Even though the economy might look terrible, most people would prefer not to look terrible as a result. But skincare and beauty products can get awfully expensive, and they probably place lower on your “Absolute Necessities” list than food and paying the electric bill.

No need to don the paper bag just yet. Here, the experts share the Do’s and Don’ts of beauty for fashionable-but-financially-strapped consumers.

Don’t: Neglect your skin

“The skin is the human body’s largest organ and we absorb 60 percent of anything we put on it,” says Joanna Schlip, a celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Christina Applegate, Ellen Pompeo and Denise Richards. “If you are going to spend money on anything, spend it on your moisturizer.” Schlip uses the infamous Crème de la Mer, but at $130 an ounce, it isn’t exactly low-budget. For comparable but cost-effective results, she also likes Olay Regenerist products, available at drugstores for under $20, and the antioxidant-rich hydrating creams from Pangea Organics ($36; PangeaOrganics.com). “And you can’t go wrong with Cetaphil,” she adds. “They make one of the best cleansers you can buy – I personally use it myself.” Cetaphil’s extensive line of moisturizers and cleansers are available at multiple drugstores for under $10.

Do: Go for discounts with your beauty supplies

For fancy department store concepts without the department store price tag, Schlip recommends Physician’s Formula, available in numerous drugstores including CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid and Target. In addition to the typical face, eye, lip, skin and sun products (all specially formulated for skin that is sensitive or prone to breakouts), Physician’s Formula’s extensive catalogue includes an Organic Wear and a Mineral Wear line. Compare the Talc-free Mineral Loose Powder at $10.95 and the 100% Natural Origin Liquid Foundation SPF 15 at $13.95 to department store versions like Trish McEvoy and Nvey Eco at $35-plus.

Schlip also likes the all-in-one Shimmer Strips – five bands of blendable color that may be used all over the face as a bronzer, swept over cheeks as a blush or used individually as an eye shadow. There are six different versions all for $12.95. “But I use them on million-dollar faces all the time,” says Schlip.

If you’re looking for good texture and a great color range in lipstick, Schlip recommends Wet ‘n’ Wild. “It’s kind of like the drugstore version of MAC,” she says. “You can test out a new color for $1.99.”

Do: Mind your makeup’s health to make it last

Never dip your fingers in your makeup, warns Schlip, as it is the easiest way to spread germs. “Always use clean brushes or sponges, and wash them every six weeks with shampoo or a liquid detergent and dry flat.” If you want to share your makeup with a friend, avoid sharing potential infections by cutting off a piece or have her use a disposable brush. But even just normal exposure to air and moisture can make makeup a breeding ground for bacteria. Schlip advises replacing powders and eye shadows after two years, eyeliner, lip liner, lipstick, concealer and foundations after one year, and mascara every three months.