We see if it’s possible to replace eight makeup bag staples for far less than the usual cosmetics bill – it’s beauty on a budget!
I found myself in a pickle this week as I went about updating my makeup bag – everything seemed to expire at once. My skin tint was clumpy, my mascara dry, my lipstick just a little smeary nub at the bottom of the tube. I guess it’s an inevitable thing when you do one big trip to Mecca once a year for your basics that they all begin to die at the same time (shelf life matters, people) and in this cossie livs cri, I wasn’t about the brands I’d usually pop into my basket with only a passing thought at my poor bank balance.
So, instead of those cult hero brands which are still GREAT and most definitely my favourite products of all time, but are, at the moment, in the ‘treat’ column, I went in search of products that deliver similar results, but are far less harsh on the wallet.
I wanted a full face of minimal makeup, if that makes sense – no harsh foundations, but rather my day-to-day go-to ‘no makeup make-up’ look that makes me look, well, not dead. Here’s how I did:
CULT vs COSSIE LIVS:
CULT: NARS The Multiple blush stick in iconic shade Orgasm, ($72) COSSIE LIVS: MECCA MAX Off-Duty Blush Stick ($22):
There’s a reason why NARS are the reigning queens of blush, so this one was a hard dupe to find, but Mecca’s range of sticks are worthy replacements. These satisfyingly creamy blush sticks tick all the boxes: they’re deliciously buttery yet dry to the touch, they last all day, and they melt into the skin in seconds for a buildable, your-skin-but-better vibe. Whether your vibe is subtle or saturated, you’ll be looking freshly flushed whenever, wherever.
CULT: Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter ($92) COSSIE LIVS: MCoBeauty Flawless Glow Luminous Skin Filter ($39)
MCo Beauty is a range designed to be dupes, so you’d expect the final result to be pretty bang-on to the original product, and this one is. I love using the Charlotte Tilbury as a highlighter, or mixing a tiny amount into foundation when I’m getting all fancy, and I didn’t actually understand its power until a makeup artist used it on me and I was like, ‘woah, my SKIN’. But if you want that glow from within without spending almost $100, the MCo dupe does a great job.
CULT: Hourglass Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint ($105) COSSIE LIVS: MECCA MAX Off Duty Serum Skin Tint ($36)
Makeup, skincare: call it what you want – if it saves me a step in the morning, then sign me up! I’ve moved away from foundations for every day and instead have embraced the skin tint – it smooths out my skin tone without saturating my pores in thick product, andI actually prefer the texture. This Mecca Max number is the answer to skin that looks good, feels good, and stays good: a foundation/serum hybrid that combines a hint of sheer coverage with an infusion infused of ingredients like niacinamide and squalane for good skin when the tint comes off. The Hourglass tint is AMAZING, but the Mecca Max answer is a bloody good alternative – I’ve worn this all day with no melting, no transfer and no oiliness. (I’m also obsessed with the Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Skin Perfecting Tint, but at $73 that’s also in the ‘every so often’ column right now, especially as it’s gone up $20 in one year. And if you’re still in the market, I also back the Revlon Illuminance Tinted Serum SPF($32) – it’s light coverage but buildable and it has great endurance throughout the day.
CULT: Clinique Superdefense City Block SPF30 Daily Energy + Face Protector ($63) COSSIE LIVS: MECCA COSMETICA To Save Face SPF50+ Sunscreen ($24)
I’ve used this Clinique number off and on and it’s a gorgeous product – super-soft, quick-absorbing and an all-round superstar. BUT, I’m going to call it and say Mecca’s version is JUST as good. This luxuriously lightweight cream slips seamlessly between moisturiser and foundation while remaining practically undetectable on the skin, with zero white cast.
CULT: Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm ($71) COSSIE LIVS: MCo Summer Daze Tinted Lip Oil ($20)
The Westman Atelier lip balm is god tier, but I’ve been really enjoying the MCo tinted lip oil – it gives a nice subtle colour, has good coverage and crucially, isn’t sticky. The MECCA MAX Pop Pout Sheer Lipstick ($26) is also fab, it’s better-than-a-balm, glossy-but-not-sticky formula is amazing.
CULT: Kylie Cosmetics Matte Lip Kit ($61) COSSIE LIVS: L’Oreal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick ($22.39)
Look, Kylie knows her shit when it comes to lips and I do love my lip kit, but I tried out the L’Oreal matte version recently and fell in love – it has staying power, man, and the shade range is epic.
CULT: Chantecaille Full Brow Perfecting Gel ($79) COSSIE LIVS: Ardell Brow Glue ($15.99)
Once you try Ardell’s brow glue, you’ll never go back to any other brow gel. Guaranteed. I’m just hoping for them to bring out a tinted version (I just fill mine in with pencil first and then use this). It’s already at God tier.
CULT: Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara ($54) COSSIE LIVS: MECCA MAX Whip Lash Tubing Mascara ($26)
Your mascara woes? Cancelled. This next-gen tubing mascara will keep your lashes lifted and defined, without the risk of flaking, dropping or turning your look from perfect to panda – and it’s just as good as the famed Better than Sex version!