Every girl will know that finding the right foundation is tricky business but finding the right foundation on a budget, well thats just a plane old nightmare but after working my way through what seems like the entire boots and superdrug back catalogue from collection 2000 (fail) to bourjois I have finally settled on my five faves.
However when choosing a foundation it's not just all about picking the right colour, you need to find one that works well with your skin type too, you could be wearing mac but it may aswel be miss sporty if you pick the wrong blend for your skin type. These are just the ones I feel work well with my awkward oily combination skin.

 Revlon Colorstay 24 hour
In Sand Beige 
£12.99 

The really good thing about colorstay is that they make it for all ranges of skin types so it's so versatile for everyone to use, plus they have a good range of shades so its easy to find one that suits you, winning. The consistency of this one is fairly watery and not too thick, it works best applied and blended with a makeup sponge wedge or my beauty blender as it doesn't really need to be worked into the skin so much. It gives a full coverage look without looking 'cakey' and can be built up if needed. My no.1 thing about this foundation is that it is so much less transferable and doesn't rub off on everything you touch like some others... so I can go shopping and try on all the white shit i want and not leave that bokey orange stain then put it back on the rail (don't be that guy) The only down side to colorstay is the packaging, it doesn't come with a pump so has to be poured out each time which can be messy and you end up using more product than you need most of the time or have bang it out like a ketchup bottle when its almost finished.. not ideal. 

 L'Orel Paris Infallible 24 hour
In Vanilla
£9.99

Firstly I have no idea why foundations claim to last for so long, who the hell requires to wear foundation for 24 hours? ew. I'm gonna go ahead and call b.s on those claims but I do know this wont budge for a good 10-12 hours, actually a great thing about this foundation is I feel like it actually gets better with time, it goes on quite matte but after about 2 hours gives more of a satin finish without looking too shiny. I'd say this gives a more medium coverage which is great for everyday use but again can be easily built up if thats your thing. The only downside is that the shade range is pretty limited with alot of pinky/peachy undertones which i'm not a fan of, although this shade worked well for me because of its cool yellow undertones. I apply this in the center of the face and work outwards with a sponge wedge, foundation or buffing brush it works pretty well with all three. 

Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 hour
In Natural Beige
£7.99

25 hours? settle down Rimmel. Everyone and their granny knows this foundation, it was probably one of the first 'serious' foundations you ever bought and usually the decisions we make when we are 15 (especially with makeup) don't work well in our favour but this little saviour is the exception. This is my hardcore foundation, I always go with this if i need max coverage that I want to last. It has a pretty thick consistency that you need to work a little harder into your skin but it covers all traces of blemishes and blotches without having to add loads of layers. I usually wear this for nights out (hence the darker colour) because it is 'sweat proof' well to a certain extent, i'm not recommending wearing it to run a marathon but it works pretty well at concealing any traces of sweat when I am out in a club, leaving me to fist pump and slut drop until my hearts content ha. This works best for me applied with a buffing brush.

Vichy Dermablend
In Nude
£18.00

This is one of my newest additions and probably least well known. I first bought this when I was in Paris and stumbled across it in a pharmacy and fell in love with it straight away. It feels alot lighter than my other foundations (doesn't even really feel like you are wearing any) but offers the same full coverage and is an absolute dream to blend and unlike the others it makes your skin feel amazing after you remove it because it has specialized moisturizing ingredients. It is so good for concealing enlarged pores, redness, spots, dark circles the lot! So it might be a little more expensive but it is the ultimate lazy girl foundation it does everything for you without adding in more products and i'm all about that haha. I was using this so sparingly because I hadn't seen it sold over here and I didn't want to run out but I found it the other day in Boots (in the Vichy skincare section) so I will 100% be re-purchasing, fave. 

Rimmel Match Perfection
In Bronze
£7.99

Well my skin tone clearly is by no means 'bronze' but I picked this up in a bit of a rush and didn't double check the label and I guess someone had just put it back in the wrong section (you people belong together with the girls trying on white dresses that leave the bokey orange stains) So i just wear this when I have my tan on.. which lets face it is alot of the time. I like to think of this foundation as the more natural distant cousin of the 'rimmel lasting finish' (red lid) there are alot of similarities however this offers a lighter more natural coverage with a more dewy finish. It is also alot easier to blend as it has a lighter texture. I wouldn't recommend building this foundation up if you have oilier skin as it can tend to make it look a bit more shiny than normal urgh. I like to apply and blend mine with a makeup sponge wedge or beauty blender yay. 

•  In the past i've found it hard to match my foundation myself and testing it on your hand isn't alway very accurate in a shop, try going to a makeup counter and getting matched, ask to take away a sample of your colour and next time take that into boots or wherever and use it to compare and find the closest match. 
• Always make sure your skin is prepped for foundation, if it is just for everyday moisturizer is a fine base, just wait 5 minutes before you apply the foundation on top of it, but if you need the makeup to really last, apply a primer which will smooth out the surface, minimize the size of the pours and mattify your face.
•  Once I have blended my foundation I like to tap or 'stipple' all over to ensure i have covered all the nooks and crannies and it just give it a more airbrushed finish.
• Apply powders in downward motions over your face as this way it will sit better on the skin and flatten out those very tiny light fluffy hairs.
• Finish with a luminous powder to set the foundation, it wont suck the life out of your face like some matte powders do, translucent powder reflects the light helping the skin to glow and takes away shine without looking too yucky and dull.

There are so many ways of working with and applying foundation, everyone likes to do it differently and has there own ways that work for them. This is just mine, I hope it can be a little helpful and not too basic. I'd love to hear what works for you and any suggestions or recommendations.
Thanks again for reading x

Remember when dream matte mousse was a thing? everyone just wanted to have a chalk matte face and being shiny was an absolute sin... well loong gone are those days (thank god) because now its all about that glowing highlight or what some girls like to call strobing you know the type, the ones with 'MUA x' in their insta description even though they have only done their aunts makeup once for a christmas night out.. yeh that type- i digress. Highlighting specific areas on your face can really lift and brighten dull skin, the goal is to get a reflective, dewy kinda look that makes you look like you have just moisturized. Don't make the same mistake as I did when I first started using highlighter, I applied waay too much and in all the wrong areas it looked liked I had just come back from the gym, sweaty chic doesnt look good on anyone. Depending on what texture highlight you are working with if its cream, powder or liquid, always apply it on top of the same type of base powder ontop of powder etc. 

By I 'heart' Makeup
Blushing Hearts in colour Peach Pink Kisses

Superdrug £4.99



Probably my most used highlighter, it is soo bright and maybe a little on the unnatural side (when has that ever stopped me ha) it is fairly sparkly which i know is not everyones thing, i only use the lighter half to brighten and sometimes i apply a little of the darker pink on the apple of my cheeks... depending how glowy i'm feeling. 

By I 'heart' Makeup

Blushing Hearts In colour Godess of Love

Superdrug £4.99

This highlight has more gold peachy tones in it and is a little more subtle and less glittery than previous. I usually only use this on the bridge and tip of my nose. 

These are both (above) triple baked products, which in simple terms means that they start of as a cream and are 'baked' and dryed down to a solid which leaves you with a more creamy, velvety texture. 

As these start out in liquid form it means they can be used dry or wet although i've never tried it.

By Pure Colour

In colour Pink

New Look £6.99

Ok so the name doesn't really give much away but this is such a beautiful product, it is so glidey.. is that a thing? And it goes on so light but is easily buildable if you want a more dramatic look. It is described as 'pink' but i think its got more silvery white tones to it than anything else, the pigmentation is great and really pretty. It is fairly sparkly which is something you tend to find with the lower end highlighters but nothing thats ever bothered me. 

Makeup Revolution Highlight Palette

In colours- Peach Lights, Pink Lights and Golden Lights

Superdrug £8

I have to put it out there, this is one of my favorite affordable makeup brands, they have so many amazing products I can't get enough of! They only trade in superdrug at the moment but have so much more options on their website. 

Having a highlight palette is such a great idea because not only are each of these amazing on their own but blend so well with each other, I love using all 3 together.

Peach Lights (middle) - very bright and pigmented, works well on a light skin tone and goes nicely with a coral blush.

Pink Lights (top) - probably my brightest highlighter, very strong lilac tones, I like to save this one for nights out as it is a little too dramatic for daytime... even for me ;)

Golden Lights (bottom)- an amazing smooth subtle gold tone that is easily buildable, goes well with a dark contour.

(you can also buy each of these separately for £3.00 Vivid Baked Highlighter range)

 Pure Colour

Illuminating Stick

New Look 

£5.99

The powders kind of steal the show when it comes to glowing skin for me, but some days if i am not wearing much makeup I do like to blend in my cream illuminator to add a healthy, dewy effect that really brightens up my skin and face.

I personally always like to apply highlighter with a fan brush as it is alot more accurate and you don't end up with product in the wrong areas, it also stops it from looking cakey or blocky which is handy. If you don't have a fan brush just use a regular soft blusher or bronzer brush and pinch it to elongate it when you are applying, yay!

I really believe highlighter suits everyone so find the right one that works for you, sculpt the shit out of your face and show off what you've got! 

And if I have to write the word 'highlighter' ever again i'm going to impolde and leave a big sparkly, shiny, glowing mess all around this place haha.

Thanks so much for reading, the support has been amazing I really do appreciate it so so much x

So we all want that glowing,radiant, youthful, pore free, blemish free, straight out of a magazine skin that everyone seems to have but us! but how the hell do we get it?! well apart from photo shopping the hell out of our skin (guillty) where do we start...
cleanse-tone-moisturize, these are the 3 main steps you need to follow twice a day.
Now if you are anything like me the thought of coming in from a long day then having to faff around with your skin might not seem ideal, but after just using face wipes to take off my makeup for years and being unhappy with the way my skin looked this was a revelation and by no means is my skin perfect (faar from it) but the differences i have noticed since changing up my routine has been a blessing. 
Although skincare is not a 'one size fits all' situation I wanted to share the products that I use and that work well for my oily/combination skin.
  





Simple Kind To Skin Vital Vitamin Foaming Cleaner
Superdrug, £4.50 

Daily

I like to start of with this foaming cleanser which is amazing for  removing any dirt buildup and makeup. It is so quick and easy to use, splash your face with a bit of water, squirt 1 pump (more than enough) onto tour hands and work into the face and neck just like a face wash and rinse with cool water, 40 seconds- job done. I prefer this to my previous oil based cleaners as I don't feel like it leaves a residue on the skin, just a nice squeaky clean and refreshing feeling that I crave after having a full face of makeup on all day. This is great for all skin types as there are no harsh or artificial ingredients, all natural babyy.








Botantics Radient Youth Microdermabrasion Polish
Boots, £7.99

once a week

(first of apologies for the acquired image, I have just finished my tube of this and need to go and buy some more asap!) 
When choosing an exfoliator it is important to find one that has micro grains in it which means it is alot more lighter and gentle on the skin and not so abrasive, some of the thicker exfoliators can cause more damage than good, eek! apply a small amount of this to a damp face and rub in circular motions all over (including the neck) to get rid of any dead skin cells and make your skin soft and glowy. 1 minute-job done.

Dead Sea Mud Mask
Superdrug, £3.00

1-2 times per week

Now this is an added treat I use twice a week (after cleanser) to cheer my skin up a bit if it's looking a bit, well shit haha. It is a setting mud mask which is best suited for us that are prone to a little outbreak of clogged skin and helps control oilyness. Alot of people make the mistake by applying 1 mask all over where it is not required, my cheeks and under eyes are a little dryer so I only stick to using this on my T zone and sometimes apply a more nourishing mask to my dry bits. 5 minutes- job done.

Simple Kind To Skin Soothing Facial Toner
Superdrug £3.30

Daily

Next up i use this simple toner, apply a few blots to a cotton wool pad and use in upward stroking motions all over the face and neck (being careful around the delicate eye area) This will just get rid of any leftover makeup or cleanser that is left on the skin and will tighten and close pores prepping the skin 1 minute- job done (it is important to use toner before to get the most from the next stage- moisturizer) is great because unlike alot of other toners I have used in the past it doesn't give you that nipping sensation and wont leave you with that 'plastic face' feel after you use it.

Re-Gen Moisturising Cream
Amazon, £4.00

Daily

Now this is my major go-to product, I tell everyone I can about this, my little moisture miracle. Now granted the packaging doesn't inspire me, its all a little sad however don't be fooled, this little moisturizer works wonders on all skin types! It is a creamy consistency but so light, so it doesn't feel like you are clogging up the skin and it works as an amazing base for makeup, just work it 2 minutes-job done. It also has oh just a little added bonus as it is from the makers of the original 'bio-oil' it has active ingredients to reduce the appearance of scarring and blemishes with anti-wrinkles properties all built in!what more could you really ask for. AH-MAY-ZING.

Simply Sensitive Hydrating Eye Cream
Boots, £2.99

Daily (at night)

To get the most out of my eye cream I apply this in the evenings with my ring finger before going to bed, it will just give your sensitive under eye skin that extra boost of moisturize. 20 seconds- job done. Moisturized/Hydrated skin is less prone to wrinkles so always slap the eye cream on before bed!

Garnier Caffeine Eye Roll On
Boots, £8.00

Daily (in the morning)

(ah excuse the lack of labeling, this product had lasted me a lifetime and has been subdued to a little wear and tear)
This is best applied in the mornings to reduce any puffiness and is a great wake up for swollen tired eyes 20 seconds- job done. I like to keep mine in the fridge overnight for that extra cooling effect. I'm not sure about reducing the dark circles but if like me you are not a morning person this will work wonders as a wakeup boost! 



And thats pretty much wraps things for my basic skincare routine. As I said these are the products and routine that work well for myself, yet are still cost effective and efficient.
I have so many exciting blog ideas and hacks i want to share, so check back in again soon, yay. Thanks so much for reading!

 

 

Well who knew writing a post telling people about yourself could be so tricky?! I feel like I am in an interview and you have just asked me the dreaded 'tell us about yourself' question, my mouths gone dry and i have no idea what to say, erm i'm a hard worker and a good time keeper haha... but really more like you want to know what qualifies me to write this blog right? 

Well my name is Vikki, i am 24 and still live at home with my mum (so basic) and i am a full time student studying beauty therapy and working part-time to fund my addiction to makeup, fashion, hair extensions, eyelashes, fake tan, nails and everything girly in between but the only problem I have is I have to do it all on a budget and that's what I want to share with everyone. I openly talk about my distaste for pricey cosmetics and would grudge having to part with 4 hours of my wages just to buy a foundation or lipstick and genuinely believe you can achieve the same result with the more affordable brands, its all about the preparation,technique and tools that you use and once you've got that your on to a winner... with a few extra pennies to spare ;)

I will leave the link to my instagram and twitter that might give you a better insight to me than anything i can write on here, but be warned i am extremely open, honest and love an expletive outburst, what can i say i'm a typical Scot ha.

follow my twitter

follow my insta

So here is a highly filtered picture of me so you can put a face to the blog using the most basic bich trick out there- a black and white photo, everyone looks better in black and white.  

 

'Wtf, why would you name your blog basic bich, hats not even how you spell bitch urgh' I imagine you are all thinking to yourselfs... well because to put it simply this blog is aimed at basic biches, like me and I just like the irony in the mis spelling. Firstly i'd like to point out there is absolutely no shame in being a #bb infact you should hold on to it with both hands and embrace it! My main aim here is to promote the affordable side of beauty and fashion (with a tad of lifestyle thrown in) Now don't get me wrong I love reading blogs and watching tutorials as much as the next online addict but in reality most of the time they are impossible to replicate because the products being used are just too damn expensive, of course we would all love to be kitted out with mac, anastacia beverly hills, urban decay etc. but for alot of us its just not feesable, so thats why I have set this blog up to try and give alternative affordable options, tips and tricks and simplified tutorials that I hope can speaks to all girls. Who says you can't be high maintenance on a budget- basic biches unite.