People in the beauty industry get tons of goods to test out, so when someone spends their own money on something that they’ve run out of, you know it’s good. In this series, we give beauty buffs $100, and ask them how they’d spend it on the best-of-the-best cosmetics from around the internet.
Making it big on Instagram is a challenge these days, unless you’re the one-and-only Huda Kattan. The world’s most famous beauty blogger seems to have the puzzle all pieced together. In just eight years’ time, she’s transformed from aspirational makeup artist to Instagram phenomenon (her following tops 24 million) to a booming entrepreneur of Huda Beauty—all with perfectly arched brows and some killer contour.
Between testing several products a day for her followers to experimenting with formulations to create her line, Kattan truly knows what makes a product to die for. She’s the authority on cosmetics, and it’s a natural fit that her name means “guidance” in Arabic. So, with Kattan as your guide, here are the products that she loves that also won’t break the bank.
Keep scrolling for the products that Kattan would buy for under $100.
Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy Mini, $2
“For years, Vaseline has been a go-to ingredient for a ton of my DIYs,” says Kattan. “It’s an essential multitasking beauty product. Classic Vaseline is amazing for cracked heels or under your eyes at night, but this one is perfect for when you want to hydrate your lips and add a subtle hint of color. Plus, I love that I can keep the mini tubs in my purse.”
Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Foundation in Brown Sugar, $40
“I use our #FauxFilter foundation every single day,” admits Kattan. “We spent years creating a formula that would give maximum coverage, an insanely gorgeous, weightless finish, and a long-wearing matte effect. I wear Brown Sugar most of the time. When I’m a bit tanner, I wear Toffee, and when my skin is a bit fairer, Baklava. I apply it to the back of my hand and use a flat brush to buff it into my skin. A little goes a long way—I use just one pump for my whole face.”
Benefit KA-Brow, $24
“This thick, paste-like creamy formula is so easy to apply and blend. Plus, it’s smudge-proof, which is a huge bonus because the half-an-eyebrow-look is never good,” she says. “I start by using shade number 4 right before the arch of the brow to the end to create a slightly elongated tail. Once I’ve perfect that, I use a lighter shade, number 3, to fill in the inner corner of the brow and connect it with the arch. Using a light shade at the inner corners helps create a natural look.”
The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil, $10
“Not only does it make my skin look and feel amazing, it’s affordable. I use a couple of drops after I wash my face at night, and massage it into my face and neck,” Kattan says. “It’s super hydrating and my skin has been so smooth since I started using it. I also love that it’s not greasy like a lot of oils—it absorbs quickly and doesn’t transfer onto my pillowcase.”
Morphe 15D Day Slayer Eyeshadow Palette, $15
“I have every Morphe palette,” reveals Kattan. “They have such a brilliant formula at a great price point—luxury pigmentation with intense payoff. The Day Slayer palette has a stunning collection of warm browns and golds, which I absolutely love. The shades are great for the day, but can also be intensified for a really gorgeous evening look. It’s a no-brainer!”
365 Everyday Value Organic Virgin Coconut Oil (Unrefined), $6
“I swear by coconut oil,” says Kattan. “It’s the best beauty multitasker. Whether on your hands, body, or face—there is so much you can do with coconut oil, and it has amazing health benefits. I love to apply it all over my body and leave it in my hair overnight.”
Kattan isn’t the only one who can help you buy beauty on a budget. Here’s how a dermatologist shops for under $75 and this is how a makeup artist shops for under $100.
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