We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, BuzzFeed may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.
1. Reverse your smokey cat eye by applying the winged tip from the bottom of your eye with a Rimmel shadow stick, smudge brush, and white eyeshadow. Its unexpected appeal will instantly add some glam to even the simplest looks.
2. Amp up your glow for little with a highly-rated Maybelline metallic highlighter. Its SUPER-pigmented formula has won over thousands of typically high-end beauty shoppers thanks to its nearly identical ability to show 👏 off 👏 those 👏 cheekbones.
3. Achieve a seemingly advanced ombre lip with just one product: Smashbox triple tone lipstick. Three shades + one bullet = no more Youtube tutorials.
4. Compare popular makeup dupes to their more expensive versions before making any splurges. Chances are a highly-reviewed drugstore product does the exact same job!
A big winner: NYX Micro Brow ($6.99) vs. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz ($21). Both are great products, but if you're looking to save, NYX is for you!
5. Dab some Body Shop lip and cheek stain on both your pout and cheeks for a monochrome approach. The matching shades will tie your whole look together, creating a more polished aesthetic!
6. Conquer your fears of the cat eye by secretly stamping in the winged tip with a double-sided eyeliner. Apparently it *is* this easy to look extra sharp.
7. Pick your eyeshadow shade based on the color wheel. The hues opposite to your iris shade (aka complimentary) are what will make your eyes look the most prominent — and therefore appear almost custom-made.
8. Choose an inexpensive eyeshadow palette with a BIG range of shades (this one has 88!) so you can explore different looks to your heart's content without ever going over budget.
9. Benefit from the effects of high-end mascara without actually investing in one by replacing a drugstore mascara's wand with a thick spoolie. Its bristles will give you all the volumizing, minus the depleted bank account.
10. Begin your routine by creating a seamless, smudge-proof barrier by ~sandbagging~, or blending a thick layer of setting powder under your eyes with a makeup sponge. It'll keep your eye shadow, liner, and mascara perfectly in place all day! Farewell, 5 p.m. raccoon eyes.
11. When shopping for foundation, ask for help from a sales associate to narrow down which brand and shade is right for you. Even inexpensive picks will look high-end when closely matched to your skin tone for a seamless application.
12. Add a subtle glimmer to your lips on days you want that no-makeup-makeup look with Burt's Bees lip shimmer. It only takes a swipe, but a little sheen goes a long way in upgrading you to a natural glow.
13. Know every detail of your makeup palette — both before and after you apply it. There's a place for everything, and once you get the hang of it, you'll look like an *artiste*.
14. Give foundation you already own a head-turning update by finishing your routine with L'Oréal glow drops. The extra highlight will instantly bring your foundation from drugstore to designer WITHOUT that scary credit card bill.
15. Cover your lids with a bold eyeliner, then layer the base with a pigmented shadow. The combination ensures a truly saturated and vibrant look that not only won't fade, but will deliver the same appearance as luxury eyeshadow.
16. Hit the refresh button all day (even in 90 degree heat) by spritzing on some Mario Badescu rosewater facial spray, which'll not only give you a naturally dewy finish, but avoid foundation caking altogether! Take THAT, humidity.
17. Blend your under-eye concealer fully into your foundation with a concealer brush so your complexion is totally ~harmonious~. This especially comes in handy when taking pics (camera flash bounces off makeup)!
18. Ensure your hard work stays put all day by finishing off your routine with translucent powder. It'll minimize pores, acne, and fine lines PLUS keep foundation from creasing so your complexion looks ~flawless~ 24/7.
19. Get creative with bold looks like sparkly eyeshadow that only ~seem~ extravagant. A little NARS eyeshadow primer and cosmetic glitter is all it takes to turn heads all night.
20. Take your *glow up* into your own hands — or fingers that is. Just a dab of Glossier Cloud Paint gives you the same effects as a designer creamy blush, but lets you decide how much you'd like to build.
21. Combine primer and foundation together if you have dry skin. This will avoid product from "sitting" on your face and instead seamlessly blend in for a flawless (and natural-looking) complexion. Who said cheap foundation can't do that?
22. Check that your makeup translates well outside (the ultimate test) by enlisting the help of an LED magnification mirror that mimics natural light. Your foundation will never betray you once the sun hits again.
23. Explore different ways to show off your lashes by applying your mascara with new techniques. The way you angle the wand makes a huge difference. For example, holding the brush diagonally and pulling upward and outward at the corner of your eyes gives you exaggerated wing lashes.
24. Upgrade your beauty routine with a luxurious-looking NYX honey primer. But its appeal isn't only ~skin deep~. Its formula is packed with rewards: gold flecks to increase radiance, collagen to strengthen skin, and (you guessed it) honey to neutralize redness.
25. Use a kabuki brush to evenly apply powder, mineral foundation, or bronzer in light circular motions. This simple technique helps give off an airbrushed effect without any other products (or filters for that matter).
26. Streamline your routine (and your spending) with a Benefits Cosmetics foundation that also does the work of a primer and concealer (so you don't have to buy all three). Not only does it blur pores and other concerns (hello pimples), but its buildable formula smooths and mattifies your complexion.
27. Pump up your lashes' volume without ~maxing out~ your card on high-end mascaras by prepping with an eyelash curler. It may seem obvious, but your lashes look automatically plusher and fuller, as it helps your mascara's (at any price!) wand latch on easier for a fuller effect!
28. Bend your mascara wand to fully fan out your lashes (pricey Givenchy mascaras do the same thing!). The wand will be able to reach the base of your lash line and stamp the roots, instantly achieving a widening effect.
29. Avoid faded or bleeding lipstick by prepping your pout first and THEN applying color with a L'Oréal two-step lipstick. It has a dual-sided applicator: one to moisturize and prime, the other to gloss with a color seal balm.
30. Master Kim-K-level contouring without her makeup artist's bill. This guided contour and highlighting kit will take you by the hand and give you step-by-step instructions on how to achieve professional-looking contouring on a budget.
31. ~Polish~ your look with just a dab of creamy metallic eyeshadow. The only tools required: your fingers. Amount of potential compliments? Limitless.
32. Show off your cheekbones even more than usual by applying a little Maybelline moisturizing lip balm on top of your highlighter. It'll easily lend some extra shine!
33. Gild your brows with NYX gold liner. The unexpected touch will upgrade your whole look without any *hair-raising* spending. I guess there really is such thing as a good case of fool's gold?
34. Brighten your complexion starting from your base with some dewy The Body Shop CC cream. You can wear it alone for the epitome of a ~natural glow~ or mix it with foundation for a more full-coverage approach.
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