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.
(Image credit: GIF by Jamie Brown)
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
(Image credit: Getty Images)
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
L’Oréal Paris
Revitalift 2.5% Hyaluronic Acid + Caffeine Under Eye Serum
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.
L’Oréal Paris
Revitalift Micro Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides Plumping Cream
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.
L’Oréal Paris
True Match Super-Blendable Foundation – N2 Neutral Light
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.
L’Oréal Paris
True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer – 901 Fair
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.
L’Oréal Paris
Infallible 24h Fresh Wear Soft Matte Blush in 20 Daring Rosewood
“A pop of warm color on her cheeks was next.”
L’Oréal Paris
Lumi Le Glass and Glow Highlighter Stick in 610 Glassy Pearl Eclat
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.
L’Oréal Paris
Infallible Grip Gel Mechanical Liner in Brown Denim
For “extra defined” eyes, Ayanian-Monroe used this eyeliner pencil.
L’Oréal Paris
Paradise Big Deal Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara in Black
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).
L’Oréal Paris
Brow Stylist Definer Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil in Dark Blonde
Ayanian-Monroe used this eyebrow pencil to perfect Fanning’s arches.
L’Oréal Paris
Infallible Paints Eyeshadow Metallics in Brass Knuckles
Here’s the eye shadow that gave Fanning her shimmering eyelids.
L’Oréal Paris
Colour Riche Lipstick in 840 Nature’s Blush
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.
L’Oréal Paris
Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist
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).
(Image credit: Original graphic by Jamie Brown)
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.
