When the economy gets tough, the shopping gets tougher. That's when small things such as makeup have special appeal.

Makeup companies are clearly aware of the pinch we're all feeling this summer. From primers to color palettes and from Longs Drugs to Neiman Marcus, they are packaging products in multiples to bring the price per item down. Knowing we would love a new look, but on a reduced budget, many companies are coming out with introductory kits of seasonal colors, sunscreens, skincare, even a collection of concealers.

OUR SUMMER PICKS

We vote for the best sunscreen you can afford, a great bronzer, a sun-kissed nail enamel and the perfect red lipstick. We love the research that goes into Shiseido sunscreens, and this year they're offering a "Super Sun Set" starter kit with everything you need to protect your skin, lips and eyes in a beach-ready pouch (Sephora, $54, valued at $75).

Still too pricey? Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 55 (Long's, $9) gets rave reviews in beauty mags.

More great finds from the drugstore beauty shelves:

Jordana's "Bronze" nail enamel (Longs, 99 cents) barely makes a dent in the wallet.

Red lipstick is a must-have and a classic is Revlon's "Cherries in the Snow" (Longs, $6.59).

Bonne Bell's Gel Bronzer (Longs, $3.95) is as versatile as it is easy to apply, making it a long-time Island favorite.

A bargain package from Sephora: The Bronze 'n Go kit offers five beach-ready bronzing items, including a bronzing brush and waterproof eyeliner and mascara ($30, valued at $65).

To cover up a plethora of summer sins, there's N.Y.C.'s "Perfect & Reflect" palette (Longs, $3.99) with four concealers and correctors.

Sand and sea are the colors of Jordana's summer-right "Harmony" eye shadow quad (Longs, $1.59).

For women who want to splurge with a whole new look but can't spend beaucoup bucks, there's the Smashbox "Rescue Beauty" kit that includes seven products and a master class DVD (Sephora, $59, valued at $175).

MAKE YOUR MAKEUP MULTITASK

It's easy to get locked into the idea that blush is blush and eye shadow is eye shadow, and they can only be used as such. But why not experiment with makeup multitasking? Lots of blushes make beautiful eye shadows, or even lipsticks when mixed with Vaseline or lip serum. A bronzer can double as a contour or eye shadow.

Use a brush with a tiny pointed tip to turn mascara into eye liner. Maybelline's "Great Lash" (Longs, $5.89) is a professional makeup artist fave.

Benefit's Benetint (Macy's and Sephora, $28) is one of the original do-everything makeup items. Applied judiciously, it gives a completely natural rosy glow to cheeks, lips and eyes. Island women swear by Bonne Bell's Gel Bronzer as an easy to apply all-'rounder as well (Longs, $3.95). Sonia Kashuk's Shimmering Sorbets lip palette (Target, $12.99) offers shades that can go from lips to cheeks with the right brush or a sponge.

For 60 years, Dr. Bronner's soaps have been an eco-friendly choice. The Eucalyptus scent (Target, $9.49) is a super multitasker that can be used for body, hair and massage. The label, which is an amusing read, says the mild Castile soap is also good for baby, beach, dentures, deodorant and shaving, to name a few uses.