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. 

Avoid These Common Beauty Blunders!

Some of the most striking makeup looks can be the trickiest to pull off. So how can you ensure that your Maybelline coupons make you look chic, not beat? Here’s how to goof proof your look.
Problem: Red lipstick looks hot – but the color always seems to end up on your teeth. What’s the deal? Well, red lip colors contain as much as three times more pigment than paler shades. The contrast of a bit of red lipstick on your teeth is much more visible than a bit of pink or beige would be.
Solution: Celebrity makeup artist Brett Freedman says to apply lipstick, then blot. Then, rub a cotton swab across your teeth to avoid any pigment. Then, dip the opposite end of he cotton swab in petroleum jelly and rub a bit of that over your front teeth. The barrier will prevent pigment from adhering to your teeth, and will make your smile super-shiny.
Problem: You just spent a week on the beach, but your face is paler than the rest of your body. This si because your face is washed and exfoliated more often than your body is, which accelerates the fading process. So how can you keep from looking like your head belongs on a different, paler body?
Solution: Avoid the mismatch by using bronzer. Use a bronzer with pink undertones to avoid looking orange, suggests makeup artist Rick DiCecca. Apply it to your forehead, nose, and cheekbones from your jawline to your neck. Blending into these areas makes it look natural.

Problem: Smoky eyes are sexy, but going too dark can make your eyes look smaller, or worse, create a raccoon effect.
Solution: Black isn’t the only color that can make your eyes smoky-sexy. Grey, especially one with a metallic glow, is just as sexy but won’t narrow your eye area, according to NYC-based makeup artists Laral Balian. Line your upper and lower lashes with black liner, but keep the line fine. Swipe grey shadow onto your lids and apply it over the liner with an eyeliner brush, smudging to diffuse harsh edges. Finally, put a spot of white, shimmery shadow into the inner corners of your eyes and directly above your irises to make eyes pop.
Problem: High temperatures or a sweaty night of dancing can leave you looking a little bit greasy and a lot less than fabulous.
Solution: Makeup artist Monika Blunder says there are three products to invest your Maybelline coupons in to prevent shine all day long: primer, oil free foundation, and translucent powder. Start with the primer right after you’ve washed your face to sop up excess oil. Top with oil-free foundation and set with translucent powder for a photo-ready finish. To fight shine throughout the day, use blotting paper rather than powder – layers and layers of powder can look cakey and fake.