Makeup is a luxury, not a necessity. If you don't use makeup, great! If you do use makeup, great! For some people, it's their career. For most, it's a hobby or part of a daily routine. It can, however, be an expensive hobby. If you can afford to, good on you! If you're a financially struggling, young makeup enthusiast like myself, you'll save up, go to the store, look at the price, and convince yourself you really don't need that $50 bottle of foundation.
Here are some ways to treat yourself affordably.
1. Sign up for rewards programs
ULTA, Sephora, RiteAid, and wherever else you can. Rack up those points and be on the lookout for coupons, sales, and holiday deals. Be sure to double check with a specific brand's website for price and quality comparisons, especially on gift sets.
Tip: Buy gift sets for a variety of products and smaller packaging. This is especially useful if you're unsure about investing in a full-size product.
2. Shop at drugstores
You don't need designer brand products to pull off a flawless look. If you just google "dupe for (make up product)", you're guaranteed at least a dozen Pinterest posts and YouTube video reviews.
Tip: If you need help finding the exact shade of a foundation, concealer, powder, etc. go to a chain like Sephora or MAC and get color matched from someone reliable there. Ask for a sample to not only test the product but bring it with you to drugstores like RiteAid or Target so you can find the shade there.
3. Use products for different functions
Your neutral eyeshadow shades can double as bronzers and contouring powders (and vice versa). Mix some moisturizer and foundation for BB cream. Dot lipstick on your cheeks and blend it out for blush. Experiment with what you can do with the products you have.
Tip: Same thing applies to makeup brushes. You don't need that many brushes to put on makeup. In fact, if you've got fingers, you them. But if you do buy brushes, look for brands like e.l.f. Cosmetics, Real Techniques, and EcoTools. Snag a tapered brush, a couple different-sized fluffy brushes, a precision brush, and maybe a contour brush if you feel like treating yourself.
4. Try heatless hairstyling
We all have constantly heard how much using blowdryers, straightening irons, and curling wands damage your hair.
Whether you have a styling iron or not, you can try heatless styling methods to save time and effort. Wrap strands around strips of cloth, tie them, and sleep on it. In the morning, untie the strips, gently brush out the curls, and bam! Curly hair. Look online for hundreds of tutorials.
Tip: To each hair type their own. Not all methods work for everyone, so look up tutorials that appeal to you.
5. If you're going to spend big bucks, spend it on skincare
A lot of factors come into skincare: Your skin type, seasonal weather, genetics, health conditions, what you eat, etc. A lot of research and experimentation goes into what products and methods work for you. You've got oils, serums, creams, exfoliants, sheet masks, and ointments made out of anything and everything. The healthier your skin, the less foundation and concealer you use.
Tip: You can make natural face masks at home! Look up DIY recipes online and search your fridge for ingredients. Food you can use include strawberries, yogurt, and honey. Be wary of using lemon or anything else acidic that could mess with your skin's pH value!
