Over the years I’ve tried many makeup brands, from drugstore to high-end, as I’m sure most other women have done. Before I started a blog and a YouTube channel, I never paid much attention to my makeup. By this I mean I didn’t focus on how it sat on my skin, oxidized or how long it lasted. To me it simply got the job done and was “good enough”. It wasn’t until I needed it to further my career that I began noticing flaws, and had to relearn what it actually meant to be a good product or brand.
Of course makeup is subjective to the person wearing it, so I’m just going to keep things simple and as universal as I can.
Primer
If you are looking for an affordable, everyday primer, than the Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser primer by Maybelline is a great option. It definitely does the job with filling in pores and smoothing the surface of your skin, and paves the way for an easy foundation application. Something to mention is that it does contain propylene glycol, which isn’t a great ingredient. So if you are looking for a more natural option, this may not be the one for you. However if you are on a budget, this does the job.
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Foundation
If you are someone who doesn’t need a lot of coverage, I swear by the NYX BB Cream. It offers medium coverage and blends into the skin perfectly for a flawless finish. I also find that it oxidizes to match your skin. This is a great and affordable everyday alternative if you are someone who doesn’t like to wear full coverage foundation.
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If you are looking for something a little more medium to full coverage, the L’Oreal Paris Infalliable 24hr Foundation is for you. This foundation is sweat resistant, transfer resistant, and feels light weight and breathable while still providing you with the coverage you need. Plus it literally lasts all day! It also comes in 30 shades.
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Concealer
This is literally my holy grain for concealer, and one I reach for regularly. The Instant Age Rewind Eraser by Maybelline is a very lightweight concealer that works wonders on dark circles. Don’t get me wrong, I love my Tarte Shape Tape, but for everyday purposes this does the job. It also doesn’t crease which is super important. I love that it isn’t cakey and lasts all day.
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Bronzer
The Butter Bronzer by Physicians Formula is a great drugstore bronzer that is often raved about by beauty bloggers, and easy for everyday use.
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Blush
If you watch my YouTube channel, then you have probably heard me rave about this blush numerous times. The L’Oreal Le Blush is my all time favorite blush I’ve ever used, but it’s surprisingly hard to get your hands on. I managed to find it on Superdrug, which I willl link below.
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Eyebrows
In my opinion, eyebrows are the most important feature on your face. They are what frames your other features and makes them stand out. So it’s important we take care of them and keep them looking nice. Below are some of my favorite brow products. Depending on the day I may use one or all of them, however I highly recommend the fiber volumizer if you are looking for thicker, fuller brows.
NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder
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NYX Tame & Frame Brow Pomade
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NYX Micro Brow Pencil
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Maybelline Brow Precise Fiber Volumizer
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Eyeshadow
Eyeshadow is another makeup product that is really subjective to personal preference. However, I feel like as a general rule, most women have a solid neutral palette for everyday use. So I linked a couple affordable options below that I believe encompass most of these colors.
NYX Professionals Warm Neutrals Eyeshadow Palette
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L.A. Girl The Nudest Eyeshadow Palette
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Liquid Liner
I’m a bit of a snob when it comes to liquid eyeliner, and so far this has been the best one I’ve found. It’s very black, and dries matte which I like. It lasts all day and does not fade which is super important.
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Mascara
I’m all about my eyelashes. Other than eyebrows, I believe eyelashes are a huge focal point of the face. Even if you are wearing no other makeup, having a good mascara makes all the difference. I’ve linked the two below that I use daily. They work well together or separate, and lengthen and volumize like a dream!
Lash Stiletto by Maybelline
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Essence Instant Volume Boost
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Lipstick
You guys are probably sick to death of me talking about the Wet n’ Wild Megalast Lipsticks, but honestly they are the best. They are a great dupe for the MAC lipsticks, and they come in so many shades. Plus they are dirt cheap!