There’s no better feeling than scoring a budget beauty product so good, you’d have willingly dropped double—no, triple—what you actually paid. In celebration of such wallet-friendly victories, we asked eight top makeup pros to spill the under-$10 products that have earned a permanent place in their kits.
L’Oréal Paris 24-Hour Infallible Lacquer Liner
"This formula is great for that high-intensity lacquered finish—perfect for an exaggerated cat eye. But what I love most about it is that you can diffuse it to create a smokey eye, too. It glides on smoothly, and when it sets, it doesn’t move. It really does last 24 hours!” —Kira Nasrat
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes
"Not only are these wipes super-moisturizing, but they remove all traces of makeup. These are great to use after the gym for a quick refresh, or at night before you wash your face.” —Daniel Chinchilla
NYX Eyebrow Shaper
"This wax pencil holds brow hairs in place nicely throughout the day without being the least bit drying.” —Kim Bower
E.l.f. Moisturizing Lipstick in Coral Cutie
Hard Candy Look Pro! Ultimate Contour & Sculpt Kit
"If you're still afraid to try contouring, or if you're an expert and want an all-in-one palette, this has all the products you need to prime, bronze, highlight, strobe, and everything in-between.” —Andrew Sotomayor
Revlon Foundation Brush
"I have about five of Revlon’s new brushes in my kit, and their foundation brush is a must-have. The synthetic bristles are super soft so cream or liquid face makeup goes on smoothly for a natural finish. And, after I've applied powder, I like to sweep the brush over the face to blend it in.” —Andrew Sotomayor
Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick in Classic Nude
“This line has shades to flatter anyone. The formula keeps your lips looking soft and supple without being too glossy. It's the perfect texture for effortless lip color. I kid you not, every time I use this, my client asks me what it is!” —Allan Avendano
Revlon ColorBurst Balm Stain in Crush
“I love this lightweight balm-stain for summer. It's a beautiful, rich wine color, but wears to the perfect lip stain. For a more natural finish, I also love the shade Honey. It’s an easy, no-fuss product!” —Daniel Chinchilla
Burt’s Bees Lipstick in Iced Iris
"All of Burt’s Bees lipsticks are amazing! I love the shade range, and I find them to be really moisturizing with great coverage.” —Georgie Eisdell
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara
“This is the best drugstore mascara by far. It give the lashes amazing volume yet doesn’t run or smudge.” —Georgie Eisdell
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
"I have little tubes of Aquaphor all over the place because I can't be without it. It softens lips and cuticles, gives a pretty gloss to lids and cheeks, and I even pat it on top of my eye cream at bedtime for extra-hydration.” —Jenny Patinkin
Smith’s Rosebud Salve
"This balm is completely multi-purpose. It can be used to dab on lids for a dewy look, or smudged with eyeliner for a rock'n'roll vibe.” —Kim Bower
