💄 Budget-Friendly Fashion & Makeup

Fashion on a Budget

• Thrift and resale apps: Depop, Poshmark, Vinted, and local thrift stores are treasure troves. Look for crop tops, skirts, slim-fit jeans, and fun accessories.
• DIY Modifications: Crop an old shirt, cut fringe into a tank, or add patches or lace to jackets. YouTube is full of tutorials for DIY femwear.
• Layering: Oversized tees with tights, stockings under shorts, a big hoodie with a skirt, all can transform a basic wardrobe into stylish fits.
• Accessorize: Necklaces, clip-on earrings, chokers, and layered bracelets can elevate any outfit without needing expensive clothes.
• Shop in unexpected places: Don’t skip the “women’s” clearance or juniors sections, styles and sizes vary more than you think.

Makeup Basics: Building Your Kit

• Start cheap, build slowly: e.l.f., Wet n Wild, Essence, and NYX offer great starter products.
• Essential beginner tools: Sponge or beauty blender, small eyeshadow brushes, fluffy face brush.
• Core products:
  • Primer (helps smooth skin and hold makeup)
  • Color corrector (especially for beard shadow, see below)
  • Foundation (match skin tone and type)
  • Concealer (brighten under eyes and cover spots)
  • Setting powder (prevents oiliness or creasing)
  • Mascara, eyeliner, brow pencil (enhance features)
  • Lip balm or gloss (hydrated lips make a big difference)

Makeup for Your Skin Type

• Oily: Use mattifying primer and powder. Look for "oil-free" or "long wear" foundation.
• Dry: Use hydrating primer and a dewy foundation. Cream products help avoid flaking.
• Combo: Set only the oily zones (usually T-zone). Balance matte and glow finishes.
• Acne-prone/sensitive: Choose non-comedogenic products and avoid fragrance or alcohol-heavy formulas.

Hiding Beard Shadow (Color Correction)

Beard shadows (blue/purple tones) can be tough to cover, but color correction helps immensely:

• For light skin: Use a peach or light orange color corrector.
• For medium/tan skin: Use an orange corrector.
• For deep skin: Use a red or brick corrector.
• Apply corrector over the beard area before foundation. Pat (don’t rub) and layer foundation on top.
• Use a full-coverage matte foundation and finish with setting powder for longer wear.

Undertones & Choosing the Right Shade

• Cool undertone: Pink or bluish tone to your skin. Look for foundations labeled “cool” or “C.”
• Warm undertone: Golden or yellow tone. Look for “warm” or “W” shades.
• Neutral: A mix of both. Use “N” labeled shades.
• Tip: Test foundation on your jawline or neck in daylight, not just your hand!

Intermediate to Advanced Makeup

• Contouring: Use a cool-tone bronzer under cheekbones and jawline to create subtle sculpting.
• Highlighting: Dab highlighter on cheekbones, nose bridge, inner eyes, and brow bones.
• Eyeshadow: Play with colors that match your undertone and eye color. Try neutral browns, pinks, or bold shimmers.
• Lashes: Curl your lashes and use mascara or even falsies for added glam.
• Lips: Line with pencil slightly outside the natural lip line for fuller shape, and finish with gloss or color that flatters your skin tone.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need hundreds of dollars to look amazing, just creativity, a little patience, and practice. Whether you're going for a soft natural look or full glam, you can build your confidence and style on your terms and your budget.