15 Under $40 Fashion Month Beauty Staples That Top Makeup Artists Love

“It’s only $10 and also comes with an SPF or a version for dry skin,” Bruinsma says. “It’s the perfect primer for foundation.”

“Another show season favorite is Avène Cold Cream Lip Balm,” Bruinsma tells TZR. “It comes in a squeezy tube, so perfect for doing lots of girls in line-up and keeping it hygienic. It’s very emollient without being too shiny.”

“Anastasia Clear Brow Gel is wholly worth the investment, since this brow gel actually works, and it’s a generous size so will last you quite some time,” says Bruinsma. “I like using it as a finishing touch when the models are dressed and ready to go on the runway to keep those brows in perfect shape.”

“Weleda Skin Food is kind of what’s in everybody’s kit now,” Hughes reveals. “You can prep skin with it, use it as a mask, or use it as a highlighter. That kind of product is liquid gold.”

“L’oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara has been one of my favorite mascaras for years,” Jaleesa Jaikaran, a makeup artist who’s worked on runway beauty for Fenty, tells The Zoe Report. “This is one of the mascaras I can depend on that never gets flaky.” Soliz is a fan, too. “It’s economically priced with luxe effects,” he says. “Great for providing length and volume and it doesn’t smear or smudge.”

“Every model's skin goes through the wringer during fashion week,” Jaikaran says. “I like to use this to soothe the skin after makeup removal. I also have some in a spray bottle I use to refresh the skin to help prevent breakouts as it reduces skin irritation.”

“Maybelline Brow Ultra Slim Defining Eyebrow Pencil gives such natural, hair-like strokes,” Jaikaran tells TZR. “It comes in six colors that match every skin tone so perfectly. I usually buy a few of each and use them on myself as well.”

“I love Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentrate because it acts as a great base to apply makeup to,” Shar Sinclair, a MUA who’s worked with designers like Diane Von Furstenberg and Thom Browne, tells The Zoe Report. “It has a nice, thick texture, so only a little bit is needed and it won't leave the face feeling heavy.”

“The B3 Matte Lip Balm is amazing because it doesn't build up over time and it lasts all day long,” Sinclair says. “You can easily apply a small amount with your finger tip.”

“I apply the RMS Living Luminizer with my fingers, on a clean face anywhere I want to glow,” Sinclair tells TZR. “It adds a perfect glisten without any sparkles.”

“The Bioderma cleansing water is easy to use and leaves no residue behind,” Soliz says. “To use, you apply it to a cotton round and wipe away. On the eyes, press the saturated cotton onto the eyes and wait a few seconds. Allow the cleansing water to break down any stubborn makeup, then wipe away.”

“The Rosebud Lip Salve is a hydrating balm and has multi purposes,” according to Soliz. “It's great before lipstick, has a nice shine on it's own and you can also use it to moisturize dry, patchy skin like elbows, cuticles, or knees.”

“I always carry this in my kit because it works wonders to quickly clean up all types of makeup on the skin,” Neil Scibelli, a makeup artist who’s keyed runway shows for Kate Spade, tells The Zoe Report. “It’s especially great on a pointed Q-tip to sharpen a liquid eyeliner.”

“I love using Maybelline’s mascaras — all of them!” Scibelli says, citing Great Lash as one of his faves. “The formulas are ultra-pigmented and dry quickly, which is always necessary backstage. It always helps when things dry fast and are effective.”

“I will literally have a bad day if pointed Q-tips are not in my kit,” Scibelli says. “A lot of shows require angled eye looks, especially with liquid eyeliner, and I’m picky about making sure they’re perfect and even. Pointed Q-tips (and a drop of non-oil based remover) really assist with cleaning up those lines.”