Makeup on a Budget

If you're on a budget for one thing, you're probably on a bidet for everything: clothes, food, household supplies and even makeup. You want to look good, and for work you NEED to look good, but how can you do that and stik to your budget? After all, you promised yourself to stick to it this time. We'll sow you how. We have makeup that will help you sit to the budget, but look like your breaking it to smithereens.

Best Mascara: The Classic

Maybelline New York Full n' Soft Mascara, $7

Its famous (and even older) sister mascara in the pink-and-green tube has its following, but this wand surprised testers with its ability to define and keep lashes soft―never spiky.

To buy: At drugstores.

Best Mascara: The Newcomer

Rimmel London Sexy Curves Mascara, $7.50

Eyebrows were raised at the sight of the unique waved brush. However, all were soon won over: "It separates and really enhances lashes," said a tester. The conditioners also strengthen hairs.

To buy: At drugstores.

Best Lipstick: The Classic

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick, $8

First launched in 1974, it still impresses today because its creamy formula feels comfortable on lips and comes in over 72 (!) flattering shades, from Love That Red to Coffee Bean.

To buy: At drugstores.

Best Lipstick: The Newcomer

Maybelline New York Mineral Power Lipcolor, $8

With a featherweight feel, this lipstick "delivers a beautiful boost of color," remarked one tester. The formula's shea butter makes it moisturizing, too. In 12 shades.

To buy: At drugstores.

Best Eye Shadow: The Classic

L'Oréal Paris Wear Infinité Eye Shadow Single, $4

An oldie but a goodie, this vitamin E–infused shadow comes in 25 shades in shimmery and matte finishes. All sweep over lids easily, feel velvety, and stay put for a full day.

To buy: At drugstores.

Best Eye Shadow: The Newcomer

Almay Pure Blends Eyeshadow, $7.50

Testers liked the "easy-to-blend and buildable color" of these shadows, each of which contains 98.2 percent natural ingredients. All 10 shades are wearable and hypoallergenic to boot.

To buy: At drugstores.

Best Nail Polish: The Classic

Revlon Nail Enamel, $5

Originally produced in the 1930s, this polish enlists proteins to ensure a chip-resistant paint job. The rich lacquer comes in more than 60 shades and offers full coverage with one coat―no brush marks or bubbles.

To buy: At drugstores.

Best Nail Polish: The Newcomer

Nicole by Opi Nail Polish, $8

Its "smooth consistency," "perfectly sized brush," and expansive 72-shade range (from subtle pinks and taupes to unexpected blues and purples) delighted testers.

To buy: At drugstores.

Best Blush: The Classic

Covergirl Cheekers Blush, $4

It's been popular since it hit counters in the 80s, and no wonder. This blush comes in 17 shades, offering options for any skin tone, and it blends ever so naturally into cheeks.

To buy: At drugstores.

Best Eyeliner: The Classic

Wet n Wild Eyeliner, $1.50

You can't beat the price or the performance of this extra-long kohl pencil. It goes on smoothly, stays in place the entire day, and, best of all, comes in 12 colors, including everyday neutrals and vivid brights.

To buy: At drugstores.

Best Eyeliner: The Newcomer

L'Oréal Paris Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner, $8.50

The silicone-based formula comes in three shades, glides on without tugging, and "makes it easy to create a defined or smoky eye," said a tester. Also a hit: the attached sharpener.

To buy: At drugstores.