Don't let the shiny marketing fool you—a great beauty product doesn’t need to cost half your paycheck. Some of the most dependable things in my makeup bag are actually the affordable ones I've picked up over the years. Out of curiosity (and because I love a good bargain beauty moment), I reached out to a few makeup artist friends to see which under-$50 products they actually use and love.
There's something comforting about hearing directly from the pros—they work on every skin tone, every texture, and in every type of lighting, so they've pretty much tried it all. When someone with that level of experience tells me a $15 mascara beats the pricier one or that a $40 prep product performs like something triple the cost, I’m listening.
After going through all their recommendations, I rounded up the standouts—the under-$50 products makeup artists rely on quietly, but consistently. If you're into a good deal, want pro-level results, or just need a few new picks to refresh your routine, you’re in the right place.
"A true multi-tasker. When I want skin to look extra radiant, this is my go-to. Unlike most setting sprays, it’s infused with light-reflecting particles that give the complexion that fresh, glossy sheen. And yes—it actually sets makeup, too," says makeup artist Shideh Kafei. A pro tip from her? Spritz it over minimal makeup for that "no makeup, I get facials weekly" kind of finish."
"Dry lips can ruin an entire look, and many balms ironically make things worse (often thanks to alcohol in the formula). This one, however, is a dream," says Kafei. "Long-lasting hydration, instant smoothing of fine lines, and the perfect glossy (but never sticky) finish. You can even layer it over makeup."
"I’m endlessly obsessed with Mario's nude ranges — they make lips look fuller on every skin tone," states Kafei. "The built-in brush blends beautifully, and using the liner underneath lipstick seriously extends wear time, making my job so much easier."
"All the concealer in the world won't help if you don't color correct first," advises Kafei. "Everyone raves about NARS concealers, but the correctors are the real MVPs—especially for women of color dealing with hyperpigmentation under the eyes or around the mouth. Trust me, this one is a game-changer."
"To me brows are everything, whether it's a full carved and defined brow, natural or a fluffy laminated brow," says MUA Mario Jr. "It needs to look good and 'tamed.' This does that, sets the brow hair all day without getting flaky."
"This is one of my favorite steps in makeup, adding some flush to the skin. This formula is just perfection in a way I can't describe," says Mario Jr. "It works with any formula you put underneath, comes in so many inclusive shades, and it's so beginner friendly. It also has upsalite technology this blush won't smudge or go away."
"A good makeup artist has a great eyeliner pencil under their sleeves (Pat McGrath herself sent a makeup artist home because they didn’t bring a black eyeliner pencil to a fashion show)," recounts Mario Jr. "This one from Urban Decay is the blackest one I've tried, once applied is so easy to blend but once it's set, it's not going anywhere."
"I love how this mist literally melts the powdery effect on my makeup looks. It brings the skin back to its glow and radiance after baking with powder," says makeup artist Lore Pinto. "As a pro makeup artist, I need to use powder to ensure long-lasting bridal and red carpet makeup looks, but sometimes I don't love how powder can sit on the skin. This product is my life saver."
"These are very hydrating but give the appearance of a matte puffy lip (very on trend for 2026). The shades are gorgeous too, like a blurry matte plum lip for winter/spring—so gorgeous," says MUA Buster Knight. "I also love her Boum Boum Milk as a finishing spray to give the skin a glass-like finish."
![Jung Saem Mool [ Spf ] Essential Skin Nuder Cushion (19 Light) | Refill Included (0.98 Fl Oz) | Spf50 Broad Spectrum | Natural Finish | Makeup Artist Brand](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/niSXyxvb44U28findxuq9E-1920-80.jpg.webp)
"I love the Jung Saem Mool Cushion Foundation," states Knight. "It's next-level and makes the skin flawless but also looks and feels like you don't have make up on. It also lasts all day."
"The Rhode Lip Liners are also amazing at creating that Hailey Bieber blurred puffy lip," recommends Knight. "The shades are all really gorgeous and natural. Plus, if you make a mistake, you can just easily blend it out."
"I adore the Rhode Pocket Blush. It gives the skin a plump, fresh and natural finish and blend out so nicely." Knight also loves dabbing the color onto the lips.
"Without question of a doubt, Charlotte Tilbury's Flawless Filter Pressed Compact Powder comes to mind. It's got a universal tone and looks good on anyone but comes in a baritone of light, warm and deep shades," says MUA Paolo Casseb. "It just gives skin that natural luminosity with a slight tint touch of coverage can be used over, under or instead of foundation."
Casseb never does a look withnout a little highlighter, adding that he "cannot live without a little pizzazz in my life… especially when down or tired or both." The artist loves to dab a touch of highlighter on the inner corner of the eyes. "Using a pencil brush for precision; it just instantly brightens your entire face and who doesn’t love a little sparkle during the holidays?"
