with Drugstore Makeup
Want that red carpet glow without spending like a celebrity? You can achieve a sultry, camera-ready look using affordable finds and smart techniques. Here’s a step-by-step guide to pulling off red carpet-worthy
glam on a budget
Perfect Your Base: Start with your best drugstore foundation or tinted moisturizer that matches your skin. (Maybelline Fit Me Dewy+Smooth or L’Oreal True Match are great drugstore picks.) Blend well with a damp sponge or brush to get that flawless finish. Use a color-correcting concealer under eyes and on any blemishes – even a cheap one like e.l.f. or NYX can brighten the face effectively. Set with a translucent powder (e.g. Milani or Wet n Wild) for a matte, long-lasting finish.
Contouring and Highlight: Sculpt your face with an affordable contour/bronzer (try the Essence Contour Palette or e.l.f. bronzer). Apply under cheekbones, on temples, and jawline for dimension.
Then sweep a drugstore highlighter (Wet n Wild Megaglo or Pixi Beauty Luminizer) on the tops of cheeks, bridge of nose, and Cupid’s bow. This creates a glowy effect often seen on the red carpet.
Statement Eyes: A drama look needs bold eyes. Use a neutral shadow palette (even an $8 Wet n Wild trio) to contour the crease and lid. Add a pop of shimmer or glitter on the lid or inner corner (Cheap palettes like Makeup Revolution have shimmery shades). Line your eyes with a waterproof black liner – CoverGirl or Essence have reliable liners. Draw a sharp wing for glamour. Then, lash it up: apply a lengthening or volumizing drugstore mascara (L’Oreal Lash Paradise is a cult favorite).
For extra impact, use drugstore false lashes (Ardell or Essence make quality falsies) and an $3 lash glue.
Bold Brows: Frame your look with defined brows. Fill in sparse areas with an inexpensive brow pencil or pomade (NYX, e.l.f., or Wet n Wild offer good formulas). A well-groomed brow instantly polishes your makeup.
Lush Lips: Red carpet lips are often bold. Line lips slightly outside the natural line with a long-lasting lip liner (NYX Matte Lip Pencil). Fill with a statement lipstick shade: classic reds, deep berries, or rich nudes (drugstore brands like Maybelline, Revlon, or ColourPop have a wide range under $10). Blot and reapply for a full-coverage, smudge-proof pout.
Finishing Touches: A setting spray is key for longevity. Use an affordable mist (NYX Matte Finish or e.l.f. Matte Magic) to lock everything in place. If you need more glow, lightly dust glitter or shimmer body lotion on shoulders and collarbone.
Remember, technique is everything. Even cheap products can look luxe when blended well and layered strategically. Watch tutorials for precise winged liner or contour techniques. With these hacks and drugstore gems, you’ll be photo-ready and radiant – without the high price tag.
Did you try a drugstore trick that worked wonders for your glam look? Share below! Don’t forget to subscribe to AffordableBeauty.org for more budget beauty tips and tutorials.•