Having tried many cosmetic products over the years, here's some advice!
1. Let's Talk Eye Products.
When it comes to applying eyeshadow, I highly suggest to start by investing in a high performance eye shadow primer. Using a great eyeshadow primer can help you get away with penny pinching when picking out eye shadows. Eye shadow primer will create a strong grip for eyeshadow to hold onto, resulting in a long lasting look. It also makes the colors more potent. Hence why you can use less expensive eyeshadow and still get a great look, The more neat and smooth your eyeshadow looks, the more polished your whole look will be.
Too Faced "Shadow Insurance"$20.00
For anyone with very oily eye lids that always make your eyeshadows crease, this eyeshadow primer will be your new BFF! You will thank me later.
And now that your eyeshadow will be insured, have fun playing in any eyeshadow. Remember, the more you practice applying your eye shadows, the better you'll become and the faster your makeup application will become as well. Here are some great inexpensive high performance shadows that I would suggest to play with: NYX Cosmetics, Kryolan, e.l.f., Ben Nye, Sedona Lace palettes, BH Cosmetics, and even Wet n' Wild.
2. Foundations and Concealers.
When it comes to Foundations I strongly suggest to save your money to buy that right foundation. Foundation sits on your skin the longest and it is most ideal to have something comparable to your skin type. If you chose a foundation that does not work for your skin type, you may have a horrible experience. Not only that, if you have the wrong color foundation you might as well not even wear it.
Go into a store in which you can try on different foundations. As overwhelming as it can be, ask someone for help and try not to feel pressured into buying everything they tell you to. I even sometimes suggest going into a Sephora, and walking out with just a sample of your favorite potential foundation. Then come back a couple days later after seeing how your skin does with the foundation. Having the experience of trying on different colors, coverages, finishes or foundation will really help you be satisfied with your foundation. Here are some foundation options that I would highly suggest giving a go.
Make Up For Ever "Face & Body" $40
This foundation may be an overlooked jewel for some, but it's my crowned jewels. Face and Body is a water based, waterproof foundation that can be work on both the face and the body. It was originally made for synchronized swimmers. This foundation is lightweight, hydrating, and has a dewy finish. If you want a long lasting, even toned look. I suggest this over a tinted moisturizer any day!
Coverage: Light-Medium
Skin Type: Normal-Dry
Dermablend "Smooth Indulgence Foundation" $32
This foundation makes me happy because it gives an amazing amount of coverage without looking cakey! It can last a very long time because a little goes a very long way. Dermablend is a great brand for sensitive skin and anyone fighting acne.
Coverage: Medium-Full
Skin Type: Any, however if oily you should set with a translucent mattifying powder.
Yes, Make up forever again. The finish on this foundation is amazing in that it looks matte and fresh (no cakey, stiff look). It helps keep oily skin matte and is water resistant. It stay on throughout any possible oil production throughout the day. The only tricky thing about this foundation collection is the colors. Many of the colors in the Mat Velvet line tend to run more on the pink side. Also, the color numbers may throw you off. (For example, #40 goes on the skin lighter than #35). Its a must try on in store product. But when you find your right color, it will work well.
Skin Type: Oily
Coverage: Medium-Full
I chose to highlight these three liquid foundations for now because I believe they are worth trying. I could go on for a long time about foundations, but that will be it's own blog itself.
When it comes to concealer, when using concealer as simply a highlighter when contouring your face feel free to get a less expensive product. However, if your concern is concealing dark circles and blemishes, especially irritated blemishes, here is where you want to maybe look into something with high quality ingredients. The eye area is the thinnest area on the skin, therefore you want to be delicate and cautious with this area. And when covering blemishes you don't want something that will irritate it even more. Here are some great concealers that are worth giving a go.
Sephora "Perfecting Cover Concealer" $16
This concealer is great for covering anything and everything. It is waterproof and stays on all day. The liquid cream consistency covers well without the cakey look. A great option for those that don't want to wear foundation all over the face. Put this on just where you want that extra coverage and go!
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Laura Mercier "Under Eye Perfector" $22
This orange undertone concealer really helps conceal under eye dark circles without the creasing lines. The consistency is just right! Remember warm undertone concealers will help conceal dark circles best, avoiding that gray "I tried to cover them" look
Dermalogica "Concealing Spot Treatment" $26
This blemish treatment is great because not only does it help the blemish disappear, it also give it some concealment. This Salicylic, Sulfur, and Zinc Oxide infused treatment will heal and the slight color makes redness vanish. This os one of my favorite go to's!
3. Some of my Favorite Inexpensive Products
Wet 'n' Wild "Brow and Liner" in Taupe $0.99
If you ever have an eyebrow emergency or forgot your brow products in your kit, this can be a great go to. One day, I ran into my local Walgreens and grabbed this when I realized I forgot my taupe eyebrow palette for a Makeup gig. And I was pleased in the color and finish of this product. (Remember taupe is that universal brow color.)
NYX "Soft Matte Lip Cream" $5.99
These liquid lipsticks are amazing! By far one of my absolute favorite new lip products. Not only are they hydrating and matte, (a hard to find combination) the colors are all super cute.
I'm obsessed, you've got to try!
E.L.F "Contouring & Blush Duo" $3
I have talked about this product a couple of times in my vlog videos. I discovered this product when filming my $20 Makeup Challenge Tutorial. What a great find! E.l.f. has a lot of dupe products of some great originals, resulting in what you want for a few dollars.
I hope that you all enjoyed my product highlight list. Leave any comments of your favorite expensive or inexpensive products that you feel are worth the money or a great deal! Happy shopping! Make sure to check out this video below of me taking on a challenge of only spending $20 on makeup to create a full look.
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