Celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic is answering your burning beauty questions!!! Every Monday, he will answer a beauty/skin care question as part of a weekly column on Spoiled Pretty, Makeup Mondays with Mario.
Hi Mario,
I don't have a big budget for cosmetics, but it seems that most of the inexpensive products I buy don't look very good. Can you recommend some drugstore makeup that is comparable to department store makeup?
Thanks, Kourtney
When using drug store cosmetics, you should try switching up your technique and tools during application. An extra step or two should have you satisfied with the way your makeup looks. For example, a eyeshadow color that you love at the drugstore looks great in the package but when you bring it home and apply the color, it probably doesn't glide smoothly or evenly stick to your lids. In this case, make sure your lids are primed with a shadow base or a bit of your foundation/concealer and set them with loose powder. This will ensure a smooth and even application. Your brush should not be too "fluffy" unless you are blending so choose a shadow brush with shorter, firmer bristles and dab/press the shadow onto the lids a few times. Using a cream shadow first followed by a powder also works well and gives a richer look.
A tip for making inexpensive, hard liners easily glide on to give you nice pigment is to first heat them with a blow dryer or a lighter. You'd be surprised at how the texture of the pencil becomes rich and emollient. If you try this, please wait a few seconds before you apply the hot pencil to your face.
Drugstores do carry so many great makeup brands and products that are comparable to department store brands. L'Oreal True Match Foundation, Revlon lipstick, NYX shadows and blush and CoverGirl concealers are just a few of many, many good products that can be found in drugstores. Just like with inexpensive clothing or furniture, it takes more effort to make it look good but you learn so many tricks along the way.
Thanks for visiting Makeup Mondays with Mario!
xo,
Mario
Got a question for Mario? Email your makeup and skin care queries to spoiledprettyquestions@gmail.com, and check back next Monday to read Mario's expert advice!xo,
