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.
As a beauty editor, I know better than most how makeup artists often use drugstore products on their celebrity clientele, whether it's a flawless foundation, a glow-boosting highlighter, or something else entirely. (It's proof that drugstore products can and often do perform as well as their pricey counterparts.) So, when I hear of a makeup artist using one or two affordable items on an A-lister, I take note. When I hear of a makeup artist exclusively using affordable items on an A-lister, I lean in to learn more.
That's the case with celebrity makeup artist Erin Ayanian-Monroe and her client Elle Fanning. The latter recently attended the 2025 Golden Globes, wearing a beautiful custom Balmain couture dress and a sophisticated makeup look to match: dewy skin, defined eyes, and rosy lips. It looked expensive, but it was actually created entirely with products from one of the most iconic drugstore beauty brands, L'Oréal Paris.
The Look
Fanning is a brand ambassador for L'Oréal Paris, so I wasn't shocked to find out that Ayanian-Monroe used some of the brand's products on the big day. That said, I was surprised to find out that she exclusively used the brand's products because who doesn't want to re-create a red-carpet makeup look without spending an entire paycheck on new products? Ayanian-Monroe used two skin-prep products and 10 makeup products (all $17 or less!), amounting to 12 items in total.
In a press release, Ayanian-Monroe commented on the inspiration behind Fanning's look, saying she "took [a] cue from her glorious custom Balmain couture dress. We wanted some classic beauty with a modern sultry edge." I'd say they achieved that goal. Keep scrolling to see the exact products.
The 12 Products Elle Fanning Wore to the Golden Globes
Here's the first skin-prep product. It's formulated with 1.5% hyaluronic acid and 1% caffeine, so it brightens and plumps the eye area. Translation? No more dark circles. It even has a Triple Roller applicator that cools and contours the under-eye area.
If this moisturizer can give plump, dewy skin, like Fanning's, I'm sold. The water cream is incredibly lightweight, hydrating, and quick-absorbing. It contains micro-hyaluronic acid and ceramides to smooth fine lines without clogging pores.
Now, onto makeup. Ayanian-Monroe used this medium-coverage, natural-finish foundation. It's formulated with six pigments for the most precise skin-tone match, and it's incredibly easy to blend. The brand promises you won't be able to tell where your foundation ends and your skin begins. Based on Fanning's complexion, I believe it.
Ayanian-Monroe called this glow-boosting product "Our favorite skin enhancer." She applied it to "all the high points" of Fanning's face, including the cheekbones, Cupid's bow, and the bridge of her nose.
"A pop of warm color on her cheeks was next."
Next, Ayanian-Monroe accentuated her glow with this highlighter stick. It's formulated to give a "glass skin" effect—think dewy, reflective skin without any garish glitter.
For "extra defined" eyes, Ayanian-Monroe used this eyeliner pencil.
A swipe of the new L'Oréal Paradise Big Deal Mascara was next. It has a 2-in-1 formula that volumizes and lengthens in one go. It's also buildable (sans clumps).
Ayanian-Monroe used this eyebrow pencil to perfect Fanning's arches.
Here's the eye shadow that gave Fanning her shimmering eyelids.
When I first saw Fanning's Golden Globes look, I was dying to find out which lip color she was wearing; it was such a sophisticated rose shade. According to Ayanian-Monroe, it was L'Oréal Paris's Colour Riche Lipstick in Nature's Blush, which she used to create a "rosy warmth." After doing some research, I learned that this lipstick formula contains moisturizing ingredients like argan oil, omega-3, and vitamin E, so it always feels comfortable on the lips. Plus, it has a smudge, smear, and feather-proof formula. That's it. I'm buying three.
Ayanian-Monroe finished off the makeup look with a spritz of setting spray because migrating makeup is a no-go on a red carpet. This one boasts an impressive wear time (up to 36 hours).
Fanning's 12 red carpet approved drugstore beauty products clock in at $182, with the two skin-prep products being the most expensive. That's not bad, considering one luxury beauty product can cost as much. Now excuse me while I go re-create this red carpet look.
-
Wallet-Friendly, But Make It Look Luxe—15 Under-$25 Beauty Staples That Look and Feel ElevatedI come bearing deals.
-
I Refuse to Spend Over $20 on Mascara, so I Asked MUAs for Their Diamond-in-the-Rough Drugstore PicksHere's your definitive guide.
-
Kylie Jenner and Billie Eilish Use the Same Strong-Hold Brow Gel, and It's Only $7 at Target*Adds to cart*
-
We Rigorously Tested 13 of the Best BB Creams—These 8 PassedWe test, you trust.
-
Ilona Maher's Pregame Must-Have Is Something We All NeedIt's the drugstore product of the summer.
-
F1 Academy Driver Lia Block Spills All Her Beauty SecretsAs it turns out, fast cars and skincare go hand in hand.
-
Bella Hadid Said She Almost Texted Rihanna to Tell Her How Good *This* Fenty Beauty Product IsAnd the $18 moisturizer she buys "like eight times a month."
-
The Most Expensive Makeup Product Gigi Hadid Wore at the Met Gala Was $15—Here Are the Exact ItemsShe made fashion's biggest night of the year budget-friendly.
