Are you looking to save some cash but don’t want to sacrifice your beauty regiment to the recession gods? I’ve got some good news for you: Hollywood makeup artists like Troy Surrat, Ashunta Sheriff and Brett Freedman recently spilled a wealth of information to Elle magazine. They recommended beauty products that cost less, but still promise to pay off big.

Here’s an edited list of their picks (I’ve whittled it down to the ones that can be found at drugstores for $10 or less):

• $2: Blistex Lip Tone
• $2: Jordana Premium Lipliner
• $3: Rimmel London 1,000 Kisses Stay-on Lip Liner in Tiramisu
• $3: Maybelline New York Expert Eyes Twin Eye & Eyebrow Pencil in Blonde
• $4: Wet N Wild Mega Glo Illuminating Powder in Catwalk Pink
• $4: Ardell Duralash Naturals
• $6: Maybelline New York Great Lash Mascara in Very Black
• $6: Styli-Style Line & Seal Eye Pencils
• $6: Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara
• $6: CoverGirl Wetslicks Fruit Spritzers in Fig
• $7: Rohto Ice Eye Drops
• $7: CoverGirl Queen Collection Natural Hue Minerals Pressed Powder
• $7: L ‘Oreal Paris Hip Concentrated Shadow Duo in Lively
• $7: Rimmel London Lycra Lash Extender
• $8: Maybelline New York Dream Mousse Blush in Peach Satin
• $9: L ‘Oreal Paris Hip Brilliant Shine Lip Gloss
• $10: L’ Oreal Paris Hip Pure Pigment Shadow Sticks
• $10: Neutrogena Soothing Undereye Corrector
• $10: Neutrogena 3-in-1 Concealer

Here at BeautySchool .com, we strive to be on the forefront of eco-friendly beauty products. And, we have dropped the ball! There is one area that mostly goes over-looked and we are shedding some light for you beauty buffs with a conscience: Eco-friendly tools. You have gone through the process of switching out your makeup, facial soaps and lotion, hair care products to be cruelty-free… but what about your foundation or blush brush? Yes, those makeup tools can be chalk-full of cruelty.

If you have gone the distance to be compassionate about your products, it’s time to ditch the sticks that are made up of animal hair and plastic. There are several different types of eco-friendly makeup tools ranging from cheap to luxury. The trendy makeup tools consist of synthetic hair and bamboo, which are much better for the environment and animals.

Here are some products to consider the next time you’re at the makeup counter:

•    EcoTools
•    Sevi Cosmetics
•    Larenim Mineral Makeup
•    Alima Pure
•    And much more!

No matter whether you have cosmetology training or not, finding the perfect foundation for your face (or someone else’s face) is always tough. We’ve all seen the three worst foundation offenses:

1.    Foundation that is way too dark for a woman’s face and creates the dreaded “line” at her jaw.
2.    Foundation that is way too light for a woman’s face, and reflects like the moon in flash photos.
3.    Foundation that doesn’t have the desired effect of smoothing skin, and rather clings to every imperfection.

So here’s the thing. I personally believe that the majority of women don’t need to wear foundation. I think that a tinted moisturizer with SPF smoothed over the whole face, followed by a light bronzer dusted over the cheeks and forehead is the most natural and flattering.

However.

Especially when women get their makeup professionally done, we feel like we need the whole shebang. So how to make sure that the foundation you’re putting on is going to look the best all day long, in all kinds of light?

If this is a professional makeup job, be sure to schedule a practice session before a big event. If you’re just looking for the right shade for day-to-day, don’t be afraid to shop around. It’s okay not to buy from a salesperson right away. Better yet, visit a store like Sephora – they will give you samples in little pots that you can take home and try for a couple of days.

A few easy tips:

•    Make sure you test the foundation on the whole face. While the jaw line is the most accurate skin color, many     women’s’ faces have a natural flush that doesn’t occur there.
•    Walk around! Check out the color in natural light, bathroom light … and take a picture … with the flash on.
•    Keep in mind: if your complexion tends to be oily, your makeup is going to darken within minutes when it mixes with this oil.