Instagram’s Favorite Makeup Artist Swears By These 5 (Fail-Safe) Drugstore Beauty Products

Welcome to Drugstore Heroes, a monthly series in which we spotlight the often-overlooked and under-hyped drugstore beauty products that industry experts count on. From editors to content creators and even celebs, we’re asking tastemakers to share their top recommendations for affordable, yet effective products. Get ready to see the best of drugstore beauty, period.

Kelli Anne Sewell is one of my favorite makeup artists to follow on Instagram. I love seeing the looks she creates for her cool-girl clients, like Alix Earle and Alex Cooper. I love watching her viral makeup tutorials on Instagram, TikTok, and her app, Makeup by Kelli Anne. Most of all, I love her signature glowing makeup aesthetic. Using her own words, which I took from one of her TikTok tutorials, it’s “snatched but natural.”

Recently, I was scrolling through a few of her GRWM videos, and I noticed something—she seems to use drugstore makeup products almost as often as she uses luxury ones. In one video, I caught a glimpse of an affordable mascara. In another, there was a flash of a budget-friendly brow pencil. I even saw a cost-effective plumping lip gloss. As a beauty editor and long-time drugstore makeup devotee, I had to know more. What are the exact drugstore beauty products Sewell swears by? Does she use those drugstore beauty products on her cool-girl clientele? Spoiler alert: the answer is a resounding, “Yes.” Keep scrolling for her pro-level picks.

First, I wanted to learn more about Sewell’s opinion of drugstore beauty products in general. As a celebrity makeup artist, she has access to the best in beauty—luxurious, high-end, and designer brands included. I was curious. Would she say her favorite drugstore products stack up against more expensive options? Are they *really* staples in her professional kit? And does she have any tips or tricks for navigating the overcrowded drugstore beauty aisles? See Sewell sounds off on these questions and more, below.

How often do you use drugstore makeup products?

“I use drugstore makeup on every client—from mascara, brow products, and eyeliner to lip products and more—there’s not a glam that goes by that I don’t [use]. These are staples.”

What would you say to someone who thinks drugstore products aren’t as good as luxury options?

“I think they haven’t tried updated formulas. Brands like Maybelline New York and L’Oreal are putting out COMPETITIVE products that give luxury brands a run for their money. High-end formulas with a lower price tag. Yes, please.”

Do you have any tips and tricks for navigating the drugstore beauty aisles?

“They can be overwhelming sometimes! I like to scour the internet first. You aren’t able to swatch at drugstore beauty aisles which is why HONEST reviews of products and demos are so important! I find creators/influencers I trust and watch their content before I make a purchase. I use this thought process when I create my videos on my app, Makeup by Kelli Anne as they are long format videos that give in-depth analysis and application tips. I have a luxury vs. drugstore video as well as a drugstore makeup look using some of my favorites so you can see for yourself!”

Sewell’s 5 All-Time Favorite Drugstore Makeup Products

Sewell’s five favorite drugstore makeup products clock in at $58. That’s not bad, considering one luxury beauty product can cost that (if not much, much more). It’s proof that pro-level results are possible for a small price.