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Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Victoria Stevens, Retailers
Here at the Strategist, we love hearing about everyday stuff that actually works. That line of thinking extends to the drugstore beauty products in our medicine cabinets, shower caddies, and makeup bags. In our new series “Beauty Aisle,” we’ll be talking to folks in the beauty industry — aestheticians, hairstylists, makeup artists, dermatologists, and the like — about the go-to affordable products they keep stocked. For this installment, Strategist beauty writer Krista Bennett DeMaio chatted with celebrity makeup artist and host of YouTube series Backseat Beauties Vincent Oquendo about the drugstore products he loves.
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I’m a big fan of the multipack, which has natural, volume, and wispy lash clusters. I just love a wispy lash, but if you’re not sure what you like, it’s a great way to try different styles. You can also mix and match. I don’t think makeup has rules.
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It feels like such a basic-bitch thing, but I am a big fan of Evian sprays. I just got this calming one, and I really like the way this spray feels and how it smells. It’s a nice way to refresh your makeup and add a little hydration. I just worked with Jessica Alba for three days and used it on her. She loves stuff like this, too.
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We’re always on the go-go-go, both myself and my clients, so these individual collagen peptide packets really come in handy for quick pick-me-ups. They have become a kit staple for me.
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At the drugstore level, it can be challenging to find a good colored mascara, especially a burgundy. This one is volumizing, and I like the teddy-bear brush because it really coats the lashes. The burgundy just looks expensive — it stands up to luxury mascaras.
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I stockpile this and give it to my clients to take with them. It doesn’t get cakey, it doesn’t have flashback [when makeup appears white in photos], and it doesn’t weigh down the skin.
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This liner gives you that soft-focus, diffused-edge blurred lip with without having to work so hard — you can skip all the extra blending steps. Wear it alone for a velvety matte lip, or top it with a gloss to add shine.
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e.l.f has changed the game for drugstore complexion products. They do it really well. The formulas are comparable to luxury, and they cater to every skin tone. Hats off to them, because that’s not easy. This concealer will work well for anyone, any age. I like to apply it to the skin, let it dry down slightly, and then blend it outward.
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I don’t like to weigh down the skin with heavy moisturizers because then complexion products don’t stick — and that’s when makeup starts to look cakey. This is lightweight on the skin with a water-gel texture that’s similar to luxury moisturizers. I apply it, blot off any excess, and then go in with complexion products.
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I’m a sucker for a pointed cotton swab. I use them to clean up any makeup mistakes. They give you more control and precision in fixing things.
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It’s a kit staple because it helps me get the best possible result around the eyes, and it’s not greasy. I love the pink one for sensitive skin and the yellow one with vitamin C, which is brightening.
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Something that most people don’t know is that the Tweezerman eyelash curlers come in different colors, so you can choose one depending on your coloring. If you have blonde or red lashes, you want to use the dark gunmetal curler because you can see your lashes against it. If you have dark hair, the silver or rose gold works well. You need to see your lash hairs against the curler to reduce the risk of pinching yourself.
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I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the tried-and-true Maybelline Tattoo Studio Gel Liner. It’s good for your waterline — it’s good anywhere. They have really good browns and blacks and even metallic, playful colors. They’re waterproof, so they last all day.
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This is a pretty amazing dupe of prestige setting sprays. It’s a little wetter on the application than some sprays, so you want to use less. But is it as effective as more expensive versions? I say yes. I’ve used it on the red carpet. I’ve used it on quite a few A-listers. It works.
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