Makeup under $10 that doesn’t suck

It’s easy to believe that the cosmetics industry is recession proof—on Saturdays, Sephora stores are full of women forking out $30 for a tube of Dior mascara or Laura Mercier lip gloss—but we’ve found makeup that doesn’t require a taking out a second mortgage to purchase. Supermarket fashion label Joe Fresh launched a makeup collection last spring, and like its clothing line, the products are incredibly inexpensive (nothing is over $8). We liked all the cosmetics, but the strawberry-scented lip stains stood out. Available in six shades, the stains dry with a matte finish and do not come off on cups. We found that sheer pink gives a natural look, peach and candy provide richer colour, and watermelon and apple are great for more drama (wear them alone or under gloss for additional depth). The best part: they’re $6 each, a price tag that might just be worth switching cosmetics stores for.

Joe Fresh Style. 10 Lower Jarvis St., 416-304-0611, and others, joe.ca.