Beauty on a Budget

Do you ever feel like department store cosmetics are just too expensive? Or do you ever wish you knew a good alternative for your favorite brand that wasn't so costly? Don't get me wrong, I'm a MAC cosmetics junkie like most beauty addicts, but the last time I dropped $200 plus on a few items was the Style Warriors Collection. If you know MAC, you know that was a while ago, and it was definitely a very special makeup occasion. Lately, I've been experimenting with different drugstore brands that offer great colors at an even better price.

(Milani Infinite Liquid Eyeliner, $5.99, MilaniCosmetics.com)

Milani Infinite Liquid Eyeliner: This eyeliner lasts and lasts, its smudge and smear proof, and the colors are intense. It goes on smooth without clumping, and once it sets, you're set to go! Plus, at about $6 a pop, you can pick up all the colors without breaking the bank.

(L'Oreal Hip Bright Shadow Duo, $7.99, Walgreens.com)

L'Oreal Hip Bright Shadow: Give me eye shadow or give me death! I absolutely adore playing up my eyes with shadows. I'm also a tad bit picky. I want intense colors when I want them, and I hate when shadows crease throughout the day. L'Oreal Hip Bright Shadow Duo is number one. You get two awesome colors that rival MAC at about $8. Awesome, right? Available at most drugstores.

(Coastal Scents 88-piece Makeup Palette, $18.96, CoastalScents.com)

Coastal Scents 88-piece Makeup Palette: Another amazing deal for hard-core eye shadow lovers. For just $18.95, you get 88 highly pigmented shadows. Compare this to the Bobbi Brown Brights palette -- a $70 limited edition set with only 35 colors.

(Hypershine Lip Gloss, $1 Eyeslipsface.com)

E.L.F gloss and lipstick – I'm not quite sure why the eyes-lips-face hype died down. I mean, where else can you get lip gloss for so cheap? For $1, your lip gloss can be popping every day of the week in a different shade for under $10. My favorite? Hypershine lip gloss in Vixen.