5 Australian makeup artists on their go-to drugstore product

Because Priceline hauls can be hard.

If you’re anything like me, Priceline trips can be emotional, expensive and exhausting. Minutes turn into hours, self-imposed price limits incrementally increase, and before you know it, you’ve signed up to a loyalty program that only promises to reel you in further. 

The options available are overwhelming and the temptation can be too much. For your next beauty haul, try some of these drugstore hacks courtesy of professional makeup artists – because once you know what’s actually worth getting, your next drugstore trip might be that much easier.

Raffaella Tomaiuolo, freelance makeup artist
Name of product: Nyx Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream
RRP: $12.95
Where to get it: Priceline 
What’s it like and what makes it great: Soft Matte Lip Cream is the best affordable long-lasting tint I have ever used on myself! Silky, smooth, creamy, non-sticky but also moisturising, definitely worth a shot. On top of that, it is great value for money. There are some amazing nude colours in the range but also few darker shades for the fussier ones. Use it alone or combined with a lip pencil, it is perfect for every occasion!

Get it here.

Chris Arai, freelance makeup artist
Name of product: The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane 30ml
RRP: $18.90
Where to get it: Priceline
What’s it like and what makes it great: Best over the counter solution! Retinol can dry out the skin, but this one doesn’t. No signs of irritation.

Get it here.

Bradwyn Jones, freelance hairstylist and makeup artist
Name of product: La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Spf 50+
RRP: $29.99
Where to get it: Chemist Warehouse
What’s it like and what makes it great: Firstly, I love the packaging shape. It’s small but it goes a long way. This ultra-light sunscreen liquid is a very fine cream, unlike others which feel too heavy on the face. This product worn under foundation (as a moisturiser) acts like a primer, it smooths out the skin. It has a silky/velvety finish, definitely not oily. Used alone without makeup it can appear like you’re wearing the most expensive illuminator!

Get it here.

Rob Povey, freelance makeup artist
Name of product: Ardell Individual Flare Lashes
RRP: $10.99
Where to get it: Priceline
What’s it like and what makes it great: Affordable and easily accessible, these are my favourite individual lashes for giving an eye a little more ‘oomph’. Use Duo Lash Adhesive ($9.99 at Priceline) and a pair of tweezers to delicately pick up each cluster of lash flares and gently wedge them in the fold of skin between the lid and your natural lash line, focusing the Mediums to the outer corner of the eye to give it a subtle lift and the Shorts as you work into the centre of the eye to marry them with your natural lashes. Apply mascara afterwards to further blend them into the real lash. 

Get it here.

Georgia Gaillard, freelance makeup artist
Name of product: Dermal Therapy Lip Balm
RRP: $4.99
Where to get it: Chemist Warehouse
Why you’re buying it: Quickly turns chapped lips into moist, plump lips! Everyone I introduce this product to has told me later that they have gone to get some.

Get it here.