Top Drugstore Makeup Finds

You might think that makeup artists who work with top clients only work with top-shelf products, but according to Allure magazine, that simply isn’t the case. Even professional makeup artists use makeup coupons on occasion, and a lot of drugstore products are every bit as good as their pricier department store counterparts. Here, makeup artists Susan Giordano and Emily Kate Warren highlight their favorite drugstore finds.

         MASCARA: Cover Girl LashExact in Black, $ 8.47

         This great, clean formula can be layed on thick without clumping, and its pretty purple tube looks lovely on any vanity – which is why it’s Giordano’s go-to. 

         EYELINER: Prestige Cosmetic Liquid Eyeliner in Black, $5.75

         Giordano praises the inkwell-style bottle and tapered applicator, which creates precise and clean lines.

         BLUSH: Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired by Carmindy in Bloom, $8.95.

         Warren loves the natural-looking color of this blush, which she calls “true and long-lasting.”

         LIPSTICK: Maybelline New York Color Sensational in So Pearly, $7.49.

         When using makeup coupons, Giordano likes this nude shade. It suits a wide range of skin tones, because “it’s sheer and shimmery,” and can be worn day or night.

         MAKEUP BRUSHES: Sonia Kashuk line, $2.99-$15.99

         Makeup artists praise the high quality of these brushes as “incredible.” The super-soft bristles make for easy blending of blushes and shadows. 

Weather-Proof Your Beauty Routine

        We’re setting heat records here in NYC, and we’re nowhere near the dog days of summer yet. I want to look fabulous all summer long, and weather-proofing my look takes a little extra work when the mercury rises. How you adapt your routine and which makeup coupons you use this summer is tied to your climate – so read on for tips on how to make you makeup work for you this summer, no matter where you live.

Desert Heat
       A hot, arid climate – and areas at high altitude – are characterized by dry air, which sucks all of the moisture out of your skin, leaving your scaly, dry, and dull. The Top layer of your skin can actually get so dry it flakes off, says LA dermatologist Av Shamban. Plus, dehydration accentuates fine lines. How to beat the desert heat?
        Dr. Shamban says the key is to repair the top layer of your skin so it can serve as an effective barrier against water loss. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and apply moisturizing sunscreen before you put on any other makeup. At night try a ceramide-rich lotion like Aveeno’s Advanced Care Moisture Cream to soften skin while you sleep. And don’t forget to drink plenty of water!!!
Triple H
      This stands for hot, hazy, and humid. Under these conditions, sweat pools on your skin instead of evaporating. It mixes with your body’s natural oils and bacteria, which form a slippery, grimy biofilm – which can act like a magnifying glass, exaggerating imperfections. Obviously this is something you want to beat – here’s how.
        To effectively battle these conditions, you’ll need to soak up the breakout-inducing oil and grime that can collect on the surface of your skin. Dr Shaman suggests washing your face and body with a gel cleanser (the best type at fighting grease) as a first step. You’ll want to do a salicylic or glycolic acid peel once a week to unclog pores, and you can skip moisturizer in the day. Instead, use makeup coupons to wear a light, oil-free foundation with built-in SPF.