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Generic vs. Name Brand Make-up

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Maryland chapter.

I am the type of person that could spend their entire paycheck in Sephora (it has happened before). I love make-up and am always looking for the next best thing.
Over the years, I have tried just about everything.
That being said, I have found through personal experience, cheap make-up that works just as well as the high-end, expensive, name brand make-up.
Out of every product I’ve tried here are my favorites (and what I use right now):
Foundation
I have acne, so I need a full coverage foundation to cover it up.
Two years ago I discovered this gem from Maybelline New York and I have been using it ever since.

Try: Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse
$9.79 at Maybelline.com
A sponge comes with it so no need to buy a makeup brush or sponge!

 

 

 


 

Instead of:

Before I discovered Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse, I used to use Bobbi Brown’s liquid foundation.

$47.00 at bobbibrowncosmetics.com

 

 


Bronzer

Instead of: MAC Bronzing Powder

$24.00 at maccosmetics.com

 

 


 

 

Try: Rimmel London Natural Bronzer

$5.29 at kmart.com

photo link:

 

 


Blush

Instead of: NARS Powder Blush

$29.00 at Sephora.com

 

 


 

Try:

Revlon Powder Blush

$7.99

 

 


Concealer

Instead of: Lancôme Complete Coverage Concealer

$30.00 at Sephora.com

 

 


 

Try: Bare Minerals Correcting Concealer

$20.00 at bareescentuals.com  

It’s not as cheap as the other products I’m recommending, but it’s worth it! It lasts a long time and it’s great at covering up acne.

 

 

Mascara

Instead of: MAC False Lashes Mascara

$20.00 at maccosmetics.com

 

 


 

Try: Maybelline Volum’ Express Falsies Waterproof Mascara

$7.49 at cvs.com

Out of all of my make-up findings, this one shocked me the most. I actually couldn’t believe that this mascara works exactly like the MAC one I used to use.

 

 

Eye shadow

Instead of: Lancome
$24.50 single color

or

5 shadow palate

$49.00 at lancome-usa.com

 

 


Try: Maybelline Color Plush Silk Eye shadow
$9.99 at Maybelline.com
I’m obsessed with Maybelline’s purple eye shadow palette

 

 


From one broke bargain-loving college girl to another, I encourage you to try one of these products when you’re shopping for some new make-up, because who doesn’t like spending less for something that looks just as good?!