7 Budget-Friendly Makeup Products for Your Post-Holiday Self

The holiday season is my absolute favorite time of the year. From the pumpkin-scented warmth of Thanksgiving all the way to the sparkly excitement of New Years, I am truly thriving in my festive element. However, if there is one thing I dislike, it’s the sudden, forced transition out of the holidays. Not only do I have to come to terms with throwing out my Christmas tree and watching as beautiful strands of lights are stripped away, but I also am hit with the reality of my post-holiday bank account and an overdue list of neglected things to do.

With the scarcity of time and money looming on my shoulders, I am always searching for budget-friendly beauty products to create a quick makeup look. Knowing that I am certainly not the only person in this position, I have come up with a list of my favorite high-quality beauty products that do not threaten my recovering bank account.

1. Maybelline FIT ME® CONCEALER $6.49

I love this concealer because not only does it flawlessly hide blemishes and redness, match my natural skin tone impeccably, and easily blend, but it also can be used in place of an eyeshadow primer. When I am in a rush and on a budget I use this versatile product as a two-for-one, simultaneously evening out my skin tone and prepping my eyelids before I start applying my eye makeup.

2. Maybelline FIT ME® MATTE + PORELESS FOUNDATION 7.99

While we are on the topic of Maybelline products, I cannot stress enough how much I love this foundation. Even if money was not a concern, this foundation would remain as my go to. I have never found a drugstore foundation that so successfully matches my skin tone and that lasts all day with showing little to no signs of grease; you can skip the finishing powder with this product.

3. NYX Lid Lingerie Shadow Palette – $10.00This is a fairly new eyeshadow palette from NYX, but trust me, it does not disappoint! NYX is a beyond affordable brand whose quality far surpasses what may be expected of a drugstore brand. You get six beautiful, neutral matte colors in this palette for only 10 bucks; that’s less than two dollars per color! This range of colors allows for a multitude of looks, allowing you to create both a soft day look or a sultry night look.

4. L’Oréal Carbon Black Telescopic Precision Liquid Eyeliner $7.60

One of the greatest challenges I have faced in my makeup pursuits is finding a decent liquid eyeliner. So many liquids liners become flakey within hours or dry in really unflattering ways, however, I have nothing but great things to say about this eyeliner. The brush allows for great precision, the formula is long lasting, and I have never experienced flakiness. Even though it may seem a bit more expensive, it is worth it for the quality! I have yet to find a prestige brand eyeliner that I like more than this budget-friendly eyeliner.

5. CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara $6.29

LashBlast Volume Mascara is by no means a new product, but it remains one of my favorite affordable mascaras. It is an incredibly dependable product, and one that I always keep in my collection. This mascara gives incredible volume that looks natural and does not clump. What more can a girl ask for? CoverGirl has also released other versions in the LashBlast line, but for the price and the quality, this original formula will not let you down!

6.  e.l.f. Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder $4.00

Similar to NYX, e.l.f. is a ridiculous affordable brand that truly has some hidden gem quality products, and this blush and bronzer duo is one of them! I wouldn’t say this is the best product out there for skilled contouring, however, when you are in a rush and just trying to get a simple sun kissed look, this duo works wonderfully. This product comes in three different combination shades, but the one I have shared above (St. Lucia) is my absolute favorite. Also, an added bonus is that there is a beautiful, subtle shimmer in the formula that allows you to keep that holiday sparkle with you all year round!

7. Milani Amore Matte Lip Crème – $9.00

If you follow makeup trends, you know that the matte lip is a huge trend right now, and I, for one, am all about it!  I have tried many different matte lip glosses and crème, and this one is by far my absolute favorite. Sorry Kylie Cosmetics, but I like Milani even more than your famous lip products.  When they advertise this product as lasting for 16 hours, they are truly not lying! Currently Milani’s website has this wonderful lip crème in 32 different beautiful colors!  With its affordability and long-lasting nature, this product is an ally to both your time and your wallet!

Tip: to avoid the cracking and flakiness that matte lips can often cause, put a thin layer of chapstick on underneath!

As we leave the holidays behind and enter a time of recovery, I hope that my suggestions of high-quality makeup products for a reasonable cost are as beneficial to your bank account and schedules as they are to mine.

What money-saving makeup products are your favorites?