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Delhi North | Style > Beauty

Affordable makeup recommendations for baddies on a budget 

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Aatika Usmani Student Contributor, University of Delhi - North Campus
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Delhi North chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

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Are you someone who loves to wear makeup but is on a budget? Well, I can relate. I love experimenting with makeup, trying new makeup trends, coating my eyelids in glitter, and also being a victim to blush blindness. While I love makeup and exploring different looks, as a student, I also have to make sure that buying new makeup doesn’t burn a hole in my pocket. If you feel the same, then this article has 6 makeup recommendations from Indian brands—each under ₹500—that you’re sure to love.

  1. Earth rhythm lip and cheek tint

If you have been meaning to try the new Korean makeup trend with soft and dewy blush which makes you look like you’ve been taking your greens and water intake seriously, this product is a must try! It retails for ₹499 and the shade Brandy gives you a nice red tint. A multipurpose product which can be used on your cheeks as blush, your lips as a tint and your eyes as eyeshadow, it is worth every penny.

  1. Insight cosmetics foundation 

The Insight cosmetics foundation which retails for ₹290 is a dewy coverage foundation. If you have dry skin or prefer to have a dewy finish to your base, this is a good product. It has medium coverage but is buildable and can easily be built to a high coverage. Whether you are going for a chill brunch with your girls or are attending a wedding, this  foundation can be used for both events since you can control the coverage. Although the shade range is not too good and has only six shades, if you can find a shade that works for you it’s a steal.

  1. Mars Dance of Joy eyeshadow palette

The Mars dance of joy eyeshadow palette in shade 02 is all you need for your eye looks! It retails for ₹299 and has twelve shades among which there are six matte shades and six shimmers. It has neutral shades which are perfect for a casual soft everyday eye look as well as shimmers which are great for weddings or any other event. With great pigmentation and good blendability, these shadows are not chalky at all and are buttery smooth. If you are a beginner and need an eyeshadow palette for all kinds of looks, this is the best choice for you. 

  1. Swiss beauty plump up wet lip gloss

If you are looking for a gloss that makes your lips look shiny and glassy, the Swiss Beauty Plump Up Wet Lip Gloss is top notch. It comes in 12 beautiful shades, but my personal favourite is Shade 08, a soft pink gloss. Since it is a gloss, it doesn’t last long and does transfer — but if you’re a gloss lover, reapplying it is worth the hassle.

Even though the name suggests it’s a plumping gloss, it doesn’t actually give a plumping effect. However, if you want a gloss that’s both pigmented and shiny, this product won’t disappoint.

  1. Kay Beauty 24HR coloured matte kajal 

The Kay Beauty 24HR Coloured Matte Kajal is perfect if you don’t like doing too much to your eyes and want one product that gets the job done. It retails for ₹399, which may seem pricey for a kajal, but it truly is a one-and-done product.

You can use it on your waterline as regular kajal, and if you apply it on your eyelid and smudge it slightly, it works beautifully as an eyeshadow too. It glides on smoothly and is smudge-proof.

If you have dark-coloured eyes like mine, shades like Blue, Green, and Teal will complement the warmth of your eyes and make them pop!

  1. Nykaa All Day Matte 12Hr Oil Control Face Compact Powder

The key to setting your base in place is a powder and The Nykaa All Day Matte compact powder is an amazing product. It retails for ₹259 and is available in seven shades. It removes oiliness and melts into the skin beautifully, without looking cakey. It also has SPF 15 PA++. Although it has a matte finish, I love the way it looks on my skin despite having dry skin. 

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Aatika Usmani

Delhi North '27

My name is Aatika Usmani. I am 19 years old and I am a second year Psychology honours student at Daulat Ram College, University of Delhi. As a psychology student, I am passionate about understanding the human mind and behaviour. I successfully served as an editor for my department's association last year.

I love reading fictional novels and poetry. My love for writing is rooted in this lifelong habit of reading which has inspired my love for language. I express myself best through words. I also appreciate other forms of creativity such as drawing and watching movies.