1. IMPULSE BUYS
It always pays to do your research before buying anything, whether it be the latest cutting edge skincare or the hottest makeup launch. Luckily in our day and age, there is a wealth of information out there to get you as informed as possible before you hit up the beauty counter. Instead of going out and blind-buying a product, why not scour the Beauticate archives to find the best foundation for your skin type or the best face masks for your lifestyle.
Three Beauticate approved classics:
2. IMPROPERLY COLOUR-MATCHED FOUNDATIONS
We’ve all been there. You’re at a beauty counter, feeling pressured by an unrelenting sales assistant to buy the foundation they’re pushing you, and you go home only to discover that you’ve splashed your hard-earned cash on a foundation that is the wrong colour. You’ve heard it before, but we’ll say it again: always double check a new foundation in natural light and wait a few minutes, as you may need to adjust the shade if it oxidises. Doing this is a bit of a pain but it’ll save you money in the long run.
Our go-to foundation picks, from affordable to high-end:
3. TOO MANY DUPES
You may well think you can’t afford that designer foundation you’ve been coveting for months, yet one look at your makeup bag reveals it is overflowing with drugstore dupes you bought on sale. Total up the cost of the cheaper products and you’ll probably find you’ve spent just as much money as if you’d bought the original in the first place. Save your cash for one luxurious product you want and enjoy it – you’ll be more satisfied with your purchase and probably save money in the long run.
High-end products worth the money:
4. PRODUCTS YOU RARELY USE
You’re happy to hand over $50 for a high-end red lipstick you’ll maybe wear out, say, once a month, but baulk at the idea of paying that much for an everyday My-Lips-But-Better shade? You might want to switch your thinking. Not only is it a treat to the soul to use a luxurious product everyday, it makes sense economically, too. It’s better to spend your money on items you know you’ll use (and love) everyday, rather than feeling guilty about the expensive product you bought now sitting neglected on your dressing table.
Fail-safe everyday lip colours:
5. PRODUCTS THAT SHOULD BE CHEAPER
Not all makeup and skincare products are meant to be expensive, and knowing where to save and what to splurge on is key to a well-functioning beauty arsenal. When it comes to mascaras, we recommend you go cheap – they tend to dry out after a few weeks, plus ophthalmologists advise replacing them every three months to prevent eye infections. Good foundations, however, tend to cost a bit more, and higher-end ranges generally have a broader colour spectrum, so you’re sure to find your exact shade. As for skincare – splurge on a serum that specifically addresses your particular skin concern, while saving your coins on a cheaper cleanser, as it’s only on your skin for a few seconds.
Serums worth splurging on:
Story by Tess Schlink; Image of Jesinta by Myles Pritchard; Hair and Makeup by Michael Brown
