Easy Everyday Makeup look... on a budget
- Amorie Pearson
- Oct 28
- 7 min read
Updated: Oct 28
"Is it possible to create an easy makeup look that is budget-friendly and looks natural?"
This is a question that I've been asked so many times, especially by women that don't often do their own makeup and don't like too much makeup on their skin.
These women also fall into the category of not wanting to spend more than 10 minutes on makeup - not only because makeup can be expensive, but they don't know where to start.
Don't worry, I've got you covered! (Literally...)
I challenged myself to try budget-friendly makeup products. It was totally out of my comfort zone, I won't lie! But to get back to the question: It definitely is possible!"
In order to create this look, I had to be creative. I considered products that are easily accessible worldwide. I found that Catrice Cosmetics and Essence are great options and it will not be difficult for you to go to your local Clicks, Dischem or even order your products on Amazon.
I tested all the products I bought and I decided to use the products that I found to be the best.
This is not makeup that I will do on myself daily or use on my clients for a photoshoot. So let's see what the main difference is.
Everyday vs. Professional Makeup - What’s the Difference?
✨ Everyday makeup goal: Look polished but natural, in under 10 minutes.
Everyday makeup is all about enhancing your natural beauty with soft, simple techniques that you can do at home. It’s quick, light, and focuses on creating a fresh, effortless look. There is no guarantee that this makeup will last the whole day without a few touch-ups.
💄 Professional makeup goal: Look picture-perfect and polished for hours.
Professional makeup, on the other hand, is designed for special occasions, photography or film. It’s more detailed, long-lasting, and tailored to look flawless under different lighting and conditions.
It often involves techniques like contouring, precise blending, setting sprays, and high-performance products to ensure makeup stays perfect all day - whether it’s a wedding, photoshoot, or stage performance.
I will teach you how to make the world your stage, EVERY day in future tutorials...
Now to the fun part, my makeup on a budget tutorial...
The budget friendly makeup tutorial
You can watch my full tutorial on Youtube: Easy Makeup Look on a Budget Tutorial
My skin concern is hyperpigmentation, I have been on a long journey with it and my skin looks much better. Unfortunately a "no-makeup" makeup look doesn't work for me, so I found a way to do the makeup and cover up, without using foundation.
Step 1: Prepare your skin

I used Lumi Glo's products to prepare my skin. The Dewy Glo Face Mist hydrates and calms the skin, the moisturizer locks in the moisture, and then your skin is ready for makeup and will look fresh.
Cost: Lumi Glo Face Mist R275, Lumi Glo Jelly Moisturiser R325
Pro tip: Give the skin prep products a few minutes to set before applying products.
Step 2: Apply Catrice Ten!sational 10 in 1 Dream Primer

I applied a generous amount of the Ten!sational 10 in 1 Dream Primer. There are two shades available and for fair skin, I recommend this shade.
The lightweight texture prepares the skin for make-up, has a blurring effect and acts as a make-up base to even out imperfections. Pores are visibly minimized and lines are visibly reduced. This product also hydrates the skin and gives it a natural glow. Thanks to the active ingredients and a sun protection factor of 15, this beauty must-have also offers an anti-pollution and anti-oxidation effect.
Cost: Catrice Ten!sational 10 in 1 Dream Primer R149
Contouring face map guide

The Foundation Sponge

Cost: Basics Makeup Wedges Small R49.95
Step 3: Catrice Instant Bright Serum Concealer

I used two different shades of the serum concealer. In this case I went for 010C and a slightly warmer 032N. I found that the 010C balances the warmth of the concealer on the face. I just liked the fact that 032N added a little warmth and gave me an extra glow.
Cost: Catrice Instant bright Serum Concealer R79
Step 4: Catrice Soft Glam Filter Fluid

I used the Soft Glam Filter Fluid to add color and definition back to my face. I chose this product instead of concealer because it is extra glowy and I love the finish.
Cost: Catrice Soft Glam Filter Fluid R169
Step 5: Catrice Blush Affair Liquid Blush

I decided to use a liquid blush; the finish is extra glowy and dewy, which is the look we are going for, right?
My inspiration behind the red shade of the blush is Victoria's Secret makeup artist, Rose-Marie Swift (founder of RMS Beauty) She revealed that she used red, not pink, blush on models for a natural, flushed glow that looks like the skin's natural flush, not a pink imitation.
Cost: Catrice Blush Affair Liquid Blush R89
Step 6: Essence Sun Club Large Bronzing Powder

I used the matt bronzing powder to "set" the soft glam filter fluid. This is all the "bronzer" areas as shown on the face map as shown above.
The bronzing powder gives your face extra definition. I love the finish because it is still glowy!
Cost: Essence Sun Club Large Bronzing Powder R99
Step 7: Catrice Prime & Fine Matt Powder

I used the Prime and Fine Mattifying Powder everywhere on my face where I applied the concealer. These areas are the highlighter area's in the face map as shown above.
Cost: Catrice Prime and Fine mattifying powder R72.95
An alternative mattifying powder is the Catrice All Matt Plus Shine Control Powder R85.

The triangle powder puff makeup sponges I used makes the application of the mattifying powder so easy!

Step 8: Catrice Brow Fix Soap Stick

This soap stick is a really amazing tool to have although it is optional. The soap stick sets your brows in place. One side is the soap product, the other side is a brow brush that makes it easy to shape and set the brows in place.
Cost: Catrice Brow Fix Soap Stick R99
I also used the Essence Lash & Brow Gel Mascara. I would recommend the brow gel!

Cost: Essence Lash & Brow Gel Mascara R57
Step 9: Catrice Micro Precise Eyebrow Pencil

I used this eyebrow pencil because the tip is very small, making it easy to draw on your eyebrows and make them look more natural.
Cost: Catrice Micro Precise Eyebrow Pencil R55
Step 10: Prep and prime mattifying powder... again

I used my mattifying powder with a flat brush under my eyebrows, just above my crease, and in the inner corners of my eyes to lighten them and serve as a lighter eyeshadow.
Step 11: Essence Sun Club Large Bronzing Powder...again

I used my matte bronzing powder with a small fluffy blending brush in the crease of my eye, stopping in the middle of the curve of my eyeball. I used my flat brush with bronzing powder under my eyes to create definition.
Step 12: More than glow highlighter

Pro tip: Your highlighter is the 'magic' of your makeup look. If you highlight the right places, it will give your look that final touch that is just... well magical!
I used the highlighter in shade 040 Absolute Blushin Bright. I used it on my cheekbone, the inside of my eye, under my eyebrow, on the tip of my nose and on my cupids bow.
Cost: More than glow highlighter R99
Step 13: Catrice Gel Eye Pencil

I used the Catrice Gel Eye Pencil in the corner of my upper eye as well as on the outer part of my waterline under my eyes. I used a flat brush to blend it out.
Pro tip: Use a waterproof gel liner to avoid smudging during the day
Step 14: Essence Lipliner

I used the shade '016 Run Don't Walk'. I chose the brown color for a more neutral look, when you overline your lip slightly, it still looks natural.
Pro tip: You can play with the lipliner colors that you use for this look. It is fun!
Cost: Essence Lip liner R47
Step 15: Catrice lip gloss

I chose the Catrice Lip Gloss for this look, but you can use any clear lip gloss that you like!
Cost: Catrice Gloss Obsessed Lip Glaze R78
Step 16: Essence Mascara

The Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara is a product that I've known and loved for years. I tried the other Essence Mascara's, but I always go back to this specific mascara. It is affordable, waterproof and it works!
Last but definitely not least... brushes!
Have you ever thought that maybe it is not you that can't blend your eyeshadow or your makeup?Well, today I give you permission to blame it on the brushes you used. Yes, you read that right!
Brushes make a huge difference in makeup application. When it comes to makeup brushes, invest in it, you won't be sorry that you did!
The makeup brushes I recommend:
Tonality 16 Piece professional brush set: R650
This brush set works! It is a full set with every single brush that you need, it has descriptions on the brushes so you will know exactly what function each brush is for... bonus!
Click on this link to buy: Tonality Brush set
Use code: Amorie001 for 10% discount.

Halouw Professional Brush set
And then of course, the Halouw Makeup Professional 10 Piece Brush Set: R850.
Not only because it is pink and beautiful, it is soft and so easy to blend and use. This brush set is really high quality brushes and I love them!
Click on this link to buy: Halouw Professional Brush set
You are welcome to order your brush set from me.

I hope you enjoy following my makeup tutorial.
Please feel free to ask questions, give me feedback or tag me in your 'after' selfie on social media, I would love to see it!
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I loved this post! It’s been so helpful, especially since I’m new to makeup and didn’t know where to start. Thanks so much, Amorie!!!