The joy and woe of building a makeup empire usually result in its cost. Yes, if you like to add shimmer to your routine why wouldn’t you get the latest bronzer from the Becca Cosmetic line?
Oh right, because it’s not payday and you may not be able to swing it this week. And even when you can, it might feel a little overwhelming on your wallet. That’s because you still have to buy the concealer, and eyeshadows, a lip liner, and under eye serum too. Starting to see a pattern?
Those premium cosmetic products in the display with the fancy lighting will always seem to hold some sort of appeal. But when you’re looking to reign in the cost of makeup, it’s not really the first option you’re going to pursue.
Thankfully, there are ways to create a comparable look for a fraction of the price. You can figuratively stretch the abilities your makeup has by mixing it up and utilizing what you already have! That might sound tricky, but it’s actually not too complicated. Here are a few ideas that can make your life a little easier and checkbook a little happier.
It’s All In The Eyes
The ancient Egyptians used charcoal to keep the sun out of their eyes, highlighting their features in the process. It’s hazardous, of course, to use some charcoal out of the BBQ pit and put it on your face. So instead, you can get the same effect by mixing four capsules of activated charcoal with a few drops of distilled water.
You only need to start with a couple of drops, then add more one at a time until the charcoal begins to clump. You can also mix it with coconut oil as a substitute for water! Activated charcoal is perfectly safe to use on your face as eyeshadow or eyeliner, and it’s a much more inexpensive way to create a perfect makeup upgrade.
Incidentally, eyeshadow and eyeliner aren’t actually that different. You can use them interchangeably and get the same results you want so you can wow the crowds!
Eye Shadows Of The Rainbow
You want to be vibrant and fun with your colors, but not break the bank? Then you’ve come to the right place. There’s an entire world to explore when creating makeup on a dime.
And you already have quite a few of the ingredients at home already! For instance, you can use Cocoa powder to give you a nice brown shade. If you mix it with a little glitter then, ta-da! You’ve got a rockin’ color. Spirulina works well for green, and a saffron and beetroot juice paste produces a bright orange hue! Then if you really want to elevate your colors you can use Moroccan Red Clay to give you a nice subtle pink, and Kaolin White Clay yields white.
Repurposing Mascara
Mascara was invented in ancient Egypt (go Egyptians!) and consists of pigmentation, oils, and waxes. These are the only three ingredients required to do the job, but modern products sometimes add in harmful chemicals to increase profit margins.
Instead of paying the inflated price, cook some up at home Mix two tsp. coconut oil, four tsp. aloe vera gel, and one tsp. beeswax in a saucepan and apply low heat. Stir until the beeswax melts, then add in 1-2 capsules of activated charcoal or cocoa powder. Stir until it is completely incorporated, then remove from heat and store in an empty mascara bottle. Voila! You just saved yourself a bunch of trips to the beauty store!
Bronzing Without Tanning
Ok, so a tan isn’t exactly considered makeup. Even though it changes how your skin looks overall. But bear with us here. Typically, people want a tan because they’re looking for a way to get that “sun-kissed glow” vibe. And sometimes going to the salon is an alternative option to simply step outside. That’s because you might have a better time to darken your skin this way.
So this method can not only keep your skin healthy, but it’s better than paying to get a tan at a salon! Try mixing cinnamon powder (for glow), cocoa (darkness and depth), nutmeg powder (sun-kissed brown), 2 tsp. of arrowroot powder, and about 15 drops of essential oil into your preferred shade. Mix them in a small bowl, and eliminate any clumps so it’s smooth. Pack in a compact container, and BOOM! Instant Bronzer.
Makeup Removal In Two Moves
Makeup remover can contain all kinds of harsh chemicals, but you only really need two ingredients. Jojoba oil closely resembles sebum, the stuff skin uses to cleanse itself. Vitamin E oil is a powerful antioxidant with moisturizing properties.
Fill a glass jar three-quarters of the way with jojoba oil, and then puncture a Vitamin E capsule and squeeze the contents inside. Close it up, shake well, and you have makeup remover!
Always Look Radiant
The cosmetics industry can make you feel like you need to spend a fortune in order to look your best. However, the truth is that you don’t have to!
Follow these tips to keep looking great without weighing your pocketbook down in the process!
