Just beginning to use makeup? Need an affordable makeup starter kit at a pocket friendly price tag? These following products are a few of my favorite affordable drugstore alternatives perfect for debt-ridden college students whom wish to spend economically.
1. Revlon Colorstay Foundation ≈ $9.99
Although this foundation oftentimes leans closer to its high-priced drugstore buddies, it truly is a good splurge. The foundation is available in 20 different shades, serving a multitude of women with differing complexions. Compared to other foundations I have purchased, this foundation’s formula is seemingly light and buildable. Although I have oily skin, the foundation doesn’t oxidize nor result in an excessively oily t-zone throughout my long days. In actuality, I can wear the foundation comfortably for 12+ hours without feeling excessively oily.
2. Maybelline Expert Wear Twin Brow and Eye Pencil ≈ $2.97
Want strong, yet affordable brows? Well this one is for you! Although I have dark hair, unfortunately, my once bushy and untamable eyebrows have grown sparse from years of over-plucking. If I am inclined to add definition and dimension to my makeup look, I’ll often reach for this product and proceed to lightly outline the natural shape of my brows. Afterwards, I’ll lightly fill them in and use a spoolie brush I ‘borrowed’ from Sephora’s instore try-me samplings to disperse the pencil color evenly, minimizing the brows sense of linear rigidity. I may also proceed to define the arch and tail of my brow with light, soft strokes of dark-colored mascara.
3. Wet n Wild Color Icon Eye Shadow Collection Palette ≈ $4.68
This eye-shadow palette is undoubtedly a preeminent makeup item within the beauty market. The palette comes with 8 hyperpigmented shades of various neutrals. Many of the shades contain shimmer, but this shimmer is neither overbearing nor inappropriate for daily use. If you have light colored eyes, I zealously recommend this palette over others as the neutral colors faithfully enhance your natural eye color and help them POP! If you have dark colored eyes, I recommend the apricot orange and the pale green to add emphasis and dimension.
4. Revlon ColorBurst Matte Lip Balms ≈ $6.00 – $7.00
This beauty snag is highly pigmented and comes a in variety of differing colors ranging from light cool-toned shades to darker hues of purple and red. My favorite shades are sultry, a light cool-toned burgundy, and striking, a warm-toned show stopping red. The balms apply nicely to the lips and last throughout the day. It is important to note, however, that if one drinks or eats a larger meal he or she must reapply the balm to improve its appearance and color. Unfortunately, some shades may not appear as matte as others. Here, I recommend that its users dot a small amount of translucent powder (if you don’t own translucent power, baby powder and/or any other type of powder functions in a similar fashion) onto your lips and pat until powder is no longer visible. This helps decrease the balms shimmer, making it appear more matte. This makeup hack works for all lip colors, lip stains, and lipsticks. If you wish to skip this purchase, I also recommend the NYC Proof Twistable Intense Lip Colors in Nolita Neutral.
—-> Since we are purchasing all the proceeding items at the drugstore, it is important to note that one can save using offered coupons and bulk price discounts. Or simply wait for a sale. Remember, always buy in bulk and check out store clearance sections. Sign up for rewards programs (ULTA Rewards is a great one for beauty enthusiasts) and search for those handy dandy coupons!!!!