In the May issue of XBIZ Cam World, I did a piece on my top five webcam makeup tips, and in response, a few models asked for more affordable options to help them look their best on camera.
Putting together a quality makeup collection can get expensive, especially if you’re doing a full glam look every time you hop online.
There are some fantastic products on the market, however, that are comparable to higher priced brands and look just as good, if not better, in HD.
Here are some affordable essentials you might want to consider putting in your beauty arsenal. Note: all products mentioned are available internationally unless otherwise noted.
Build a Beautiful Foundation
High-end foundations can run anywhere from $30 to upwards of $60, and while it can be worth the investment for photoshoots and other special projects, things can get pretty expensive if you’re using them often. A product like NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Full Coverage Foundation gives you the same flawless skin as a higher-end brand for just $15.
If you’re looking for something even more affordable, Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer runs under $10 and offers full coverage, plus a water-resistant formula that’s perfect for when your shows get extra hot and sweaty.
In terms of concealer, Tarte Cosmetics Shape Tape is a favorite among beauty insiders, but if $27 is too steep for your budget, Makeup Revolution Conceal and Define Full Coverage Concealer are strikingly similar and run for just $7. If you’re stateside and need something hardcore, Hard Candy Glamoflauge Heavy Duty Concealer will cover up pretty much anything and can be found at Walmart stores for $6. As an added bonus, it comes with a matching concealer pencil that works wonders for defining brows and lips.
Tools of the Trade
The best way to ensure a smooth makeup application is with a great set of brushes, but those can get expensive fast. I recommend starting out with a few basic brushes from a brand like e.l.f. Cosmetics or Wet N Wild, because you can get the essentials for just a few dollars each.
The quality is good for the price and it’s enough to get you started as you slowly build up your collection. Morphe is another affordable brand that is slightly more expensive (brushes still start under $10 each) but the quality is great if you want something mid-range you won’t have to replace in a few months.
Lip Service
A luscious set of lips can drive the members in your room wild; that’s why it’s important to stock up on lip products that have staying power so you don’t have to re-apply during your longer shifts.
Kylie Jenner Lip Kits are amazing in terms of color selection and wear-time, but the $29 price tag can be a little hard to swallow. NYX Cosmetics makes similar lip kits that include a full-size lipstick and lip liner for just $11, and the quality is unbelievable for the price. The kits come in matte, metallic, crème and gloss finishes that are long-wearing and feel great on the lips.
If you’re into the super glossy look, Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Hot Lip Lacquer ($7.99) offers a glass-like shine in a comfortable formula that won’t clump on your lips as you whisper sexily to the people in your room.
Oooh, La Lashes
False lashes can take your glam look to the next level, but you don’t need mink or human hair lashes to achieve that bombshell look. Ardell, for example, is a great brand that makes high-quality, synthetic lashes that can be used more than once and only cost about $6 a pair. You can also get them in value packs that have five sets of lashes for about $15, which is really convenient if you wear them often. While this brand is mainly sold in the USA, MadameMadeline.com is a great international site that can ship them to various parts of the world for a reasonable price.
If you’re not into false lashes but still want to give your eyes a more dramatic look, apply three or four coats of a mascara like Essence Cosmetics Lash Princess False Lash Effect. This is easily the best mascara on the market when it comes to creating that “false lashes” look, and a full size tube costs just $5. While this brand is mainly available in the USA, you can have it shipped to some international countries if you find it on Amazon. Another product that offers lots of length and volume for under $10 is L’Oreal Lash Paradise Mascara — and it’s available pretty much anywhere in the world.
Perfectly Priced Palettes
Makeup palettes are a great way to get more bang for your buck and keep everything you need in one place. My Holy Grail palette for when I’m going on camera is the Makeup Revolution x The Emily Edit — The Needs Face and Eye Palette.
For less than $10 you can get five eyeshadows, a bronzer, a highlighter, setting powder and blush in neutral tones that are universally flattering. It’s a great way to handle eyes, cheeks and contour in one shot.
If you want something customizable, Colourpop is a great brand that offers a “build your own palette” option. For $24 you can choose two cheek colors and four eye shadows, or 12 eye shadows in a variety of highly pigmented colors and textures (matte, satin, glitter and even duochrome). It’s a phenomenal price point, plus you don’t have to waste money on shades you’ll never use.
Thanks so much for your response to my last column! If you have any questions I didn’t cover here or would like to read more makeup tips in a future column, please email me at CamsJBackman@gmail.com.
Jackie Backman is the Content Manager for Cams.com. She has been working in the industry for over 12 years and specializes in copywriting, beauty and social media management.
