How to Build a Makeup Wardrobe for Under $50
by: Faith Xue
Fifty bucks can get you a lot of things—a nice dinner, 50 things you may or may not need from the dollar store, a top from Zara that somehow earns more compliments than any of your designer pieces, and so on. When it comes to beauty, however, $50 seems both substantial and not enough; we’re thrilled when we snatch up our favorite black eyeliner on sale in the drugstore aisle, but our spirits deflate yet again when our $65 foundation runs depressingly low. Sigh. As much as we fully support a good splurge (or two), we also realize the beauty (pun intended) of going back to basics. If you only have $50 to spend, can you build an entire makeup wardrobe? In other words, what’s the makeup equivalent of a crisp white button-down and super-flattering skinnies? To get an expert opinion, we spoke with makeup artist Emily Cheng and issued her a challenge: to name the products she would recommend to someone with only $50 to spend.
Staple #1: Concealer
When it comes to building a makeup wardrobe, Cheng says it’s all about choosing products that define your features just enough to give you a healthy glow and get you ready for the day. First up? Concealer. “When choosing between a foundation or concealer, I’ll always choose the latter,” she says. “Concealer can hide spots and dark circles and, when mixed with your favorite moisturizer, can even double as a foundation.” If dark circles are your main concern, she suggests choosing a concealer with more warmth to correct discoloration—in other words, it may be different shade than the one you use to cover blemishes.
Cheng’s Picks: L’Oréal Paris True Match Super Blendable Concealer ($9); Hard Candy Glamoflauge Heavy Duty Concealer ($13).
Byrdie’s Picks: Maybelline Cover Stick Concealer ($6); Flower Secret Service Cover Up Concealer ($20).
Related: The Best Drugstore Mascara, According to the Internet
Staple #2: Brow Pencil
We’re currently in the age of the bold brow—but even if that changes in the future, Cheng says a good brow pencil is a must-have. “Your brows frame your entire face and will give it an instant lift when filled in properly,” she says. “Without proper brows, even a full face of makeup will look incomplete.” She recommends a pencil or twist-up version so you can fill in sparse areas more precisely.
Chen’s Picks: NYX Automatic Eyebrow Pencil ($5); Physicians Formula Brow Definer Automatic Brow Pencil ($11).
Byrdie’s Picks: Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil Mini ($12); MilaniEasy Brow Automatic Pencil ($5).
Staple #3: Mascara
“Mascara is especially important for those with light lashes,” Cheng says. “Get a good wiggle in at the base of the lashes for a full, volumized application.” For daytime, she sticks to just one light coat on the top and bottom for a “soft, fluffy” finish.
Cheng’s Picks: Maybelline Full & Soft Thick & Healthy Waterproof Mascara ($8) in Very Black; L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Curved Brush Volume Building Mascara ($8).
Byrdie’s Picks: Maybelline Volum’ Express The Falsies Mascara ($7); CoverGirl Lash Blast Clump Crusher ($8).
Related: 7 Ways to NEVER Pay Full Price for Beauty Products Again
Staple #4: Cream Blush
We recently discovered just how much of a difference cream blush can makein lighting up your entire complexion. One dab, swipe, and blend, and you go from tired to positively cherub-like—and Cheng agrees. “Just a dab on the apples of your cheeks can take you from washed out to fresh and youthful,” she says. As for why cream blush over powder, Cheng says it’s all about the finish. “I prefer a cream product because it leaves the skin with more dewiness and radiance,” she says. “Plus, I like working with my fingers, and a cream product is a lot easier to work with.” Easy with major payoff? We’ll be stocking up on this staple ASAP. (Here are some of our drugstore favorites).
Cheng’s Picks: Revlon Cream Blush ($14) in Charmed Enchantment; Rimmel London Stay Blushed Liquid Cheek Tint ($5) in Sunkissed Cherry.
Byrdie’s Picks: Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush ($8), e.l.f. HD Blush ($3)
Related: Under-$13 Drugstore Beauty Buys Everyone Should Own
Staple #5: Tinted Lip Balm
Last but not least, Cheng recommends that every woman have a trusty tinted lip balm in her makeup arsenal. “It keeps your lips moisturized with a sheer touch of color,” she says. “It’s great for daytime, and in a bind, it can even double as blush—it’s definitely at the top of my must-have list.”’
Cheng’s Picks: Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm ($7) in Sweet Violet; NeutrogenaRevitalizing Lip Balm SPF 20 ($9) in Healthy Blush.
Byrdie’s Picks: Maybelline Baby Lips ($5); Revlon Colorburst Balm Stain ($10).
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