Beauty on a budget

I love wearing makeup! Having struggled with acne, I appreciate the added confidence makeup gives me for special events or just on days I feel like being glam! With that being said, it’s so important to love the skin you’re in, flaws and all, which I fully embrace and encourage. Even though I love makeup, I also love not wearing makeup (and most days I’m barefaced and enjoying every second of it!). 

 As I’ve gotten older and more financially conscious, I realized I was spending money on high-end products that would run out super fast like eyebrow pencils or mascara. It just didn’t seem worth it to me anymore especially when there are so many affordable alternatives that get the job done. 

I admit I do splurge, mostly on eyeshadow palettes. HudaBeauty is my weakness! 

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And everyone deserves to treat themselves! Of course, when you’re buying high-end products, you’re without a doubt paying for high-quality products.  But if you’re looking for tried and tested affordable drug store alternatives, I gotcha covered! 

NYX Gotcha Covered Concealer $10 

When I first started wearing concealer this was my go-to and I still use it to this day. Another part of my makeup routine that has evolved is my use of concealer instead of foundation. Like I mentioned before, I have acne, so the concealer works well to just spot correct in the areas that I need it. Also, this concealer is FULL coverage which is awesome. It gives me the right balance of the full coverage that I like, but using it sparingly on the areas I need it most helps give a less cakey and harsh appearance.  One thing to be aware of though is that it’s a super wet and sticky concealer so you’ll definitely need to set it with one of your favourite setting powders. I tend to use the NYX Studio Finishing Powder. 

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer $12.99 

 As a student, unfortunately, I don’t have any designer bags, but I do have under-eye bags. After using concealer in place of foundation, I follow it up with the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser under my eyes. I initially bought it because I heard so many good reviews about it and ultimately I fell in love with it. I use the shade neutralizer just to add some brightness under my eyes which gives my makeup look a more alert and fresh look. 

NYX Sweet Cheeks Soft Cheek Tint $12 

Lately, I’ve been really loving blush. I’ve been seeing lots of vibrant makeup looks where blushes are the star of the look. I would say I have a medium/deep complexion and even though I love the look of blush, it was hard for me to find pigmented shades for deeper skin tones. I tried this liquid blush just for fun to see if it would give me the pigment that I was looking for. I really didn’t have high hopes but this product delivered! It’s one of my favourites, I have the shade Showgirl and I love it!

NYX Micro Brow Pencil $12 

 This is my absolute favourite product. I will probably never buy a high-end brow pencil again because this product does everything that I need it to. It has a fine tip that helps me control how deep or lightly I’m filling in my brows. It also has a spooly end to help blend the product out if you need it. 10/10.

NYX Butter Gloss $8

I love the NYX butter glosses as an everyday lip product. The shades are so pretty and pigmented! 

L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara $10.49

 This mascara is awesome! I love the blackest black shade. It’s great at separating the lashes while giving volume. 

 Grand Total: $65.48

 This full-face everyday look has a grand total of $65.48 which understandably might be on the pricey side for some. In comparison, the higher-end Huda Beauty Concealer: The Overachiever High Coverage Concealer that I use is $40. If I tried to use a budget of $65 to go shopping at Sephora it would take up a considerable amount of my budget. This is why I love drugstore brands! I’m able to get more products for less which is always a win! You can definitely personalize your drugstore shopping list to include different products that are either pricier or inexpensive. It’s all up to personal preference. These are just the products that I use and love. I hope these suggestions were helpful!

 Happy shopping!