Makeup Product Guides and Affordable Beauty Dupes
Stop buying makeup you don't need. Learn how to pick the right shades for your skin tone and find budget-friendly alternatives that actually work.
Forever 52 is a favorite brand for many makeup artists. In this video, I break down the three different variants of their foundation, explaining which skin type each one is best for and what kind of finish they provide.
In my foundation series, I'm comparing PAC HD liquid foundation and Forever52 cover-up foundation. I share the best shades for fair, medium, and deep skin tones to have in your professional kit.
Part 3 of my foundation series focuses on the Huda Beauty Faux Filter foundation. I recommend the key shades like Cashew, Baklava, and Gingerbread that you'll need to cater to different skin tones.
For those who want to invest in high-end products, here are the three essential shades of MAC Studio Fix Fluid foundation for your vanity: NC15, NC30, and NC42.
In Part 5 of the series, I cover the much-requested Maybelline Fit Me foundation. I list out the best shades for fair, medium, and deep skin tones from this affordable and widely available range.
You don't need to buy dozens of foundations. I show you how to create multiple custom shades using just one fair and one deep foundation shade, saving you money and space in your kit.
Here's a hack for when you only have a single foundation shade. I demonstrate how you can mix it with a light and a dark concealer to create your perfect match.
Selecting your foundation shade online can be tricky. I share a hack using Instagram's color picker tool to find your skin tone and compare it with the brand's shade chart online.
How do you know if a foundation is for oily or dry skin just by looking at the bottle? I explain the keywords to look for, like 'dewy' and 'luminous' for dry skin, and 'matte' or 'oil-control' for oily skin.
I often get questions about foundations for normal and combination skin. The key is in the skin prep, but here I list several foundations like MAC, NARS, and Huda Beauty that work well for these skin types.
About Product Guides & Budget Dupes
Ever wonder why your foundation looks grey or cakey? It is usually not the brand, it is the shade matching. I teach you how to use just two shades, one light and one dark, to mix and create your perfect match. This simple hack saves you from buying multiple expensive bottles that end up sitting in your drawer unused.
Finding the right makeup products shouldn't feel like rocket science. In my classes, we focus on building a smart vanity, not a crowded one. You don't need high-end luxury products to achieve a flawless look. Often, a well-placed drugstore dupe from brands like Swiss Beauty, Maybelline, or Mars performs just as well as premium options, provided you know how to prep your skin.
Why Product Knowledge Matters
Many students come to me with expensive kits but zero clue how to use them. We cover the basics:
- Foundation Matching: Learn how to read your undertone and stop picking shades that oxidize (turn dark) on your skin.
- Skin Type Analysis: If you have oily skin, you need matte, oil-control products. If you are dry, you need dewy, luminous finishes. I explain exactly what to look for on the label.
- The Moisturizer Hack: Did you know you can often skip the primer if your skincare routine (CTM) is on point? I show you which moisturizers double as a perfect base.
How to Choose Like a Pro
Don't just buy what's trending on social media. I teach you how to analyze your own needs. Whether you are dealing with open pores, hyperpigmentation, or just want a clean office look, I help you filter your existing bag—throwing out what doesn't work and keeping the essentials. If you are ready to stop the guesswork and start building a kit that actually works for your face, let's connect.
Sonia Kalra
I am Sonia, a makeup artist based in Gurgaon who believes your vanity shouldn't cost a fortune. I help students stop the guesswork and start using products that actually suit their skin type and budget.
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