Emma Roberts Is “Obsessed” With This $18 Mascara That “Looks Good on Everybody”

Emma Roberts is best known for her decades-long film and television career, yet two of her foremost passions have nothing to do with acting at all: books and beauty. Last month, Byrdie caught up with the actress at an event hosted by Roberts’s book club, Belletrist, and Italian makeup brand Kiko Milano, where the American Horror Story star delved into why she’s so passionate about both reading and makeup.

“Growing up, it felt like you had to choose between, ‘Are you a reader or are you into makeup?’ and I love the idea of ‘Why do I have to choose?’” Roberts told Byrdie. “I can care about lip gloss and read War and Peace.” As keen to discuss makeup as she was Russian literature, she also opened up about the importance of practicality in her beauty routine and shared a few of the products she can’t live without.

“I’m all about lashes,” the 33-year-old, who is a Kiko Milano brand ambassador, said. “I feel like I can just get by with skincare and a tinted moisturizer, but I need lashes.” Her mascara of choice at the moment? Kiko’s Maxi Mod Waterproof Mascara.

Kiko Milano Maxi Mod Waterproof Mascara

Kiko New Maxi Mod Waterproof Mascara — Kiko

$18 at Kikocosmetics.com

According to Roberts, the Maxi Mod Mascara’s mini applicator makes it super easy to get to the root of your lashes, ensuring that they’re evenly coated. “It’s just the best applicator on a mascara that I’ve used and [the formula] is super dark, which I love,” she said. “I’m obsessed with [it] and I’ve noticed that it also just looks good on everybody.”

At less than $20, this flattering, celebrity-approved mascara is a great deal. The argan oil-enriched formula conditions your lashes while boosting volume and providing a dramatic, intensely pigmented effect. Most importantly, the mascara is waterproof, so you can wear it all summer long without worrying about sweating it off or having to reapply after a swim.

Kiko Milano Unlimited Double Touch Lipstick

$17 at Kikocosmetics.com

As Kiko Milano’s first ever global ambassador, Roberts has put plenty of the Italian brand’s products to the test, and the Unlimited Double Touch Liquid Lipstick is another one of her faves. “I love anything that has dual function and that’s why I love the Unlimited Double Touch,” she explained. The dual-ended lippie comes with both a quick-drying liquid lipstick and a clear gloss for when you want a shiny finish. Not only does the lipstick end come in a variety of stunning pink, red, and nude shades, but it’s also a longwear formula that resists smudging and fading.

“This stuff will stay on no matter what, which I love,” Roberts told Byrdie. “If I’m eating or drinking or talking a lot, or having a long day at work, I don’t want to have to constantly be reapplying or be worried that my lipstick is on my teeth.”

Kiko Milano Velvet Touch Creamy Stick Blush

$14 at Kikocosmetics.com

Ultimately, Roberts’s approach to makeup is defined by practicality. “I love anything that has dual function, especially as a mom, where I’m always running around and trying to keep my makeup bag as small as possible,” she explained—that’s why she’s such a fan of Kiko Milano. “I just feel like all [of Kiko’s] products are super multi-use, which I love, and functional.” Not to mention, the brand’s entire range of beauty products is pretty affordable, with many finds under $20.

Keep scrolling for more of Kiko Milano’s under-$20 makeup must-haves, including a dual-ended eyeliner pencil currently on sale for less than $10.