So I always see these youtube videos about great make up choices and half the time this includes a bunch of brand names (overpriced) products that real working people can't afford. Or their freebies that some company is paying them to use and review.
Although I can technically afford some of the brand names you find in department stores, I refuse to buy them purely based on that fact that they have a heavy price tag. And to be honest, some of them just don't work for me. So this is a list of my loves and love me nots....some are drugstore products while others are sold at specialty chains.
Foundation: BareMinerals $26-$28
Hands down, best ever. This is a little pricier than your drugstore foundation but since I put it all over my face at least 4-5 days a week, I'm ok with the extra $$. It goes on smooth and doesn't cake or make my skin look dry. And importantly, it doesn't clog my pores the way other foundations do. Because the coverage is so consistent, I rarely have to re-apply during the day which is a plus for me.
Eye Liners: L'oreal Lineur Intense (liquid) $8
Avon eyeliner (pencil) $2-$4
The L'oreal liquid liner glides on smooth and is easy to apply. The longer brush handle makes it easier to control and work around longer eyelashes without getting liner all over the tips. The definition that the liner gives your eyes makes them pop. Depending on use, this normally lasts a few months and can be bought at most drug stores.
The Avon liner is a kohl liner so it goes on soft and dark. It's the only pencil liner that I've ever owned that doesnt hassle me when it's time for a sharpen. It live the deep rich color of the pencil and the fact that it stays on most of the day. I normally only use it on my bottom and use the liquid liner on the lash line.
Eyeshadows: Clinique, Revlon ColorStay
I received a Clinique quad from a friend of mine and instantly fell in love. I don't wear a lot of make up in general but when I do, this quad is my go-to. I prefer more earth tones color because looking like a clown is not an option for me:) It stays on and doesn't dry out. The colors are rich and look so amazing on.
What's not to love about these cute quads from Revlon? The color blocks are great and give you so many choices in one kit. I own every variation of color in these and have had to replace the brown quad at least 4 times.
Lip gloss: Lancome Juicy tubes, Revlon lip gloss $8
Another freebie I got from a friend of mine that turned out to be a new love. It is luscious on the lips and if you accidentally eat it, doesn't take too bad. (not recommended) It gives you lips just enough gloss not to look overdone. And it's not sticky.
Revlon lipgloss in nude (040) is my favorite gloss of all. It has a tint of color and makes my lips look yummy. I normally use the clear (010) over any matte lipstick I'm wearing that I want to shine. They don't make your lips feel sticky.
Concealer: Benefit boi-ing concealer $28
Best accidental find ever! I ran across this concealer at my neighborhood ULTA. It's a bit pricey $28 but well worth it esp because it lasts a long time. I just swipe my finger across the color and blend in where I need it and it works perfectly.
Make Up Tools: ecotools, e.l.f.
Bought this set of ecotool brushes at my Walgreens on sale for $9. The bristles are so soft and flexible. This was definitely a great find.
I lucked out and got this 11 piece professional brush set from e.l.f for $10. I really ordered it because I wanted the flathead brush but was delighted once the set came. It is a great set esp for the price. The bristles are fairly soft and hold their form well. The flathead brush has become my favourite foundation brush and goes everywhere with me. Definitely a great buy.
$1 - yes seriously. I own quite a few tweezers and this is one of my faves. It's firmly grips the hairs which eliminates having to tug and tug.
So these are some of the things I love and if you have a love, share it - I love discovering new things!
