Sometimes the cheaper brands really give you what you pay for, but I found a few hidden gems that I thought I would share. This is just my experience, may not work for everyone. For context, I have a light / dry and sensitive combination skin, a neutral / slightly cool tone. Add some in the comments if you have any! # 1 the regular serum foundation, $ 6 – decent range of shades, not a ton of options, they can be mixed, and even if you’ve bought two, it’s still cheaper than a single bottle of many other brands – light weight, not cake – blends well – feels super smooth – no oxidation issues – applies best with a wet imo sponge – put on straight away or be sure to melt again with a damp sponge just before setting, otherwise it might settle in the creases – exaggerates the appearance of dry or textured skin, but usually not too noticeable when attached – does not stay well under a mask but it doesn’t matter what you wear a mask lol – overall a good product. Not my favorite foundation but for $ 6 I think it works great. # 2) Makeup Revolution free-setting powder (the one that comes in a box and has a round container, not the loose baking powder in the small jar.) $ 11 – seems to go pretty white but looks good a once any excess is brushed off – sets makeup well and blends evenly – same main ingredients as Urban Decay Velvet, provides a similar smooth finish. it’s not exactly that velvety but hey, it’s about half the price. # 3 inexpensive yet pigmented eyeshadows with a nice variety of shades. – juvia’s place: palettes of $ 14 – $ 30 – makeup revolution: palettes generally around $ 12 – $ 20 – morph: palettes generally in the range $ 15 – $ 25 – bh cosmetics: palettes around $ 15 – $ 25 # 4 nyx total control drops $ 14 – comparable to the cover The custom fx cover decreases in use and application, but the packaging is actually nicer because the cap is better resulting in less oxidation in the bottle and less wasted product stuck around the cap. – can be applied on its own as a foundation – provides decent but relatively light coverage – nice range of shades – I think I remember this makeup oxidizing a bit throughout the day but I don’t remember how 100% to be honest – easily mixable with other products – can settle into creases, be careful not to use too much and mix the mixture with a damp sponge – again not my favorite, but does a good job for the price imo # 5 milani matte bronzer – not super pigmented, may have to use a little more than you expect – blends easily – offered in relatively clear and cool shades, great for people who have a hard time finding a contour powder for light or cool skin tones # 6 Star Studios Highlighting / Blush and Face Gloss: ~ $ 6 – beautiful dewy finish – smooth, not smudged like some products of b shine for the face imo – a little goes a long way! – Face shine can be added to foundation to create a dewy ime finish – use BEFORE imo powder, otherwise it is too sticky and may wipe off other products, still gives a nice glow even under matte powder. I sometimes superimpose a powder reflection for a really nice pop. # 7 Nk ​​Makeup Perfection Highlighter ~ $ 4 – decently pigmented, no wonder but better than some more expensive imo options. – shimmer finish – pretty undertones, offers a variety of warm and cool tones, even comes in almost white undertones light enough for very fair skin which is sometimes hard to find. – nice size, long lasting # 8 cala lashes $ 6 + $ 20 depends on package size – cute styles, nice variety – band a bit flexible, takes a bit of work to break but when broken applies well – not the easiest strip to hide, it takes getting used to – fluffy, light lashes that don’t have an overly plastic look like some other synthetic lashes – stay good, limited peeling or popping issues, make sure simply use a little extra glue on the corners and bring it up to the top of the cluster, almost touching the lashes (when curled with your lashes this extra glue will be hidden) # 9 TJ maxx makeup or Marshall in general – while these stores offer brand names on the cheap, sometimes it is due to a serious flaw. For example, I bought a foundation that had faulty packaging by mistake and was never sealed when closed. They do accept returns so ultimately it was fine, just be sure to check the reviews online or see if the product has been discontinued, changed form for some reason, or has some other flaw that prompts them. other retailers wanting to get rid of it. Sometimes the product itself is fine, but another retailer may just have excess stock and need to get rid of it, so you may find something good for a steal, just be careful!