The Best High-Performance Budget-Friendly Makeup Products Recommended by Makeup Artists
As makeup lovers, we’re always on the lookout for products that provide both quality and value. The good news is that you don’t have to break the bank to achieve flawless results! Some of the most respected makeup artists in the industry have shared their go-to high-performance, budget-friendly products that work wonders without emptying your wallet.
1. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation
Why Makeup Artists Love It:
The Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation is a staple in many makeup artists’ kits, especially for clients with oily or combination skin. Its matte finish helps control shine throughout the day, while its pore-blurring formula creates a smooth, airbrushed effect. The formula is lightweight, buildable, and provides a natural-looking finish that feels comfortable on the skin.
Pro Tip:
Makeup artists suggest using a damp makeup sponge to apply the foundation for a seamless, dewy finish, even though it’s marketed as matte. This trick adds some glow to the skin while still keeping oil at bay.
Price Range:
Around $6-$10 depending on the retailer.
2. L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara
Why Makeup Artists Love It:
One of the most beloved mascaras in the beauty industry, the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara has been hailed by professionals for its ability to add incredible volume and length to lashes without clumping. It has a thick, plush brush that helps coat each lash evenly, creating a full, dramatic look.
Pro Tip:
For extra volume, makeup artists recommend applying two coats—wait about 30 seconds between each application to ensure maximum lift and definition. Don’t forget to coat your lower lashes for an intense, wide-eyed effect.
Price Range:
Around $8-$12.
3. NYX Professional Makeup Micro Brow Pencil
Why Makeup Artists Love It:
This affordable brow pencil from NYX has won over makeup artists due to its precision and long-lasting formula. The slim pencil allows for the most detailed application, filling in sparse areas with realistic, hair-like strokes. It also includes a spoolie on the opposite end, which helps blend the product seamlessly into the brows.
Pro Tip:
Makeup artists recommend using light, feathery strokes to mimic the natural brow hairs. For a more defined look, use the pencil to outline the shape first, then fill in with light strokes.
Price Range:
Around $10.
4. e.l.f. Cosmetics Poreless Putty Primer
Why Makeup Artists Love It:
The e.l.f. Cosmetics Poreless Putty Primer has become a favorite of professional makeup artists because it fills in pores and creates an incredibly smooth base for foundation. The lightweight, velvety texture grips onto makeup and keeps it in place all day, while preventing the appearance of pores.
Pro Tip:
Makeup artists advise applying this primer with your fingers for the best results, as the warmth from your fingertips helps to melt the product into your skin. Apply a thin layer on areas where you want to blur pores (typically the T-zone).
Price Range:
Around $8.
5. Revlon ColorStay Eye Shadow Quad
Why Makeup Artists Love It:
The Revlon ColorStay Eye Shadow Quad offers a beautiful range of shades that are perfect for creating both bold and subtle eye looks. The colors are highly pigmented, blendable, and long-lasting, which is why makeup artists love using them for clients in need of a versatile, budget-friendly eyeshadow palette.
Pro Tip:
To achieve a polished, professional look, makeup artists recommend applying a light shade on the lid, a medium shade in the crease, and a darker shade along the lash line for a naturally defined eye.
Price Range:
Around $7-$9.
6. Milani Baked Blush
Why Makeup Artists Love It:
Milani’s Baked Blush offers a stunning pop of color with a radiant, buildable finish. It’s one of the best budget-friendly blushes that makeup artists recommend because it blends easily, provides a healthy flush, and can even double as a highlighter due to its soft, shimmery finish. The formula is also highly pigmented, so a little goes a long way.
Pro Tip:
For a more natural finish, makeup artists suggest applying the blush with a fluffy brush, starting on the apples of the cheeks and blending outwards toward the temples.
Price Range:
Around $9-$12.
7. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Concealer
Why Makeup Artists Love It:
This iconic concealer is a staple in the makeup bags of many professionals due to its excellent coverage, lightweight feel, and brightening properties. It works wonders at hiding dark circles, blemishes, and other imperfections without settling into fine lines. Its sponge-tip applicator makes it easy to apply and blend.
Pro Tip:
Makeup artists suggest using a shade that’s one or two shades lighter than your skin tone to brighten under-eye circles and give the illusion of well-rested skin. Be sure to blend it thoroughly to avoid harsh lines.
Price Range:
Around $7-$10.
8. Wet n Wild MegaLast Liquid Catsuit Matte Lipstick
Why Makeup Artists Love It:
Known for its high-impact pigment and long-lasting wear, the Wet n Wild MegaLast Liquid Catsuit Matte Lipstick has become a favorite among makeup artists. Its formula is smooth, comfortable, and doesn’t dry out the lips like many other matte lipsticks. Plus, the wide range of shades offers something for every skin tone and occasion.
Pro Tip:
To avoid any feathering or bleeding, makeup artists recommend lining your lips with a lip liner before applying the liquid lipstick. For extra staying power, press a tissue onto your lips and lightly dust with setting powder to lock the color in place.
Price Range:
Around $5-$7.
9. Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer
Why Makeup Artists Love It:
Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer is a favorite because it delivers a beautiful, sun-kissed glow without looking orange or streaky. Its creamy, buttery texture blends seamlessly into the skin, giving it a natural-looking tan. It’s also infused with hydrating ingredients like murumuru butter, making it perfect for dry or textured skin.
Pro Tip:
For a flawless bronzed look, makeup artists suggest applying bronzer in the areas where the sun naturally hits—on the tops of your cheekbones, along your jawline, and on your temples.
Price Range:
Around $12.
10. ColourPop Super Shock Shadow
Why Makeup Artists Love It:
ColourPop’s Super Shock Shadows are known for their unique formula that combines the best of powder and cream eyeshadows. They provide intense color payoff, a smooth finish, and are incredibly easy to apply with just your fingers. Makeup artists love these shadows because they are highly versatile, whether you want a simple wash of color or a more dramatic, glittery effect.
Pro Tip:
For an eye-catching look, makeup artists recommend applying the Super Shock Shadow all over the lid for a pop of shimmer, or using it as a liner for added drama along the lower lash line.
Price Range:
Around $6.
Achieving professional-looking makeup doesn’t have to cost a fortune. As these makeup artist-recommended products demonstrate, there are plenty of affordable options that deliver fantastic results. Whether you’re looking for a foundation that stays in place all day, a mascara that adds volume without clumping, or a blush that gives you a natural flush, these budget-friendly products prove that you can have it all—high performance and low cost.
Next time you’re shopping for makeup, consider adding some of these products to your routine. Your skin (and your wallet) will thank you!
