How to Achieve Your Full Beauty Look on a Budget:

'essence' cosmetics had always been one of my go to brands when I was a student because it was affordable. In fact, I still use their products now. The products are available at all Clicks stores and are the best dupes for make-up brands like MAC and Bobbi Brown that would otherwise put a hole through your pocket.

If you’re a make-up beginner (you've been watching make up bloggers apply fancy things like fixers and correctors to their faces, wanting to test it yourself) or if you'd just like to save a buck or two; buy these essence products.

Below is my go-to beginners list of make-up essentials that you should be using. The total cost of all the products mentioned below is, wait for it, R670! That could easily be the price of just one foundation from Chanel.

1) Concealer - Soft Touch Mousse R65

If you're like me and you want to hide you under eye dark circles or any unwanted blemishes, the essence cream concealer is exactly what you need.

2) Foundation - Stay all day long 16h long lasting make up - R85

I only ever use liquid foundation, my make-up lecturer used to tell us 'newbies' that liquid foundation is much better on younger skin. A powder foundation tends to be used on people with more mature skins.

3) Lipstick - matt matt matt lipgloss 05 simply be an icon -R50

Lately with the popularity of Huda Beauty liquid matte lipsticks and Kylie Jenner Liquid matte lip kits, I am always on the prowl for good dupes. Alas! The matt matt matt lipgloss is just that.

4) Eyeshadow - All about eyeshadow palette R90

I never buy single eyeshadows, I much rather prefer eyeshadow palettes because you can have fun with mixing and matching different combinations of colour on your eyes. I especially prefer an affordable palette like this one that's extreme value for money.

5) Blush - Cinnamon Ball R65

I go through phases with make-up essentials, before I'd never leave the house without Mascara and now I refuse to leave the house without a bit of rouge. I love the colour effect this blush has.

6) Fix Spray - R65

This isn't necessary for day to day make up but for events it works wonders for keeping your make up on that much longer. Spray a puff of it onto your face after you're done with your full make-up look.

7) Mascara - Rock 'n Doll R60

There are very few Mascaras that I feel give my lashes the added volume that it needs. The Balm 'Cheater' mascara from Stuttafords priced at a few hundred more than the essence one is on par in terms of giving off the dramatic lash effect that I love.

8) Eyeliner - 04 nighttime in the jungle - R45

What's better than an eyeliner that’s long-lasting and waterproof? Not much.

9) Brow pen - make me brow pen R55

This is probably the coolest product from the essence pack. The powder brow pen has a soft brow brush at its tip, for that delicate natural brow look that a pencil won't create.

10) Highlighter/Contour - light up your face luminizer palette 10 ready, set glow R90

This palette is such a treat because it comes with different shades of luminizer's for all skin types. I actually use the darkest colour to contour and create a 3-D effect with my highlighter.