These Are The 8 Drugstore Products Celeb MUAs Swear By

If you’ve ever seen an MUA post Insta pics of #kitporn, you’ve probably experienced the only normal reaction a beauty-loving babe could: pure jealousy. Seriously, is there anything more FOMO-inducing than a pro’s bag of glam candy? All those shadow pots, all those brushes – all those little applicator swabs we need in our life! We could wax poetic about our love affair with artist kits forever, but one thing that really gets us going is when we spy a drugstore gem in there. Nothing like makeup we can actually afford to put us in the mood to apply it!

So we polled a few of our celeb artist friends to see what they’re loving right now. Between a suede lipstick that won’t quit, a 2-in-1 charcoal and black sugar polishing mask that will give you smooth AF skin, and a metallic highlighter that creates cheekbones for days, here are 8 MUA-approved drugstore goodies you can rely on.

The Go-the-Distance Eyeliner

Source: Pixi

Celeb MUA Jamie Greenberg always has roster of star clients in rotation, like Jessica Alba, Kristen Stewart, Kaley Cuoco, and Rashida Jones, but when she needs an eyeliner to slay, she reaches for Pixi By Petra Endless Silky Eye Pen, $12. “It’s such an amazing formula that’s easy to apply and stays on,” she says of the waterproof, smudge-proof liner that comes in 20 different jewel-toned shades!

The Suede Lip Hero

Source: NYX

Clarissa Luna helps A-list ladies like Camila Cabello, Jackie Cruz, and Lana Condor get ready for red carpets all the time, but she’s not afraid to play favorites with lipstick. “My go-to is NYX Suede Matte Lipstick, $8, because this new formula really feels like suede! Lips are finished off with a soft matte, very wearable texture and you won’t have to reapply due to its amazing pigmentation and stay-put formula,” she explains. Now that sounds like a lipstick we can get on board with!

The Sun Protector

Source: La Roche-Posay

We all know the secret to a flawless visage is #skincarefirstmakeupsecond and NYC makeup artist and celebrity groomer Jennifer Brent swears by La Roche-Posey Anthelios Ultra Light Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 60, $30, when she’s prepping a famous face for a big event. “This sunscreen absorbs oil, leaves the skin shine-free, and it’s void of parabens and fragrance so it doesn’t clog the pores or cause breakouts,” she says. Plus it’s dermatologist recommended – what more could you ask for?

The Do it All Makeup Brush

Source: Real Techniques

We’re pretty sure Dusty Starks (makeup artist to stars like Priyanka Chopra, Bella Hadid, and Pia Toscano) has an impressive brush collection, but the ones she can’t get enough of right now? Real Techniques brushes. “They’re professional quality brushes at an affordable price and my favorite is the Setting Brush, $8, which was designed for powder but I use it for everything,” she says. We’ve been fans forever, we knew we weren’t the only ones!

The Luminous Highlighter

Source: Maybelline

There are a million highlighter options in the beauty world, but sometimes you come across a drugstore bargain that stands out from the rest. That would be Maybelline Facestudio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter, $10, according to celebrity, editorial, and runway MUA, Jessika Bekteshi. “This lovey highlighter has great pay off and gives the skin a nice glowy sheen without looking powdery,” she explains. It’s also a backstage mainstay since it comes in four versatile chrome effects: peach, gold, rose gold, and topaz.

The No Mess Self-Tanner

Source: L’Oreal

While self-tanner is arguably one of the best things to ever happen to girls after a little glow, things can get messy if you don’t know what you’re doing – or what you’re using. Which is why “Glaminator” Mylah Morales relies on L’Oréal Sublime Bronze Tinted Self Tanning Lotion in Deep, $12, for a streak-free boost of color. “It gives you a great tan without being orange,” she says.

The Minimalist Lip Balm

Source: Burt’s Bees

Celeb makeup artist Tasha Reiko Brown works with stunning stars like Lupita Nyong’o, Issa Rae, and Yara Shahidi and when she needs to prep lips for an up-close shot, she turns to Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm, $5. “It’s hydrating and the perfect hint of color,” according to Brown, and it’s also available in six flattering (and naturally sheer) shades so finding your signature hue is extra easy.

The Ultimate Skin Softener

Source: Freeman Beauty

For a good de-sloughing in the dead of winter, global makeup artist Bryan Cantor can’t get enough of Freeman Beauty Feeling Beautiful Charcoal & Black Sugar Polishing Mask, $8. “I’m obsessed with this 2-in-1 product that’s a combination gel mask and scrub suited for all skin types,” he says. As for his preferred way to use it, Cantor suggests applying a liberal amount to a dry face and neck (avoiding the eye area), letting it sit for 5-7 minutes while it detoxifies your skin and absorbs oil without over-drying, then wetting your hands with warm water and massaging your face and neck. “This will scrub away dead skin and leave healthy, radiant skin behind.”

We don’t know about you guys, but we’re hitting up the drugstore for that highlighter and lipstick, asap! Let us know your fave drugstore products in the comments below.