Contrary to what many may think, my everyday makeup essentials really only boil down to 5. I don’t believe that the price of a product is indicative of it’s quality. I have a nice mix of the expensive and the budget – all of which works well on my skin. Here’s sharing my essentials & their budget versions:
#1: Lipstick
Because my makeup is mostly always light, I love playing with bright coloured lipsticks and lipsticks that last long on my lips.
I’ve always loved using bright orangey shades and the one I’ve been loving so far is the one from Elizabeth Arden in Mandarin. Superb staying on power.
It’s budget version has got to be GOSH. I walked into SASA the other day and swatched some lippies and came out feeling so good to have some such a budget gem! It glides on smoothly and has fabulous colour pay off. It doesn’t last as long as Elizabeth Arden’s one though.
Splurge: Elizabeth Arden Lipstick, $35 (here)
Budget: GOSH Velvet Touch Lipstick, $18.90
#2: Loose Powder
I don’t usually use loose powder but I always have one handy in my bag for high shine moments. I love both these budget and splurge options below.
Tony Moly’s Babydoll BB powder is very light, and goes on very smoothly. It has a nice pearly finish to it.
Elizabeth Arden’s Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 20 has better coverage and stays on longer. I love how long this keeps my face matt.
Splurge: Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 20, $60 (here)
Budget: Tony Moly Babydoll BB Powder, S$19.90 – S$49.90
#3: Eyebrow Pencil
Ever since I got my eyebrow embroidery done at Erabelle, I now only need light touching up on my eyebrows on a daily basis. I’ve been using Erabelle’s eyebrow pencil and I LOVE IT. The brown shade is very natural and it’s easy to sharpen too. The brush on the other end blends any harsh strokes very well, making my eyebrows look natural.
Before Erabelle I was using 3 Concept Eyes eyebrow pencil (review here) which has been working well for me. I just wish it came with a brush!
Splurge: Erabelle Eyebrow Pencil, $34.24 (here)
Budget: 3 Concept Eyes Eyebrow Pencil, $12.90 (here)
#4: Mascara
So far, I love my CLIO TwistUp Mascara to bits. It’s lengthening and coats well enough to make every strand look thicker without clumping. SUPER LOVE. I think this is good enough, and a choice I’ll come back to again and again. Maybelline has some pretty good ones to check out too if you prefer.
If you’re looking for a splurge alternative, check out highly raved Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara.
Splurge: Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara, $50 (here)
Budget: CLIO TwistUp Mascara, $24.90 (here)
#5: Eyeliner
This is another undisputed choice between splurge and budget. K-Palette is super good. It is jet black, allows me great control and does not smudge at all! You can read my full review here. I’m a big fan, and regular user of K-Palette liquid eyeliners. In fact I’ll even go as far as to claim that this is the best liquid eyeliner in the Singapore market.
If you would still prefer a more expensive alternative, do check out M.A.C. Super Slick Liquid Eyeliner. I like the shiny bits in the formulation. It doesn’t smudge at all too! Instead it’ll flake instead off.
Splurge: M.A.C. Super Slick Liquid Eyeliner, $35 (here)
Budget: K-Palette Real Lasting Eyeliner, $19.90 (here)
I hope you enjoyed reading this! If you have your own favourites to suggest too, please comment away! :)
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