#BidenBudget Beauty
By Jayme Chandler Franklin
Every girl has been there. Checking out at Sephora with only four items in the basket and the cashier rings up a total of $130. Despite the jaw-dropping prices, we’re fully under the spell of the beauty industry so we begrudgingly swipe our credit cards anyway. From our TikTok “For You” pages to Instagram ads, the internet is constantly selling us “must have” makeup. Whether you’re scouring for any shade of the Dior Lip Glow in stock or impulse buying the Charlotte Tilbury Highlighter Wand after watching two TikToks, we’ve all been “influenced” too many times to count.
However, with rampant inflation, rents and mortgages on the rise, and gas prices still hovering around $4 per gallon, now is not the time to spend $35 on mascara. In Biden’s economy, we’re quitting department stores and heading to the drugstore. Because despite what many beauty influencers are paid to tell you, you can swap Rare Beauty for Revlon. Below are the TC-approved products that will revolutionize your makeup routine and monthly savings.
Versed Mood Lighting Luminizing Drops
The Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter dupe we’ve all been waiting for! At a more affordable price, achieve the same radiance, bronze, and glow with this seemingly magical serum.
Maybelline Fit Me! Dewy + Smooth Foundation
While I’ve never been a foundation fan, this foundation isn’t heavy but instead leaves a smooth, silky, and dewy finish. It’s perfect for achieving the coveted “no makeup makeup look.”
KISS Falscara DIY Eyelash Extension Wispy Wisps
These lashes are better than any falsies on the market! At a fraction of the price, these lashes look 100 times better than salon extensions. They are easy to apply and look au natural.
Wet n Wild Ultimate Brow Retractable
The Anastasia Brow Wiz is not only over-priced, it’s over-hyped. Head to the drugstore for my favorite dupe, because this pencil will do wonders for your brows and budget.
Maybelline Volum' Express The Colossal Cat Eyes Mascara
I’ve been using this mascara since high school, and for me, it beats any mascara I’ve tried at Sephora. This mascara lengthens your lashes and builds instant volume for a big, wide-eye look.
NYX Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator
An Ilia Beauty Liquid Light Serum Highlighter dupe, achieve the “clean girl” aesthetic at a lower cost with this luminous illuminator.
NYX Photo Loving Primer
Elevate your natural complexion with this silky serum. At the perfect price point, this primer makes all the difference in your makeup routine.
Milani's Baked Powder Blush in Luminoso
While the Nars Orgasm Blush has reigned supreme for years, this blush may be the beauty industry’s best kept secret. Achieve the same shimmer and satin finish at a steal.
Revlon ColorStay Skin Awaken 5-in-1 Concealer
Similar to the IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer, this product provides ultra-lightweight yet flawless coverage, making it the best cheap coverup on the market.
Burt's Bees Color Nurture Cream Eye Shadow
While heavy eyeshadow is so 2016, I love a simple, pink shimmer to enhance my eye color. With clean, nourishing ingredients at an affordable price, this eyeshadow is a must buy.
Revlon ColorBurst Balm Stain
This budget-friendly balm provides the perfect flush of color to enhance your natural lips. Hydrating and easy to use, it’ll leave you reapplying all day long.
Morphe Make It Big Plumping Lip Gloss
While I refuse to get lip filler, I will admit, I’m addicted to the Too Faced Lip Plumper. You can achieve the same full, but natural, pout with this tingling gloss found on your local drugstore shelves.
