We asked a beauty creator and lab scientist to build a budget-friendly makeup routine. Here are their favorites

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Each week we cut through the noise to bring you smart, practical recommendations on how to live better – from what is worth buying to the tools, habits and ideas that actually last.

As a bratty teen, I scoffed at drugstore makeup. I wondered why my mom bought her moisturizer and mascara at Target when the pricier options from Sephora were so much cooler. She had more in common with the experts than I realized. When we recently asked dermatologists for their favorite products, it turned out many of them can be found at the drugstore.

For hydrating your skin:
Elf Thirst Burst Drops

For an affordable toner:
Byoma Milky Toner