We all have our internet clickbait. For Joanna, it’s the comedians on Instagram. For Maureen, it’s whale sightings. And for me, it’s celebrity “get ready with me” videos.
I find comfort in watching bare-faced celebrities share vulnerable thoughts while spritzing dry shampoo or applying lip gloss. And in each one they seem to rave about at least one product at a reasonable price – those are the recommendations I really want. That’s right! To that end, I tested three beauty products under $30 that celebrities swear by…
The product: Saie Glowy Super Gel, $28
Celebrity who recommended it: Jenna Lyons
Why she loves him: “Super smooth, creamy and not too shiny”
The verdict: I’m always looking for a highlighter that makes me feel glowy and dewy but not shiny or greasy and this one is good. I swiped it down the bridge of my nose, cupid’s bow and down my cheekbones; I then took a picture and posted it on my Instagram stories. Within an hour I received tons of DMs from people complimenting my pregnancy “glow”. But honestly? My second pregnancy resulted in dry skin and small pimples. The real shine is this highlighter! I wear it every day and recommend 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.
The product: L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Primer Base Mascara & Voluminous Original Carbon Black Mascara, $18
Celebrity who recommended it: Eva Longoria
Why she loves him: “Definitely extends and does what it says”
The verdict: I love Eva Longoria so I wanted to love this mascara and primer set. But I was quite disappointed. The primer looked promising because my lashes looked longer as soon as I applied it. But when I added mascara, everything got lumpy and lumpy. Then, after an hour of wear, they started to flake off! At the end of the day, I was left with raccoon eyes and spider eyelashes. If this was sold at a drugstore price, I wouldn’t mind. But it’s a solid $18. My advice? If you’re looking for a great mascara that’s worth the splurge, go for this one.
Other products I’m wearing above: Ilia True Skin Serum, Rare Beauty Liquid Blush, Saie Glowy Super Gel, Kosas Brow Gel, Kosas Satin Lipstick.
The product: Glossier’s Generation Z Lipstick in Zip, $18
Celebrity who recommended it: Greta Lee
Why she loves him: “A casual red lip is what I always want”
The verdict: Greta Lee’s GRWM video is one of my favorites because it’s fun (“That’s what I do first, you face”) and gives off the casual charm look. I was initially hesitant to try this orange-red matte lip because Glossier are known for their sheer look, so would this lipstick have enough pigment and oomph to make me feel charming? Well, I’m happy to say that after a few coats, the vibes were strong. I felt so cute that I even started thinking of reasons why I should leave the house (does anyone else do this?). The formula also lasts forever. I would wear it to dinner with girlfriends because they would appreciate such a rich color the most.
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: Which beauty photos do you like? Please share below, I’m dying to hear!
PS Four drugstore lipsticks with cult followings and an awkward celebrity encounter.
Note: If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission or have a sponsored relationship with the brand at no cost to you. We only recommend products we really like. Thank you so much.