest offerings in drugstore beauty.

      I follow numerous makeup artists on Instagram, which is a given as a beauty editor. I appreciate how each artist has their own unique style, technique, and aesthetic. For instance, Mary Phillips is recognized for her underpainting technique, while Nam Vo is famous for her "dewy dumpling" skin. One of my favorites to follow is Alexandra French, whose clientele includes Katy Perry, Charlotte Lawrence, Victoria Pedretti, and Alexa Demie. She also contributed to Euphoria alongside head makeup artist Donni Davy. While her résumé is indeed impressive, that’s not the primary reason I enjoy following her. I appreciate her frequent recommendations for affordable products, along with her straightforward tutorials on trendy looks. She creates a beauty editor's dream come true.

      French is skilled at crafting a variety of makeup looks, ranging from subtle and soft to bold and daring. However, I am particularly fond of her editorial and experimental styles, which often feature glitter lips or holographic highlighters, making them appear effortlessly cool. It's not magic, just her expertise in makeup!

      Below, French shares her favorite drugstore makeup items, which she consistently utilizes in her professional kit for celebrity clients. Keep scrolling to discover everything from a $16 velvety foundation to a $4 eyelash curler and more. These are the affordable products she has thoroughly tried and genuinely loves.

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

      Drugstore products have become incredibly impressive. Thanks to TikTok and Instagram reviews, they must compete with good quality and popular items as people share their opinions online every day. If a product fails or is merely a gimmick, people are quick to call it out. My kit is packed with drugstore products! If it performs well, eases my work, makes my clients happy, and enhances my makeup, I don't care if it’s a drugstore brand.

      What would you tell someone who believes only pricey beauty products can be effective?

      Many drugstore brands make dupes of high-end makeup items, and honestly, sometimes they do it better than the originals. It's not always the case, but often, you're just paying for the brand name. Brands like Maybelline conduct extensive testing and wear trials before launching any product, which can take years. Drugstore brands have the resources to execute this properly, and they really hit the mark! Most of their formulas are long-lasting and true to their claims, which isn’t always true for luxury brands.

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

      I would recommend sticking to colors you know when shopping for lip liners or lipsticks, as well as choosing a finish with which you’re familiar for foundations. The great thing is if you dislike the product, you can return it, and if you love it—which is likely—it's affordable!

      French's Favorite Drugstore Beauty Products:

      **Maybelline**

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

      "Maybelline New York truly excels in the foundation department. All their finishes fulfill their claims; they are highly long-wearing and give the skin a natural look. The formulas are buildable, catering to any desired level of coverage."

      **Maybelline**

      Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara

      "Maybelline New York produces the best drugstore mascara—arguably the best in the entire industry. They offer everything you could desire in terms of finish, effect, and color. I struggle with short, stubby lashes that won’t curl, but nothing keeps them lifted all day like the Sky High Waterproof Mascara! It’s definitely a must-have for me."

      **NYX Professional Makeup**

      Lip Lingerie Lip Liner Stain

      "I am obsessed with this new era of lip stains. A lip stain marker? Yes, please! It's incredibly user-friendly and effective. It truly lasts all day, and the color selection is great, including cool tones that are often missing in the stain category."

      **E.l.f. Cosmetics**

      Eyelash Curler

      "I’ve raved about this eyelash curler online for years. For just $4, it provides an amazing curl without hurting your hand or pinching your eyelids."

      **Milani**

      Cheek Kiss Cream Bronzer

      "These have gone viral for a reason! The payoff is gorgeous and reminds me of a well-known luxury bronzer—but Milani offers a superior shade range. ;)"

      **Milani**

      Color Fetish Hydrating Lip Stain

      "This has quickly become my favorite lip stain.