I'm A Makeup Artist – Here's The Products Worth Spending On, And The Ones You Can (Most Definitely) Save On

Get ready to save some serious coin.

I've been a makeup artist for quite a few years now, but as of late I pretty much stick to creating makeup related videos and tutorials online. There's a common misconception that the more expensive the makeup product the better, but TBH there's only a few key products that are worth splashing out on. Hopefully I can help you out when it comes to knowing which products to save up your coin for, and which ones maybe aren't worth the splurge.

💰 Save on: eyebrow pencils💰

If your eyebrow product of choice is a pencil, believe me you don't need to invest in a premium branded one. This one from Makeup Revolution is my personal go-to.

Amazon / Devina Gohil / Via amazon.co.uk

Of course it depends on your choice of brow style, but believe me the most important criteria for an eyebrow pencil are 1) making sure it's the right shade to match your brow hairs, and 2) that it's skinny enough to give you precision where you want it. There are some luxe brands that are most well known for their brow products, but I can guarantee you're in just as good hands with this gem of a product. 

Price: £3.92

💸Splurge on: a loose setting powder💸

If there was any one product I would (massively) encourage you to invest in, it's this translucent loose setting powder from Laura Mercier. When I tell you this is the secret to flawless makeup, trust me I mean it.

LOOKFANTASTIC / Devina Gohil / Via awin1.com

A good quality setting powder is extra finely milled, which makes it sit really lightly on top of your makeup. If you feel like the finish of your makeup can sometimes look a little cakey or not as smooth as you think it could, it might be time to give this little guy a go. Whenever I've used a cheaper setting powder in the past, I quite literally always regret my decision a few seconds later. 

Price: £28.80 for 29g.

💰 Save on: bronzers, blushers, and highlighters💰

Believe it or not, you really don't need to spend a lot on bronzers, blushers, and highlighters. Although they can vary in texture and pigment, there's a lot of affordable ones on the market that are pretty much premium quality – and this Sleek palette is a good place to start.

Amazon / Via amazon.co.uk

With slightly cheaper bronzers, blushers, and highlighters, you might need to apply a little more to get the strength in colour you're hoping for, but once it's on no one will ever be able to tell the difference. Sure some powders can be a little drier in texture, but with the right base products worn beneath it, you won't even notice. So whether it's a product from a high street brand or a premium beauty line, look out for the shades that grab your attention rather than the label. 

Price: £11.05

💸Splurge on: foundation💸

There's definitely some amazing affordable ones on the market, but foundation is 100% worth spending a pretty penny on if you find a more high-end one that works well for you. A very popular one (and a personal favourite of mine), is this Urban Decay Stay Naked foundation.

Amazon / Via amazon.co.uk

Everyone's skin is different, so everyone tends to react differently to each foundation. That's why it's best to try out a few and see what you like the look of, whether it's affordable or on the more expensive side. If you're not sure where to start I'd definitely recommend this one from Urban Decay, which is one from my kit that I always reach for when I want something reliable. It doesn't feel heavy on the skin, lasts on me through rain or shine, and genuinely stays looking fresh until I take it off at the end of the day. If you think about it, your foundation creates the base that everything else sits on, so if you've got a good foundation that works well with your skin, that's already half the battle! 

Price: £32.37 – it's available in 31 shades.

💰 Save on: lip colours💰

If you like a matte lip, avoid expensive lipsticks and try using affordable lip liners instead. Not only will you like it, you might actually prefer it. This one from Sleek is my everyday shade that I constantly reach for.

Amazon / Via amazon.co.uk

Hear me out – exfoliate your lips with a good lip scrub, put a good layer of lip balm on, then go ahead and use your lip pencil as you would a normal lipstick. You'll be astounded at how long it can last on your lips, how full it can make them look, and how much money you'll save!

Price: £4.99 – it's available in 15 other shades.

💸Splurge on: liquid/gel eyeliner💸

If you love a super black eyeliner that lasts through genuinely anything, and I mean anything – you need this Inglot eyeliner gel.

Amazon / Via amazon.co.uk

If you find your eyeliner starts to crack and dry up throughout the day, or rubs off every time you forget you're wearing makeup and rub your eye, this is definitely worth spending on. It looks unbelievably crisp when you first apply it, and is so pigmented you'll end up questioning how it seems to look blacker than any other black eyeliner you've used before it. It's a gel eyeliner which means you'll need to grab a brush to apply it with, but after a few days you'll get the hang of it! 

Price: £15.95

💰 Save on: cream contour💰

If you're on the hunt for a liquid bronzer or cream contouring product, I personally find that grabbing a darker concealer shade can sometimes perform better – and this L.A. Girl concealer is definitely a trusted choice.

Amazon / Via amazon.co.uk

The consistency of a concealer like this one is actually easier to use than some more expensive cream contouring products, so really, it's a win win. Either draw straight onto your face for a more chiselled, contoured look, or squeeze some out and use your brush to apply it to the parameters of your face to create a more overall bronzed look. Either way, this is definitely a part of your makeup routine that you don't have to break the bank for. 

Price: £4.08 – it's available in various shades.