How a Celebrity Makeup Artist Spends $100 at CVS

Consider these products drugstore gold.

By Julie Ricevuto · Nov 1, 2017

Shopping for makeup at the drugstore is a hard. With hundreds of lipsticks, foundations and mascaras lining the aisles, it can be difficult to decipher between products that are true miracle workers and ones that are serious duds. So, we tapped celebrity makeup artist Mary Irwin (who has worked with celebs like Nicole Scherzinger and Katheryn Winnick) for her top drugstore picks, but there’s a catch. We gave Irwin an imaginary budget of $100 to fund her fictional shopping spree, forcing her to strictly choose products that will give consumers the biggest bang for their buck. Unsurprisingly, Irwin’s beauty picks are so good that you’ll want to buy them all for yourself. Read on!

1 / 8

Simple Micellar Water Cleansing Wipes ($6)

“I always have these in my kit,” says Irwin, referring to these cult-favorite cleansing wipes. Considering these super effective wipes are also free of any harsh, artificial dyes and fragrances, we don’t blame her.

2 / 8

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Tinted Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50 ($34)

“This sunscreen has a sheer color to it that offers some coverage, so sometimes it’s all I need to wear on my skin,” says Irwin. “Although, if you’re extremely pale or darker than a medium tan, I’d stick to the no-color version.”

3 / 8

L’Oréal Voluminous Original Mascara ($8)

As a long-time favorite mascara of Irwin’s, this mascara builds lashes five times their natural thickness for a beautifully, eye-enhancing look. Bonus: it’s clump-resistant and flake-free.

4 / 8

Maybelline New York Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Eye Shadow ($6)

“These cream shadows have amazing staying power and a gorgeous color selection,” explains Irwin. Not only are they super saturated in color, but they’re also ophthalmologist-tested, making them a great option for people who wear contacts or suffer from sensitive eyes.

5 / 8

Burt’s Bees Radiance Body Lotion ($9)

Give your skin a hint of shimmer with this Royal Jelly- and aloe-infused body lotion. It’s a product so well-liked by Irwin, that she claims she never allows herself to run out of it.

6 / 8

L’Oréal True Match Super Blendable Makeup ($10)

With 24 shades to choose from, this foundation is one of Irwin’s favorites for providing light-to-medium coverage.

7 / 8

e.l.f. Blush & Bronzer in St. Lucia ($5)

If you’re looking for a blush/bronzer combo that’s ultra-flattering on all skin tones, Irwin suggests giving this one from e.l.f. a try. At such an affordable price, you can’t go wrong.