A girls gotta do what a girls gotta do...

Christy Turlington for Maybelline cosmetics.

Especially when it comes to finding a bargain. This article in the New York Times addresses finding bargains in the cosmetic aisle of your local drugstore.

“I don’t think anyone should be lost or broke because of makeup,” Ann Orcutt, a professional makeup artist, said during a recent trip to Duane Reade in Midtown Manhattan, where she pointed out items that she said compare in quality to more expensive labels. Her choice of drug store brands items included CoverGirl AquaSmooth Compact Foundation for $9.79 (“the best liquid coverage in a compact liquid/powder format,” Ms. Orcutt said); CoverGirl Cheekers Blush for $4.39 (“It has a bit of sparkle in it, it’s not just a flat color”)

L’Oréal Voluminous Mascara for $7.50 (“Makeup artists who trained me eight years ago said that it was the best, and I still think it is”), L’Oréal Le Grand Kohl Eyeliner Pencil in Black Sable for $8.49 (“This is a fantastic dark rich brown that works for everyone”) and Revlon ColorStay 12 Hour Eye Shadow Quad for $6.99 (“This is the only drugstore eye shadow I like”).

Other items included Neutrogena MoistureShine Lip Gloss for $6.99, L’Oréal Infallible Never Fail Lip Liner for $8.99, and CoverGirl TRUblend Microminerals Finishing Veil, a translucent finishing setting powder, for $12.99.

The grand total? $66.13.

“High-end versions would have cost upward of $175 easily,” said Ms. Orcutt, who has used all of the above products on her own face and on the job.

When splurging on more expensive brands, she emphasized that tunnel vision should be used while visiting upscale stores. “Know what you want, get it and leave,” she said. “Don’t get suckered in by monthly promotions and packages, because they usually involve products and colors you don’t need.”

Especially when shopping for a good foundation, she said: “Go to the counter at Henri Bendel or MAC and get professional help. If you try to guess what you need, you’ll end up buying something else later — it’s a huge waste of money.”

As for concealers, she recommends a drugstore brand: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector, for about $9. “This is practically an exact copy of the Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Radiant Touch Highlighter, which costs about $40,” she said. “It comes in two shades for mistake-proof blending. I have this in every color in my kit.”

For women who have basic coverage needs, Ms. Orcutt is a big fan of MAC Mineralize Skinfinish ($25), a dry application that is quick, easy and relatively affordable because it can provide three products in one (foundation, powder and concealer). A drugstore version of this is Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation for $13.59.

And makeup brushes? “There is no way around this: professional brushes last and grab the right amount of product,” she said, picking out three essentials: Paula Dorf’s Total Camouflage Brush for concealer, MAC’s No. 129 for powder and blush and MAC’s No. 266 for eyeliner. “I’ve had the same brushes in my kit for years.”

And I'm going to add the BillyB Master Paint Brush Collection because each brush is designed specifically for its individual function, resulting in the ultimate application. And as Ann stated you have to have quality makeup brushes, and I think these are the best. And at a great price too for every brush you will ever need.

When it comes to facial cleansers, Ms. Orcutt said, “There’s no point in spending $26 on something with grapeseed extract when you’re just going to rinse it off.” She recommends Olay Foaming Face Wash. “My skin is at its best when I’m using this stuff.”

I'm glad she pointed out that not all items can be bought on the cheap and besides part of the fun of buying luxury brands is the atmosphere of the high end store shopping experience plus the product applicators and packaging are better quality.

But as my title says, Sometimes you just gotta do what ya gotta do to get by...the main problem I've encountered when trying to buy the drugstore brands is finding a store that stocks what I'm looking for. They always seem to either not carry the item I want or are sold out. But it's worth a try.