Foundation

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, $62

vs.

CoverGirl NatureLuxe Foundation, $12

Both of these foundations are creamy and provide a flawless finish. Neither of these products will settle into fine lines and both provide medium coverage. CoverGirl's product is also made with rosehip, jojoba oils and cucumber water, which helps the product feel light on the face. For less than a quarter of Armani's price, CoverGirl's foundation looks and feels just as luxurious.

Mascara

Benefit They're Real! Mascara, $23 

vs.

Maybelline The Falsies Volume Express Mascara, $7 

Because mascara should be replaced about every three months, it doesn't make sense to splurge. Both of these mascaras have thick brushes to really pump up lashes, but the price of Maybelline's mascara is a third of the price of Benefit's, making it a steal.

Facial Cleanser

Bioderma Créaline H20 Micelle Solution, $24.50

vs.

L'Oreal Paris Skin Perfection 3-in-1 Purifying Miceller Solution, $3.32

(Miceller solutions are gentle, hypo-allergenic cleansers that are extremely good at dissolving makeup.)

Both of these cleansers will dissolve makeup, particularly stubborn eye makeup. Both products claim to remove impurities from the pores and are meant to be used as toners as well. With both products performing the same function, price can be a determining factor in deciding which one to buy.

L'Oreal's Miceller Solution is far less than half the price of Bioderma's  cleanser. For something that stays on the face for such a short amount of time, it doesn't make much sense to really splurge. Save your money on products more worthy of your extra cash.

Lip Balm

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Colour Balm, $17

vs.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain, $6

Lip balm is one of those items that isn't worth splurging on because of its short shelf-life. Plus, who hasn't lost a Chapstick or two in their backpack or purse? Both of these hydrating lip balms come in a variety of flattering colors, so beauties of any skintone will be able to find something they like.

Makeup Setting Spray

MAC Fix +, $21

vs.

e.l.f. Makeup Mist & Set, $3

Both of these setting sprays should be applied after your face is completely made up. Setting products increase the wear time of your makeup. Although MAC's product is great, e.l.f's product is nearly the same in terms of longevity and smoothness of finish. 

Blush

Nars Blush in Orgasm, $30

vs.

Milani Baked Blushed in Luminoso, $7

Nars' cult classic Orgasm blush is a staple on red carpets and runways. Milani's Luminoso blush is just as pigmented with slightly more shimmer. Although Nars' product comes in fancier packaging, Milani's blush is a dead ringer for Orgasm's perfect pink color.

Highlighter

Benefit High Beam, $26

vs.

e.l.f. Shimmering Facial Whip, $3

Benefit's High Beam is famous in beauty circles for its pearly finish and smooth composition. However, $26 is a steep price to pay for something that goes on such a small portion of the face. e.l.f's highliters are just as pigmented and come at a much more affordable price.