Over-the-counter makeup can also look luxurious! Here's a list of affordable treasures.

In this age dominated by social media and fashion magazines, we're constantly being indoctrinated into the idea that luxury requires money. The luxury brands glittering in advertisements, with price tags often exceeding thousands of yuan, put many beauty enthusiasts off. But today, I'm sharing a secret from the beauty world: luxury isn't just about price. After three months of testing and comparisons, I've discovered a group of "Cinderella" over-the-counter makeup products that cost less than a third of their counter counterparts, yet deliver the same stunning results. This isn't just a shopping list; it's a revolution in beauty consumption.

Let's first debunk a myth: Why are affordable makeup products often labeled "cheap"? The key isn't the product itself, but how we use it. Just like a skilled chef can create a delicious dish with ordinary ingredients, with the right techniques, affordable makeup can also exude a luxurious glow. I interviewed several professional makeup artists, and they all agreed that a high-end look is 70% down to technique, with only 30% coming from the product itself. This explains why some people use expensive makeup but still achieve a heavy, thick look, while beauty experts can achieve enviable looks with over-the-counter products. This disparity isn't simply a matter of money; it requires a deep understanding of the product and the refinement of technique.

Ultimately, makeup is the key to the overall quality of a look. Miniso's Starry Pink Highlighter is a recent gem I've discovered. It's only 19.9 yuan, yet it delivers a dazzling effect comparable to Fenty Beauty's Diamond Highlighter. Its combination of blue, purple, and silver shimmer creates a multi-layered, dazzling glow under the light, making it perfect for nightclubs or parties. Of course, its longevity isn't as good as high-end products, but this can be easily compensated for with setting techniques. Another product that surprised me was 1028's purple setting powder. This niche Taiwanese brand offers incredible results for just 39.9 yuan. The purple base effectively counteracts the yellowish undertones of Asian skin tones, and the fine powder creates a soft-focus effect upon application, making it particularly suitable for correcting hollows in the mid-face. I usually sweep it lightly under my eyes, along the bridge of my nose, and along my chin for an instantly defined, contoured look. Afu's purple primer was another unexpected surprise. As a brand known for its essential oils, this primer is infused with Damascus rose oil, has a moisturizing, easy-to-glide texture, and effectively brightens dull skin. I love its versatility—on days when my skin is in good shape, I can use it as a base makeup primer. Apply evenly, then layer on loose powder, and I'm ready to go. The whole process takes less than three minutes, yet it creates the illusion of "naturally good skin." For the everyday office worker, this product is a lifesaver. Its affordable price tag also means it won't burden your wallet.

Eye makeup is the heart of any makeup look, and Jill Leen's nine-color eyeshadow palette delivers exceptional results at just 25 yuan. I particularly recommend shades GM12 and GM01. Their powdery texture is fine and soft, with medium pigmentation, making them perfect for everyday commuting. Despite the simple packaging, they offer all the essential shades: base, transition, darkening, and highlighting, perfectly suiting your daily needs. In contrast, the e.l.f. eyeshadow palette #Pumpkin Pie is more suitable for those who prefer a European and American look. This American, off-label brand is known for its value, and the pearlescent shades in this palette are particularly outstanding. The texture glides on smoothly, creating a delicate metallic sheen with just one swipe. The clear acrylic packaging, while simple, exudes a professional feel, making it easy to see the colors clearly, making it especially useful for mornings when you're in a rush.

Speaking of eyeliner, Floria's colored eyeliners have completely changed my preconceptions about budget eyeliner. I used to think cheap eyeliners either didn't flow well or smudged easily, but this product completely changed my mind. The ultra-fine tip allows for precise, seamless eyeliner application, and most importantly, its longevity is truly amazing. I particularly like the purple version; it's less harsh than the black, more distinctive than the brown, and doesn't look out of place for everyday use. It's a perfect choice for those who want to experiment with colored eyeliner without investing too much. The final—and most important—step in your makeup routine is setting. Many people skimp on this step, resulting in their meticulously crafted makeup quickly fading and patchy. I highly recommend investing in a good setting spray, which acts like an invisible net to secure makeup. Even with budget-friendly makeup, proper setting will ensure it stays put all day. A quick tip: before applying setting spray, use a fluffy powder brush and lightly dust a small amount of translucent loose powder all over your face. This effectively absorbs excess oil. Then, apply setting spray for a lasting, almost "sealed" look.

After testing this for a while, I've come to realize that a sophisticated look isn't something you buy; it's something you create. Behind those glamorous looks on social media is often a deep understanding of the products and the continuous refinement of their techniques. Every product on this list of affordable treasures is carefully selected after personal experience, proving that price is never the only criterion for quality. A true beauty expert isn't judged by the number of high-end brands in their makeup bag, but by their ability to transform ordinary products into extraordinary results. The next time you find yourself hesitant at the makeup counter, consider this: Perhaps what you need isn't a more expensive product, but better technique and a deeper understanding of your unique personality.