Many items which were affordable in years past seem to cost more these days. Prices rise quickly, and saving money is on everyone's mind. When it comes to cosmetics, some women feel that it is hard to justify spending money on expensive products when money is already tight. Luckily, there are many ways you can save money on cosmetics while still looking great! Here are some cosmetic tips you can use when your budget comes up short.

When you are buying cosmetics on a tight budget, the most important thing you can do is to adopt a frugal philosophy. What does that mean, exactly?

?Shop carefully and thoughtfully, buy only products you absolutely must have but buy good quality. They tend to wear longer and require fewer touch-ups.

?Know what suits you before you buy. Do not be tempted to waste money on products that look good in the store but turn out to be wrong for your coloring.

?Be creative. Make your cosmetics do double-duty, and do not be afraid to adjust products that are not exactly perfect. Try mixing up old lipstick shades to see if you can come up with something new and original!

There are some specific areas where you can save money. This may differ depending on the individual and their own particular style and look, however most people should be able to look great without breaking their piggy banks.

Without a doubt, foundation is probably the one area you really can't afford to do without. If there is one product where quality is absolutely the most important factor, that product would be foundation. Even if you are trying to save money, do not be tempted to go for a cheap foundation, your skin will pay for it in the end. Choosing a good foundation is essential to ensure a smooth ?canvas? for the rest of your make-up, so it is recommended to go for a better quality foundation, even if you do end up paying a little more.

For a touch of glamour without the expense, check out products such as the luscious Shimmering Facial Whip from E.L.F. In tempting shades such as Lilac Petal and Pink Lemonade, this whipped light cream adds a gorgeous splash of color to your face. It's fortified with vitamins, too, so you're definitely doing your skin a favor with this one! This silky-smooth whip can double as a lip color, too, so it's the perfect product to carry in your purse for a quick touch of color when you need it.

One of the easiest ways to save money on eye products is to resist buying pre-made eye shadow compacts. Too often you're only buying the compact because you like just one of the colors it contains and the remaining two or three colors never get used. Instead, consider products such as E.L.F.?s Custom Eyes Compact. Instead of buying a pre-made compact, you can select make your own color choices and slip them into the compact to create your own eye shadow palette, the perfect way to make sure you get only the colors you need, instead of spending money on colors you won't use.

Unless you are going for a specific look, such as cat's eyes or the ever-popular smoky eye, certain eye shadow colors can also do double-duty as eye-liner. Your darker eye shadow colors can work well as eye liners; just apply with a moistened cotton swab.

If you do not have an eyelash curler, consider it an investment. Curl your lashes before applying mascara and you will typically need fewer coats to get your lashes looking long and luscious.

When it comes to lips, the absolute best way of making your lip colors last longer is to invest in a good lip brush. Using a brush rather than applying lipstick directly allows you to apply less, that means there is usually no need to blot your lips, and you don't waste any product. Often you can also do away with the need for lip liner, so you'll save money there too. Using a brush also allows you better control over your lip color application, allowing you to better define your lips, so there's more at stake than just saving money!

How about gorgeous all-in-one cover for your eyes, lips, and face? The E.L.F. All-Over Color Stick has just what you need, and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. With a fabulous fresh color that gives you a beautifully health-looking glow, your skin is smooth and soft and looks fresh all day long. This great product can be applied as a lip color, cream blush, or eye shadow. In stunning shades such as Persimmon and Lilac Petal, most women will find there's a perfect All-Over Color Stick just for them!