14 Money-Saving Makeup Hacks Straight from the Experts

Looking beautiful on a budget is possible with the right tricks. Professional makeup artists often rely on affordable products to create stunning looks. With a few helpful tips, you can achieve professional-level results at home. These simple beauty hacks will show you how to make the most of your makeup and skincare products. Whether you want to refresh your routine or try something new, these tips are here to help.

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Make Your Eyes Shine with Shimmery Lip Gloss

Shimmery lip gloss is not just for lips-it can also be used to make your eyes sparkle. Apply a small amount of gloss to your eyelids for a subtle, dewy shine. This is an inexpensive way to add some dimension to your eyes without needing high-end eye products. A quality lip gloss can double as an eye-catching highlighter, giving your eyes a fresh, luminous look.

The best part is that lip gloss is easy to apply and often comes in a variety of colors and finishes. Whether you prefer a soft shimmer or a more intense sparkle, there is a gloss that fits every look. This affordable product helps create a glowing eye look with little effort. It’s a simple, budget-friendly hack that can take your makeup to the next level.

Prevent Foundation Caking by Applying Moisturizer First

Before applying foundation, moisturizing your skin is an essential and affordable step in preventing a cakey appearance. By hydrating your skin first, you create a smooth base that helps foundation apply evenly. Moisturizer locks in hydration, ensuring that your makeup does not settle into fine lines or dry patches. This step is often overlooked, but it can make a significant difference in the overall look and feel of your makeup.

A budget moisturizer can work just as effectively as high-end options, providing the necessary moisture your skin needs. This simple step can enhance the texture and longevity of your foundation without the need for expensive primers. It helps your makeup last longer and appear fresher throughout the day. A good moisturizer is a must-have, no matter your beauty budget.

Hydrate Your Skin with Sheet Masks Before Applying Makeup

Sheet masks are a great budget-friendly way to give your skin a boost of hydration before applying makeup. They are usually affordable and come in various types to target different skin needs, such as dryness or dullness. Using a sheet mask helps your skin absorb moisture, creating a smooth canvas for makeup application. By using an inexpensive sheet mask, you avoid the need for expensive primers or moisturizers.

Not only are sheet masks an affordable option, but they also save time by providing hydration in just 15-20 minutes. Hydrated skin allows makeup to sit better, reducing the risk of cakey or uneven finishes. Sheet masks are easy to use and can be found at most drugstores, making them a convenient and effective addition to any routine. This quick hack delivers professional-looking results without a high cost.

Make Lipstick Last Longer with a Layer of Lip Stain

Using lip stain as a base under your lipstick is a budget-friendly way to ensure longer-lasting color. Lip stains are often less expensive than long-lasting lipsticks, and they provide a natural base that holds other products in place. By layering a lip stain underneath, you avoid the need for expensive touch-ups throughout the day. This trick helps your lipstick stay vibrant and prevents it from fading quickly.

Lip stain also has the added benefit of feeling lighter on the lips, making it perfect for those who prefer a more natural look. The longevity it provides allows you to wear lipstick confidently without worrying about constant reapplication. This affordable hack makes a huge difference in the staying power of your makeup without needing a collection of pricey products. Lip stains are an essential, cost-effective tool in any beauty routine.

Fill in Lips with Lip Liner Instead of Just Outlining Them

Using lip liner to fill in your lips is an affordable way to achieve fuller, long-lasting color. Lip liners are usually cheaper than lipsticks, and filling in the entire lip can prevent lipstick from fading or smudging throughout the day. This hack allows you to create a perfect base, which enhances the staying power of your lip color. Instead of buying several lipsticks, you can rely on a single liner to define and color your lips.

Additionally, lip liners come in a wide range of shades, so you can experiment with different looks without breaking the bank. By filling in your lips completely with liner, you avoid the need for constant touch-ups throughout the day. This simple trick is a cost-effective way to achieve a polished lip look without the need for multiple products. It’s a perfect solution for a budget-conscious beauty routine.

Properly Dampen Your Beauty Sponge for Better Application Results

A beauty sponge is a must-have tool for flawless makeup application, and properly dampening it can make a world of difference. By wetting your beauty sponge, you allow it to expand and create a smoother, more even finish. This affordable tool, when used correctly, helps apply foundation and concealer without wasting product. A beauty sponge gives a natural, airbrushed look without the need for expensive brushes or tools.

When dampened, the sponge helps blend makeup seamlessly into the skin, creating a smooth, dewy finish. It also prevents products from absorbing into the sponge, allowing you to use less foundation and get better coverage. This simple trick ensures that your makeup looks flawless while keeping your budget intact. It’s an easy, effective way to enhance your makeup routine without buying additional tools.

Add a Chemical Exfoliator to Your Nighttime Skincare Routine

Chemical exfoliators are an affordable and effective way to keep your skin smooth and clear. Instead of relying on expensive scrubs, use a gentle exfoliant with AHAs or BHAs to remove dead skin cells. These exfoliators help improve skin texture and promote a radiant complexion without the need for harsh, expensive treatments. You can find quality chemical exfoliators at most drugstores, making them a cost-effective option.

Regular use of a chemical exfoliator helps your skincare products absorb better and can prevent clogged pores. These exfoliants work by dissolving dead skin cells, rather than scrubbing them away, which is gentler on the skin. Incorporating a chemical exfoliator into your routine helps maintain clear, glowing skin. It is an essential and budget-friendly step for anyone seeking smoother skin.

Contour Your Cheeks by Placing Product on Top of Your Cheekbones

Contouring does not need to be an expensive endeavor when you focus on strategic placement. Placing the contour product directly on top of the cheekbones adds definition and enhances your facial structure with just a small amount of product. You can use an affordable cream or powder contour instead of purchasing expensive high-end kits. This simple technique brings attention to your best features without requiring a collection of pricey products.

By placing the contour product on top of the cheekbones, you emphasize your natural bone structure and create the illusion of lifted cheeks. This hack is quick and effective, offering a natural, sculpted look. It eliminates the need for complex contouring techniques and keeps your makeup routine simple. Whether you use a budget contour stick or powder, this method provides high-impact results without overspending.

Line Your Eyes with Brown Liner for a Softer Look

Brown eyeliner is an affordable alternative to black liner for those looking for a softer, more natural look. It is versatile and works well for both day and evening makeup looks. Brown liner is often more forgiving on the eyes, making it ideal for creating a smudged, smoky effect without the harshness of black. This simple product can be used to create a variety of eye-catching looks without the need for expensive products.

Using brown eyeliner instead of black gives you a gentler, more subtle appearance that complements all skin tones. It can also be used on the lower lash line for a softer, more natural finish. Many drugstore brands offer high-quality brown liners, making this hack easy to incorporate into your routine. It is an inexpensive way to achieve beautiful eyes without breaking the bank.

Try Contouring with a Cream Stick for a Natural Finish

Contouring with a cream stick is a budget-friendly way to define your face naturally. These sticks are often more affordable than powders or contour kits and offer a softer, more blended look. Cream contours blend seamlessly into the skin, creating a more natural finish that is perfect for everyday wear. A single cream stick can last a long time, making it an excellent investment for your beauty routine.

Cream contouring products are versatile and easy to apply, requiring only a few quick strokes. They are great for beginners, as they are easier to blend compared to powders. This affordable contour method allows you to sculpt and define your face without purchasing a full set of contour products. The result is a smooth, natural contour that looks as if it is a part of your skin.

Use Setting Spray to Extend the Life of Your Makeup

Setting spray is an affordable and effective way to make your makeup last all day. After finishing your makeup, a quick spritz of setting spray helps lock everything in place and prevents your makeup from fading or smudging. Many budget-friendly setting sprays are available that provide just as much staying power as expensive options. A quality setting spray can ensure your makeup stays fresh through long days or hot weather.

Setting spray is especially useful for those with oily or combination skin, as it helps control shine and keeps makeup intact for longer periods. It is a quick step to add at the end of your routine, making a big difference without costing much. It’s a must-have product for anyone who wants their makeup to last without touching up constantly. This simple hack is a great investment for achieving a flawless finish.

Get Dewy Skin with a Budget-Friendly Illuminating Primer

An illuminating primer can create a radiant glow without breaking the bank. Applying a thin layer of a drugstore illuminating primer before foundation gives your skin a healthy, lit-from-within look. It works by creating a smooth base while adding a subtle glow, making your skin appear refreshed and youthful. Many affordable options on the market provide the same effect as high-end products, giving you the glow you desire.

The primer’s glow will not only brighten your complexion but also help the foundation apply smoothly. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a dewy finish without using multiple products. Simply apply it before your foundation to achieve a natural, radiant look that lasts all day. This budget beauty hack ensures your skin shines with little effort and even less cost.

Use Translucent Powder to Set Your Makeup and Control Shine

Translucent powder is a must-have budget-friendly product for setting your makeup and controlling shine. Applying a light dusting of this powder over your foundation helps to lock everything in place while preventing your makeup from creasing or moving throughout the day. It also mattifies the skin, ensuring that oily areas, such as the T-zone, stay shine-free. This affordable product is versatile and works for all skin tones without adding any extra color or weight.

Translucent powder is often available in compact form, making it easy to carry in your bag for quick touch-ups. It’s a great alternative to high-end setting powders that can be more expensive, offering similar results without the hefty price tag. For a flawless finish, lightly press the powder into the skin using a brush or sponge. This simple product can keep your makeup intact and your skin looking fresh all day.

Create a Natural Glow with DIY Highlighter Using Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly is an inexpensive yet effective way to create a dewy, natural highlighter. Simply dab a small amount onto the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones, brow bone, and the bridge of your nose. This hack adds a subtle, glossy glow without the need for expensive highlighters. The jelly blends seamlessly into the skin, giving you a fresh, hydrated look that lasts throughout the day.

This budget-friendly alternative is perfect for those looking to achieve a glowing, illuminated complexion without buying multiple high-end products. A little goes a long way, making petroleum jelly a long-lasting and versatile addition to your beauty routine. It can also be used to highlight your collarbones or cupid’s bow for an added touch of glow. This simple trick ensures you shine bright without breaking the bank.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.