7 Secret Weapon Products Under $25 That Makeup Artists Swear By
Get with the A- team of beauty staples.
By Julie Schott
An all-star team of beauty staples, these affordable essentials are found in every makeup artist's kit backstage at fashion month, on set with ELLE, and beyond—from New York to Paris. Here, veteran artists explain why.
"Weleda Skin Food is perfect for cuticles, dry skin patches, and adding natural highlights to the skin," Suzy Gerstein says. "Best of all, it's all natural."
Weleda Skin Food, $19; weleda.com
"Homeoplasmine is perfect on chapped skin. We put it on models' lips as a balm. I've used it for about 15 years," Pat McGrath says.
Homeoplasmine, $24.95; amazon.com
"Multipurpose Maybelline Baby Lips acts as a great mixing medium for other products," says makeup artist Grace Lee.
Maybelline Baby Lips, $4.49; ulta.com
"I started using Embryolisse in the '80s. It gives a nice finish before foundation, and it's great when I'm doing no-makeup makeup," Kendal says.
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrate, $16; net-a-porter.com
"I'll use Evian spray to refresh and rinse the skin," Pecheux says. Kendal mists the face to set makeup.
Evian Mineral Spray, $14; sephora.com
"All the girls love to use Bioderma, so it makes my job easier," Kendal says. "It isn't oily. It doesn't get into the eyes."
Bioderma, $16; amazon.com
"I really like Lucas' Papaw Ointment because it's so natural and moisturizing. I use it for lips, and when the boys come in with fresh tattoos, we use it on those, as well," says One Direction's longtime groomer Lou Teasdale.
Lucas' Pawpaw Ointment, $9; amazon.com
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