The £10 spring makeup challenge: workplace looks

I’ve just been putting a few makeup looks together to round up this challenge, and I’ve kept all of them under £10. That includes postage and packing, because it all adds up.

Today I’m focusing on the workplace, where you want to look well presented but not overdone. The key here is finding quality products at a hefty discount to build upon, and then mixing in a few cheaper products that perform far better than the other products in their price bracket.

Rather than mix and match between shops, running up too many P&P charges, I’ve based today’s ideas on one retailer again. It’s the turn of FragranceDirect, so here goes with three different budget-friendly collections that will get you noticed for the right reasons.

Look 1 – Nicely nude

best cheap neutral nude makeup Penny Golightly

It’s easy to wear, the products are star performers, and it suits most skin tones. Throw it on when you’re running late for work and you’ll look great.

  • Calvin Klein Intense Eyeshadow Mono in Chanterelle, £1.99. Muted buff/nude glow. Add brown liner & mascara if you want to give more emphasis to the eye area.
  • Calvin Klein Velvet Blush in Shiver, £2.99. Classy, flattering and buildable rose-gold.
  • Rimmel Lasting Finish Kate Lipstick in Shade 8, £1.99. Medium toned rose-brown nude that lasts.
  • NYC New York Color Expert Last Nail in Carrie’d Away, 99p. Sheer nude in surprisingly long lasting formula.

The only gripe, admittedly a small one, I have about FragranceDirect is that their colour swatches don’t represent the true appearance of the products. Always give it a quick Google image search before buying.

Look 2 – Peachy keen

best cheap makeup spring peach Penny Golightly

Peach shades are mixed with neutrals here, so it provides a pop of fresh colour but doesn’t look too over the top.

  • Rimmel Colour Rush Duo Eyeshadow in Walnut Pearls, 99p. Blends really well, like something a lot more expensive.
  • Dainty Doll Cream Blusher in Orange County Girl, £1.99. Absolute bargain, high quality peach-pink flush.
  • NYC Ultra Last LipWear Lipstick in Peach Fizz, 99p. Soft peachy tone to wear alone or dab over lip balm.
  • OPI Nail Polish in Barre My Soul, £3.99. Beige-white with peach tones, best polish brand on the market.

As an alternative to the lipstick, there are Revlon Super Lustrous peach lipgloss shades available for just 99p. Excellent non-sticky lipglosses that wear well and get great reviews.

Look 3 – Warm corals

best affordable makeup uk spring coral Penny Golightly

Good with a tan, or for warmer skin tones. You can build up the pigment in layers or tone it down with light application and blending, so don’t be scared if you’re the pale and interesting type.

  • Dainty Doll Eyeshadow in Teach Me Tiger, £1.99. Finely milled, highly pigmented. Apply lightly for a colour wash.
  • Dainty Doll Powder Blusher in Money Talks, £1.99. Chic neutral bronzer for pale/medium skin, ideal for shaping.
  • Calvin Klein Delicious Luxury Creme Lipstick in Orange Too, £1.99. Well made, wearable orange-coral shade. Great price.
  • L’Oreal Colour Riche Nail Polish 5ml minis in Creamy Angora or So Chic Fox, £1.20.

It’s interesting that the collection with the highest standard retail price has turned out to be a slightly cheaper look than the other two. That certainly isn’t reflected in the quality of the products though.

Coming up next: fun looks for a big night out, all for less than £10.

Do you have a favourite look? What would you say is the most appropriate type of makeup for the workplace?

 

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