How to look like your make-up icon without burning a hole in your pocket

Yes, you can look like your make-up icon. Our in-house experts show you the way, and no, you don't need deep pockets

Have you ever scrolled through Instagram and YouTube and lusted after Kylie Jenner's signature lip or wanted JLo's glow? So have we. To snag the make-up we saw online, we've burnt our fingers, and ended up with bad lipstick. But, it need not be the same story for you. Here's how to smartly navigate the web and avoid the fakes floating around.

Get it on the 'gram
Why: If you haven't heard of Huda Beauty, you need to log on now. She is one of Instagram's biggest make-up influencers and we think her eye shadow palettes are to die for. They can be bought on her website. There are others you can check out too like Kat Von D. You can even opt for a number of make-up stores on Instagram, like beautytales.in, beautybuyindia, online.makeup.store.india and makeup_international brands that are known for their authentic merchandise.
Bear in mind: Link in bio isn't always the best resource. Orders placed here are best taken with a pinch of salt, as the products can turn out to be fake. Even so, most of these stores provide receipts that one should insist on.
Shipping+customs: The seller will usually quote an all-inclusive price, but you can bargain.

SOFU, so good
Where: Ship Out From USA
Why: Because it helps us ship popular American and indie brands without paying excessive customs. We bought a Jeffree Star lipstick called Masochist. It's a deep pink that does not dry and lasts an entire day! You shop directly from the brand website you prefer, and get Ship Out From USA (SOFU) to send you the products anywhere in India. The buyer is given a virtual address in the US, which is of SOFU's warehouse – this means brands will only charge domestic shipping.
Shipping+Customs: Domestic shipping charges apply, while SOFU charges for shipping to India. Customs charges are more reasonable.

Colourpop
Why: If you're looking for an affordable dupe of the high-end make-up flaunted by celebs, this brand is the answer. For instance, $6 gets you ColourPop's Creeper (classic blue-red in ultra-matte finish), a near-perfect match for Kylie's $29 Mary Jo K lip kit.
What: Wide range of colours in every texture imaginable - matte, satin, liquid or solid bullet. The same applies for eye shadows and highlighters.
Shipping+customs: On the brand's own website, you can avail free shipping for orders above $50.

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