Welcome to Drugstore Heroes, a monthly series in which we spotlight the often-overlooked and under-hyped drugstore beauty products that industry experts count on. From editors to content creators and even celebs, we’re asking tastemakers to share their top recommendations for affordable yet effective products. Get ready to see the best of drugstore beauty, period.
I don't know about you, but when I think of the Met Gala, three words come to mind: excess, opulence, and luxury. It is, after all, fashion's biggest night, and the guest list includes the who's who of sports, music, and entertainment—all of whom collaborate with top designers and beauty experts for their highly anticipated red carpet appearances. (Plus, a single ticket to the annual event reportedly costs $75K.) So, yeah, I wouldn't normally look to it for budget-friendly beauty inspo.
However, this year, Gigi Hadid had me eating my words. She attended the event wearing a gold Miu Miu halter dress, complemented by a vintage-inspired hairstyle and a classic, rosy makeup look. The latter sure looked like a million bucks, but it was created entirely with drugstore makeup products. In fact, the most expensive product clocked in at a mere $15. (If that's not the epitome of high-low, I don't know what is.)
It seems like the high-low combo was the theme of the night for Hadid. In a Vogue interview with Emma Chamberlain, Hadid revealed her relatable red carpet prep. "I woke up. I was with my man. We had a chill morning, some laughs, and then I went to my house. I had like an hour by myself, then took a shower, had my fitting, had chicken fingers and fries, then got into glam." Celebs really are just like us, aren't they?
In a press release, celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta revealed the inspiration for Hadid's Met Gala makeup look. "For Gigi, I really wanted to give her that bronzy, fresh glam. Something that feels super effortless, like she just got back from a vacation. It’s all about enhancing her natural features, keeping the skin radiant and glossy, and adding that soft warmth to bring everything to life. I love when makeup looks like it’s part of you. Fresh, glowy, and confident."
Ta used nine makeup products in total, all from Maybelline New York. Hadid is a longtime brand ambassador for Maybelline, so I wasn't shocked to find out she wore some of the brand's products on the red carpet. However, I was surprised she exclusively wore the brand's products. As I said, the Met Gala is synonymous with luxury, so I figured there'd be at least one or two high-end makeup products thrown into the mix. Nope. The most expensive item was only $15. Ahead, see all nine exact products.
The Exact Makeup Products Gigi Hadid Wore to the 2025 Met Gala
This primer gives the skin a matte, blurred appearance. It also offers long-lasting shine control and protects the skin with broad-spectrum SPF 20.
Ta used two shades of this long-wearing foundation on Hadid—112 and 125. It offers a luminous matte finish that delivers on TikTok's "cloud skin" trend.
This iconic concealer has been a longtime favorite of beauty editors, makeup artists, and, apparently, celebrities on Met Gala Monday.
These multiuse face sticks can be used to conceal, contour, and highlight the skin, depending on the shade you use. Since Ta used shade 45, which appears to be deeper than Hadid's skin tone, I'm assuming he used it to contour.
Hadid's rosy cheeks were thanks to this silky powder blush.
One end features an ultra-precise brow pen. The other end has a clear, setting gel.
This volumizing and lengthening mascara gave Hadid full, fluttery lashes.
Ta used this milk-chocolate nude liner as the first step in creating Hadid's Met Gala lip combo.
Last but not least, Ta used this long-wearing matte lipstick in the shade Seductress.
All in all, Hadid's budget-friendly Met Gala makeup look cost only $104 to create.
-
From a $13 Shine Spray to a $7 Headband: The Drugstore Gems a Celebrity Hairstylist Keeps in Her Kit"I always mix high and low."
-
I'm a Bridal Makeup Artist—5 Fail-Safe Drugstore Essentials I Use on Practically Every ClientPerformance > price
-
The Outdoor Edit: I Asked Avid Hikers for Their Beauty Checklist—Here's the RevealThese nature-proof products are worth it.
-
These Stylist-Approved Scalp Concealers Can Disguise Hair Loss, and They're All Under $35A quick fix for a fuller look.
-
Wallet-Friendly, But Make It Look Luxe—15 Under-$25 Beauty Staples That Look and Feel ElevatedI come bearing deals.
-
I Refuse to Spend Over $20 on Mascara, so I Asked MUAs for Their Diamond-in-the-Rough Drugstore PicksHere's your definitive guide.
-
Kylie Jenner and Billie Eilish Use the Same Strong-Hold Brow Gel, and It's Only $7 at Target*Adds to cart*
-
We Rigorously Tested 13 of the Best BB Creams—These 8 PassedWe test, you trust.
