Another year, another makeup routine. Makeup has gone a long way. I remember when I used to only use color correcting primer and I thought to myself “wow, my makeup looks nice!”. Now, I understand that primer was just the first step in a much more comprehensive routine. But do more steps mean that you will look your most beautiful? Well, the answer isn’t straightforward. Makeup is a form of self-expression, and its beauty lies in the eye of the beholder—or, in this case, the wearer. Whether it’s experimenting with eye color combinations or mastering the art of blending, the joy of makeup comes from the process of creating looks that reflect your personal style. For those new to makeup or seeking to enhance their skills without overspending, here’s a guide to the key factors to take into consideration when developing a budget-friendly makeup routine, or routine in general.
1. Prioritize Skincare
Identify the product that nurtures your skin: Healthy skin is the best canvas for any makeup look. Incorporate skincare products that address your specific skin concerns. The Ordinary and CeraVe are two brands known for their effective, budget-friendly skincare lines. The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a hydration powerhouse, perfect for prepping the skin before makeup. CeraVe offers a variety of moisturizers and cleansers that are gentle and designed to maintain the skin’s barrier, ensuring a smooth base for makeup application. And don’t forget, a good sunscreen helps seal the deal. Avéne is a good product with a high SPF of 50+. All these products can be found on Lookfantastic, often with the chance of a discount.
2. Identifying The Best Primer For Your Skin
This is crucial in creating a flawless makeup look. A good primer not only helps your makeup last longer but also addresses specific skin concerns, such as oiliness, dryness, or enlarged pores, enhancing the overall appearance of your skin under makeup. Here are some recommendations for primers based on different skin types, all of which offer quality without breaking the bank and are accessible.
For Oily Skin: NYXProfessional Makeup Shine Killer Primer. This primer is specifically designed to combat oiliness, providing a matte finish that keeps shine at bay throughout the day. Its formula is lightweight and doesn’t clog pores, making it perfect for those who struggle with excess oil.
For Dry Skin: e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer</b. e.l.f.’s Hydrating Face Primer is enriched with vitamins to nourish the skin, while its creamy texture smoothens and hydrates. It creates a silky base for makeup application, ensuring that dry patches are minimized and your skin looks refreshed.
For Sensitive Skin: Bare With Me Cannabis SPF 30 Primer
Keep your skin calm, cool, and collected—plus protected against UVA and UVB rays—with NYX’s Bare With Me Cannabis SPF 30 primer. The formula with cannabis sativa seed oil and SPF 30 provides 24-hour hydration while helping soothe and protect skin.
Remember, the key to a flawless makeup application starts with the right base, making primer an essential step in your routine.
Pro Tip: When selecting your primer, it’s important to note the distinction between water-based and silicone-based formulas. Matching your primer’s base with that of your foundation is a little trick we recommend for enhancing the longevity and appearance of your makeup. Pairing a silicone-based primer with silicone-based makeup, and similarly, a water-based primer with water-based makeup ensures a blend that stays beautifully throughout the day. While it’s not necessary for all your makeup products to share the same base, aligning your primer and foundation bases can significantly improve your makeup’s finish.
3. Prioritize Your Makeup Needs
Identify your staples: Begin by identifying the products you use most and invest in good-quality versions of these staples. For many, this could mean a reliable foundation, a versatile eyeshadow palette, and a long-lasting lipstick. When talking about good quality makeup, we don’t mean that you should spend a fortune. Many brands deliver products that can compete with luxury offerings without the hefty price tag. For Instance, NYX and e.l.f offer a wide range of high-quality staples like foundations, mascaras, and lip products at amazing prices. Their Bare with Me line, for example, combines makeup with skin-loving ingredients. The NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Concealer Serum offers natural-looking medium coverage with long-lasting hydration. It’s also worth noting that this product is vegan. Moreover, shopping for NYX and e.l.f. products on Lookfantastic often means enjoying additional discounts, making these affordable options even more attractive.
Side note: As mentioned earlier regarding primers, consider what type of skin you have before choosing your foundation.
4. Explore Subscription Boxes And Samples
Try before you buy: Subscription boxes like Ipsy or Birchbox can be a cost-effective way to try new products tailored to your preferences. Many beauty stores also offer samples or travel-sized versions of popular items, allowing you to test out a product before committing to a full-size purchase.
5. Be Mindful Of Expiry Dates
Last but certainly not least: Waste not, want not. Keep track of your makeup’s expiry dates to minimize waste but also to safeguard your skin’s health. Using makeup that has surpassed its expiry date is not just about losing product effectiveness; it poses a real risk to your skin. Expired products can lead to a variety of skin issues, including clogged pores, breakouts, and pimples, as the breakdown of ingredients can irritate the skin and disrupt its natural balance.
Embracing the given advice may elevate your makeup game but also ensure a routine that is both kind to your skin and wallet. Remember, the essence of makeup lies in enhancing your natural beauty and expressing your individuality. With the right products, techniques, and care, you can unveil your best self every day. Here’s to a year of radiant looks and boundless creativity, where the only limit is your imagination.
