Imo, expensive mascaras are a waste pf money. They expire like 3/4 months after opening. If you don’t use a lot of it everyday, most of that money goes to waste since the mascara clumps when it is a bit old. Lots of drugstore mascaras are awesome. So save money on those.

Now for foundation, I used to think it’s a scam when i was a teenager because drugstore foundations worked so well. BUT!!! Once I got my first high end foundation, I realised that it indeed makes a huge difference. So I would recommend you spend that treat money on foundation. Having said that, it is difficult to get the shade match perfect with foundation without the person actually going to the store. So, I would recommend that you ask your girlfriend to go the store with you or peak into what she already uses as foundation and go to the store and ask the assistants to match that shade.

I am a med student as well and even though my parents pay for tuition and living expenses, I still feel the pressure to not feel like a parasite. So I slightly understand your dilemma. Hope you have a great exam season and I hope your girlfriend loves the gift you get her 💕

Try to distract myself so that I don’t have to scratch. Works most of the time.

While being 25 myself, I started doing my mom’s makeup when she was your age.

Skincare is a must. Moisturiser that is super thick at least 30 minutes before makeup.

If you want, use a peach colour corrector first just on the inside part of undereye. The tiniest amount is enough. A small dot. Pat gently. Then spread the remaining it all over undereye. I don’t use colour correction despite having hereditary dark circles because I feel like it isn’t really necessary with a good concealer.

Now you need a concealor that is not too thick. I found that liquid concealers work better on mature skin. Mac waterweight concealer (comes in a small bottle with a stopper) worked like a dream on my mom. Again, use two small dots. One on the inside corner and one on the outside. Pat gently. See how it looks. If you want more coverage, repeat the dots.

I don’t use a separate powder because i feel like it makes the undereye heavy. Instead, i use eyeshadow to line the lower lashline (dark on the outer corner and light in the inner. This works to set the concealer in the places that have creasing.

Finally, use a setting spray. I use makeup forever one. It works fine.

This lasts for at least 8/10 hours without needing touch up. Hope this helps.

I am definitely going to get downvoted for this. But! I am drunk and it’s only internet points so who cares?

If you are young and attractive, no one gives a shit. I have seen my friends with obnoxious amounts of blush getting compliments at clubs and bars. Sometimes I get a bit overboard with my blush as well but you know what? It’s always fine because people don’t care and rather, love my look.

Now, when i do my mom’s makeup (she is in her early 50s and moving in conservative circles), I use a light hand. Because people expect subtlety from older women.

I have hereditary dark circles. A bit of concealer and that’s history. So, this is my advice. If you are young, just use colour correction and concealer. If older, don’t give af. You are beautiful the way you are. It is a privilege to get older. You are beautiful no matter what. Live your best life like how I want to live 20 years later. Be happy ❤️