Over time, I’ve realised that in the beauty industry, higher prices don’t mean better quality. With the level of innovation out there, so many brands are able to churn out amazing makeup products, without charging exorbitantly. Here are 5 affordable items that I love to use.

1. L.A. Girl HD Pro Conceal

Price: INR 595/-

I’m a night owl, which means that I often walk around with dark circles that rival those of a raccoon. To ensure that I look semi-human, I always turn to this creamy concealer. The ‘Creamy Beige’ shade matches my skin perfectly and covers up my dark circles, without making the undereye area look ashy. Plus, the formula does not sweat off or crease!

Source: L.A. Girl
Source: L.A. Girl

2. NYX Tinted Brow Mascara

Price: INR 600/-

I’ve tried several brow products before, but this one keeps reeling me back in. The brush distributes the formula evenly and combs my brows into place, whilst leaving me with natural-looking, yet fluffy brows. It’s also super easy to use and doesn’t make my brows feel stiff or crunchy.

Source: NYX Cosmetics
Source: NYX Cosmetics

3. Lakmé Eyeconic Kajal

Price: INR 180/-

Which desi girl doesn’t own a kajal? Lakmé’s famous pencil is a staple in my kit for its matte, inky colour. Whether I use it on my upper lids or to tightline my waterline, I can count on it not smudging or moving for the rest of the day. Whilst I do own quite a few shades, the original ‘Black’ will always have a place in my heart.

Source: Lakmé
Source: Lakmé

4. Maybelline Color Sensational Diamond Palette

Price: INR 575/-

Metallic eye shadows are my weakness, even if I don’t wear them on a daily basis! Whilst I hoard a ton of makeup palettes, I find that Maybelline’s is the easiest to carry around. It features 5 silky powders that go on smoothly to deliver a sheen of colour and glimmer to my lids. ‘Topaz Gold’ is the one I adore because it features 3 gold shades and 1 shimmery brown, which makes it perfect to wear at weddings. It even has a standard black shade that I can use if I’m in the mood for a smoky eye.

Source: Maybelline
Source: Maybelline

5. Colorbar Matte Touch Lipstick

Price: INR 550/-

On days when I feel too lazy to put on a full face, I distract the world with a punchy lipstick. Although I can’t claim to be loyal to one brand, I quite like Colorbar’s ‘Arresting Pink’. The peppy pink hue brightens up my complexion instantly, whilst the creamy matte texture keeps things sophisticated. I just have to be careful not to eat a greasy meal whilst I’m wearing it!

Source: Colorbar
Source: Colorbar

Do you swear by any affordable makeup products? Let me know your recommendations in the comments below.

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