Now, I’m a spender, I always have been, like a ridiculous spender. I hate saving. I just don’t see the point, we only live once... enjoy and don’t go into debt. Right!? Well, as a sort of adult, I have realized that there are times when cutting back on things is a necessity, but I have also learned that you can save without sacrificing quality. So when it comes to makeup products you can save money, but trust me no one will know the difference. So, I am just going to do a side by side budget comparison to prove you can get the same look for much less.

I swear to you that with either choice you will look radiant and beautiful on your wedding day!

Breaking the Bank:

Primer: Smashbox Photo Finish, $49

Powder Foundation: Smashbox Halo, $59

Blush: Nars in Orgasm, $26

Mascara: Lancome Definicils, $24

Eye Shadow: Dior, $58

Lipstick: Makeup Forever, $19

Total Cost: $235

Staying on Budget:

Primer: L’Oreal Studio Secrets Perfecting Base, $12.99

Powder Foundation: Almay Pure Blends, $12.99

Blush: Revlon Matte Powder Blush in Perfectly Peach, $9.79

Mascara: CoverGirl Lash Blast, $6.99

Eye Shadow: L’Oreal Eye Quad, $6.99

Lipstick: Neutrogena Moisture Shine Lipstick, $9.49

Total Cost: $59.24

Total Savings:  $175.76

Can you believe that!!! Nearly two hundred dollars!!!!!!! And I swear to you, these products are all amazing!!! The L’Oreal Studio Secrets Perfecting Base was created by super legend, supermodel Linda Evangelista and the brains over at L’Oreal and seriously this stuff takes down any of the pricey products you have tried and it is guaranteed to freshen up your face, fill lines and wrinkles, smooth over blemishes and just create the most perfect base for foundation. The Almay’s Pure Blends is great stuff, it creates an airbrushed look for a great price. And I swear to you the BEST mascara in the entire world is CoverGirl lash blast! And I should know, I have tried on every single mascara in existence... okay that’s a lie, but a lot... and a lot of expensive ones, this stuff is hands down the best!!! All of these products are amazing, it’s all about knowing what’s out there. Also, brushes, get a few cheap brushes at Target/Ulta/Sephora to apply your makeup. Please God don’t ever let me find you applying eyeshadow with that little spongey thing!!! No, no! That is a sure fire way to prove you are wearing the expensive stuff! Brushes help the makeup spread better and you look more natural.

So, if this is the only place where you save money on your wedding day then I have done my job! Seriously, you can look great without spending hundreds of dollars on makeup... hey, then you will have money for shoes ;)

Until we meet again, stay bridal and spend money like you got it... until you don’t... got it... hmm.

Lauren