published on May 26, 2024 in blog

I'm Mariah Carey's makeup artist - my 5 products under $20 'just as good as luxury' that you can buy

MARIAH Carey's makeup artist has revealed his all-time favorite drugstore makeup products that compete with luxury.

Kristofer Buckle has shared exclusively with The U.S. Sun five cosmetic products under $20 that he'd recommend to anyone sold at retailers like Walmart, CVS, and Amazon.

Kristofer Buckle is one of the most famous celebrity makeup artists in Hollywood.

He's been helping Mariah Carey serve glam for nearly three decades.

When he's not traveling the world on tour with the Queen of Christmas, he's servicing his roster of A-listers, including Blake Lively, Lindsay Lohan, Jessica Chastain, and Kelly Ripa.

But Buckle also has business acumen in the industry, and a fairytale career hasn't made him jaded to the aspirations of the everyday cosmetic consumer.

“People used to look down upon drugstore brands as less quality and cheaper formulations,” said Buckle. "But nowadays, some of them are just as good as luxury."

He said catering to the masses allowed brands like Maybelline, Neutrogena, Revlon, and L'Oreal to make so much revenue they could “invest money in the newest technologies, formulas, and science.”

In other words, time and profit have been on their side to develop makeup products worthy of their customers’ loyalty.

“Just like anything in manufacturing, the more you produce, the cheaper each unit becomes,” Buckle added.

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Buckle used Hermes as the best example of an item with many other competitors of equal quality and function, but customers pay astronomically more for the name.

The cosmetology industry is no different, and Buckle picked five must-have drugstore makeup products for those who like the finer things in life - at a fraction of the cost.

1. NEUTROGENA HEALTHY SKIN LIQUID MAKEUP

Buckle said he adores a foundation by Giorgio Armani called Liquid Silk Foundation, but the item retails for about $70.

Lucky for Americans, he said Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup gets a “very similar” job done.

“A beautiful hydrating makeup that looks very natural, and it just performs well, and it's a fraction of the cost available at most drugstores.”

Amazon is currently selling it for about 50% off, retailing at $9.56.

2. MAYBELLINE INSTANT AGE REWIND ERASER

The makeup artist said when you put blush on someone’s face, you’re trying to simulate blood flow through their skin as if they were blushing.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser might make Americans blush when they realize its fabulosity is bottled for $8.99.

Buckle hinted it’s one of the brand’s best sellers for a reason.

“Complexion makeup is something people go through more quickly because you use it every day and use more of it usually,” Buckle said.

Using this affordable quality pick will quickly rack up in savings.

“It has a sponge applicator, so it's easy to apply, but they also make neutralizing colors that are really great for concealing dark spots and blueness around the eye,” Buckle added.

3. L’OREAL VOLUMINOUS ORIGINAL

Mascara is a product Buckle said consumers should replace at least once a month, even if it’s not finished.

“Because it's so close to the eye, and it's something that goes on your eyelashes, it can collect bacteria,” Buckle said. “And it also dries out as you're using it.”

He said people can spend $40 or $50 on mascara at department store brands. But he suggested trying L’Oreal Voluminous Original instead, retailing at Target for $8.99.

As far as quality? “It's totally comparable to high-end products,” he said.

4. REVLON SUPER LUSTROUS MOISTURIZING CREAM LIPSTICK

“Revlon lipstick is one of those things that most formulas are great in drugstores,” Buckle said. “Some are better than others, but most of the products are good.”

He said lipstick and eyeshadow are two items women are inspired most by makeup trends on TikTok.

So, for him, Revlon is a great way to experiment with various lipstick styles without breaking the bank.

The Revlon Super Lustrous Moisturizing Cream Lipstick is one of his favorites and is on sale at Walmart for $5.50.

5. CERAVE SKIN RENEWING NIGHT CREAM FACE MOISTURIZER

“Moisturizer is something you can spend a lot of money on,” Buckle said. “And there are great products that are hundreds of dollars, even thousands.”

Of course, the celebrity makeup artist came with a cheaper alternative to keep your skin smooth.

He suggested CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream Face Moisturizer for Americans seeking to moisturize their faces without liquidating their wallets.

It retails at Target for $20, but savvy consumers will find it on Amazon for $14.61.

Buckle advised checking pricing among all competitors because there’s no rhyme or reason to what drugstore item will be cheaper where.

And at last, the makeup legend had one secret for makeup lovers: ask drugstores about their return policy.

Rite Aid, for example, he said, allows people to experiment with makeup and will accept returns on used items you don’t like.