Edinburgh is a beautiful city, but also an expensive one. It can be difficult in these economically challenging times to commit to your duty, as an Edinburgh student, to look cool. But fear not- I (a seasoned budget beauty connoisseur) have compiled a list of tips, tricks, and hints for how to maximise your makeup slay, in the cheapest possible way!
Practise Minimalism
Believe me when I say you do not need more than two makeup brushes. A big one (contour, foundation, blush) and a little one (eyeshadow, eyeliner, lips). If you are determined, you can mould any brush into the shape you desire. For example, holding the bristles of a big brush together so they resemble the specific angle of a cheek contour one, or rubbing a tiny precision eyeliner brush in circles to mimic the effects of a proper blending brush. Hone these skills, and you can create any look you want!
Make it Last (as long as medically recommended)
Old mascara is clumpy, thick, and dry – and it looks good. There is a certain chicness to the Ke$ha 2009 myspace vibe of it all: I recommend that you keep using your mascara for as long as it is not damaging to your eye health (remember, conjunctivitis IS real). Therefore, please do refrain from using your makeup beyond the specified expiry date but don’t feel the need to immediately replace it if it’s lost its sleekness. Just because the lettering has completely rubbed away, and you’ve lost the cap some time ago, it doesn’t mean it isn’t still good to go! Trust me, I have a lot of experience in A) saving money, and B) wearing a lot of mascara.
Mixology for the Economy
Make like a bartender, and mix those makeup products. Lipstick for blush, eyeshadow for lipstick, concealer for eye primer: all cut costs and allow you to make good with what you’ve got. Eyeshadow is the product that’s particularly versatile in this arena, mixing it with Vaseline or water is a particularly good way of changing the texture to suit your goal.
Eyeliner as a Staple
I can’t explain the science behind this, but liquid eyeliner seems to last a literal eternity. Until all that’s left of this Earth is a nuclear wasteland and the odd cockroach, my e.l.f Expert Liquid Liner in Jet Black (£3) will still be ready for work. Buy one now, and you’ll find it will be a LONG time before you need to spend money on another.
When to Invest
Sometimes, cosmetics are serious. It’s all well and good spending one GBP max on a Poundland glitter eyeshadow palette, but occasionally it is sensible to spend slightly more on what goes onto your face. For example, SPF! I realise the madness of discussing sun protection in… Edinburgh, a city where the majority of people are Vitamin D deficient, but this should be a serious consideration. I don’t want to sound like a conspiracist, but the invisible rays ARE out there and they CAN damage your skin. I highly recommend La-Roche Posay’s 50+ SPF fluid (around £15 for 50ml). Not budget-friendly, but it really is worthwhile; you only need a tiny dot a day and your skin will thank you.
Cruelty-Free (sadly, not actually free)
I am unsure why, but a lot of the makeup companies that don’t test on animals are actually cheaper! MUA, e.l.f, Barry M – all are cruelty-free and significantly more cost-friendly than their animal-testing alternatives. Save your change whilst instigating some beauty industry change!