Celeb favorite beauty secrets we can actually afford

Gigi Hadid — Maybelline Instant Age Rewind

Who wouldn’t want the dewy, youthful skin of a 24-year-old model who is among the 10 highest-paid models in the world? Such things can’t be bought in a bottle…or can they?

When Gigi’s makeup artist shared her tricks of the trade, we all were stunned to find out that one of her go-tos is a drug store concealer that will give you change for a $10. Who knew bringing out your inner Hadid would be so affordable? Take that, Nordstrom.

Noteworthy review: “I’m a very pale person, so I bought the Fair one. It’s perfect for my eye bags and darkness. I’ve been used one from Lancome, but these so much better!!!” — Amazon Customer

Emily Ratajkowski — Glossier Lash Stick

Instagram superstar, activist, and budding actress Emily Ratajkowski has gained international acclaim as a head-turning beauty. Sure, good genes play a part (okay, a big part) in her appeal, but the Polish model has a few tricks up her sleeves. One of them: Glossier Lash Slick mascara.

Ratajkowski told Harper’s Bazzar that she likes it because “…it just looks so natural and makes your lashes look so long.” You could’ve fooled us, Emily. Once it gets here, we’ll post some selfies and just wait as 25 million followers roll it. That’s how it works, right?

Noteworthy review: “Best mascara. Period. Doesn’t flake, smudge or run. The applicator actually applies just enough mascara to each lash. It doesn’t go on all thick and clumpy. Amazing!! I loved it so much that I ordered one for my sister and she texted me with “game changer”. — Rachael

Billie Eilish — Benefit Precisely My Brow Pencil

Step aside Cara Delevigne…there’s a new set of brows in town. Eighteen-year-old superstar Billie Eilish is sweeping the world by storm, and we can thank her powerful-yet-natural brows (and maybe her ahead-of-her-time songwriting and fashion sense, but ya know…details) for that.

Though she’s known to go bare-faced most of the time, the word in Tinseltown is that the music prodigy uses Benefit Precisely My Brow pencil to keep her gaze intense and deep. Once we’ve got the brows down, it’s just a matter of writing deeply poetic lyrics that reflect decades more life experience than we’ve had in this world. Should be easy, right?

Noteworthy review: “As a busy mom with barley there brows, this is a holy grail product for me! I started off using the Benefit goof proof eye pencil but gave this one a shot a few months ago and haven’t looked back! I like my brows on pointe, and this delivers!” —TiredParents

Adele — Bobbi Brown Longwear Gel Eyeliner, Black Ink

If there’s one thing we can count on, it’s Adele’s eyeliner being on point 100% of the time. Who better to show us the right eyeliner direction than her makeup artist, Michael Aston. Aston told The Cut he uses Bobbi Brown Longwear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink when dolling up the show stopping powerhouse.

We think we speak on behalf of humanity when we say THANK YOU, ASTON.

Noteworthy review: “I have used Bobbi Brown for years and can’t find any other product like it.I tried eyeliner pencil and have found that it makes my eyes tear.Never had a problem with this eyeliner.Just ordered again today.” — LMP

Rihanna — ORS Olive Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion

You would think that after all that dying, cutting, and styling, Ri Ri’s hair would show some signs of damage. Given the ‘We Found Love’ singer is worth over a cool half billion, she’s got the coin to drop on her beauty regimen.

Still, her hair stylist, Yusef Williams, told Allure that she uses a refreshingly affordable product to keep her tresses shiny. Hey, whatever we can do to get one step closer to standing under her umbrella-ella-ella-ey.

Noteworthy review: “a woman at a local store told me to use this that it won’t make my hair greasy but it will give it some shine and condition at the same time I bought my first bottle for $8 and it lasted quite a while but then my children found out about my second bottle so I had to get three this time around” — Kathy

Sophia Vergara — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

We’re all wondering….how does Sophia Vergara look so cucumber fresh 24/7? It’s enough to make us all want to throw a tantrum about how unfair the world is. As it turns out, the answer has been staring back at us at local drug store shelves for decades.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is the humble yet beloved face wash that Sopfia swears is the secret to her flawless complexion — no department store required.

Noteworthy review: “I highly recommend Cetaphil. I’ve used it for many years and it’s so gentle on my skin. I feel I have fewer wrinkles simply from using it religiously. I won’t use anything else.” — Michelle P. Anderson

Justin Bieber — Mane n’ Tail Hair Strengthener

Though he’s moved away from his signature frock (who could forget the cut circa 2010), the Biebs still has a lush head of hair that looks healthy and full despite regular bleaching and dying. What’s his secret? Mane n’ Tail Hair Strengthening Spray.

His wife Hailee Baldwin told Marie Claire that she uses it regularly, and we all know the men in our lives ‘borrow’ (re: JACK) our beauty products when we’re not looking. The things we do for the people we love.

Noteworthy review: “Been using this product for almost 2 weeks and my hair went from feeling like straw to so soft i almost dont hold a curl its so healthy. I was using every day and now i will only use every other day since it worked so fast!” — Nicole Goodman

Lizzo — Evian Facial Spray

Lizzo’s been on a good one — the breakout star cleaned up at the Grammys this year and sold out venues across the world. There were even reports that the resale value of her tickets were fetching $19,000. (Wow, the truth really does hurt.)

All that performing and dancing is dehydrating. She keeps it fresh with Evian Facial Spray and just kept it pushin’ like aye aye aye…

Noteworthy review: “This stuff not only moisturizes, but it feels so refreshing too. I spray it on about 5 or 6 times a day. I wish I had found this stuff in my 20’s. We went on vacation a couple weeks ago, so I had to slum it and use my moisturizer and I hated it. It left my skin greasy and gross. The bottle lasts for a long time too – about 3 months. Well worth the price.” — Kelley Jean

Selena Gomez — Rosebud Salve

Pillowy lips are all the rage right now, but you don’t have to go the Kylie Jenner route to keep your pout lookin’ luscious. Selena Gomez reportedly keeps Rosebud Salve in her bag when she’s on the go and has been a fan of the product since her Disney starlet days.  Best of all: A tin of this lip saver won’t break the bank. 

There’s beauty in simplicity.

Noteworthy review: “Love it, smells just like fresh roses and feels nice and buttery on the lips. In terms of moisturizing it works well, at first i didnt think it was that great but compared to burts bees it is amazing. I will say that I haven’t had the slightest chapped lips all lips all winter and I live in a really cold climate with harsh winters.” — JB550

Ariana Grande — Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes

Ariana Grande revealed that among her high-priced beauty staples, there was a product we regular folk can also afford — Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes. Unsurprisingly, sales of the product reportedly sky-rocketed after this revelation went public. 

Sometimes, beauty is more about what you take off rather than what you put on, and these travel-friendly wipes make taking the day off easy without breaking the bank.

Noteworthy review: “I’ve only been using makeup wipes for a couple years, but have tried a bunch of different ones and keep coming back to these. They’re big and don’t leave an oily feeling like other brands do. These are just perfect and everything I need. I’ll probably be using these forever :)” — Jen

Oprah — Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz

Oprah not only is a fan of the Anastasia Beverly Hills brand…she basically put them on the map when she featured in her show way back in 1998. Over twenty years later, this brow perfecter still has Oprah’s stamp of approval.

Since then, she’s developed a following of A-listers, including Kim Kardashian, J.Lo, and Victoria Beckham. Her products hit mass market in 2007, and grew into a billion dollar empire — and it wasn’t because her kits didn’t take our brow game to the next level.

Noteworthy review: “Love this pencil! The taupe color is perfect for my medium blonde hair. Usually the blonde shades in other lines have a reddish tint, but this one does not!” —Zootrainer

Jennifer Lopez — L’Oreal Revitalift Bright Reveal

Is it just us or is Jenny from the Block pulling a Benjamin Button? How the triple-threat’s complexion fits in with twenty-something starlets’ mugs is a little SUSPECT. While the natural assumption is that she is dropping some serious coin on creams made of ground up diamonds and rubies or something, Lopez reportedly uses L’Oreal Revitalift Bright Reveal to keep up her megawatt radiance.

Beauty bonus — this potion also has SPF, protecting your skin from sun damage. Three words: Add. To. Cart.

Noteworthy review: “I have tried a million lightening potions to reduce the sun spots on my face and never seen any results. I read a review of this from Good Housekeeping and decided to give it a try. I feel like it is actually lightening the spots that bother me. I just ordered a second bottle.” — Nicole Goodman

Blake Lively — Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

There’s an old saying: When getting advice on something, get it from someone who has what you want. Few would turn down the golden waterfall that is Blake Lively’s mane. Shiny, long, and soft, Blake’s hair is the subject of envy of people around the world.

Her secret? A surprisingly affordable and commonplace product: Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. Running it through her ends prevents breakage and promotes hair health, so you can grow your tresses out long and strong.

Noteworthy review: “I use this coconut oil for hair masks and moisturizing my skin. It works great.

When I use it for hair, I cover my ends in the oil and put it in a braid, then cover it with a plastic bag and leave it for 4+ hours. I look silly but it works great and leaves my hair shiny and soft for days.” — Shopaholic Emily

Shakira – Origins Pinch Your Cheeks tint

Um….did you guys see that halftime show? Shakira turned up the heat. Unlike many celebrities, Shakira’s look has remained fairly stable over the years…and it’s been working out great for her. She keeps it natural — light on the eye makeup, nude tone lips, and a nice flush.

But we all know looking ‘natural’ is more work than…well, ya know, goin’ natural. She told Allure magazine that she keeps that flush going with Origins Pinch Your Cheeks tint.

Noteworthy review: “I’ve used this gel blush for years and hopefully it will continue in the beauty market. Just a moisturizer, sun block and your ‘pinch your cheek’ (and a dot on your lips optional)…..you get an immediate and naturally healthy look that lasts all day. “ — GAB

Beyonce –L’Oreal Paris Elnett hairspray

All hail Queen Bey. While it’s unusual for Beyonce to endorse products, we know she uses L’Oreal Paris Elnett hairspray. How? Because of the star’s 2014 music video, 7/11. In it, the star dances around her apartment the way we all do when no one is home, and in the bathroom scene, we can see this regal gold can on her counter. Praise be.

Gotta get a blowout to sweat it out though, are we right?!

Noteworthy review: “I have enjoyed using Elnett. The smell is nice in my opinion. I like the shine that I get from this and the way it makes my curls look. I initially started purchasing this because I read Jennifer Lopez’s Hair Professional used this particular hair spray when she was on the set of Shades of Blue. I was able to recreate her curls following my own curl pattern and Tigi products. I like the weightless feel of this.” — ShopFashionPolice

The Kardashians – Sally Hassen Airbrush Legs

If there’s anyone out there that can give us advice on how to look beautifully bronzed all year round, it’s the Kardashian-Jenner crew. It’s even better when they all agree on a drugstore brand product to keep up one of their signature features.

Sally Hassen’s airbrush leg spray has been spotted in all the sisters’ Instagram stories, and Khloe even raved about it on her website, saying: “Sally Hansen’s Airbrush Legs is FLAWLESS legs-in-a-can, dolls!”

We’re not going to argue with that.

Noteworthy review: “This is awesome. I used it for the first time in the summer. You don’t need to use very much and it Blends in easily. Will definitely be using it again this summer.” — Catherine M Jefferies

Halsey – NYX Glitter Primer

Halsey is known for her soul-bearing music and glam raver-meets-punky artist look. The pop star recently dropped her latest album, Manic. In a video collaboration she did with Vogue, the singer revealed that she created the cover album’s look herself and used NYX’s Glitter Primer to get everything just right. 

It’s the perfect way to glam up your go-to beauty routine.

Noteworthy review: “Bought this for chunky glitter to stay on my face. It worked perfectly and lasted through a night of sweating at a lady Gaga concert.” — Catherine M Jefferies

Winnie Harlow – NIVEA Anti-Wrinkle Night Care Cream

Winnie Harlow is one of the most sought after models in the world for her one-of-a-kind gorgeous look. To keep her face runway and close-up ready, she uses NIVEA Anti-Wrinkle Night Care cream, which she revealed in a vlog she did with Vogue magazine. 

The model doesn’t just use this at night time. If she knows she’s going to be strutin’ her stuff in front of the world, she also uses it as a base layer before applying her makeup to protect her skin from drying out.

Noteworthy review: “For the cost, I was skeptical on its value, but I have been proven wrong. Rich, creamy, with a little bit going a very long way, my skin is softer and I love the texture of my skin every morning when I awaken. While I haven’t yet noticed the hoped for “10 years off my appearance,” I will continue using this skincare as I love it. It was delivered VERY quick and in excellent condition! And, I bought it for a friend for Christmas! Share the wealth!” — Rebecca Gibson

Jennifer Anniston – Aveeno Positively Radiant Overnight Hydrating Facial Moisturizer

We feel like we know Jen (can we call her that? Are we cool like that?) personally between rooting for Rachel and watching her handle fame with grace. 

Despite over two decades in the limelight, Jen has managed to stay radiant. What’s her secret? Aveeno Positively Radiant Overnight Hydrating Facial Moisturizer.  

True: Anniston is the spokesperson for Aveeno, which might be seen as a conflict of interests. However, the actress told InStyle magazine that she has been using Aveeno products since she was 15 — long before any spokesperson contracts were signed.  

We have no reason to doubt her.

Noteworthy review: “This is the only moisturizer that does not make me break out since I have sensitive skin. I love how well in moisturizes my face while not making me feel greasy or heavy. Definitely love Aveeno and definitely worth the price for the product we get!” — Catherine Hartwig

Cindy Crawford – OUAI Rose Hair and Body Oil

Cindy Crawford has that roll-out-of-bed glamorous look the rest of us spend hours in front of the mirror trying to capture. Dewey skin, shiny hair…the stuff that separates supermodels from the rest of us. 

Luckily, Crawford dropped some knowledge on us during an 2018 interview when she revealed that she loves OUAI Rose Hair and Body Oil to keep her mane looking silky. OUAI is a newcomer to the beauty scene, but in it’s three years since launch, it has gained a cult following of beauty lovers and A-listers alike. 

It’s an affordable way to get your slice of the supermodel life.

Noteworthy review: “I as well as my daughters just love this, and will continue to purchase it. It smells wonderful and leaves everything so silky smooth. We cant get enough of it.” — Asia Johnson

Scarlett Johannsson – The Inky List’s Caffeine Eye Cream

What physical feature is Scarlett Johansson best known for? Okay….second best? Okay, maybe third. Girl’s got a lot going for her. 

We were getting at her eyes. Those emerald sparklers are mesmerizing, there’s more to drawing attention to the eyes than meets the eye (we know…so meta). It’s also about hiding tiredness and looking bright around them to really draw attention to the soul’s gate-keepers. Scarlett keeps dark circles at bay with The Inky List’s Caffeine Eye Cream and always looks like she got a full 8 of shut eye and drinks 8 glasses of water a day, everyday. Hey, we all need shortcuts in life from time to time.

Noteworthy review: It’s got a really nice gel texture that soaks in quickly. Can feel a slight heat to the underage area, which is rather pleasant upon application. Would definitely buy again. — Helen

Jillian Michaels –Butter London nail lacquers

Jillian’s hard body and political activism soaks up so much of the attention that comes her way, it’s easy to overlook another thing the fitness star always has lookin’ flawless…her mani. 

Michaels loves Butter London nail lacquers. Michael’s told Marie Claire magazine that she’s an enthusiastic collector…and that her daughter likes to dip into her stash too.  

And because Michael’s is a known advocate of toxic-free products, we can rest assured that she has looked into the ingredients of these polishes on our behalf and that there’s nothing too terrifying in there.

Noteworthy review: “This is my favorite nail polish, totally worth the money. Lasts way longer than other brands, smooth even color. Definitely recommend using with the same brand’s Nail Rescue basecoat.” — April