Emo style seems like something that would be expensive and difficult to pull off -- on the surface. But in reality, there are plenty of tips and tricks that people can employ to pull off emo style without spending a ton of money.

Makeup is important for emo style, and while there are tons of great brand names out there, the truth is, for most things, brand names don't matter. A black eye pencil is pretty much a black eye pencil, whether you buy it at an expensive makeup store or your local drug store. Similarly, mascara is mascara. Some of the more expensive brands have fancy brushes, but the truth is, no matter what you do, your lashes won't look like they do in the ads... unless you use fake eyelashes. And those can also be bought cheaply at your local drugstore.

When it comes to eye makeup, the only thing to really splurge on is good eye shadow pigments. The colors are far more vivid, long-lasting, and genuine than anything you can get from simple eye shadow compacts. Not to say that drugstore eye shadow compacts don't have their value; for colors you don't use that often, they can be great. But if you really, really like a certain color, I can't recommend pigment powders enough.

Moving on, let's talk about nail polish. I can't see any reason to ever spend more than $1.99 on nail polish. It's all pretty much the same thing. And if you're going for the emo style staple of black nails? $.99 black nail polish is the same as $19.99 black nail polish. They both look -- try not to be too surprised here -- black.

The one thing nobody, emo style or otherwise, should scrimp on, is a good top coat. It's the top coat that keeps the color on your nails and adds shine, so if you're looking to maintain a perfect manicure [hey, boys? You're not. You look better with chipped nails....] don't be afraid to spend money on a good top coat.

Lip gloss, being clear, should never be expensive. Hell, use Chap-stick. The point is to have some shine, and kissably soft lips. If you want color, it is better to spend a bit of money on lipstick, as the $.99 stuff isn't going to cut it. However, you can buy the cheapest lip liner in the store and it will be exactly the same as a high-end lip liner pencil. General rule: a pencil is a pencil, be it a writing utensil, eyeliner, lip liner, or brow pencil. They're pencils!

As for hair, I personally, don't trust salons. In general, your local salon [and especially, chain places like Supercuts] don't get emo style. Not one bit. If you go and ask for your hair to be longer in the front than in the back, in my experience, this will not happen. If you ask for a trim, you will inevitably end up with layers in your hair, looking like the chick from Office Space. So what to do about haircuts? I will bet you anything, you know at least one person who is capable of cutting your hair how you want it, in an emo style. [If you knew me, I'd be that person. I cut my own hair, as well.]

As for hair dye, let's face it: you know your hair. Dyeing it black is really easy -- buy box of dye, apply evenly, watch the clock, rinse. Viola! Black hair. If you're doing bright colors, it is important to know whether or not your hair can withstand a bleaching. If it can't, I'm sorry to say this, but... don't do it. You don't want to have to try and make a save from broken, over-bleached hair.

Should you be okay to bleach [and black to blonde is dangerous, people, don't do this!] and you want to go for bright colors like red or blue, remember this: Special Effects, Manic Panic, or Punky Colors can be -- and should be -- left in your hair for at least 6 hours. The recommended 15 minutes won't do a damned thing, and it will wash out quickly. Remember, with the bright crayon colors, you're staining your hair, more than dyeing it. NOTE: This ONLY applies to semi-permanent pastes. Do not use any permanent dye or bleach for longer than recommended by the package or you will destroy your hair.

Note: any advice about hair dye contained in this emo style article is not from a professional, but rather, simply based on one person's years of experience with her own hair. Any advice you follow is done at your own risk.

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