There are some beauty brands you’ll always spot in the kits of industry professionals backstage at fashion weeks all over the world: big, been-around-forever names like NARS, Bumble and Bumble, MAC, and Bobbi Brown.
There’s a reason why they’re beloved by the likes of Guido Palau and Val Garland: The shade ranges are impressive, the formulas are on point, and, above all, the products — from foundation to liquid liner and hairspray — have the ability to last through sweaty backstage conditions, bright lights, and hours on the catwalk.
But if we’ve learned anything from snooping behind the scenes, it’s that you don’t have to spend a fortune to achieve model-worthy skin, hair, and makeup. Ahead, find all the bargain beauty products and tools we spotted the pros using at London Fashion Week this season, all under $20.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission. This story was originally published on Refinery29 UK.
Spied backstage at Richard Malone, this cult-favorite facial mist drenches skin in dewy moisture, making it the perfect precursor to foundation, and alleviates any tautness with aloe vera.
Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater, $7, available at Mario Badescu
Artists apply foundation with both their hands and makeup brushes depending on the look, so sanitizer is necessary. Spotted in makeup artist Pablo Rodriguez’s kit, this eliminates bacteria without stripping skin; plus, it smells great.
Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Organic Hand Sanitizer, $4.99, available at Macy’s
As seen backstage at JW Anderson, these soft, skin-friendly wipes are great for swiping away makeup and starting again when you’ve made a mistake — or just taking it all off before bedtime.
Kiko Milano Pure Clean Wipes, $9, available at Kiko Milano
We eyed up this lash glue at Richard Malone, but it’s used by makeup artists all over the globe. The classic formula adheres false lashes gently and allows for speedy, painless removal at the end of the day.
Duo Clear Strip Lash Adhesive, $4.8, available at Amazon
Gentle yet effective, we saw this micellar water at virtually every station backstage. It melts away makeup in seconds, including mascara, and doesn’t leave skin feeling greasy or stripped.
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water, $8.99, available at Ulta Beauty
This longtime cult-favorite facial mist soothes irritated skin, primes skin for makeup, and sets foundation in place.
Avène Thermal Spring Water, $14, available at Avène
The original and the best, makeup artists at Richard Malone and Emilia Wickstead primed lips with a slick of Chapstick to prevent creasing and dryness before applying lipstick.
ChapStick Original Moisturizing Lip Balm with SPF 12, $2.99, available at Target
At JW Anderson, makeup artist Lynsey Alexander sculpted cheeks by swiping this cream under the cheekbones and blending it into skin with a fluffy brush. "It’s not bronzing; it’s invisible shading," she told Refinery29.
Kiko Milano Sculpting Touch Creamy Stick Contour, $14, available at Kiko Milano
A staple in pretty much every makeup artist’s kit, this ointment is the solution to ragged cuticles, chapped lips, rough elbows, frizz, and flyaways. Slicked over eyeshadow, it makes for an expensive-looking glossy eye, too.
Dr. PawPaw Original Multipurpose Soothing Balm, $10, available at DermStore
At Ports 1961, Guido Palau spritzed this heavy-duty texturizer into the roots to achieve lived-in texture and volume while creating an effortless chignon bun.
Redken Windblown 05 Dry Texturizing Hairspray, $19.5, available at Ulta Beauty
"No-makeup" makeup reigned supreme at JW Anderson, where Alexander patted models’ lips with Kiko’s Smart Fusion Lipstick in 401, a cashmere beige, and followed with shade 433, a light, rosy brown.
Kiko Milano Smart Fusion Lipstick, $6, available at Kiko Milano
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Source: Refinery29 – Jacqueline Kilikita