Makeup on a budget: How to get a flawless look without breaking the bank

We all know that splurging on a makeup shopping spree is every makeup lover’s dream, but depending on how much you love your makeup, it could get a little pricey! There are always so many fun, new products that come out that you feel like you need to try, but how can you keep all the fun of trying new products and makeup shopping if you’re on a budget? We’ve got some tips that we think will be super helpful for all you budget-conscious makeup lovers out there!

1. Buy drugstore brands instead of designer

Ok, this one may seem like an obvious one, but it’s definitely a tip we want to share! There is often a lot of misconception about drugstore makeup brands not being as high quality as those much more expensive, higher end brands - but it’s not always true! Sure, in some cases you may find that splurging a few extra dollars will get you a slightly better product, but a lot of the times, the drugstore brand is extremely comparable to its high end counterpart! Brands like Maybelline, L’Oreal, Revlon, etc. have really taken the effort to create quality formulas that can compete with those higher end brands. So, if there’s an item you use very often and are constantly buying, or maybe want to try out a new product for the first time, definitely consider buying a drugstore brand first, and then if you think it’s worth it, splurge on designer!

2. Don’t always jump on trendy shades

Trendy shades are fun, but they’re probably not going to stick around for long-run, and you may only use it a few times! For example, there may be a new lipstick you want that is bright orange, and although it’s trendy, it’s probably not a color that you’ll want to wear all year long. Instead, try and buy subtler coral shade. You’ll still get the orange tone, but it will be in a shade that you can wear through the winter, and will end up saving you money down the road!

3. Make sure you’re buying the right shade 

One of the biggest issues that can end up costing you money is buying the wrong shade foundation, using it, realizing it’s not your color, and then having to re-buy the right shade! This happens all the time, so make sure you know your skin tone and what color is the closest match. If you’re buying a new brand or item that you haven’t used before, look at the products you already have and pick out the colors you think best match your skin tone, and then try and find the closest shade match. If you’re stuck between two shades, ALWAYS go with the lighter shade. If it’s a little too light on your skin, you can always just add a little bronzer to darken it, but if you buy a shade that’s too dark, there’s really no way to lighten!

4. Shop for versatile products

If you want to try and save money, but still have great makeup looks, try and only buy products that are versatile. For example, when shopping for concealer, you may want to buy a lighter shade that you can also use as a highlighter. When you’re using it as a concealer, the lighter shade won’t be an issue because you are probably going to apply foundation and bronzer over it. When you want to use it as a highlighter, you won’t even have to do anything extra!

5. Buy your must-haves before you splurge on extras

Always buy the makeup items you use on a daily basis first - i.e., foundation, blush, concealer, mascara, eyeliner, etc. Even if you’re trying out a new brand or product, these are items that you know you are going to use no matter what. Let’s say you’re a huge lipstick person, but you’re not always into lip gloss. Test out new shades in the lipstick version first, because you know that you’ll most likely make good use of it. Then, you can always go back and purchase it in a gloss after you know you’ll like it!

6. Be conscious of expiration dates

A lot of people forget that makeup can expire! How many of you maybe have a few different mascaras that you love to alternate between, and one day you pick up one you haven’t used in a while, and it’s surprisingly dried out or clumpy! That definitely happens, and after they’re opened, mascaras actually only last about 2-3 months. So, make sure you’re using your older mascaras first before your new ones! Also, try storing them in the refrigerator to prolong their shelf life once opened.