Low-budget Make-up and Beauty Hacks for Beginners Who Want to Experiment

by Tori Moore

1. 2-in-1 Highlighter/Eye-shadow Duo - I kept seeing people contour and highlight their face and it looked really nice, so I naturally wanted to experiment. However, I don't wear makeup much except on the weekends, so I wasn't ready to go out and buy a highlighter. I looked down at an old eye-shadow pallette that I didn't use and saw shimmery, cream-colored shadow. I brushed it on my cheekbone-area and nose and wallah - I was glowing! I was worried that make-up gurus would notice the false advertisement instantly, but I actually got a ton of compliments! The trick is that it has to be shimmery, but not too shimmery. I played around with a more champagne-colored pink later and loved it! If you're looking to try out highlighter, but don't want to commit to high price, use any shimmery cream/champagne/VERY light gold depending on your skin tone and you'll be set! I got other people to use my trick and they love it, too! The best part is, there is no specific brand that works, so you could use your old Too Faced pallette or just a drug store pallette.

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2. Natural Deep Conditioning for the Skin and Hair - As you've heard on social media, coconut oil is the answer to everything. I was skeptical until I went and bought a tub for about $5 (which I've had since February) and it is amazing. I use it to shave my legs and then moisturize them after. I also use it for deep-conditioning. I rub it into my scalp and the ends of my hair and let it sit for about 30-minutes before I get in the shower and then shampoo thoroughly and condition with regular conditioner. My hair comes out amazing. I have semi-thick, straight/wavy hair, so I'm not sure how it would work on thin or super curly hair. It never hurts to try, though, because the brand I buy is 100% organic, so it doesn't burn. You can find it at your local WalMart! It also helps me separate my hair when I'm french braiding. Sometimes, I leave it in with my braids and sleep overnight so that I get a super deep condition, although I would not recommend for everyone, as that may make some people's hair greasy.​

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3. More mascara = fierce lashes - This one may not be a secret, but it has surely helped me. I have natural red hair, so my eyelashes are extremely light and without mascara, I literally look like a little boy. There are zillions of brands and types of mascara - some promote length, while others promote volume. Why not use both? Some may say "why not just buy a brand that does it all?" Well, sometimes those brands are expensive. If you have one mascara that lengthens lashes, one that separates, and one that creates volume, you don't need to buy $24 mascara.

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4. Fake contour - This is something that I just started doing because I am not very good at make-up. I put a concealer in a line on my cheeks (the only thing I contour) and do not rub it in. Then,  I apply brownish colored powder blush on the line and rub in. I know what you're thinking - but I promise I don't look like a hot mess. I actually get complimented on it! To be honest, I tried it because when contouring first became a "thing", I thought people only used blush. I was wrong. I've since then become a bit more educated on make-up, but this is perfect for anyone who wants to experiment.

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5. When dental meets beauty - Just like any other kid with braces, I had millions of those tiny beige rubber bands hiding in the depths of my room. One day, I was putting my hair into braids when I realized they looked silly using a thick, black hair tye. But, at the time, I didn't have a license, so I couldn't just go buy mini hair rubber bands at the store. That's when I found the holy grail of low-budget hair supplies - my dental rubber bands! I used them to tie up my braids and they looked great! I do not recommend using these for a regular pony tail or bun, though, because they will snap. I only use them when I tie up the front half of my hair or if I put my hair into two braids.

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