Amidst all the festive preparations you’re bound to end up as broke as a joke (don’t worry, it happens to the best of us). How do you decide which products are worth your hard-earned money? Nykaa’s resident beauty editors rigorously review hundreds of products to bring you the crème de la crème with a sprinkle of shimmer of course. Whether you’re in search of a non-drying matte lipstick, a chic highlighter, or a quick way to control over excited oil glands, we’ve got you covered this festive season, and those are just a few of the inexpensive winners below. Oh, and they’re all under Rs. 500. Mic drop.
Here are some affordable makeup products to stock up on, this festive season:
1. Glistening Lids
This sparkly season, own it with a wash of gold twinkle across your lids. Tbh, we’re currently digging the Nicka K Radiant Liquid Eye Shadow. This liquid eye topper offers a glimmering texture of color and dry down to a stay-put formula. You can tap them on top of another eye shadow for an even more multidimensional effect. If you're in a golden mood go for the shade Golden Gemma. Warning. This formula is so smooth and packed with pigmentation you can blind the haters with every blink.
Nicka K Radiant Liquid Eye Shadow - 296/-
2. Glitter Fantasy
For anyone who has ever wished for a shiny pair of Louboutins, don’t lose hope. The Nykaa Black To Gold Nail Enamel will make your dreams come true with that same shimmer love but for your nails. This elegant polish promises a beautiful dose of gold sparkle for your tips, especially the shade Shimmy Shimmy. We’re serious. It's like someone shattered a disco ball and somehow made it safe to paint on. As the shade suggests, you enter every function with a shimmy. How cool is that?
Nykaa Black To Gold Nail Enamel - Shimmy Shimmy - 249/-
3. Helter Shelter
Whatever the forecast for your next festival, sunscreen is an absolute no-brainer. This should be on top of your budget makeup list. Choose a water-based, broad-spectrum option with a high SPF of 50 to keep your skin calm and protected. We’re big on the Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+. This cult formula absorbs right into your skin sheet, is super transparent and doesn't leave any greasy residue. This makes it that much easier to apply sans mirror. On a side note, this tube could actually make you look forward to applying sunscreen EVERYDAY.
Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+ - 199/-
4. Scarlet Mouth
Rule number one. No festive checklist is complete without a heavy-duty red lipstick. The Organistick Organic Lipstick - Scarlet is a red that slicks on with deep impact. This elegant scarlet formula is so creamily pigmented and wears like a QUEEN, so you can sway right in with your head held high and not waste your precious minutes touching up your lips whilst your busy greeting the world. And the cool part is that even when it does fade, it leaves delicious berry stain. This is one of the best affordable makeup products under 500.
Organistick Organic Lipstick - Scarlet - 299/-
5. Gleam Cheeks
Assuming this genius highlighter isn’t already on your vanity, stock up ASAP. We’re talking about the Wet n Wild MegaGlo Hello Halo Liquid Highlighter. This buildable liquid luminizer glides on like silk and refuses to cake or dry. So, you won't have to worry about a meltdown should you choose to strobe to galactic levels. Power packed with Grapeseed Oil and rich Vitamin E, you can afford to skip moisturizer for this one. Your cheeks and collar bones shall glimmer all day and night (and dawn, depending on how the night goes).
Wet n Wild MegaGlo Hello Halo Liquid Highlighter - 473/-
6. Shine Bright
You just might cancel all your pricey hair appointments after you read this. Presenting the BBLUNT MINI Spotlight Hair Polish, For Instant Shine. The perfect on-the-go shine spray, you don’t need to worry about your updo misbehaving with this non-crispy formula that promises to give your hair a hit of sparkle and shine. Amidst a function, if you notice that one nasty strand popping out, rush to the nearest restroom, pretend to powder your nose and pull out this portable bottle to tame that little monster. Hah!
BBLUNT MINI Spotlight Hair Polish, For Instant Shine
7. Drip Control
From post workout touch ups to taash parties lined up for this month, you need to keep drippy dilemmas at bay. Unlike your regular toilet paper or even tissue, blotting papers are made from an extra-absorbent material that’s designed to soak in all that excess sebum. If you ask us, go for the Basicare Natural Facial Oil Blotting Paper. If that annoying distant relative goes ‘You look oily today darling’, chin up, pull out a sheet and dab in style (oh, and don’t forget to add a wink while you're at it). No biggie.
Basicare Natural Facial Oil Blotting Paper - 225/-
8. Fresh Start
Let’s talk self-care. At the end of the day, those outfits you’ve laid out for the season can contribute to some real sweaty situations as the day progresses. You need to stay super clean through it all. Run to The Body Shop Strawberry Shower Gel after a long day moving in those heavy lehengas. This hydrating wash hugs every inch of your body to soothe tired skin. The only thing more wholesome than the fact that you’re going smell like a basket of fresh strawberries is that unassuming price tag.
The Body Shop Strawberry Shower Gel - 325/-
Since we’ve managed to squeeze a little something to your festive checklist, we must admit that we’re kinda excited for you. You can now go ahead and add all of these fabulous finds to your shopping list (without hurting your bank balance) and you don’t have to worry about buyer’s remorse. Now pick up that glass of wine, and clink with us. Cheers!
