Miranda's $20 Makeup Challenge + Everday Look
I was really impressed by Alexandra’s look for her $20 Makeup Challenge which prompted me to put my own bargain hunting skills to the test! I have to say I’m pretty good at finding quality makeup at a fraction of the price. Most of my favourite makeup are drugstore brands so I thought I would breeze through this challenge no problem…Turns out, it was a lot harder to stay within budget. Because of this I had to do a little improvising and you might be surprised by some of my selections

I was really fixated on staying in budget so I based my product selections on this, making sure everything accumulated to $20 or less (including tax). I found everything in two trips to Walmart and Shopper's Drug Mart. Shopper's was having a huge price-drop on almost all their beauty brands so I had to take advantage.

Step 1: Essence Forget it! 3in1 Concealer
Concealer is a must in my makeup process and it was my first time trying this product. I used the beige against my blemishes and all-around my face and the pink under my eyes as a highlighter. The green is meant to disguise redness but I didn't find any use for this in my process. I discovered that the beige concealer went on too lightly and was greasy. It
had a creamy, silicone texture and I was not too fond of it. It did give me
some coverage to start.
Step 2: Essence Sun Club Eyeshadow Palette in Long Beach
I’ve never used Essence eyeshadow before but two things caught my attention: the price and colours. This eyeshadow palette comes with 8 different sun-kissed shades and a duo brush and sponge applicator making it easy to use on-the-go. I wanted to create a neutral look but with a bit of hue. It was difficult choosing a color scheme. I used three colours: a dark, medium and light and brush for blending. Although it looks like a fun kit, the formula was loose and powdery and did set on my eyelids as nicely as I wished.
Step 3: New York Color Liquid Eyeliner
Next, I lined the top of my eye. This makes my eyes 'pop' and to give my eyes dimension, I created a cat-eye look. The eyeliner is fine tip and glides on smooth and dries quickly without any smudging or mess. I’ve been using NYC liquid eyeliner for a while and never bothered to change it. It gives me the results I want and it only costs $1.96. I’m very pleased with this purchase.
Step 4: Maybelline New York Colossal Volum’ Express Mascara
When choosing mascaras I always settle for drugstore brands. I don’t really invest too much. Maybelline has a large selection of mascaras and all work wonders for me. I like going for volume and length and this brush applicator delivers. It was easy to use, picked up a lot of formula and extended my lashes while thickening them.
Step 5: Nivea Cherry Fruity Shine Lip Balm
Lastly, I applied my favourite on-the-go-lip balm. I cheated and bought this balm for my lips and cheeks. It has a soft red pigment and was not sticky when applied. The first result was pretty transparent and needed to layer for more color. The only thing I fear about applying this to my cheeks is whether it will cause breakouts on my face, but so far, so good! Definitely a keeper.

There you have it! This makeup style can be worn out day/night. It’s subtle and if I want to take it up a notch I can add more layers to my eyes, cheeks and lips for a bold look. The only things I wish I could add to the list was blush and foundation, but overall I think I did pretty good. What do you think? Have you tried any of these products? What are your drugstore favourites?
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18 Comments
For budget make-up, you really need to check out e.l.f cosmetics, I think you really need a tintended moisturiser or face cream to make it an every day look, something with some SPF in it to prevent the sun damaging your pretty face. I would check out e.l.f's either $6 cream foundation for that, or one of their cheaper tinted moisturizers | |
i love that challenge and i also your make up love the eye make up i always love find great deals make up and not always spend big bucks i love your trick about lip balm | |
Looks perfect! Love the idea of the lip balm as a blush. Geeenius! | |
Looks great! | |
Just goes to prove beauty isn't expensive. Great makeup, and your my kind of shopper. I love saving money, and I love to get free stuff I am addicted. Great tips, you look hot !! | |
Love love love the colossal mascara! My favorite! | |
| |
You have got very revealing eyes. I liked the make up, simple and very light. | |
Your eyes look amazing! Such great ideas! | |
Nice job Miranda. I never would have thought about using the lip balm on my cheeks either, but it works and I never would have known if you hadn't said. You ladies are really showing all of us just how well we can look on a tight budge, thanks! |
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