SMU Look

The makeup list your wallet needs

Emily Ward

September 18, 2015

By Maria Santiago

Women often spend much more money than they intend to at makeup stores. Sometimes, if not most of the time, women buy way too many makeup items that end up never being used or simply disliked. That being said, there are definitely some makeup products worth spending the big bucks on and others worth saving on.

The first step in common makeup routines is foundation. Though there are totally acceptable drugstore foundations, nothing beats the formula of a good high-end foundation.

Try:

MAKE UP FOR EVER: Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation ($43)

This foundation really is invisible. You can build the coverage as desired and it will still match your natural skin tone. Plus, it looks great in photos.

SMASHBOX: Camera Ready BB Water Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($42)

This formula is the perfect mix for those who want a light and airy feel but still desire coverage. Although it is technically a BB water cream, it covers like a foundation. It doesn’t oxidize (lighten or darken) on the skin like some foundations do and is optimal for flash photographs.

With reliable foundation in tow, save on your concealer as drugstore formulas equal, maybe even surpass, many high-end brands.

Try:

MAYBELLINE: Fit Me Concealer ($7)

This concealer’s extra creamy formula makes it easy to blend under the eyes.

Definitely save on your powder too. Drugstore powders will give the skin a matte finish and prevent any oil from peeking through, without paying top dollar.

Try:

RIMMEL LONDON: Stay Matte Pressed Powder ($5)

NYX: HD Finishing Powder ($10)

As for eye makeup, both splurge and save on eyeshadow. It will be cost effective to own a good palette, even if it costs you a little more, because of its regular use. But pigmented single eye shadows from the drugstore are perfect when you want to try out a new color for the first time.

Try:

URBAN DECAY: Naked Palette Series ($54)

COLOUR POP: Eye Shadow ($5)

MILANI COSMETICS: Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow ($5)

That iconic pink and green bottle of mascara is the ultimate drugstore save. Maybelline has been thickening lashes since the ’70s and with so many different options today, it will have whatever look you are going for. And the best part is you can find them all for less than $10.

Try:

MAYBELLINE: Great Lash Mascara ($4)

Save your moolah for something fun and save on great blushes that can all be found at the drugstore for $10 or less.

Try:

MILANI COSMETICS: Baked Blush ($9)

Beautify your lips without emptying your wallet. Drugstore lipsticks have creamy and hydrating formulas, in all types of finishes, so you can have a new look for every day without paying a pretty penny.

Try:

COLOUR POP: Ultra Matte Liquid Lipstick ($6)