by Cassandra Rae Ferguson

Created on: January 19, 2009   Last Updated: February 12, 2009

Few of us have an excess cash flow with which to purchase expensive cosmetics. This is especially true of those of us with a home, family and many other financial priorities that come way before our appearance! Fortunately, flawless makeup does not always require a large budget. There are ways and means to wear beautiful makeup without burning a large hole in your back pocket. Here's how to get more makeup bang for your buck, keeping your money in your wallet.

Avoid Following Trends

Just as it is unnecessary for everyone to follow every new trend, neither is it required that you purchase every new product released into the market. Great looks can be achieved with minimal products and they do not have to be top of the range or the most expensive to be reliable. If your current products are working well for you, stick with them.

Clean Up Your Act

Open up your makeup kit and take everything out. Group items into things you use often and items you don't. The group of items that you use regularly is where you should spend most of your makeup budget. Splurge on items that you believe are the most important; everyone's priorities will be different, so do what works for you and your lifestyle. Those items which you rarely use, you may opt to spend much less money on.

What You Do & Don't Need

Everyone's list of essentials' or basics' is different. This is such a personal thing. Some can get by with no makeup or just a hint of lip colour, others prefer to wear a full face of makeup every day and buy something new each week. Don't be fooled into must haves' or cosmetics you just can't live without'. These phrases are simply gimmicks used by manufacturers to sell you a product. Start experimenting with the makeup which you already have you may be surprised with the results!

Scrimp Or Splurge

Even professionals differ in their prioritisation when it comes to their makeup budgets. Below is a suggested guide on where to splurge and where to save.

FOUNDATION & POWDER You may want to spend a little more on quality for these products, to achieve a better colour match, longer-lasting properties and compatibility with photography.

CONCEALER It is not necessary to spend a lot here; a cake concealer will last longest because you need to use less.

CHEEK & LIP COLOUR Cheap ones will serve you just as well as the expensive ones, so save your well-earned pennies for other items! No matter what you spend on lip colours, they still wear off with time!

EYE & LIP PENCILS Inexpensive

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