I’ve never been much of a beauty junkie, so I find it hard to justify spending tons of money on products that I probably don’t even know how to use {99% of the time this is true – thank goodness for YouTube!}. Of course, I have my everyday essentials that I know and love, and I’m willing to spend a little extra for these.
Since my 9-5 is in a corporate office, it’s important for me to look presentable every day, but my goal is to do this in as little time as possible. Basically, this means that during the week I channel my inner Parisian: I do my hair or my make-up, but never both. To be honest, this is mostly because I don’t have time to do both {hello, waking up 20 minutes before I need to leave}.
It’s been almost 10 years since I started wearing make-up, so I’ve had quite a bit of time to try and re-try my favorite products. One tip that I love – and use – is to treat my makeup bag like my closet. I never fill my closet with tons of trendy, expensive pieces, because in fashion, one day you’re in and they next day you’re out, so I try to apply that to my makeup bag, too. If I want to try out a statement lipstick, I’m going to buy it at Target, Sephora or Ulta, and I’m never going to spend more than 15 bucks, but when it comes to the staples, I’m willing to spend.
All that being said, my must-have makeup for every day wear – similarly to my wardrobe – varies in price. After years of buying & regretting or buying & rejoicing, I’ve learned what products to splurge on and where I can save. So, what’s in my makeup bag?
Where to splurge:
Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation
Since I’ve been wearing makeup for a fairly long time, I’ve tried tons of different foundations – ranging from under $10 to over $40 – and my forever go-to is Estee Lauder Double Wear. I have oily skin, but this lasts me all day, and I only need to apply powder every few hours. It is a bit on the pricy side, but one bottle lasts for a LONG time {mine usually lasts four or five months}. If I were you, I’d go to an Estee Lauder cosmetic bar and ask to be color matched. Also, don’t be shy and ask them for a free 10-day sample to try before you buy. To get the most bang for your buck, plan your purchase around a free gift.
Lancôme Hypnose Drama Volume Mascara and CILS BOOSTER XL Renovation Mascara Primer
This mascara has been my favorite for quite some time. I have short lashes, so I love using a curved brush to give myself a little extra volume. This mascara primer came in a Lancôme kit I purchased at the #NSale, and I’m obsessed! It’s the perfect base to apply before my mascara, since I don’t need to use as much to define my lashes.
Benefit Gimme Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel
If I want to keep my eyebrows from getting out of control, I need to get them threaded once a week. Since I’m lazy, I usually try to stretch this to a week and a half or two, but by that point, I’m in desperate need. Luckily for me, bushy eyebrows have made a comeback {I started this trend in 7th grade – they were WILD}, but I still love the look of thick, clean brows, and this is the perfect product to keep them in check. Thank you, Benefit, for creating a product that takes me from Frida Kahlo to Lilly Collins.
Urban Decay Naked2
If you can’t tell by my name, I love all things gold, so obviously this is my favorite of the Naked Palettes. It has just enough color options to easily change up your look to take you from day to night. Foxy, Tease and YDK is my favorite combo!
Lancôme Blush Subtil 3-Pan Palette
Since the get-go, I have been very skeptical about the whole contouring thing. “But I don’t want to look like a different person!” or “It’s way too complicated, and I’ll never figure out how to properly apply it!” I would say, but after the salesperson convinced me to buy this palette I became a believer. It comes in multiple different shades, and you can easily control how much you want to apply. I love that you can go from subtle to Kardashian with a few flicks of your wrist.
NYX Matte Lipstick
This NYX lipstick is my favorite option when I want to try out a trendy shade that may or may not look great on me. It’s perfect for a night out, because it doesn’t easily wear out so you won’t have to keep reapplying. I’ve watched a few comparison videos and NYX’s matte lip stick in Nude is basically the same at Kylie’s lip kit, except it only costs a few bucks. BONUS: Most NYX Cosmetics are buy one, get one 50% off at Ulta until August 27!
I know what you’re thinking, “another lipstick?!” But this one is so good that I couldn’t keep it off the list. For only five dollars, it is perfect for every day wear. The long-lasting color is also super-hydrating, so it’s basically my favorite chapstick. I love Contempo in matte and Frenchie & BYOB are currently in my cart.
Physicians Formula Bronzer
During the summer months I usually rock SPF 50 on my face, so 40-year-old me doesn’t hate 24-year-old me for having wrinkly skin. So, when I’m going out I have to overcompensate for this by applying a little extra bronzer. I love this formula, because it doesn’t make my skin look cakey or orange, and the price is unbeatable.
Elf Waterproof Eyeliner
I used to spend around 20 bucks on eyeliner. Then I’d bring it out on a Saturday night, reapply it in the bathroom at a bar, and proceed leave it in said bathroom. My version on Sunday Scaries were realizing that I lost my favorite makeup, so I started buying the two buck Elf pen as my “going out” eyeliner. I loved it so much that it’s now the only eyeliner I buy! It runs out fairly quickly, but for $2 it’s totally worth the run to Target.
Maybelline Eye Lash Curler
Like I said, I have super short lashes, and I feel like I’ve tried every fancy eyelash curler out there only to get the same results. So, instead of shelling out $25, I opt for the $5 Maybelline curler and get the same – if not better – results.