Skimp: Blush
Your choice of blush usually starts with powder (for more oily skins) or cream (for drier skins). Fortunately, both are available at great prices with equally great formulations — think finely-milled powders and sheerer, buildable cream blushes to prevent blush overload.
Save with NYX Stick Blush or Powder Blush $5-$6 Budget-conscious beauty line NYX is offered in stores like Target, as well as online. Whether you’re looking for cream or powder, this brand offers gorgeous texture, buildability and color.
Splurge: Eye Shadow
Eye shadow tends to fail you for one or two reasons: Either it changes color (oxidizes) on your lids, or it disappears (or sneaks into your creases) within a few hours. This is especially true if you have oiler or older skin. If this is a problem, consider a pricier shadow with more pigmentation and staying power, or try a reliable high-end eye shadow primer.
Splurge on MAC Eye Shadow $15 Originally developed for professional makeup artists, MAC offers a line of more than 150 shadows — from “All That Glitters” to “Yogurt” — that stay true and stay put.