Budget or Fudge It: Makeup

This is the first installment of a series I’m really excited about: Budget or Fudge it. A lot of what I pull together here on the blog revolves around my favourite things: my fave spots to eat in Toronto, the best trips I’ve been on, seasonal trends I’m hyped about. I’m fortunate to be an employed millennial with no family of my own to support just yet, so I can go out and enjoy those things at this stage in my life, and when I find a fashionable item that’s not so on sale, I can from time to time, find a way to fudge the numbers and afford it. But I’m a very long way from dressing in designer from head to toe on a daily basis, and at the end of the day, I’m a girl in my twenties, lusting after high fashion trends, doing my best to stay stylish on a budget. This series is all about the ways in which I stay within my budget, and the times at which I just say okay, fudge it.

First up on my list, makeup. Some drugstore items do just the trick, but some department store finds are truly unparalleled.

Foundation: Budget or Fudge it?

Fudge it: I have really volatile skin, so foundation is one place I splurge when it comes to makeup. Gee Beauty is my most trusted beauty ally, so I get my Foundation Stick (in Tender Beige) from the Gee Beauty Boutique here in Toronto. Each foundation stick is about $35, but my skin never looks better than it does when I’m wearing this stuff. Often I’ll mix in some Vichy Normaderm Anti-Imperfection (in Opal) to create a more liquid serum. Then, I set my foundation with Vicy Dermablend Mineral Powder, which, despite being on the pricer side, keeps my makeup intact for hours and comes in containers that last for months.

Bronzer: Budget or Fudge it?

Budget: A friend showed me Rimmel London's Natural Bronzer a few years ago, and I've been relying on it for a subtle, sun-kissed glow ever since. It goes on so effortlessly, and comes in such a broad range of hues, that you're sure to find one that complements your skin tone and the foundation you use. I use the Sunshine shade, and wouldn't think of changing to another bronzer. I love this one.

Eyebrow Pencil: Budget or Fudge it?

Fudge it: Out of my entire beauty routine, my brows are what cause me the greatest grief. I have very sparse brows – not light – my hair is naturally quite dark and my brows are no exception. The problem is I just don’t have that many hairs comprising my brows, so I need a little help filling them in. After experimenting with several brow kit options during university, I finally found a tool that gives me exactly the shape and texture I desire. Anastasia’s Perfect Brow Pencil in Dark Brown is my savior when it comes to my brows, and although it sets me back $35 every time I buy one at Sephora, the return on investment is high.

Eye Shadow: Budget or Fudge it?

Budget: Eye shadow is one area I’m quite reluctant to spend money in, especially when there are so many great eye shadow options at the drug store. My go-to is the Maybelline New York's Nudes Palette, which is modeled off of Urban Decay’s Naked Palettes, but costs two thirds less than those sets. Every colour I use on a regular basis is included in this palette, and there are also some darker shades I save for dressier evening occasions that warrant a smoky eye.

Blush: Budget or Fudge it?

Fudge it: Two years ago I would have said budget for this one, but that was before I discovered Dior’s Rosy Glow Healthy Glow Awakening Blush. This stuff is genius; the petal pink rose shade blends with any skin tone to create the perfect, subtle flush of colour. I absolutely love the stuff, although it’s definitely not the thrifty option, at $50 a pop.

Eyeliner: Budget or Fudge it?

Budget: I swear by Revlon’s ColourStay Skinny Liquid Liner (in Blackout), as it’s so easy to use when creating a subtle winged look for daytime, or an elaborate cat eye for a night out on the town. At $8, it’s probably my favourite beauty product ever.

Lipstick: Budget or Fudge it?

Fudge it: Okay, okay. I know what you’re thinking. There are tons of lipsticks out there that look great and won’t break the bank. But have you tried Yves Saint Laurent’s Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick? It’s moisturizing, it’s lasting, and it makes me feel like a glamourous Bond girl, every time I swipe it on my lips. 1 Le Rouge is that classic red shade that never goes out of style – my absolute favourite.

Mascara: Budget or Fudge it?

Budget: I went through a phase of only buying expensive mascara. In short, I fell in love with the Dior Diorshow Mascara and never thought another product would compare. Although Diorshow is magnificent, it’s over $30 a tube, and mascara is what I always go through the quickest. Plus, according to the experts, one should only use mascara for one month after it’s been opened, for hygienic reasons. We’ve also had a ton of great mascaras come on the scene in recent years, with a lot of them costing less than $10. My favourite is Maybelline’s Volume Express Rocket Mascara (in Very Black) as it glides on easily, curls my lashes and really doesn’t clump at all. I’m a big fan.

What are your beauty must-haves, and where do you splurge when it comes to your makeup?

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