Boujee on a budget

Stats say that January is the most financially depressing month of the year. Christmas and NY celebrations may have gone a little too far and we start the year off with a significant dent in our accounts. However, it's important to note that when you LOOK good, you'll most likely FEEL good too. So, here is how I created this simple yet glam eye look without emptying my bank account!

Art Deco Eyeshadow Base

I bought this off BeautyBay.com for £6 (now £8.50 - still a bargain) & I think it works just as well as my UD Primer Potion! Using this base enhanced the pigment of the eyeshadows I applied on top. The base didn't feel sticky upon application and I didn't experience any creasing at all! The only downside to this product is that it has a slight shimmer effect which peeks through the eyeshadow - mainly noticeable in close-up shots. Seeing as I was using a shimmery shadow and glitter in this look, I didn't mind this too much. It also has a perfumed scent, so if you're not a fan of scented makeup then I wouldn't recommend this for you.

e.l.f Mad for Mattes Eyeshadow Palette - Nude Mood

This is the first eyeshadow palette I've purchased from e.l.f and I'm tempted to try out more from their collection! This is such a versatile neutral palette for every day but can easily be used to create more intense looks too. The consistency is smooth and creamy. Unlike many other cheap eyeshadows, it isn't too powdery so there is hardly any fall-out. The pigment of the shadows are pretty good too and I was able to blend the shadows easily and quickly! This palette is only £10 (I snapped it up in the sale for £4), the packaging is super sleek AND it has a mirror so it's definitely a palette you can travel with!*I assure you the swatches in the pic above have not been edited at all! For some reason, the swatches on my arm look blurry/pixelated but I think it's just because how easily the shadows blend!

e.l.f Smudge Pot - Cruisin' Chic

OUTSTANDING quality for the price point! Using this smudge pot with a small concealer brush, I was able to create a half cut-crease look with such ease! Honestly, it's never been so easy to create a cut-crease before! The formula isn't thick and not too thin that you would have to layer this on multiple times. The payoff is great and I was able to blend this in with the shadows without any hassle! This stuff doesn't budge once it's on either so you don't have to worry about it transferring on to your brow-bone through the course of the night! You will need a good eye makeup remover to remove this though - a makeup wipe or micellar water won't cut it! Unfortunately, I can't find this on the e.l.f site to check the price but I bought this for £1.80(!!!) in the sale. They may be restocking so keep checking online if you're interested!

Collection Glam Crystals Gel Eyeliner - Funk

Not even going to deny it - I felt like I was 15 again buying a 'glam crystals' glittery eyeliner but this stuff is decent! For £2.99 you get glitter that's not chunky that can be used either as a winged eyeliner or as an eyeshadow topper which is how I decided to use it for this look. It distributes evenly, dries quickly and it can be used to create a variety of looks. I applied this on top of the e.l.f smudge pot for an extra sparkle.✨One downside of this eyeliner is that it might need a little extra patience for a precise winged eyeliner because the brush isn't as streamlined as I would have liked. Either way, it's still a great buy if you're looking for a cheaper alternative to high-end glitter eyeliners!

...okay so I did end this look with Huda Beauty lashes in Giselle but you can easily substitute these for your own fave lashes! TIP: Once you're done applying your lashes (or mascara), don't forget to line your upper waterline with pencil eyeliner to complete the look! It makes a huge difference, especially when you're wearing fuller lashes!

Once I popped on my lashes and lined my waterline, that was my eyes done! Really easy to do & the best part is that you can recreate this look in so many different colour combinations using the same elf palette!

The grand total of all the products I used to create this eyeshadow look: £14.79 / $20.94 !!

I hope this post inspired you to check out some cheaper brands that can still make you feel & look boujee! It's always nice to know that you don't have to buy every high-end palette to achieve high-end looks! Remember, most of it comes down to your technique and application of the products and not necessarily which products you use. Focus on mastering your technique and you'll be able to create flawless looks with products no matter the price-tag!

For details of the rest of my makeup, check out my Instagram here!

Kavita K xo

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