10 cheap beauty habits I picked up from pros

Beauty pros know all the shortcuts, but most of the tricks they use don’t actually require expensive products or fancy tools. In fact, some of the best habits I’ve learned from professionals are affordable enough to add to your everyday routine.

They’re practical, effective, and designed to get results without draining your wallet. These habits prove that good beauty doesn’t have to mean overspending.

Always Starting With Clean Brushes

One thing every pro emphasizes is clean tools. Makeup brushes and sponges collect oil, bacteria, and product buildup that can lead to breakouts and patchy application. Washing them weekly with a gentle cleanser keeps your skin healthier and your makeup smoother.

You don’t need special soap either—baby shampoo or mild dish soap works well. Taking the time to clean your brushes regularly makes them last longer and helps your makeup sit better on your skin.

Using Primer for Staying Power

Pros rarely skip primer, and you don’t need a high-end one for it to work. A budget-friendly primer can smooth out texture and help makeup last all day. It acts as a barrier between your skin and foundation, so products don’t settle into fine lines or fade quickly.

Even drugstore primers with mattifying or hydrating formulas can make a huge difference. Adding this step means you end up using less foundation and powder, which saves money in the long run.

Exfoliating on a Schedule

Professional makeup artists always talk about how skin prep matters more than products. Regular exfoliation helps foundation go on smoother and skincare work better. You don’t need expensive scrubs or treatments—many affordable exfoliants do the job well.

The trick is keeping it consistent but not overdoing it. Sticking to once or twice a week is enough for most skin types. This habit helps you get more out of the products you already own.

Applying Less Foundation Strategically

One pro tip that saves money is using less product in smarter ways. Instead of coating your whole face with foundation, apply it only where you need coverage and blend outward. This technique gives a natural finish and helps your foundation last longer.

When you use less product, you don’t go through bottles as quickly. It’s a small adjustment that stretches your budget while making your makeup look more skin-like.

Mixing Skincare With Makeup

Pros often blend moisturizer or serum with foundation to create a custom base. This trick makes heavy formulas look lighter and saves you from buying multiple products. It also helps foundation spread easier, so you use less overall.

It works especially well if you’re aiming for a dewy finish without investing in extra hydrating makeup products. Using what you already have is a cost-effective way to get the look you want.

Setting Makeup With Powder Lightly

Overpowdering can make your skin look dry and unnatural. Pros use a light hand with translucent powder, focusing only on areas that get oily. This not only looks better but also makes your product last longer.

Affordable powders work well if you apply them properly. Tapping off the excess and using a small brush keeps you from wasting product and gives you a more polished look.

Using Lip Liner as Lipstick

One inexpensive trick is swapping lipstick for lip liner. Many pros fill in the entire lip with liner and then top with balm or gloss. It lasts longer, looks defined, and costs less than buying multiple lipsticks.

Drugstore liners are cheap, and one pencil can last a long time. It’s a budget-friendly way to build your lip color collection without overspending.

Tapping Instead of Rubbing Products In

How you apply products makes a big difference. Pros often tap creams and liquids into the skin instead of rubbing, which helps avoid streaks and keeps the formula in place. This works for concealer, blush, and even skincare.

The best part is it saves product since you’re pressing it in rather than wiping it away. With a little patience, this technique gives a smoother finish and helps products last longer.

Stretching Products With Multi-Use

Professionals are big on using products in multiple ways. A bronzer can double as eyeshadow, lipstick can work as cream blush, and clear mascara can tame brows. You don’t need a huge collection when you make items do double duty.

This habit cuts down on clutter and keeps you from buying products you don’t really need. Learning how to repurpose items is one of the easiest ways to save money in your routine.

Removing Makeup Thoroughly Every Night

Every pro I’ve spoken with insists that removal is as important as application. Sleeping in makeup not only hurts your skin but also wastes the effort you put into your routine. You don’t need pricey removers—micellar water or an oil cleanser from the drugstore works fine.

Making it part of your nightly routine protects your skin, prevents breakouts, and helps your products work better. This simple habit saves you from future skin issues that could cost much more to fix.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.