Shopping is never easy, especially when you are on a budget. It becomes harder when you’re not on a budget. Being the sort of person who always shops one month ahead of the approaching season, I discovered four significant categories of items you could pile up on which are rich in good quality and quantity, regardless of being on a budget or not. It is both for men and women so see for yourself and you would thank me. COSMETICS – I always ensure I shop either in DHA or Gulberg as these are the places most viable for me, so I headed over to Enem Shopping Mall, Liberty Market to stock up on some much-needed cosmetics. As fall season is approaching, our makeup looks will be transitioning from nude to subtle, and at the same time giving volume to the eyes will become a pre-requisite, so I stood next to the Maybelline counter to examine what they had in store. I got hold of their Khol Liner in Ultra Noir/Ultra Black which cost me Rs 999. Also from Maybelline, I got one of their Color Show Intense Crayon lipstick in Intense Red for Rs 1,000. It’s all about transitioning from nude to subtle like I said. This shade is red but not deep red so it can pass for putting on during lunch time as well. From the L’Oreal counter, I got myself a blush-on in Peach, which cost me Rs 2,149. The look still has to be subtle without flaunting rosy cheeks in a weather that would still give you a sweat. I had a Guerlain brush at home so I didn’t have to shop for that. Dark pink would be the colour of the approaching season, so keeping that in mind, I purchased L’Oreal’s Julianne Moore’s liptick from their Collection Exclusive range. Pair it with the brand’s Color Riche range Pink Fever lip pencil. Do not forget to keep your look lively along with subtle, so keeping that in mind, I also got myself L’Oreal’s Infallible Silkissime Eyeliner in Cobalt Blue which cost me Rs 1,000, along with a Rimmel Extra Super Lash mascara in Electric Blue which also was of the same price. And that’s where your pre-fall cosmetic shopping is done. COLOGNES – just because the season of getting sweaty and hot is passing, doesn’t mean we don’t take care of our body odour. For the men who like smelling nice, regardless of the weather, there is a perfumery right on the ground floor of the mall, that houses some of the best brands of the world and that also A-class products and not fake scents. Men can opt for entire cologne boxes, which will range from Rs 7,000 to Rs 10,000 and if you want my suggestion, do go for Dolce & Gabbana’s The One box set, which costs Rs 9,000 and includes cologne, an aftershave cream and a face wash. Women can go with Estee Lauder’s Pleasures which has a light, subtle scent and costs Rs 7,000. TOILETRIES – it is only when you’re nice and clean would you look groomed and attractive. So don’t forget to spare some money on personal hygiene that includes the help of body sprays, deodorants, body splash, tweezers and blackhead removers. There’s an entire counter right opposite the perfumery that houses a plethora of essential toiletries, ranging from as less as Rs 350 up to Rs 1,000 only. Pile up on all the bathroom shelf items you need in less than Rs 1,000. SHOES – your flip-flops and sandals would be replaced with sneakers and boots, so for men, there is a dedicated first floor just for that. The boots, sneakers and joggers are a tad pricier, starting from Rs 2,500 to up to Rs 10,000 but if you look at the bright side, quality and durability is not compromised. Housing a plethora of brands, both local and international, the menswear shoe collection at the store is impressive. I would suggest brown leather boots in medium length. Published in Daily Times, September 9th 2018.