1) Foundation: High Quality Vs Budget Brand
The MAC foundation is undoubtedly a great choice for those who don't mind splurging for the basics (which I think is worth it btw). The finish is smooth, looks great in photos and glides on the skin smoothly. Proven fact! This brand is THE choice for makeup artists.
However, if you don't want to spend RM105-160 on a bottle of foundation, you can opt for
the budget substitution...
The alter ego is Revlon Colorstay for RM65 in the drugstore. It is my second choice after MAC and is suitable for dailywear (I have been using this for four years). It provides good coverage without having a "cakey" appearance. However, it may be quite thick for some people's liking so I usually mix it with a little bit of moisturizer or sunblock to thin it out.
2) Compact Powder: High Quality Vs Budget Brand
You guessed it! MAC wins again! What can I say, they are the creme de la creme. The MAC powder is soft and it has finer grain textures compared to other compact powder that I came across. It costs around RM105 and this package can last you over 2 months (when applied once daily with light touch up here and there).
The budget option for this powder is....
MIYAMI from COSWAY. Yes, who would have thought! Priced at RM 19-25, it is definitely a bargain for the bucks. I used it for a year and I won't say it is exactly like MAC but it definitely gets the job done for you beautifully. A moderately smooth powder that melts in your natural sebum to give you the "set" look. I like my makeup after 30 minutes because I find that when the oil in our faces mesh with the powder, it gives off a nice healthy shine (not the "gebu" look).
3) Pencil Eyeliner: High Quality Vs Budget Brand
To be honest with you, I have never really strayed from my "budget" choice, but I heard raves about this eyeliner so for comparison's sake, here it is:
"Makeup forever Aqua Eyes is a two-for-one product. It’s a combination of an eyeliner and an eyeshadow. What makes it unique is the formula which seems to stick forever to the eyelids – and as the testimonials indicate – you can even swim and the liner stays put! "- quoted from http://allwomenstalk.com
Well just reading the reviews makes me want to get ahold of this brand! However, if your pocket is not so full, you can always choose this budget eyeliner....
The budget eyeliner (RM 28) is good enough for my daily use. I have been using this product on and off for more than 7 years! I have to say the lasting power is worth the bucks and the smudge effect is also kept at minimal. Another eyeliner that I swore by is ....
Clinique brush on cream liner is not exactly cheap at RM65 but because it lasts forever (I can't even finish one pot in a year), I believe that it is truly a great investment! Believe me, this cream liner won't smudge or become muddy. It is extremely long lasting compared to any pencil liners. The only con is that it may take some time for you to learn how to use the brush to apply the liner. Practice makes perfect!
4) Eyeshadow Palette: High Quality Vs Budget Brand
Estee Lauder palette offers high quality pretty pigments. I have a small palette which includes pinkgraypurplewhite. With the price tag, I opted to this affordable palette...
Persona Eyeshadow palette is available from Cosway at RM28 - 35. I have recommended this product to a couple of friends and they absolutely loved it. The pigment looks "expensive" and the application rarely becomes cakey at the crease. I like the tinge of shimmer in it too. I often mix the color (pink + light brown is my favorite combo)
Okay, I think that's it for now. I hope this is helpful. I'd also love to know what budget findings you have to share. Save some moolah bebeh!
