If you know me personally, you know that recently I've become obsessed with makeup and beauty products. Before I wasn't really into it; I only wore it to hide my imperfections as most of us do. It never really had much more meaning to me than that until one day I looked at it in a new way. Now, to me, it's a form of art. What look can I create today? Honestly, the opportunities are endless. That's the beauty of makeup; just like an artist you can take your brushes and create something. Seriously, it amazes me the kinds of transformations makeup can produce. And I know most of you who share my passion can agree, there's no better feeling than when your contour, highlight, eyebrows, lipstick, etc. are all ~on fleek~. You feel fierce and like you're ready to take on whatever that day has to throw at you. As wonderful as a fresh face of makeup can make you feel, it can be extremely expensive to get the looks you want if you're set on buying solely high-end products. The good news is there are some amazing brands out there that are both professional quality and inexpensive. Even better, all of these brands listed are cruelty-free! It doesn't matter if you're ballin' on a budget, you can still achieve the perfect look. Sounds like a win-win situation to me.

1. ColourPop

ColourPop offers a wide variety of face, eyes, brows, and lips products around $5 and up. Some of their best selling makeup is their eyeshadows ($5) and Lippie Stix ($5). My favorite products are their highlighters (extremely pigmented) and their matte and metallic lip products ($6). They're long lasting (seriously, they won't budge) and are virtually transfer-proof. Shop here:

2. NYX

NYX is another seriously awesome brand that will make both your face and wallet happy. Some fan faves of this brand are their Lip Lingerie lipsticks ($7.00) and Soft Matte Lip Cream ($6). My personal favorite is their Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator in shade Sunbeam ($7.50). Shop here:

3. E.L.F.

I'd have to say about 50% of all the makeup I use regularly is comprised of E.L.F. brand cosmetics. For the quality of the makeup, the price is hard to believe. Some of their best sellers include their Mad for Matte Eyeshadow palette ($10) and Cream Eyeliner ($3). My favorite E.L.F. products are their 11 Piece Brush Collection ($30) and Matte Lip Color ($3). The Matte Lip Color is great for extended wear. Shop here:

4. Wet N' Wild

Wet N' Wild is another brand I've recently become a huge fan of. Both great price and great quality are easy to find within their company. Some of their best selling items include their Color Icon Metallic lipstick ($2.99) and MegaLast nail color ($1.99). One Wet N' Wild product that I swear by is their ProLine Felt Tip eyeliner ($3.99). As a newbie to liquid eyeliner, this stuff is the way to go with its easy application. Shop here: