Makeup must-haves under $25: Experts spill the tea on their all-time faves

Between sky-high gas prices and inflation, plus everything in between, we all are looking for ways to save money -- and beauty products aren't exempt!

While it's true that beauty buys generally fall under our "wants" versus "needs," it's also smart to know what products are going to give you the best bang for your buck.

"I'm a huge fan of beauty products at an affordable price," celebrity makeup artist Neil Scibelli told "Good Morning America."

He continued, "If you're unable to test out the products in-store, I'd suggest doing a little research on the brand's website first -- which is also where they may have a shade matching option, as well. I would also suggest reading real reviews first to get some firsthand insight. Luckily, most mass brands these days are making incredible formulas at an affordable price because they can afford a lot of testing and development, before putting a product out."

Whether you've been itching to try the latest TikTok makeup trends out or want to make sure your beauty stash is loaded with some of the best products, "GMA" tapped Scibelli, as well as celebrity pro artists Jaleesa Jaikarann and Merrell Hollis to spill all the tea on their go-to picks -- all under $25!

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Merrell Hollis' picks:

Ulta Beauty

Total Control Pro Drop Skin-True Buildable Vegan Foundation

"This foundation is my go-to because it's packed full of pigment without the heavy makeup feel and look. The color range is wide and if it's a little off they mix well together so you can customize it to create your perfect shade match. You can also mix it with your favorite moisturizer or liquid bronzer to get a tinted foundation look."

• $14

• NYX Professional Makeup

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Ulta Beauty

Lash Demi Wispies 5 Pair Multipack

"I love Ardell's Wispies faux eyelashes because the invisible band of these lashes gives the appearance of strand by strand lash extensions. These lashes are also layered in length to create a more natural-looking lash."

• $12.99

• Ardell

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Editor’s Picks

Dermatologists warn against TikTok-viral calamine lotion makeup primer hack

• Jul 27, 2022

5 amazing makeup tips from Beyonce's makeup artist

• Apr 30, 2019

Makeup artist explains simple makeup tips for mature skin

• Jun 23, 2023

Jaleesa Jaikaran's picks:

Ulta Beauty

Putty Blush

"These blushes are ridiculously easy to apply. The formula delivers a gorgeous skin-like glow that is comparable to any high-end cream blush. These also have a great payoff that can be used for the cheeks and eyes. An added bonus is that there are eight shades — perfect for any skin tone."

• $7

• e.l.f. Cosmetics

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Ulta Beauty

Infallible 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation In A Powder

"L'Oreal is one of the first brands I started using as a makeup artist and it still is one of my favorite brands as the formulations have always been consistent with quality. If you're looking for an all-in-one foundation, this full-coverage foundation is a great choice. I was impressed with not only the staying power, but the coverage and finish look velvety smooth."

• $15.99

• L'Oréal Paris

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Ulta Beauty

Smooth Whip Blurring Matte Lip Cream

"It's easy to get obsessed with this smooth whipped formula. Matte lipsticks are no longer uncomfortable. This new lip cream gives lip-smacking comfort. in one swipe. These are also amazing because the shade range gives you all the options for dressing up or dressing down."

• $8

• NYX Professional Makeup

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Neil Scibelli's picks:

Sephora

Lip Sleeping Mask Intense Hydration with Vitamin C

"I have been a longtime fan of this cult favorite lip mask, but I actually use it as a lip primer on set. The emollient, hydrating formula locks in moisture fast which is great for a long day out or as an overnight lip treatment. "

• $24

• LANEIGE

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Neutrogena

Neutrogena® Clear Coverage Flawless Matte CC Cream

"This Neutrogena clear coverage CC cream is next level when it comes to even complexion coverage at an accessible and affordable rate. I personally love this one because the skin-savvy formula gives an airbrushed, soft-focus-like finish to the skin, with a complexion range that's available in 34 shades."

• $12.72

• Neutrogena

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Walmart

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Face Wash

"This is really my go-to makeup remover, especially when it comes to cleaning up an eye look or for working on a client with sensitive skin. This micellar water is truly an all-in-one that cleanses and tones the skin but is also gentle enough around the eyes to remove mascara or to sharpen up any eyeliner look. The travel size that I pack runs around $3.49, and the standard bottle is under $8!"

• $7.99

• Garnier

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Ulta Beauty

Miracle Complexion Sponge Beauty Makeup Blender

"This multi-angled beauty sponge has become a staple in my kit because it truly covers all bases when it comes to blending — from contouring with the flat side, to blending out with the rounded side. It's also super affordable, which is great for swapping it out as often as needed."

• $6.59

• Real Techniques

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