"The economy is likely to get worse before it gets better," said President Elect Barack Obama, as Americans head into the year-end holiday season

"The economy is likely to get worse before it gets better," said President Elect Barack Obama, as Americans head into the year-end holiday season. The dilemma for the cosmetic consumer is how to replenish their make-up bags without breaking the bank. The perception has always been that more expensive equals better quality. This is not always true because expensive does not equal more value for your buck. How can consumers know what to invest in? After consulting makeup professionals from different avenues, the conclusion was evident.

Foundations: Expensive

Determining the right foundation to match undertone can be challenging. This is where shopping in department stores has an advantage over drug stores because of several reasons. In department stores there are professionals available to help match your skin; samples are available, and return policies are more flexible. The foundation is an item that is placed in the expensive category.

Foundations now can be found in many different forms. There are now vitamin infused foundations, anti-aging, illuminating and many more.

The Smooth Operator, pricing at $35 is a popular one among the makeup community

The cosmetics line Tarte is known as being the health couture; it marries the idea of nature and fashion. For this reason, the foundation, The Smooth Operator, pricing at $35 is a popular one among the makeup community. It nourishes, treats, and protects skin. The Smooth Operator is dermatologist tested, fragrance free, mineral oil free, and sulfate free. Buying foundations with skincare properties is becoming more popular.

Bronzer/Blush: Expensive

It is a peachy pink with a slight sheen that is universally flattering ($25)

Another complexion product that people cannot live without is blush and bronzer. The bronzer warms up the skin, while the blush adds a healthy glow. Both can be used to contour and create balance. Professional makeup artists like Joanna Schlip whose inspirational work has graced the covers of the magazines with the most influential celebrities exposed an artist best kept secret. That powdery little secret is the revelation of her makeup kit On Makeup Magazine. One of those items include Nars Orgasm blush ($25). It is a peachy pink with a slight sheen that is universally flattering. Since bronzer and blush go hand in hand, Nars created a duo compact with Orgasm and Laguna bronzer priced at $37.

Brows: Affordable

The brand Eyes, Lips, and Face better known as e.l.f. has an eyebrow/highlighter for only $3.00

The eyebrow frames the face. The right brow shape and color can make someone look younger. There are brow pencils, powders, and gels available. These items are things that can be bought at affordable prices. The brand Eyes, Lips, and Face better known as e.l.f. has an eyebrow/highlighter for only $3.00. According to http://www.eyeslipsface.com/about, "Every woman should have the opportunity to participate in innovation, without sacrificing her budget.” This line has fabu-less beauty finds for only a dollar.

Eyeshadows: Expensive

Makeup Forever offers an array of shades, 125 to be exact, both matte and iridescent and that can also be used as blush priced at $19

“For beautiful eyes look for the good in others,” said the icon Audrey Hepburn. Another way to achieve striking eyes is to by buying shadows at a higher price point. The higher concentration of pigment shadows tend to cost more and guarantees a longer wear with colors that glide on easily on the skin. Eyeshadows can easily take a day look into evening. Makeup Forever offers an array of shades, 125 to be exact, both matte and iridescent and that can also be used as blush priced at $16.

Mascaras: Affordable

Favorite drug store finds is the Maybelline Great Lash mascara priced $4.49

Top artist in the industry use affordable mascaras because it gives the same effect as the expensive ones. Wearing mascara can open up the eyes and create a polished look. This is a luxury that anyone can afford and use on a daily basis. Edward Sanchez, a makeup artist for the stars, clientele include women like Janet Jackson to Paula Abdul. Sanchez reaches for brands found at your neighborhood pharmacy instead of high end retailers. His favorite drug store finds is the Maybelline Great Lash mascara priced $4.49. This mascara also won best of Allure magazine 2008.

Lips: Affordable

According to http://www.shoppingblog.com/cgi-bin/sblog.pl?sblog=1108071, the most expensive lipstick in the world is Guerlain, Kiss Kiss Gold and Diamonds, is worth $62,000

According to http://www.shoppingblog.com/cgi-bin/sblog.pl?sblog=1108071, the most expensive lipstick in the world is Guerlain, Kiss Kiss Gold and Diamonds is worth $62,000. This luxurious piece of accessory is 110g of solid 18-carat yellow gold and 199 diamonds. However, luscious lips can be found for fewer than ten dollars! Top makeup artist, Pat McGrath, recommends wearing Max Factor’s new vivid Impact lip color priced at $7.98 dollars. It has the right amount of pigment and chap-preventing shea butter.

There are thousands of makeup shopping possibilities out there with so many brands to choose from inexpensive to costly ones. Hone the skill of a smart shopper by not just sticking to one makeup genre and try different ones within your budget. First, look for ingredients that would be beneficial for the skin. Second, look for quality over fancy name brands. Lastly, figure out if the product is useful for more than one occasion. Happy Shopping!

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