Lou Reed wrote a song about it, Queen Victoria hated it and today billions of people wear it: makeup. Unfortunately, society’s intrigue with beauty products tends to cost its members excessive amounts of money. With luxury goods occasionally costing over $100, budget-conscious consumers seek alternatives. Fortunately, local pharmacies and stores such as Ulta provide affordable options for people who love the art form but hate breaking the bank.
Airspun Loose Finishing Powder.
Ideal for oily skin, loose powder serves as a valuable ally in mattifying and setting makeup while minimizing the appearance of texture. This translucent powder has existed since the 1930s—with recipe changes of course—making it among the most stood-by makeup products in recent history. Airspun’s powder smells delightful, almost like floral baby powder, and lasts through the day, two key necessities in any makeup product. Although it will depend on the place of business, the price remains around $7 currently.
Physicians Formula – Strawberry Jam blush
Blush truly can make or break a face of makeup. It adds natural color in a fun way ,but using the product risks a clown-like appearance if the wearer applies too much. This strawberry blush, featuring an adorable strawberry print in the pan, provides a gorgeous pink wash of color both in and out of the container. Frequently, cuteness comes with a tax; this blush costs around $11, a decent price for an essential in one’s makeup bag.
Morphe 9V Vintage Rose Artistry Palette
The choice between subtle and striking commonly daunts makeup lovers, but this shimmery pink palette offers an opportunity for a mixture of both. Reviewers describe the palette as pigmented and smooth, though they note that its longevity can vary . Regardless, a trustworthy palette holds undeniable worth; at only about $13, the palette manages to deliver a product to trust without steep costs.
NYX Vivid Brights Longwear Liquid Eyeliner
This eyeliner—available in nine bright shades—graphically draws attention to wherever the wearer applies it. The brush effortlessly paints on the product, a rarity among similar eyeliners. Its long-lasting formula remains unfazed by the threat of flakes. As colorful eye makeup gains popularity through the internet, the demand for bright liners expectedly increases. Fortunately, NYX’s prices abstain from following suit, as the liner costs around $9.
“I love that the eyeliner is smudge proof! It is amazing because whenever I do my eyeliner, I forget that I’m wearing some and rub my eyes. I also love how pigmented the eyeliner is and how it comes out smooth. Plus it’s fairly easy to apply and fine tipped,” sophomore Harmoni Dunn said.
Essence – Lash Princess False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara
Eyelashes have become a cherished component of every makeup wearer’s routine. Makeup lovers use strip lashes, extensions or mascara to bring intrigue to the eyes. This waterproof mascara by Essence greatly lengthens and darkens the hairs for only $5, leading it to garner abundant attention on social media for its quality and affordability.
Eyebrows frame the face; while trends for the way people wear them fluctuate, a trustworthy pencil to fill them in and brush them out lends itself well to any situation. This NYX eyebrow pencil glides on smoothly in all 12 shades with a miniscule tip of product and a brush on the opposite end for natural-looking enhancement. Its quality exceeds expectations for the measly $11 price.
This highly-beloved lip gloss offers a lavish choice with its range of 24 dessert-named shades. It includes several natural colors, such as crème brulee and praline, and other unconventional choices, such as blueberry tart and marshmallow. The sweet-termed glosses provide a fabulous color payoff and a vinyl-like finish. The product lasts long for a gloss, particularly in comparison to similar items at the same price point, costing around $6.
“The lip gloss is one of my favorites. I love the shade tiramisu; it’s a beautiful dark pinky mauve with purple undertones that is so pretty. It is so glossy, it doesn’t get stuck in your hair and it is so affordable. Plus, it lasts forever, I mean, I have used it a million times already and it lasts so long.” Sophomore Caitlin Heeralal said.
