www.whyville.net Jul 10, 2011 Weekly Issue



cbeatles
Guest Writer

Fabulously Frugal: Beauty on a Budget

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Hi everybody! It's cbeatles, and I'm here to make another fashion article, but this one is focused on beauty, as part of my new series, "Fabulously Frugal". Have you ever been in a department store or one of those big, fancy makeup stores and seen and item that you just fell in love with, until you looked at the price tag, that is. Well I have, and I'm certainly not about to pay $50 for foundation or blush, no matter how prestigious the brand is. The truth is, most of us are on a budget, and we need good makeup that fits into our budget. Nobody wants to compromise, and with the products I have in this article, you don't have to. I have plenty of high quality but not high priced items that will leave you feeling fabulously frugal.

When it comes to makeup for my face, I usually like to keep it simple. I use a little foundation, some powder to set my makeup and eliminate shine, and a little concealer to hide those ghastly imperfections. But sometimes I wear a little blush or bronzer. I love Covergirl Clean liquid foundation because it gives you great coverage and works to make skin less oily. I also like e.l.f. pressed powder for multiple reasons. Of course it sets your makeup and eliminates shine, but there's a bonus. Not only is it super cost-friendly (only $1!), but it also helps control blemishes. Also, when it comes to applying makeup, I like to use simple sponge wedges to apply liquid foundation, a big powder brush for powder and a smaller tipped brush for bronzer/blush. Of course, none of these tools need to be expensive (especially the sponges). I most likely wouldn't pay $20 for a blush brush, but I thought the wooden, natural design was so unique but still stylish.

Liquid foundation: $7 Walgreens
Powder: $1 Eyeslipsface.com
Concealer stick: Eyeslipsface.com
Blush: $4 Target
Bronzer: $10 Walgreens
Makeup sponges: $6 Macy's
Powder brush: $20 Topshop.com
Blush/bronzer brush: $26 American Apparel

Eye makeup can be really fun to pick out, but finding eye makeup that won't empty your wallet can be tough. Luckily, I've found some of my favorite beauty products for your eyes and I guarantee you won't feel guilty about breaking the bank. For eyeshadow, I usually either wear neutral browns during the day or darker, bolder shades at night. I also like to use liquid eyeliner because when used properly, it can actually be very versatile. You can do a thin line for a subtle look during the day, but you can make an exaggerated cat eye to play up a smoky eye or just a simple dark shadow combination, which can easily be accomplished with the palette shown above. As far as mascara goes, I like to use a curved brush and mascara that won't clump like Maybelline Define a Lash. Either way you go, you cannot go wrong with just a plain black eyeliner, strategically-colored eyeshadow, and some good mascara.

Eyeliner: $1 Eyeslipsface.com
Mascara: $7 Target
Eyeshadow (quad): $5 Target
Eyeshadow (trio): $8 Ulta
Eyeshadow brush: $8 Topshop.com

I've never been much of a "lip gloss person". I honestly don't really like the sticky feeling of lip gloss, or the extra attention it draws to your lips, not to mention I had never found a flavor I was a fan of until now. However, I love Liplicious products, particularly their Pineapple Juice flavor. It smells so good, it feels great, and adds just the right amount of shine to your lips. As far as lipsticks, I usually will only use a pink color, just because I usually don't feel audacious enough to wear red. I love coral colored lipsticks especially, they add a really great tint to your lips, but still keep it natural. Lip balm is definitely an essential for me, especially Burt's Bees lip balm. I love the original lip balm because it is fresh, minty, and a great moisturizer. I also love e.l.f. lip stain. The light pink is girly, fun, but still manages to keep your lips looking polished and perfectly-tinted. The red lipstick of course is for the days (but usually nights) when I feel bold, or just want to add color to my face if I don't wear much eyeshadow. But remember, when it comes to red lipstick, you have to be the minimalist; if bright lipstick is paired with bright eye makeup or blush, it can make your makeup look costume-like, so be careful. And of course, I love the last lip balm because of the delicious grapefruit scent and it has SPF 25, so you can wear it out in the sun to protect your lips.

(From left)
Lip gloss: $7 Bath & Body Works
Lip stick: $15 MAC Cosmetics
Lip balm: $3 Drugstores
Lip stain: $3 Eyeslipsface.com
Lip stick: $5 Eyeslipsface.com
Lip balm: $7.50 Sephora

I love the 4-step buffer, it makes your nails even, polished (even without any nail polish), and shiny. Of course, red nails (like black or other dark or bold colors) can make a statement, so it's perfect for anyone who is trying to be bold or draw attention to their nails/toenails. I also love the neon yellow polish because it is so bright and fun. The sparkly top coat is perfect on top of any color polish, or just by itself. The mint green polish is so fresh; you'll be receiving tons of compliments on your nails. My favorite would definitely have to be the pink polish, I use it year round because it keeps my nails looking clean and slightly done (the lightness of the pink is surprisingly very neutral).

4-Step buffer: $5 Sephora
Red polish: $8 Target
Neon yellow polish: $6 American Apparel
Sparkly polish: $10 Sephora
Manicure kit: $8 Modcloth.com
Mint green polish: $3 Hot Topic
Pink polish: $5 Drugstores

So now that you've seen all of my suggestions for stylish yet savings-savvy beauty products, I hope you've enjoyed this article and like my suggestions, and even take some of my tips. Also, if anyone would like to submit ideas on what they would be interested in seeing in my "Fabulously Frugal" articles to come, you can either y-mail me or post a comment. You can suggest anything from clothing to accessories to other beauty products, or anything else you may have in mind. These suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Until next time,
cbeatles

 

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