Top 5 under 5

A top 5 under 5 that contains not 5 but 7 items. Yup, call me illogical, but that’s what I did. When I started going through my make up collection trying to figure out my favorite budget finds, I just found more than I thought I would. And of course I couldn’t keep myself from sharing these with you. So without further ado, I bring to you my top 7 under 5.

I have a little bit of everything here.
Click to read more and click the names of the products to see full reviews!

W7 Hollywood Bronze & Glow

And I’m not saving the best for last, I am diving straight in and starting with one of my holy grail products. I’ve been using this bronzer/ highlight combo every day since I bought it last December. Now the weather is improving and I’m not so super pale anymore, I am delving into more of a bronzy look and have finally chosen for different products to bronze up my face. But this puppy was all I used all winter. It is quick, it is easy, it is cheap. €5.99 is the price you pay for this, but I got this in a 2 for €10 deal and thus only paid €5.

ELF brushes

Make up brushes can be expensive. Even in the middle segment, a face brush can easily retail for close to €20. When you’re just starting out that may seem a little bit steep. So opt for ELF instead. Their brushes are no more than €5 and I can especially recommend the three brushes in the picture above. The kabuki brush is the only kabuki brush I have ever owned and works great for mineral powder and powder foundations. The round blending brush is great for smokey effect or the crease. And I love taking the powder brush with me when I travel. It applies both brush and powder and is thus a true multitasker.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

The collection concealer is a cult product in the beauty community. At only 4 pounds a pop, this concealer isn’t only dirt cheap, it is also one of the best concealers on the market. It is quite thick, but sets well. It hardly creases, the color is spot on and it stays all day. Oh and it works both on spots and the undereye area. What’s not to love?

Catrice lipsticks

Budget lipsticks are easy to come by, but not such a great color selection and in such a great texture as the Catrice lipsticks. My favorite line has to be their Ultimate Colour line, but also Ultimate Stay, Supreme Fusion and Ultimate Shine lines have some great shades. Each line features different textures and lasting power and every 6 months colors disappear to make way for new ones. From super bright to stunning nudes and berries: the Catrice lipstick range offers it all at an affordable price ranging from €3.99 – €4.99.

Hema Wet & Dry eyeshadow

I was in awe when I first found these Hema Wet & Dry eyeshadows. The trios are still available but the monos seem to have disappeared from my local store. Again, I think these an absolute bargain. They apply well, are easy to blend and can easily be intensified by building up the colors or using a wet brush for an even more intense effect. I honestly do not understand why so few people have even heard of these.

Essence Stays No Matter What eyepencil & shadow

Sadly another seemingly discontinued products from Essence. I am a sucker for eyeshadow sticks especially around spring/ summer time. As it makes for quick and easy budgeproof eye make up. Since Essence is a super affordable brand, I don’t think these cost more than €2.50 a piece. Just some great pieces of make up and that copper shade has to be my favorite.

Essence Superfine Eyeliner pen

Last but not least: an eyeliner pen. My favorite has to be the Maybelline Master Precise, but since that is up there in price, the Essence one is a good alternative. At less than €2.50, this eyeliner is so good, I keep an extra one around just in case the first one dries out. This goes on opaque, is intense black and applies like a dream. It is also an almost exact dupe of the L’Oreal Super Liner which retails for close to €13 over here.

What is your Top 5 under 5?