Beauty Brands on a Budget

If only our makeup bags weren't recession-proof (or college tuition-proof, low-paying-job-proof, had-to-fix-the-car-this-month-proof).

Through the years, I've found a few beauty brands that take it easy on the wallet while delivering pretty darn great results. I admit, there are certain products I splurge on. However, jumping on a trend such as neon eyeliner won't be one of them. Will I even wear it next year?! These scenarios, in my opinion, are the perfect opportunity to try out new, less-expensive brands.

And don't get me wrong. Some of these products are (again, in my opinion) just as good as the expensive stuff. At about $11 a bottle, Revlon Colorstay foundation is extremely affordable. I'm not kidding when I say I'd pay $50 a bottle for this stuff. It's that amazing! I've used it for probably 15 years.

So here are a few of my favorite bargain brands along with a few tips on how to shop for them:

1. Eyes. Lips. Face

Purchase at www.eyeslipsface.com or find this brand at your local Target. Their online site has a huge selection. You can usually search for coupon codes or join their e-mail list as well to receive promotions. I really like their nail polish (great for trying out trendy colors); cream eyeliner pots; liquid eyeliner; and their clear brow gloss. And...AND...their prices start at $1!

2. NYX

Purchase at your local Ulta or ulta.com. There may be other ways to purchase NYX, but these are the two I'm familiar with. I love their eyeshadows and their highly-pigmented eye color tubes. Their products have great color and staying power. Ulta usually has coupons in the Sunday paper (if you have a local Ulta) or online.

3. Avon

While you can still purchase Avon from an "Avon Lady," I prefer to puchase online at avon.com. They often run promotions and sales. One thing many people don't know is that they have an online outlet. It is amazing and I've found so many great deals there. Click here for the Avon Outlet. The quality of Avon is amazing. Some items may be a little pricier than others, but for the quality, I think their line is pretty affordable. I like their lipsticks, eyeshadows and perfumes.

4. Revlon

I don't buy much Revlon except for their Colorstay foundation. As I mentioned above, this stuff is worth its weight in gold. Be sure to check the bottle for a formula suited to your skin. I have very oily skin and purchase the combination/oily formula. You can purchase Revlon Colorstay foundation nearly everywhere. The best deals are at Walgreens, CVS and Ulta. They all occasionally offer a BOGO or BOGO 50 percent off. At Ulta, you can usually combine this with one of their coupons for $3 or $3.50 off a purchase.

5. Wet N Wild

I've used Wet N Wild since I was in junior high. I love their fun lip glosses and nail polish. They also have a pretty mean mascara. Purchase Wet N Wild at almost any beauty retailer such as Ulta, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, etc. Sometimes they offer coupons in magazines, also!

Do you have any favorite "affordable" beauty brands? Cheap beauty tricks? I'd love to hear them!