Beauty Products Celebrities Swear By

We all have our Internet clickbait. For Joanna, it’s Instagram comedians. For Maureen, it’s whale sightings. And for me, it’s celebrity “get ready with me” videos.

I feel comforted seeing bare-faced celebs sharing vulnerable thoughts, all while spraying dry shampoo or dabbing on lip gloss. And in every one, they seem to rave about at least one reasonably priced product — those are the recommendations I really want. So! To that end, I tested three beauty products under $30 that celebs swear by…

Beauty Products Celebrities Swear By

The Product: Saie Glowy Super Gel, $28
Celebrity Who Recommended It: Jenna Lyons
Why She Loves It: “Super smooth, creamy, and not really shiny”

The Verdict: I’m always searching for a highlighter that makes me feel luminous and dewy but not glittery or greasy, and this one is good. I swiped it on the bridge of my nose, my cupid’s bow and along my cheek bones; then I snapped a pic and posted it on my Instagram stories. Within the hour, I received tons of DMs from people complimenting my pregnancy “glow.” But honestly? My second pregnancy has led to bone-dry skin and mini-breakouts. The real glow is this highlighter! I’ve been wearing it every day and recommending it to my friends.

Other products I’m wearing above: Ilia True Skin Serum, Rare Beauty Liquid Blush, Kosas Brow Gel, L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara, Tarte Lip Balm.

Beauty Products Celebrities Swear By

The Product: L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Primer Base Mascara & Voluminous Original Carbon Black Mascara, $18
Celebrity Who Recommended It: Eva Longoria
Why She Loves It: “Definitely lengthens and does what it says”

The Verdict: I adore Eva Longoria, so I wanted to love this mascara and primer set. But I was pretty disappointed. The primer seemed promising because my lashes looked longer as soon as I applied it. But when I added mascara, everything turned clumpy and chunky. Then, after an hour of wear, they began flaking! At the end of the day, I was left with raccoon eyes and spider lashes. If this was sold at drugstore price, I wouldn’t mind. But it’s a hefty $18. My advice? If you’re looking for a great mascara that’s worth the splurge, go with this one instead.

Other products I’m wearing above: Ilia True Skin Serum, Rare Beauty Liquid Blush, Saie Glowy Super Gel, Kosas Brow Gel, Kosas Satin Lipstick.

Beauty Products Celebrities Swear By

The Product: Glossier’s Generation Z lipstick in Zip, $18
Celebrity Who Recommended It: Greta Lee
Why She Loves It: “A casual red lip, that’s what I’m always going for”

The Verdict: Greta Lee’s GRWM video is one of my favorites because she’s hilarious (“This is what I do first, you confront the face”) and nails the casual glam look. At first, I hesitated to try this orange-red matte lip because Glossier is known for their barely-there look, so would this lipstick have enough pigment and oomph to make me feel glam? Well, I’m pleased to say that after swiping on a couple of coats, the vibes were strong. I was feeling so cute, I even started brainstorming reasons why I should leave the house (does anyone else do that?). The formula also lasts forever. I’d wear it to a dinner with girlfriends, because they would most appreciate a color this vibrant.

Other products I’m wearing above: Ilia True Skin Serum, Rare Beauty Liquid Blush, Saie Glowy Super Gel, Kosas Brow Gel, CoverGirl Volume Mascara.

Now it’s your turn: what beauty recs are you loving? Please share below, I’m dying to hear!

P.S. Four drugstore lipsticks with cult followings and an embarrassing celebrity run-in.

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