‘I’m Cardi B’s Makeup Artist, and This Is How I’d Spend $175 at Ulta’

Have you ever walked into an Ulta store and been overwhelmed by the hundreds of product options? After all, how do you choose between dozens of eyeliners, mascaras, eyeshadow palettes, lipsticks, brush sets, and more? Well, with the help of Cardi B’s makeup artist, Erika La’ Pearl, of course! Ahead, uncover the six products La’ Pearl would snag if she only had $175 to spend at Ulta.

Note: While these add up to just over $175 ($187, to be exact), some items go on sale regularly, so you can easily snag all six of La’ Pearl’s faves for under $175 when the timing is right. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel Setter — $22.00

“I like how Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel is lightweight and does not leave a stiff feeling,” says La’ Pearl, noting that she relies heavily on the product in her kit. The colorless gel features a classic spoolie, which deposits just enough product onto the brows without weighing them down with globs or chunks, the way some other brow gels do. What’s more, the formula itself is infused with conditioning chamomile and plumping hyaluronic acid to keep the delicate brow area looking its best.

Anastasia Beverly Hills DipBrow Pomade Waterproof Matte Brow Gel — $21.00

Looking for A-lister brows that last all day? “This brow pomade can last up to 12 hours and goes on easily,” says La’ Pearl, who loves this product for crafting long-lasting, sculpted arches. Beyond its steadfast formula, the pomade is sold in an impressive shade variety, including options for every natural shade of the spectrum, including blonde, brunette, black, and red hair colors.

Too Faced Born This Way The Natural Nudes Eye Palette — $48.00

Creating a statement eye doesn’t always require bold colors. That’s why La’ Pearl keeps her kit stocked with Too Faced’s Born this Way The Natural Nudes Eye Palette. “Too Faced palettes are well pigmented and give a nice mix of matte and shimmer shadows,” she says, calling this one out as her all-time fave.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Volumizing Mascara — $27.00

Few formulas compare to Too Faced’s fan-favorite Better Than Sex Volumizing Mascara, which is why La’ Pearl always has a tube on hand. Complete with an hourglass-shaped wand, this volumizing mascara makes coating inner and outer lashes just as easy as swiping the longer center ones. The result? A full, dramatic flutter in just a few coats.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer — $30.00

Concealer is often a desert-island pick among average beauty lovers and celebrity makeup artists alike—and La’ Pearl agrees. “I love this product,” she says, applauding the impressive shade range, which features 30 options ranging from light to dark. Beyond the variety, La’ Pearl loves how well this formula stays in place, showing no signs of creasing or caking throughout the day. Magnolia bark extract, grape seed extract, and vitamin E are likely to thank for that, as they keep skin hydrated and firm, all while supporting a balanced moisture barrier.

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder — $39.00

Last but not least, La’ Pearl recommends Laura Mercier’s Translucent Loose Setting Powder, which she adores for its lightweight nature and non-cakey application. While the instant blurring powder is only sold in three colors, they’re designed to accommodate light, medium, and dark complexions respectively. And even with the lightest shade, there’s no photo flashback.

For some MUA-approved hacks on how to actually *apply* some of the makeup you just added to your Ulta cart, press play on the video below. 

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