Photo: Karly Jones
We've all been there: eyeing that coveted eyeshadow palette or the latest mascara, only to hesitate at the price tag. But fear not, beauty enthusiasts! It's entirely possible to indulge in your passion without emptying your wallet.
Today, I've gathered five very simple,, yet working tips that will help you save your budget from breaking during the uneasy, post-pandemic times. Do you have what to add? Please, let me know in the comments, I'm definitely in need of some money-saving makeup hacks!
- #1. Give Your Makeup Products a Second Chance
I love multi-purpose beauty products. At some point in my life, I saw no point in buying makeup products, if I can't use them for a few different purposes. Everyone knows that you can use lipstick as a cream blusher and even as an eyeshadow. Did you know that? So, you can give your not-so-frequently used makeup products a second chance, by using them in a completely new way. For example, I love to use one of my old matte eyeshadow palettes for contouring.
Why not? It has all of the necessary shades to sculpt my cheekbones and highlight my bone structure. Loose (or broken) pigments and shimmering eyeshadows can be mixed with body lotion (oil) for a glowing effect on the skin. Fenty Beauty body lava can only dream of a similar luminescent effect! Just use some imagination and you can save a dime for more useful makeup purchases.
Photo: Dominika Roseclay
- #2. Try to Accomplish a Project Pan
Every human being has a fun hobby. If your favorite activity is to collect makeup and never actually use it, I have two news pieces for you. One unfortunate ‒ you won't be able to finish all of your favorite makeup palettes until the expiration date approaches. Most likely that gorgeous Anastasia eyeshadow palette you loved to admire will have to spend its retirement days in the trash can, together with the dry nail polishes and used makeup wipes. Not the most honorable way to go.
The good news is that you can turn your makeup passion into something more challenging. I'm talking about Project Pan. It is a fun, money-saving challenge for those who are ready to hit the bottom of the pan, finish their favorite makeup products, and move on to new beauty products. This project or challenge demands dedication, so try not to buy similar makeup products while following it. Start right away, and you'll see the positive effect of the Project Pan on your wallet almost immediately.
- #3. Choose Quality Over Quantity When it Comes to Makeup
This makeup-saving rule applies almost to any situation. To save money on fashion, you have to invest in a working capsule wardrobe, which saves you time and money. Desire to eat healthier, then you must follow a simple, high-quality diet. Longing for a well-organized, money-saving makeup collection? Then you have to stop adding unnecessary makeup junk to your drawers, expanding the quantity of the products you'll never use.
Yes, I know how tempting it is to pick up yet another lip gloss packed in the cutest packaging (damn those kawaii makeup products). Remember that more is less. Shop for more expensive products and do this ritual less frequently, then you'll not need to worry about the makeup collection expansion and growing the hole in your budget.
Photo: Emily Fales
- #4. Buy Some Makeup Products in Bulk
Yes, that's right, you can save a good amount of money, by buying even more makeup! If you love makeup and wear it daily, then you go through a bottle of concealer, black eye kohl, or eyebrow pencil in no time. Therefore, purchasing wholesale makeup in bulk will save you from a few troubles at the same time ‒ you won't see an unexpectedly empty tube of your favorite under-eye concealer the following morning and receive a nice discount on bulk purchases. Obviously. initially, this will be more of a hit on your bank account.
However, if you have a credit card (look these up if not) then use this to purchase your makeup in bulk, and then pay it back over a while. Just make sure to follow all of the makeup storage rules and check the expiration date once in a while. Face makeup like foundations, primers, and concealers usually last up to 24 months, while mascaras and lipsticks have a shorter lifespan of 12 months.
- #5. Affordable Makeup Doesn't Mean Bad-Quality
Affordable beauty products are fantastic, especially when you know what and where to buy them. If you are an experienced budget beauty buyer, then you won't have trouble purchasing good-quality brands and you can easily save money on makeup during and after the pandemic. But what if you aren't familiar with the particular drugstore brand? Then you are at risk of losing your hard cash on woeful.
In this case, it is better to go for good-old, trustful brands, which have earned a good reputation. Professional makeup brands like Charlotte Tilbury, Nars, and Mac are some of the most tried-and-true brands, that develop high-quality makeup products for every skin tone and condition.
Final Thoughts...
With just a pinch of creativity and attention to detail, you can still achieve a stunning look without breaking the bank. By implementing these strategies, you can enjoy high-quality makeup while maintaining a healthy budget. Now, it's your turn to experiment and find your own unique beauty routine.