Being a makeup enthusiast is expensive. If you’re anything like us, you would have your eye out for every new makeup release.....
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Being a makeup enthusiast is expensive. If you’re anything like us, you would have your eye out for every new makeup release. You would know when a brand is dropping a new palette or if there are any new collaborations coming up. Especially for the high-end makeup, you must have a cheeky little wishlist where you’d keep adding the makeup items you would eventually want to buy. But even though these products would be worth their higher price tags, sometimes you just can’t shell out that much moolah. According to Randy Schueller, a cosmetic chemist and cofounder of the blog ‘The Beauty Brains’, “Ingredients account for no more than 15 per cent of the cost of makeup.” So basically, what we’re actually paying for is marketing, packaging, and the brand prestige. If you’re tired of paying steep prices for high-end makeup, fret not, we have some affordable makeup products that work just as well!
Many makeup artists in the beauty community believe that primers are a hoax and don’t really do much. We don’t agree. It depends on what you want your primer to do because it does multiple things; like hydrate the skin, blurring the pores and imperfections, or making the foundation go on seamlessly - Smashbox’s Photofinish Foundation Primer does all that. While Smashbox is on the pricier end, a great dupe for it is e.l.f.’s Mineral Infused Face Primer in Clear. Another ridiculously expensive primer is by Guerlain called L’Or 24K Gold Radiance Primer (it has real gold flakes). While Nyx’s Honey Dew Me Up only costs a fraction of the Guerlain primer, it certainly does the job!
When it comes to foundation, you need to see what is your skin type and personal preference. Some prefer a complete matte look while others prefer a satin finish or something dewy.
If you are looking for something matte, the Revlon Photoready stick is the perfect dupe for the Bobbi Brown concealer stick. For a liquid foundation, Revlon’s best-selling Colorstay Foundation has been around for years and has earned a cult following for its buildable, full-coverage finish and up to 24-hour wear time. It rivals the Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation which is touted as one of the best wedding day foundations.
For a dewy satin finish, Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation is one of those industry icons that makeup artists swear by for its skin-like medium coverage with a subtle glow. However, you will find that L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Foundation will give you the same luminous coverage at a really cheaper price.
There are quite a few concealers on the market that are a cult favourite amongst beauty gurus like the Makeup Revolution Concealer and Maybelline Age Rewind. However, there are other options. Rimmel London Match Perfection Concealer and Highlighter is another affordable product which is shockingly close to Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat. Another one of Maybelline’s formula is a perfect dupe for Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer. It is a full-coverage formula which is surprisingly very lightweight and hydrating, meaning it won’t sink into fine lines or cake over pimples when you dab it on.
Coming on to setting powders, Laura Mercier’s setting powder is a favourite among makeup artists but makes a huge dent in the pocket. An amazing alternative is the Coty Airspun’s Loose Face Powder in translucent. If you find it hard to get your hands on it, our very own Masarrat Misbah’s powders can do wonders for you.
Who doesn’t love a multipurpose product with amazing pigments?! If you want to get more bang for your buck, opt for a five-colour powder that can be used as a eyeshadow, blush, bronzer and highlight. Bobbi Brown is one of the first brands to come out with their Shimmer Bricks. While it costs around $50, there is a much cheaper alternative available like Makeup Revolution Vivid Shimmer Brick.
If you are familiar with the hype that constantly surrounds the Nars Blush in Orgasm, you would know that it’s a beautiful and boujee product that costs us around 7k in rupees. Striking dupes for this oh-so-popular blush are Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso and Dolce Pink and e.l.f’s Blush in Candid Coral that will cost less than half the amount.
When it comes to eyeshadows, we all know about the amazing pigments of Pat McGrath Labs and Natasha Denona (which costs more than double of our paycheques), but even Urban Decay, Too Faced, Huda Beauty, Morphe and all are on the pricier end. You’d be surprised to know that Makeup Revolution and Wet n’ Wild palettes also have an amazing pay-off, blend really well and cost a LOT less. They will certainly not disappoint.
Coming to brows and lashes, Essence has got you covered. Essence’s Make Me Brow product rivals Benefit’s Gimme Brow and its mascaras are literally the most underrated gems waiting to be discovered.
Let’s talk lips. When it comes to moisturising yet pigmented lippies, Luscious Cosmetics and Color Studio are doing a pretty good job. There are a range of amazing colours that you choose from and they last for hours.
Last, but certainly not least, it’s time to spritz your face with a setting spray and lock in your makeup for hours! Spellbinder Makeup Setting Mist by Luscious Cosmetics is a pretty good bargain since it’s readily available to us. It’s fragrance free and also anti-pollution!
