How to Buy Some Great Makeup and Spend under $50.00. Can it even be done?
It is fascinating just how much some beauty products can retail for these days. We would all like to look and feel great. But can we achieve that with affordable makeup for under $50.00?
Admittedly, I’m what my peers like to call ‘bougie‘ (is that how you spell it?) when it comes to makeup. Yes, I’m a sucker for some pretty packaging, and I love a shiny compact. All the shiny things! But having said that, I am also very aware of a good bargain, and certainly striving for value for money when it comes to cosmetics.
Similarly, what’s fascinating to me is the notion that the more we spend, the better we feel about ourselves. And that you or I couldn’t possibly obtain all the products we need to do a full beauty makeup look, for an affordable price of under a grand old total of $50.00!!
So I thought I’d conduct a little experiment and see if I could possibly put a makeup together on just $50.00. These products basically comprise of what I use when I’m doing my own full-face makeup. Let’s see if I can find affordable products to buy. And exactly what I can come up with!
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Foundation
Maybelline FIT ME – Matt and Poreless Foundation $6.59
I actually really like this foundation. This affordable Maybelline Fit Me – Matte and Poreless Foundation has plenty of coverage to even out my skin tone. And it does so without feeling heavy. It goes on really smoothly, and I will definitely use this affordable makeup again!
Powder
ELF Prime and Stay Finishing Powder $3.00
ELF’s Prime and Stay Finishing Powder does it’s job sufficiently. On appearance, the size does seem small in comparison to your run of the mill compacts, but with a price point of under five bucks, all is forgiven. A very light application on my shiny hotspots did the trick.
Contouring/Highlighting/Bronzer
ELF Contouring and Highlighting Blush and Bronzing Powder $4.00
This contour/highlight two in one bronzer and highlighter palette was a no-go for me, I’m afraid! Perhaps I bought the wrong color combination, but the bronzer just seemed to have no blendability for me. And the highlighter, which seems to lack in shimmer did nothing of its namesake. Maybe it’s just me, but this product is out. I’m sorry, E.L.F. I’m such a fan of their makeup, but this is definitely not their strongest product, even if it is incredibly affordable.
Eyebrows
NYX Professional Makeup Auto Eyebrow Pencil $4.75
I highly recommend the NYX Professional Eyebrow Pencil. It filled in my sparse brows with ease, looks natural. For under five bucks, can’t go wrong!
Eyeliner
Covergirl Perfect Blend Eyeliner Pencil $5.49
Covergirl’s Perfect Blend Eyeliner Pencil worked just fine. It was a little on the hard side when applying, but nevertheless, performed its function well. Smudge blender on the other end to give you the option of softening your eye liner.
Eyes
Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Quad in Silent Treatment $3.59
These eyeshadows are so thoughful, they even tell you where to apply them! I love the transition color for a quick wash across the eyelid. The shimmer colors (Browbone and Crease in particular) had very little pigment, but this makeup still applied nicely.
Lashes
Rimmel Mascara SE Curved in Black $6.79
I have been on the hunt for my go-to mascara ever since Max Factor discontinued their Calorie 2000 many years ago ( will never recover!) and I have to say that this Rimmel Mascara isn’t a bad replacement by any means. The large curved brush applicator is perfect for my eye shape and lash line. It applies with ease.
Lip Liner
Maybelline Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liner in Magnetic Mauve $6.99
This Maybelline lip liner applies nicely on the lips, and I am happy with my color choice for a natural, slightly mauve nude lip color.
Lipstick
E.L.F. SRSLY Satin Lipstick in Taffy $3.00
Seriously!! I love this ELF SRSLY Satin Lipstick! As quite the E.L.F fan myself, I have to say that this lipstick delivers. I would love to do the Pepsi challenge with this and compare it to a certain few lipsticks that come to mind that retail for almost 20 times (!!!!) the cost of this. Creamy, long-lasting, great color range. Love it!
What’s the Verdict?
Subsequently, all of this came to a grand total of $48.77 after tax from my local Target today. I’m pretty excited as I really didn’t think I could do it!
I am very aware that I had to forego a few steps in the makeup that some people may deem necessary. I neglected concealer entirely. To be honest, most days that I’m wearing makeup I don’t use concealer. However, I did find one concealer, that with taxes, totalled around the $5.00 mark if you are interested.
I also did not purchase a rouge or any cheek stain or the likes. I have something of a natural ‘flush’ to my cheeks and tend to steer clear of any extra warmth on my cheeks. So aside from those little sacrifices, I was determined to create my full face of makeup for under $50.00!!
Success!
I’m shocked and quietly surprised (and quietly relieved)!!
To sum up, beauty on a budget is a real possibility and you can actually find some great brands without coming home with empty pockets! What are your favourite beauty products that don’t break the bank?
Featured Image by Laura Chouette
