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How to Bargain Shop for Makeup Like a Pro

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at BC chapter.

When you’re looking to save money, there is a right and wrong way to shop for makeup. Certain high-end products may be worth splurging on, while others may not be. For instance, even as a self-proclaimed Sephora devotee, I cannot justify spending $20 on a concealer that will last me two months. However, I can justify spending $20 on a high-quality eye shadow that will last me a year.  In situations like this, buying a cheaper alternative of a desired makeup product from a store like Target or CVS is a practical option. But which drugstore makeup products are worth trying? Read on for suggestions of low-priced makeup for the eyes and face, as well as low-priced brushes and beauty tools!

Eyes

Personally, I think it’s worth spending a little extra money on a good eye shadow. The quality of eye shadow offered by companies like Urban Decay and Stila is often unrivaled by that of drugstore-purchased eye shadow. On the other hand, a lot of drugstore mascaras and eyeliners are of great quality. Here are some eye makeup products that are especially worth a try:

1. Loreal Telescopic Mascara, $10

Compare to: Yves Saint Laurent “Babydoll” Mascara, $30

2.  Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara, $9

3.  Maybelline Great Lash Mascara, $6

4.  NYX Jumbo eye pencils, $4-5

How to: Use it as an eye shadow primer and base

Compare to: Stila Smudge Crayon Waterproof eye prime + shadow + liner, $22

Face

In the case of makeup for the face, I think buying a high-quality liquid foundation, CC cream, and/or pressed powder is worth the higher asking price because of how well they work and how long they typically last. Still, drugstores do offer some decent alternatives. Conversely, concealers and primers are often not worth buying from a high-end retailer because of the unreasonable cost. Here are some makeup products for the face that are especially worth a try:

1.  Studio Secrets Professional Color Correcting Primer, $13

Compare to: Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer in Color Adjust (Green), $38

2.  L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup SPF 20, $13-$15

3.  Boots No. 7 Concealer, $7-$10

Compare to: Bobbi Brown Face Touch Up Stick, $26 

 

4.  Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer, $8-$11

Brushes and Tools

Buying a brush or makeup tool from MAC or Sephora is often worth splurging on because of how long lasting and high quality the product is. However, lower-priced options do exist. Here are some makeup brushes and tools that are especially worth a try:

1.  e.l.f. powder brush, $3

2.  Real Techniques “Expert Face Brush”, $9

3.  Real Techniques Blush Brush, $9

4.  Real Techniques Lash-Brow Groomer, $6

Compare to: Make Up For Ever 276 Eyelash Comb and Brush, $28, or Sephora Collection Pro Brow Comb #21, $15  

 

Article Sources:

Bobbibrown.com

Drugstore.com

Polishandpearls.com

Realtechniques.com

Sephora.com

Target.com

Tumblr.com

Ulta.com

Walgreens.com

Meghan Gibbons is a double major in Communications and Political Science in her senior year at Boston College. Although originally from New Jersey, she is a huge fan of all Boston sports! Along with her at Boston College is her identical twin, who she always enjoys playing twin pranks with. Meghan is a huge foodie, book worm and beach bum