As an unemployed college student with a self diagnosed makeup addiction, I have had to begin to make some changes to my usual makeup purchases.
In the twelve months leading up to the start of college, I spent an average of approximately $200 a month on cosmetics and was quickly blowing through the bat mitzvah money left over in my bank account– I wasn’t kidding about it being a problem. Rather than simply accept the fact that I had more than enough makeup in my collection, I decided to switch over from high end makeup to drugstore products. In doing this, I found many cheaper alternatives to the products I had been buying up until that point.
The following are 12 products that I have begun to purchase instead of the more expensive makeup that I was used to. They are not all perfect ‘dupes’ for each other, but I’ve found these drugstore products to work as well as, or even better than, their more pricey counterparts. If you also find yourself struggling to walk past a makeup aisle without emptying your wallet, here are a few options that could help you do a little less damage to your savings account.
1. Primer:
Becca Backlight Priming Filter- $38
Maybelline Master Prime- $7.49
2. Foundation:
Urban Decay All Nighter Foundation- $40
Maybelline Fit Me Foundation- $7.99
3. Concealer:
Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer- $38
LA Girl Pro Conceal- $4.99
4. Eyeshadow Primer:
Smashbox 24 Hour Photo Finish Shadow Primer- $21
Milani Eyeshadow Primer- $6.99
5. Eyeshadow:
NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadow- $29
Jordana Baked Eyeshadow- $2.49
6. Eyeliner:
Urban Decay All Nighter Eyeliner- $20
ELF Eyeliner Pencil- $3
7. Mascara:
MAC Zoom Lashes- $23
Voluminous Butterfly Mascara- $8.99
8. Blush:
Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush- $29
Milani Baked Blush- $7.99
9. Highlight:
Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit- $45
Physicians Formula Powder Palette- $13.99
10. Lipstick:
Smashbox Be Legendary Cream Lipstick- $21
Ulta Beauty Lip Crayon- $8
11. Setting Powder:
Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder- $38
Covergirl Professional Loose Powder- $6.49
12. Setting Spray:
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray- $32
Makeup Revolution Pro Fix Fixing Spray- $8