Welcome to Drugstore Heroes, a monthly series in which we spotlight the often-overlooked and underhyped drugstore beauty products that industry experts count on. We're asking tastemakers, from editors to content creators and even celebs, to share their top recommendations for affordable yet effective products. Get ready to see the best of drugstore beauty, period.
For many people, their wedding day is one of the, if not the, most important and high-stakes beauty moments of their lives. When else do you throw a massive celebration that takes months or sometimes years to plan? When else is an event attended by every important person in your life? When else are you *that* photographed? It's not the time for flaking, smudging, feathering, or any other makeup meltdown.
Whether you're working with a professional makeup artist or doing it yourself (yes, it's possible), it's important to use only fail-safe and long-lasting products. You know, the ones that will withstand sweating, teary eyes, high-res photos… You name it. Surprisingly, some of the best wedding-proof makeup products can be found at the drugstore. Yes, really. Brielle Pollara, a celebrity, editorial, and bridal makeup artist, is proof of that. Below, she shares the five most reliable and budget-friendly wedding makeup products in her pro kit.
How often do you use drugstore makeup products on your celebrity and/or bridal clients?
I use drugstore products more often than people may think. Although in my kit there are a lot of high-end staples, there are some drugstore products that I swear by, especially for complexion and lips. It all really depends on what products can perform best under lights, cameras, and all-day wear. Regardless of the price tag, if something is tried-and-true, I'll use it.
What would you say to someone who thinks drugstore makeup products can't perform as well as luxury ones, especially when it comes to a big day like one's wedding?
I would tell them that price doesn't always equal performance. There are drugstore products that easily outperform some luxury ones. For a big day like a wedding, it's more about how the product wears on the skin and photographs than the branding on the bottle or the price tag. If it's in my kit, it's because I've tested it thoroughly and it works, not just because it's expensive.
Any tips or tricks for finding good drugstore makeup products? There are so many options!
My biggest tip would be to swatch and research. Look at reviews from MUAs on TikTok or Instagram for professional insight, not just influencers. Also, pay attention to what works best on your skin type. It's important to always test wear at home before relying on a product for a big event to avoid surprises. Don't sleep on dupes either! Some drugstore brands will formulate their products just like high-end ones. A lot of drugstore lines have great quality; you just need to know where to look.
Pollara's All-Time Favorite Drugstore Makeup Products
"This liner is a staple in my personal and professional makeup kit! It lasts all day, is waterproof, and is so easy to use! My most used shades are black and brown."
"This has been one of my go-to lipsticks for the last 10 years! It looks amazing on almost all skin tones and has an amazing shine to it. I always pair this with a brown lip liner for the perfect nude lip."
"This lipstick has a matte finish but is also very hydrating and never leaves your lips looking or feeling dry. This is the perfect nude lipstick for medium skin tones because of its peachy undertone, and for $11, it's a steal."
"I [used] this mascara every day for years. The fan-effect brush gives your lashes length and volume, and it's a creamy formula, so it never leaves your lashes looking chunky. I use the shade Blackest Black, and sometimes, I use Brown Black for a softer look."
"I love L.A. Girl's Shockwave Liners. They have a creamy formula and glide on effortlessly but last for hours. Gingerbread is a warm nude lip liner and pairs great with almost every shade of lipstick. Plus, it's only $6."
Pollara's five wedding-proof makeup products cost $51. Talk about budget-friendly beauty for your big day.
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