The $13 Cream Behind Olandria Carthen’s Vanity Fair Oscars Party Updo

When it comes to sourcing new beauty inspiration, we can always count on celebrities on the red carpet to introduce us to a new product or show-stopping trend. Last year, we saw the return of some old favorites — like Taylor Swift's trusted red lip and the controversial jellyfish haircut — and this year, we're already seeing some affordable beauty surprises (we're talking under $20!).

While celebrity glam is more typically associated with high-end, luxury beauty products, many celebrities use more budget-friendly products for their red carpet looks. Most recently, affordable glam dominated the 2026 Oscars and Vanity Fair party red carpets, from hair to makeup. Michael B. Jordan got his picture-perfect beard with a $10 hair spray; Olandria Carthen used SheaMoisture's newest viral $13 cream to keep her updo sleek and smooth; Wunmi Mosaku got her sculptural look with a $15 hair oil; and Zendaya had the perfect '90s bob thanks to a $35 brush. Meanwhile, this year's Grammy Awards, Actor Awards, and Golden Globes all boasted noteworthy star moments using low-end products, like Sarah Pidgeon's $16 hair mousse and Paige DeSorbo's $10 blush.

Ahead, we rounded up the best affordable beauty products under $50 that today's biggest stars relied on for their red carpet appearances this year. From drugstore favorites to hair-care staples to plenty of editor-approved skin-care products, these beauty must haves will make it easy to achieve A-list glam — even if you're on a budget. Keep reading to shop our favorite finds.