Beauty & Brains: When to Splurge & When to Save on Cosmetics
Oh, the world of makeup. It's something like the Beauty and the Beast. The beast being the burden of knowing which cosmetics are splurge-worthy and which are totally okay to scrimp on, of course.
Well, ladies, we're putting a stop to the makeup madness! Whether you find yourself at the drugstore or the beauty counter, we've got you covered. Not only have we compiled a list of products deserving of their steep sticker, we've also nailed down five lesser-priced picks that are just as good as their higher-ticketed counterparts.
Splurge on!:
Eyebrows: Face it (pun totally intended), a bad set of brows can really wreak havoc on your overall appearance. So, forking over a little extra cash to keep your duo groomed to perfection is not only completely acceptable — it's completely necessary if you ask us.
Foundation: As far as makeup goes, this is the mack daddy of 'em all! Finding the right shade and consistency — two things higher-end brands tend to offer more of — is crucial when it comes to perfecting your complexion. Additionally, pricier foundations often have a better variety of options for sensitive skin types.
Top Coat: We'll be honest, we try to stretch our mani just about as far as it can go. After all, weekly salon sessions can really pull on the purse strings! Solution? A killer top coat! It might cost you extra up front, but its benefit will definitely make this a bargain purchase in the long run. We love to layer our lacquer with Seche Vite, $10.
Concealer: Late night? Early morning? Sudden acne flare-up? Concealer is key! But be warned, all are not created equal! Lower-quality counterparts can leave your skin looking cakey or uneven. Invest in a high-end option to deliver both the right formula and shade for your face — we promise you'll look refreshed in no time!
Makeup Brushes: To put it simply, the right brushes make applying cosmetics ... well, simple. Why not give yourself the best tools for the job? With proper care your set will have your finish looking flawless for up to 10 years!
Save It!:
Mascara: With a shelf life of only two to three months, spending a lot on mascara just doesn't make sense. Lucky for all, achieving an ultra-glam pair of peepers is still attainable thanks to the endless drugstore options available. (Note, we swear by our old favorite, Maybelline Great Lash in Blackest Black, $5.49.)
Makeup Remover: We all know washing away cosmetics before bed is essential to our beauty sleep — a lesser-known fact is that plunking down a ton of cash isn't needed for proper cleansing. Stick with cheaper solutions found at the local drugstore, or keep your costs mega-low by making our DIY remover.
Shaving Cream: Spring is quickly approaching, meaning it's time to start taking special care of your stems. No need to panic, ladies, keeping those legs in tip-top shape doesn't have to break the bank! Forget pricey shaving potions, use hair conditioner instead. Still super-hydrating, you'll get double the bang for your buck by swapping the costly cream for your current conditioner.
Lipstick: Kiss those expensive formulas goodbye! With so many options on the market it's easy to find a quality counterpart to those high-end lippys. Plus, if you're like us, your personal shade preference changes quicker than the season, so springing for a bargain-priced option leaves more room in the pocketbook for trying each haute new hue as soon as it hits shelves. Winning!
Liquid Eyeliner: Can you really get a liner that's as cost-effective as it is efficient? The answer is yes! Take it from self-proclaimed addicts like ourselves, after much trial-and-error, some of the best liquid markers retail at a big discount! We suggest Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner, $5 or Wet n Wild MegaLiner Liquid Eyeliner, $3.
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