OK, I’ll admit it. I’m a bit of a makeup junkie. And, as a fashion lover who loves to splurge on clothes, I kind of have to cut down the price of my beauty products so I don’t break the bank.
But even on a budget, the possibilities for it are endless – face masks, lipstick, eye creams, and mascara are just a handful of options out there for you to choose from.
One of the reasons why I love makeup so much is that you can literally find it everywhere you go – whether it’s at the drugstore, Kroger, or, of course, the internet, it’s never far from reach.
And the best part? It’s affordable.
Of course, you can always splurge and buy that $50 Chanel lipstick you’ve been eyeing for months, but there’s always a more economical choice right around the corner.
Now, if you’re looking for cred as far as beauty choices go, just remember that I’m usually mistaken for a 29-year-old when I’m actually about to turn the big 4-0 next year. I have no doubt that my makeup plays a part in this, so it’s about time I give my essentials a little shout out, don’t you think?
Here’s some of my favorite tried and true bargain beauty buys that I use on a daily basis, all under $10:
- Maybelline’s Dream Matte Mousse Foundation ($7.99 at Target)
I’ve been using this foundation for years and have yet to find one that rivals its magic. What makes this product different from all of the other foundations I’ve tried is that it covers literally everything. If you’re like me and like heavy coverage, then this one is definitely for you. But don’t worry, no one will know you’re even wearing this foundation, as it blends seamlessly into your skin.
Since there’s not a shade that perfectly matches my skin tone, I usually mix two shades to get the right look, but after that, I’m set and ready to go. I highly recommended this one.
- E.l.f. Cosmetics Poreless Face Primer ($6 at Ulta Beauty)
About a year ago, a co-worker recommended this product and I have been thanking her ever since. It literally blew me away the first time I tried it. I just put on one layer of it, looked in the mirror and said, “Oh my god, it really works!”
It’s that good, folks. In fact, E.L.F. makeup’s putty primer is so popular that it’s often pretty hard to find on the shelf in stores. Thankfully, there’s still plenty of online retailers to buy it from. Believe me, you’ll be in heaven with this one, too.
- JOAH Truly Yours Dark Circle Concealer ($7.99 at CVS Pharmacy)
One day last year, I picked up this concealer on a whim while I was perusing through CVS and thankfully, it did not disappoint. What I love about this product is not only the actual concealer, but also the perfect sponge applicator that’s included. Not only is it a great dabber to use for those annoying dark circles under your eyes, but it’s also light with a gentle touch – a total lifesaver, especially when I’m running late in the morning and slathering everything across my face way too fast in an effort to dash out the door as fast as I can. For $7.99, it’s quite a steal!
- Flower Beauty Eyebrow Pencil ($8.23 at Walmart)
This is my most recent beauty purchase. And let me tell you folks, Drew Barrymore does not mess around when it comes to her new makeup line, Flower Beauty. Whenever I buy a new makeup product, I usually keep my expectations low so I’m not disappointed, but this one was a pleasant surprise. It rivals even the $15 eyebrow pencils from other drugstore brands. The best part? It’s so easy to use. Unlike pretty much every other eyebrow pencil I’ve used, the tip of this one does not crack or break. But what I love most is the natural look it creates on the brow. Best of all, with Flower Beauty’s eyebrow pencil you’d never guess I pulled out one too many eyebrow hairs back in my college days, and for that, I’m thankful.
- L’oreal’s Voluminous Mascara ($8.99 at Ulta Beauty)
This staple was recommended to me by a friend about five years ago, and has never failed since. It’s become one of those everyday makeup essentials that I can’t live without. L’oreal’s Voluminous mascara has such a rich color with a lash extending formula that makes even the faintest eyelash come back to life. I can honestly say that everytime I put on this product my eyes pop! It’s a great feeling, guys. If you want an extra bang for your buck, just use this with an eyelash curler, and you’re golden. Ready, set, go!
Quick, little disclaimer: I’m not getting paid by any company or being reimbursed with products for this post, so you can trust me, folks.
And there you have it! So, whenever you’re so broke that you’re down to counting every penny, or even if you just want a fresh, new makeup look, I highly recommend trying these beauty products. Because, let’s face it – we all deserve to treat ourselves every now and then!
Let me know what you think about these products in the comments below!
PICK MY BRAIN 
Great article! As a make-up newbie I love the descriptions and comparisons. And always leave this shopper a price tag to lock the item in my memory.
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Hey, thanks for sharing this, I would love to try the Maybelline foundation you listed 😉
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