Beauty on a Budget

I am a beauty products junkie.  I can spend many happy hours in cosmetics stores and at beauty counters, testing, sniffing, primping, preening, and always walk out the door with at least a couple of items to add to my overflowing cosmetics drawers. Yes, there are times when I regret my purchases – and the more costly the product, the more I regret it. (I’m thinking of you, green color corrector that promised to make my ruddiness less so but made me look like Elphaba from Wicked, or worse, Herman Munster.  And I can’t forget the black glossy lip color that was fabulous on the cover of last fall’s Fashions of the Times, but  on me, was, well, ghastly and ghoulish.)

I don’t feel nearly as bad about trying a new trend, treatment or product if it’s priced right.  The following help you capture the season’s beauty trends – and at the right price.  No regrets here …

Go Matte Without Going Broke:  Matte nails are a huge look for spring.  Instead of buying new formulations of nail polish, mattify your current nail color wardrobe with Essie Matte About You, a topcoat that’s available for $10. at mass merchants and online at essie.com.  Or try Rescue Beauty Lounge Matte Top Coat for $18. from RescueBeauty.com.

The Eyes Have It:  The more expensive the eyeshadow, the less the tendency to crease on the lid.  If you want to try spring’s newest shades without going broke, opt for drugstore brands and prevent fading or creasing by priming your lids with L’Oreal’s De-Crease Eyeshadow Base and Primer,$7.99, at drugstores nationwide.

The Lushest Lashes:  There are dozens of mascaras on the market but the one that is consistently named as a favorite by beauty editors and makeup artists alike is Maybelline’s Great Lash.  For only $4.89, it imparts a fabulous and flirty fringe.  Available at drugstores nationwide.

Plump Your Lips Without Deflating Your Wallet:  Here’s a beauty writer’s trick for plumping your pucker without expensive products.  After brushing your teeth, use a soft toothbrush to gently brush your lips.  Then apply a coating of Carmex lip balm, available for $1.29 at drugstores nationwide.  The menthol in the Carmex helps plump the brushed lip skin and softens and protects lips too.

Make Your Makeup Last:   Your drugstore foundation will stay put longer if the skin is properly primed. Skindinavia’s No More Shine diminishes oiliness without drying the skin and delivers a matte look for up to 16 hours.  Skindinavia’s 10 Years Younger Makeup Finish hydrates the skin for a vibrant glow without a sparkly appearance.  It also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  Both are available for  $19. each at Skindinavia.com.