As a recovered MAC Cosmetics junkie and an Urban Decay enthusiast, I don’t think I’ll ever be willing to compromise quality in makeup products for the sake of picking up something cheap. The good news is that not all drugstore brands mean “bad quality” by default, and what’s even better is that they’re much easier on your wallet. Finding the hidden gems usually means doing your research and going through a little trial and error, but I’ve got you covered! Look no further for some awesome makeup bargains and beauty tips to go with them.
Start with a base
Quick makeup lesson #1: an eyeshadow primer (also called a base) is critical if you want your makeup to last for hours without creasing. Think about how many times you blink in a day. That, plus sweat, humidity, and Maryland’s temperamental weather can be rough on your makeup. A base is a transparent or skin-colored cream that’s applied in a thin layer over the eyelid before all other makeup. It helps bind makeup to the surface of your skin and keeps it looking freshly applied, hours after you’ve put it on.
My recommendation? L’Oreal De-Crease. You can pick it up for around $8-9 at Walmart or CVS, and it comes in a single shade for all skin tones. Remember – to get a smooth application, don’t be too heavy-handed with it. All you need is a thin layer.
Top eyeshadow picks
It’s with full confidence that I tell you that Milani eyeshadows and L’Oreal’s High Intensity Pigment (H.i.P.) line are comparable to the popular high-end brands (like MAC) in pigment and quality. No, I am not kidding.
Nothing is more disappointing and deceptive than finding a shade that looks gorgeous in the case only to discover that you’re forced to apply seventeen layers of it just to get a hint of color. These two products are velvety, smooth, and actually pigmented, so the color you see is the color you get – at a reasonable price. More good news: Milani eyeshadows are around $6, and L’Oreal H.i.P. eyeshadows shouldn’t cost you more than $7-8. L’Oreal is a common drugstore brand and can be found at CVS, Walmart, and Target. Milani may be a little trickier, but is carried by certain CVS drugstores and can definitely be found at your nearest Ulta – or online!
Mascara secrets revealed
I stand by my belief that a drugstore-brand mascara is perfectly acceptable, and I will happily say that to even the most hardcore makeup enthusiast. I’ve tried several of the high-end brands (like Clinique’s High Impact Mascara or Urban Decay’s Big Fatty Lash) and more than a few drugstore brands. The most dramatic difference? The price. Why pay double when you can find an inexpensive alternative that will do the job?
My mascara of choice at the moment is Maybelline Volum’ Express The Falsies, but I also recommend Maybelline XXL Volume + Length, Covergirl Lash Exact, and the classic Maybelline Great Lash (yep, the one in the pink and green bottle). Check Target or any drugstore for these products, which range from $4-$7.
One step that’s often overlooked is using an eyelash curler. If your lashes are on the straighter side, it can make just as dramatic a difference as the mascara itself. I recommend Revlon’s eyelash curler, which shouldn’t cost you more than $5. Curl your lashes before – not after – putting on mascara.
For your lips
I’m a big fan of lip products that look natural and add just a hint of shine, so I swear by something simple: Carmex Strawberry Moisturizing Lip Balm. It has incredible lasting power and it’s under $2. Another popular choice is the Burt’s Bees product line, which has a range of chapsticks and glosses and is available right in the Towson University Store.
If you’re looking for something with a more dramatic range of shades, check out Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss. It’s nice and pigmented, NOT sticky, and even has SPF 15. Did I mention it’s about $6?
Makeup removal – be nice to your skin
This is critical. Ladies, if you’re going to wear makeup, remember to take it off before bed. Your skin will fight back at you if you don’t. It can clog your pores, dry out the skin around your eyes, and lead to premature aging – which is no fun at all.
The good news is makeup removal can also be super cheap! Wash your face with your daily cleanser to remove any foundation, powder, or blush. Cetaphil products are reasonably priced and gentle enough for the most sensitive skin. Find them at CVS, Target, Walmart, and most chain grocery stores.
My absolute favorite product for removing eye makeup? Plain old Vaseline! All you’ll need is a few dollars to buy a whole tub of it, and it works like a dream. Other oils (even baby oil) can be too heavy for the delicate skin around your eyes, but Vaseline is cheap, gentle, and works even for waterproof makeup. Spread a layer of it over your eye makeup and gently wipe it off with a soft tissue. An extra bonus: it conditions your eyelashes, making them thicker and fuller over time. This is something you can buy just about anywhere, including the school store.
So there you have it! With these inexpensive alternatives to department store brands, you can still indulge in high-quality makeup products – without breaking the bank.