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.
(Image credit: Original GIF by Makena Frederick)
Scroll through celebrity makeup artist Tobi Henney’s Instagram, and two things will become instantly apparent. First, she’s the go-to makeup artist for A-list models and It girls such as Barbara Palvin, Romee Strijd, Camille Rowe, and Shanina Shaik (among others). Second, she’s the expert for glowing, sun-kissed makeup. I’m talking about lit-from-within skin, radiant blush, and softly diffused eye makeup.
While Henney admits she almost exclusively uses high-end products in her pro kit, she does make an exception now and then. Well, five exceptions, to be exact. Among the more expensive items in her kit, there are affordable makeup and skincare products, such as a volumizing and lengthening mascara, a multipurpose glow enhancer, and an iconic French pharmacy pick. Ahead, Henney shares all five exceptional items.
(Image credit: Tobi Henney)
Henney’s 5 All-Time Favorite Drugstore Beauty Products
Maybelline
Lash Sensational Sky High Lengthening Mascara
What It Is: Volumizing and lengthening mascara
How to Use It: Apply it to the lashes for longer, thicker, and more defined-looking lashes.
Why It’s So Good: All-in-one lengthening and volumizing formula, flexible brush, non-flaky, smudge-proof, lightweight feel thanks to bamboo extract
“I love this mascara, as it builds the lashes and makes them look long and voluminous. It’s at a great price point too!” — Henney
L’Oréal
True Match Lumi Glotion
What It Is: Multipurpose glow enhancer
How to Use It: Apply it as a primer, an allover glow booster, a highlighter, or a full-body illuminator
Why It’s So Good: Multipurpose hydrating formula, provides a subtle shimmer for lit-from-within skin
“This is a beautiful product to use to create a really fresh, bronzed, glowing makeup look. I love to apply it after moisturizer and before foundation.” — Henney
What It Is: Soothing and protective lip ointment
How to Use It: Apply it to the lips for smoother, more moisturized lips
Why It’s So Good: Fragrance-free formula, simple ingredients, relieves dryness, soothes cracked and chapped lips
“This is such an essential product in my kit. Especially in dry climates and in the winter months, it keeps my clients’ lips hydrated and preps them perfectly for whichever lip look we wish to achieve.” — Henney
Simple
Kind to Skin Facial Wipes
What It Is: Skin-cleansing facial wipes
How to Use It: Gently wipe across the face to remove makeup, dirt, and debris and hydrate the skin
Why It’s So Good: No artificial fragrance or colors, no drying alcohol, uses glycerin and vitamins to soothe and hydrate skin, easily removes makeup
“I love having these in my kit to clean off makeup. They have no fragrance and are great for any skin type and will not irritate sensitive skin.” — Henney
Bioderma
Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
What It Is: Makeup-removing micellar water
How to Use It: Soak a cotton pad with the solution. Gently wipe it across the skin to cleanse and remove makeup. No rinsing is required.
Why It’s So Good: Formulated at skin pH, fragrance- and alcohol-free, iconic French pharmacy product
“I start every makeup application by cleansing the skin and eyelids with Bioderma on a makeup pad. It helps to take off any unnecessary oils and create the perfect canvas for a fresh base.” — Henney
(Image credit: Original graphic by Makena Frederick)
Henney’s five favorite drugstore beauty products come in at $59. That’s not bad considering one luxury beauty product can cost that (if not much, much more). Sometimes, pro-level results are possible for a small price.
Explore More:
