Makeup on a budget

Designing your own personal style does not require using designer clothes, designer makeup or even designer hairstyles. Instead, it is perfectly acceptable to put together a personal style on a budget. You don\’t have to be Paris Hilton in order to look good in makeup. You do need a bit of shopping skills and improvisation in order to use products that give you the designer look without the designer cost.

One way of looking as if you have fashion makeup applied is to start with a clean slate. This means that yesterday\’s makeup was completely cleaned off, you have moisturized and run toner over your face to ensure that all environmental dirt and old makeup has been removed. Especially pay attention to old eyeshadow that cakes and smears on the lower eyelid. Having black eyeshadow from lower lid to upper cheek doesn\’t give you a \”smoky eye\” appearance, it just makes you look like you just rolled out of bed.

Inexpensive eye makeup remover and foundation remover are baby wipes. Be careful which ones you use because most have scent and chemicals which may be detrimental to your particular skin type. Look for unscented baby wipes or use moisturizer on a cotton swab which works well to remove eye makeup and foundation. Another inexpensive option is baby shampoo. Wash your face with your favorite facial cleanser and follow it with baby shampoo on your eyelids and eyelashes.

Another factor to consider is having your eyebrows shaped. Bushy brows are not appealing on anyone, but then neither are are penciled thin lines that cut across the top of your forehead. Instead, see a facialist who can help you shape your eyebrows to conform to the natural shape of your eyes and facial structure, giving you the best appearance possible.

Once this process has been completed be sure to keep the shape by plucking your eyebrows at least two to three times a week. By addressing the issue two to three times a week you never allow the eyebrows to grow in fully and can always follow the shape that was once there. Learn how to brush your eyebrows up and trim off the excess hair at the top. This keeps the eyebrows lying flat and smooth all day long.

Remove your makeup every day by using a good cleanser, toner and moisturizer. This is one area where you do not want to skimp. You can find great recipes for facial masks that achieved exfoliation or revitalization using products directly from the refrigerator. However, cleansers, toner and moisturizers are products which will improve the look of your skin and therefore how well your makeup goes over your skin.

Teeth whitening is another aspect of your facial makeup and first impressions. You can get the job done on inexpensively using a paste made of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. It may not taste good but it whitens the teeth when used regularly and is relatively inexpensive.

You can combine your moisturizer and foundation in the morning when you use a tinted moisturizer. This means you only have to purchase one product which goes on smoothly.

When you are going for a more natural appearance you can use a bit of leftover bronzer or darker blush for your eyelids to create a glow. When you have run out of eyeliner use at Q-tip and smudge some mascara along the lashline.

Watch for sale items on makeup that you use consistently. Remember that makeup has a shelf life and especially mascara, when it grows old, can cause eye irritation and infections.

This last tip may sound a bit weird but it works well for special occasions when you don\’t want your makeup to fade to quickly. You can use hairspray to set makeup on your face. Hold the bottle approximately an arms length away and spray it directly on your face, being sure that your eyes are closed. This prevents your mascara from smearing and your powders from wearing off. Be sure to wash your face well at the end of the day.

Looking good on a budget is easier than you might think and can be accomplished with just a bit of effort and some shopping.