Get the Hollywood Look at Home

We’re not all lucky enough to have a professional makeup artist on hand to deliver the glam when we need it. But fortunately, great makeup is easy if you know what to use and where to start.

The Products

While it may not be necessary to empty your bank account on makeup, there is a certain point in cosmetics where you get what you pay for. Buying bottom-of-the-line, mass-marketed discount makeup could leave you with a less than glamorous look – we’re talking flaky foundation, blotchy eyeliner, clumpy mascara and eye shadow color palettes that hearken back to the 80s.

The key to high quality makeup on a budget is to shop smart. Search the web for deals and free samples until you find a product you really like, so when you’re ready to shell out the big bucks, it will be on something you’ll get a lot of use out of and will really work for you. And remember, if you’re buying lower end, you’ll have to replace more often. While all makeup comes with a lifespan, low-quality products tend to expire much faster than those with a little more substance and less filler ingredients.

The Advice

The problem with makeup tips is that knowing what works for you in each situation can be hard. Take some time to talk with a pro at a cosmetics counter, or check out the websites of professional makeup artists or cosmetics companies. They’ll have lots of pictures on hand, including those of your favorite celebrities, and can give you step-by-step instructions on how to get the look.

Unfortunately, there’s no golden rule to applying makeup – everyone is different, so what looks and feels right will vary for each of us. Experimentation and consultation are the best ways to get the look you want. And just remember, practice makes perfect, so do your homework and work the skills to give yourself an ultra-glam look without a team of professionals!