What’s that expression…there’s nothing a touch of lip gloss can’t fix? Or is it mascara? Or concealer? In any case, the transformative power of makeup is clear. Even in this age of social media beauty filters, there’s nothing like the real thing. While paying a premium for designer cosmetics usually means guaranteed soft formulations (especially for things like eyeshadow), you can effectively save on everything from mascara and eyeliner to foundation with SPF.
Whether you’re spending big chunks of your paycheck on fancy designer makeup or prefer cosmetics on a drugstore budget, here’s a look at some great finds to shop now.
[ Next: Beauty Splurge vs. Steal: 9 Ways to Save Money on Your Products ]
Makeup Splurge vs. Steal: Ways to Save Money (or not!) on Your Products
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Eyeshadow Splurge: Urban Decay
Naked Eyeshadow Palette, $54 at Sephora
The original Naked palette is a cult favorite for a reason: it contains 12 neutral eyeshadows that look amazing on everyone. With a mix of finishes, including matte, satin, shimmer, and sparkle, you can create a wide range of looks for day or night.
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Eyeshadow Save: Hard Candy
Top Ten Eyeshadow in 0524 Naturally Gorgeous, $6 at Walmart
If you're not willing to spend the money on Urban Decay's Naked palette, this one from Hard Candy is a solid dupe. It includes matte, shimmer, glitter and metallic finishes in 10 neutral colors that work on everyone. And it's just $6.
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Concealer Splurge: Yves Saint Laurent Beauty
Touche Éclat Face Highlighter Pen, $38 at Sephora
The cult product will help conceal all your blemishes in seconds.
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Concealer Save: Maybelline
Fit Me Concealer, $6.49 at Maybelline
This wand now comes in six new shades for a total of a dozen to cover up any blemishes and dark spots.
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Blush Splurge: NARS
Orgasm Blush, $30 at NARS
NARS has a long list of blushes, but this one continues to be the most beloved.
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Blush Save: CoverGirl
Cheekers Blush in Pretty Peach, $14.78 at Amazon
Get the peach hue for less.
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Mascara Splurge: Dior
Diorshow Mascara, $29.50 at Sephora
Get volume without any breakage with this makeup bag staple.
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Mascara Save: L'Oréal Paris
Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara, $7.25 at L'Oréal Paris
Mascara is one of the easiest makeup items to save on because there are so many great drugstore wands and formulations. Case in point: this one from L'Oréal Paris.
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Eyeliner Splurge: Sephora Collection
Long-Lasting 12 HR Wear Eye Liner, $12 at Sephora
Eyeliner is another area where it's particularly easy to save. Sephora Collection actually has very moderately priced items, so it's a great place to look when shopping the site's otherwise pricier brands.
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Eyeliner Save: L'Oréal Paris
Infallible The Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner, $8.95 at L'Oréal Paris
For something even lower priced than Sephora Collection, check out this slim-tip buy from L'Oréal Paris.
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Tinted SPF Foundation Splurge: Dr. Dennis Gross
Instant Radiance Sun Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40, $42 at Sephora
If you're someone who breaks out easily, it's important to have a brand like Dr. Dennis Gross to count on. This product not only helps smooth away any imperfections, it protects skin from the sun's rays so you won't need to layer sunscreen underneath.
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Tinted SPF Foundation Save: Ulta Beauty
Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30, $14 at Ulta Beauty
Ulta Beauty knows a thing or two about makeup. This hydrating tinted moisturizer not only packs SPF 30, but it contains nourishing vitamins C and E and light-reflecting particles for glowing skin.
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Lip Gloss Splurge: Tom Ford
Lip Slick, $54 at Tom Ford
Even women who hate lip products will love this totally nonsticky, moisturizing formula.
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Lip Gloss Save: NYX Professional Makeup
Intense Butter Gloss, $6.50 at NYX Cosmetics
Get a nonsticky feel and great color payoff with this line of glosses.
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Lipstick Splurge: Giorgio Armani Beauty
Lip Maestro Liquid Lipstick, $38 at Giorgio Armani Beauty
The next gen in lipstick, this velvety, ultra-pigmented formula lasts over eight hours. Giorgio Armani has had some seriously innovative products as of late and this one tops the list.
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Lipstick Save: Soap & Glory
Peach Pout Completely Balmy Lipstick, $9.99 at Target
This frugal buy from Soap & Glory is equally innovative. The brand says it's a lipstick that thinks it's a balm.
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Makeup Brush Splurge: Hourglass
Brushes, prices vary at Hourglass
Hourglass vegan brushes are butter soft, easy to wash and meticulously designed to get the job done.
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Makeup Brush Save: Sonia Kashuk
Brushes, prices vary at Target
Sonia Kashuk's brushes feel amazing on skin and she always has new, fun limited-edition sets.
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Highlighter Splurge: Clé de Peau Beauté
Luminizing Face Enhancer, $95 at Clé de Peau Beauté
No matter which shade you choose, you'll get a glow so natural, no one will be able to tell you're wearing makeup. The best part: you can apply it anywhere on your face.
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Highlighter Save: Mary Kay
Bronzing Powder, $18 at Mary Kay
Get a sun-kissed glow with this all-over highlighter.
