It’s that time during the semester where student finance funds are slowly decreasing. The disappointment when checking your bank balance to discover the chances of affording a new look are slim. New looks are indeed coming into force this autumn season, with gorgeous berries and beautiful browns, and it may be easier than you think to achieve an autumnal look without breaking the bank. I have challenged myself to scour the market for good high street make up to pull off a perfect look for autumn. With 3 for 2 currently in store, bargains were easily made. Whether you prefer a strong lip colour or a bold eye look, there will be something to help you get inspired this season. Mix and match with these inspired products to cheat your way to the perfect look this autumn, all for under £25.
Base: L’Oreal Paris true match foundation.
There is no doubt that when it comes to foundations – I am a snob. For someone who has quite problematic skin, I find that high end foundations cover, conceal, and don’t give me as much grief as high street products. However, I have to say that this L’Oreal Paris foundation exceeded my expectations. It looks like skin, feels like skin, it’s not too heavy on the skin either. The new formula for this foundation is truly impressive, and the online hype surrounding the product is truly representative. This ‘super-blendable foundation’ is not too dissimilar from the Georgio Armani ‘luminous silk foundation’ which I love wearing on a good date night. And considering L’Oreal own Georgio Armani, it’s mega value for money at more than a third of the price! Considering this was the product that took up most of my budget, I have to say it really was worth it. Once applied, I think I must have looked at my face for a good five minutes in the mirror, super impressed with that £9.99 buy!
Blush, Contour and Highlight: Collection ‘#BlushAndGlow’
Originally Collection 2000, the rebrand of this cosmetics company has churned out some great products recently, such as the 16hr lasting perfection concealer. Although I haven’t tried any of their powdered products, I was fairly skeptical, and skeptical I should have been. When I first used the bronzer, it was as though a line of dirt had been swiped on my face. Moving onto the blush heightened my hopes. Although not the best blush, it was reasonably pigmented and more importantly, didn’t leave my face looking resembling a clown’s. The highlight was a lovely product; I really appreciated the fact huge chunks of glitter were not left scattered on my face (quite refreshing for a highlighter!). For the price of £4.99 with 3 fairly impressive products, I don’t think you can complain!
Lips: Sleek cosmetics ‘Matte Me, Ultra smooth matte lip cream’ in ‘Fandango Purple.’
This lip colour is perfect for a striking autumnal look, especially when paired with a simple eye look. The ‘staying power’ of this lip product was top-notch, meaning you can dive into plates of messy food to your hearts content! However, on more of a negative note, I found when applying this product, the applicator was not very malleable- it proved a challenge make it look as though you applied it sober. For £4.99 and a gorgeous colour, it’s pretty darn good value for money.
‘Soap & Glory SEXY MOTHER PUCKER™ GLOSS STICK 3D VOLUME LIP SHINE’ in ‘Nude’
Alternatively, if you prefer a subtle lip matched with a bold eye (Maybelline in Metallic Pomegranate – see below) then this moisturizing gloss stick is the perfect match to that effortless day look. Costing £3.50, it’ll be easy temptation to buy the whole range.
Mascara: ‘Miss Sporty Fabulous Lash Mascara Xtra Black’
Costing a measly £1.99, this mascara was the best buy and best value for money out of all of the products! Sceptical that this would clump my eyelashes into three individual strands, this mascara once again proved me wrong. Although not the best mascara I’ve ever used, I certainly was not left disappointed. This mascara is perfect for a simple day look.
Eye Shadow: ‘Maybelline EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24hr Cream Gel Eyeshadow’ in ‘Metallic Pomegranate’
The longest product name in all of product-naming history, I am IN LOVE with this eye shadow. Replacing the bold lip for a sultry shade of pomegranate 100% suits the autumnal season vibes. From day-to-night, this eye shadow can be transformed from a subtle shade of deep berry to a sexy smoky eye. At the price of £4.99, this eye shadow does it all!
Sources:
Picture 1: http://www.boots.com/en/LOreal-Paris-True-Match-Foundation-30ml_1727639/
Picture 2: http://www.boots.com/en/Collection-BlushAndGlow-Blush-Palette_1753223/
Picture 3: http://www.sleekmakeup.com/matte-me-fandango-purple
Picture 4: http://www.boots.com/en/Miss-Sporty-Fabulous-Lash-Mascara-Xtra-Black_1121608/
Picture 5: Own Image