Beauty School: Beauty on a Budget

Looking fabulous doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. ChickAdvisor member MeredithK115 challenged us to create a polished office-ready look for under $50 that easily transitions to sultry nighttime fun.  We took her up on that challenge and invited her in for a makeover - here's how to get Meredith's look:

e.l.f. Beauty Encyclopedia Everyday Eye Edition - includes 14 eyeshadows, eyeliner, and eyeshadow brush
Joe Fresh Beauty Blush in Pink
CoverGirl LashBlast Length Mascara in Very Black
Joe Fresh Beauty Sheer Lip Crayon in Apple
EcoTools 6 Piece Bamboo Brush Set - includes blush, eye shadow, eyeliner, concealer brushes, and lash & brow groomer plus cotton hemp case


Step 1: Even your skin tone with your favorite foundation or tinted moisturizer. Use a concealer to cover any discolorations and dark circles, then set with a translucent powder to create the perfect canvas that will last all day.

Step 2: Prime your lids with the same concealer you used on your face. Using the fluffy eyeshadow brush from the EcoTools 6 Piece Brush Set, apply a light wash of the light peachy colour from the e.l.f. palette all over the lid. Using the angled brush, draw a guide with the dark brown colour from the outer corner of your eyes towards the end of your eyebrow, stopping at the crease.

 
Step 3:  Using the fluffy brush, pat on the dark bronze eyeshadow on the outer third of your eyelids, just passing the crease.
 

Step 4: Apply the same bronze shade with the fluffy brush on the outer half of the lower lashline. Clean off the fluffy brush with a tissue paper and blend out any harsh edges in a windshield wiper motion.

 
Step 5: Using the thin brush, apply a bit of concealer under the outer brow bone to erase any colours. Tap on the lightest champagne eyeshadow on top of the concealer to create a more 3 dimensional effect and make your eyes pop. Smudge the black eyeliner from the e.l.f. palette and blend upwards with a q-tip.
 

Step 6: Apply 2 coats of CoverGirl LashBlast Length on top and bottom lashes. Fill in eyebrows and comb it out with a eyebrow comb.
 

Step 7: Apply Joe Fresh Beauty Blush in Pink with the EcoTools dome face brush on the apples of the cheeks. Tap a little bit of the golden cream highlighter from the e.l.f palette on cheekbones for a subtle glow.


This is the perfect polished look for the office.


Step 8: To transition the look from day to night, darken the outer corners of the lids with a bit of black, and highlight the inner corners of the eyes with the light champagne shade.
 

Step 9: Finish off the look by applying a sheer layer of Joe Fresh Beauty Sheer Lip Crayon in Apple.

by Mandy Fok