As someone who will eventually be a MUA (make-up artist), I'm always looking for brands that can do what I need them to do. As a thrifty person, I'm looking for brands that don't break the bank. As a way to bring these two sides of me together, here are my top seven brands that are cruelty-free (they don't test on animals), AND that won't drain my bank account in seconds:

1. E.L.F

Also known as Eyes Lips Face Cosmetics, it is a brand that was recently sold at Wal-Mart. Since their sudden burst in sales, they turned to bigger retail stores like Gordman's, Target, and even smaller stores like Old Navy. Their reasonably priced makeup coming in at $1, $3, and $6 is some of my favorite to date. I have never had a problem with the pigment of the shadows/blush, the smoothness of the foundation/primer, or the softness of the brushes. This brand is something I would recommend everyone have a small amount of in their arsenal.

2. HARD CANDY

I fell in love with Hard Candy about a year ago when I found their Sheer Blush Gel and their Fast and Fabulous Setting Spray. I've been a fan ever since. Now, I make sure I always have their Glamouflage Lite Blendable Concealer Duo, and at least one of their eye shadow palettes. The best part about their Blendable Concealer, is that even when you get one color (Ultra Light because I'm pale AF), the second color is a shade darker, which is what I end up using in the summer when I get the tiniest splash of color. The biggest problem I have with it is, it doesn't cater to people with darker complexions. The darkest color they have in foundation is called Tan, and it's about a shade darker than what I would use when contouring. This brand really caters to those of us with extra pale skin. Out of the eight shades they offer, four of them use the names we pale people see all the time: Ivory, Fair, Porcelain, and Light. Until now, I thought they were all the same color. I guess Hard Candy has something else up their sleeve.

3. MILANI

Oh, Milani. Your lipstick smells like Fruity Pebbles and applies like the lipstick of a goddess. Their Matte Lip Creme has been compared with some of the best and most expensive in the business. Their Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Concealer and Foundation is some of the best I've used in a while. My favorite thing about them is that on their website, they always have things labeled really well (it's one of the cleanest websites I've seen for cosmetics) and they show you how to apply their makeup under "Discover." Of course, the free shipping after a purchase of $25 is great too.

4. JORDANA

Jordana was the brand I started with when I started wearing makeup. A.K.A. my blue eye shadow and glitter eyeliner phase. I bought this brand at my local Food4Less, which has since been renamed FoodMaxx, but it's still the same thing. I would beg my mom to get me the loose sparkly pigment that I loved and would eventually end up getting every color they had. The best part, I still have them. I know, I know, makeup goes bad too, but I just love it so much. It's still super pigmented and sparkly, and while I can still use glitter shadows without it looking weird, I'm going to use them. But all in all, Jordana is a great brand that has really made strides in their formula and packaging. They also have an insane amount of colors when it comes to lipsticks and lip glosses, which really makes me wonder why they aren't talked about as much anymore.

5. WET'N'WILD

I actually sighed and shook my head when I typed that. Wet'N'Wild gets so much flack because they're a really cheap brand. Their brushes are $1-$3, their lipsticks are no more than $4, and their formula is GREAT. So, what's the problem? The bigger issue probably has something to do with them not being consistent across the board, however, that tends to happen when you're revamping a company and changing formulas all over the place. So, I say we give Wet'N'Wild a chance again, because they're actually pretty great.

6. NYX

Everyone's favorite, NYX. I say everyone's favorite because I didn't really fall into the category at any point in time. The only reason I have anything NYX, is because I get it from IPSY (which is a great, cheap way to get samples of products before you buy them. If you aren't doing it, or something like it, you need to be). I was never really a part the whole "NYX IS MY FAVORITE BRAND FOR ALMOST EVERYTHING" fan club. Probably because their products are on the $10+ side of the spectrum, and I'm not going to pay that much. I'm in college, man! However, it's a great brand, they have great lipsticks, and really pigmented colors. I just can't see myself spending that much money. It stays on the list though!

7. COLOURPOP

ColourPop is absolutely fantastic; if you want to wait for your shipment. ColourPop is ONLY sold online and they don't offer wholesale. ColourPop is one of the most popular brands in the makeup industry, and the most mysterious. I've googled who owns ColourPop so much that it's the first thing that pops up when I put a "C" in the search line. It automatically has "Who owns colourpop" waiting for me. It's really an addiction, I MUST FIND THE OWNER. They're also just really funny when answering their FAQ questions. So, besides great products, the company has personality, AND IT'S CHEAP FOR ONLINE. And now, THEY OFFER INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING. I might actually cry. This is wonderful. I love this brand so much, I'm just incredibly impatient and like to have my products in my hand as soon as possible.

Now that you know, the information is yours to do with what you will. All of these brands, except for ColourPop, can be found at any drug store. Including, but not limited to, CVS, Walgreens, RiteAid and any local drug store in your town. Happy shopping!