Does anyone cut back on makeup or not wear any to save money?

**shoiji** · 05-19-2011, 08:01 PM

I went out and bought a whole bunch of makeup a couple of years ago. Still have the makeup because all I really wear is mascara.

My skin is sensitive so I like to keep it bare. Also, I think foundations, powders, etc., just makes your skin look more wrinkled.

**brennasmom** · 05-19-2011, 09:02 PM

I don't wear makeup due to super sensitive skin... plus it's cheaper

**acidcookie** · 05-19-2011, 09:25 PM

I'm at home most days right now so of course I don't put it on just sit at my computer. But anytime I leave the house I wear powder, blush, mascara, and fill in my brows. If it's something super professional like a conference or interview or if I'll be in photos, I wear liquid cover up too. If I'm going out, maybe some eyeliner too.

But it really doesn't cost me that much. I buy mostly cover girl products, and Maybelline mascara. Mascara lasts me 2-3 months and costs $4/tube with sale & clearance. Cover up lasts a year, and costs...$5? Blush: probably a year, and the last kind I got was $6 or something. Powder: $5 or so and lasts at least 6 months. Eyeliner lasts forever and costs me $1-2 and eyebrow pencils the same. So at most I'm spending $50/yr on makeup, but probably less.

To me wearing makeup just goes with a whole "put together" look. I know I look acceptable without it, but if I can play up my features and look polished, why not?

**Pemberleyan** · 05-19-2011, 09:47 PM

I don't work in an office, but I do wear makeup when I go out. I can't seem to find a cheap foundation that works as well, so I buy Merle Norman. Everything else is from Walmart. I buy the very darkest powder available and cut it with white talcum powder so it lasts for ages.

**Jeanna** · 05-19-2011, 10:23 PM

I only wear makeup when I am subbing at the schools, which isn't often and when I go to church or special event. Other than that I am a no makeup girl. This week we have had Revival at our church so I have worn make up the last 5 nights and my face can tell it. By the third day I was breaking out around my chin. It is going to be great to have two days before I have to put it on again.

**thesightofoneself** · 05-20-2011, 01:41 AM

...somewhat...

**itsahumanzoo** · 05-20-2011, 02:30 AM

I write a beauty column and I always suggest a few basic items.

Tinted moisturizer with SPF protection (I buy an organic one $10)
Blush (I use E.L.F. mineral blush and the container lasts forever.)
Eyeliner (any kind will do.)
Eyelash curler (it's a tool, but it's great!)
Mascara (any kind again, the eyelash curler does most of the work here.)

Check out E.L.F. Makeup. If you were to buy the above items from them it would cost at most $12 for everything, and that is if you picked the most expensive of each item! They also have free shipping deals often.

elf Makeup & Cosmetics – Top Rated Premium Cosmetic & Makeup for Less

**greekislandgirl** · 05-20-2011, 04:04 AM

I used to be into wearing really expensive makeup (MAC, Prescriptives, Guerlain, Chanel, Lorac, etc). I still have a lot of it but I barely EVER use it. I threw away a Bobbi Brown mascara (cost about $22) a few weeks ago that I bought in 2008. I still have MAC bronzer and blush that will last me 10 years. I have Lorac foundation that will probably go bad before I throw it away. I used to just throw money at these cosmetics companies, I had to have every color of lipstick, eyeliner, etc.

The only thing I ever wear now is eyeliner and I've had the same one since 2002. I don't worry about it being dangerous since I sharpen it periodically. But even that I only wear about once a month.

I feel really guilty / bad about having spent SO much money on cosmetics between the ages of 18 and 28. Since becoming frugal at age 29 I haven't spent another penny on that stuff and maybe I never well, but if I do , it will be dollar store stuff. I wish I could go back and put all that money in savings.

**FrabjousDay** · 05-20-2011, 10:03 AM

No. I enjoy makeup and having a polished look, especially since I work in a professional environment. However, I gave up high-end brands long ago. To me, they aren't worth the additional expense. I don't always agree with her, but Paula Begoun is an excellent resource in locating quality products at every price point. I also find the reviews at makeupalley useful. I buy most of my make-up at Walgreens. They have great sales and don't look at me cross-eyed when I return something that doesn't work well.