Making Drugstore Products Look Expensive: A Makeup Artists Shares her Secrets

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So many women make the mistake of thinking they have to spend a fortune to look like a million bucks. Wrong!!! While it may make you feel sophisticated to spend $100 on foundation, you could look just as great with something under $10. Personally, I like the idea of having an extra $90 to spend on cute shoes, purses and outfits. In fact, if you know what to look for, you can build your very own beauty kit for $75 or less. I’m talking makeup, skin care and hair care. I had a feeling you’d like that idea.

Low Cost Makeup That Delivers

I can’t rave enough about e.l.f (eyes, lips, face) from Target. From tinted moisturizer for just $3 to on-the-go eyeshadow, lip gloss and blush compacts for only $15. If you went with this line, all your makeup supplies could cost less than $30. That’s including brushes.

If you want to branch out a bit, I recommend buying trio eyeshadow kits to create both day and night time looks. Almay and CoverGirl both have amazing sets for everyone for under $8. For foundation, get your best face with L’Oreal Paris True Match, CoverGirl Aqua Smoothers, Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer (for skin toning) or Almay Clear Complexion (for acne prone skin) all for $10 or less.

For extra coverage, match your concealer and powder with your foundation. For instance, Neutrogena has a 3-in-1 concealer that works to make skin look healthier while covering. If you mix, ensure the colors don’t clash.

When it comes to mascara, my favorite brand by far is Maybelline. You simply can’t get any better for the price, even if the price was quadrupled. For $7 to $10, get the look you want easily. Plus, clumping isn’t problem.

Make your lips one of your best features with L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche or Revlon Colorstay, both are under $8.

Stunning Skin And A Fat Wallet

Clean your face without icky residue with Garnier Nutrioniste Moisture Rescue or Neutrogena Make Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes for under $8. To keep your face protected from the sun and get just the right amount of moisture, Olay Complete All Day UV Moisturizer is perfect at less than $12. It’s even suitable for oily or acne prone skin. For all over skin care, look no further than Dove bodywashes and lotions. They’re light with perfect moisture for a variety of skin types. Best yet, they’re around $5.

Luscious Locks That Don’t Break The Bank

I’m going to start with a deep conditioner since it’s always overlooked. Keep your hair protected with the once a week Aussie 3 Minute Miracle for under $4. Clean, healthy hair doesn’t mean spending a fortune. Tresemme’s line of professional grade shampoos, conditioners, leave in treatments and heat protectant are all under $5 each. Plus, you actually get enough with each product to last several weeks or more.

There you have it. Total beauty for under $75. Obviously, your final total will vary based on which products you need. Remember, shop on sale and you’ll save even more.

Christina Farrell has been a self-proclaimed makeup junkie since the age of fourteen. As a beauty expert, she has been able to turn her passion into a profession. She believes that makeup is a confidence boost and that finding humor and laughter in life is the best beauty secret around. Her site, The Makeup Blogger is packed with ideas and tips on beauty and style.