We all have our favorite make-up products....but why are they all SO EXPENSIVE!? I mean, yes, buying that perfect foundation with great coverage and organic ingredients is definitely worth it. But sometimes, you just aren't able to get your BB cream from NARS. So do what I do and find a happy medium: a few budget items thrown in with your Urban Decay palette and your Tarte blush.
Today I thought I'd help you out and share my favorite budget beauty favorites. These are items you can find at Target, Walmart, or a CVS. (TIP: some of these products are cheaper depending where you go. Check online first!) For a while there, drug store make-up brands weren't the best. But now, these companies have stepped up their game, gone organic and natural, and provided products that are dependable and work well! Thank goodness, right? Let's dive in.
NYX
1.) Micro Brow Pencil- this little thing is dynamite. It's a double-ended pencil (one side is pencil, other side is a spooly) and it is the perfect way to fill in your brows with micro precision.
2.) Matte Finish Fini Mat Setting Spray- this stuff is killer. I recommend this type (they have a few options) if you have oily skin like me. I just spritz my face a few times after I'm completely done with my make-up to make sure it is locked in for the day.
Maybelline
3.) Total Temptation Brow Definer- if you're not sold on the Micro Brow pencil, this may tickle your fancy. This pencil is also double-ended and the pencil end is broader for a larger stroke.
Covergirl
4.) Tru Blend Base Business Skin Primer in Everyday Defense with SPF 20- if you're not priming your face before applying make-up, you need to start doing it immediately. It preps your face for the layers of makeup, and this specific type includes SPF (which I highly recommend) to protect your face from harmful rays. Try as hard as you can to get primer with SPF in it-it saves you a step of applying both separately. Not to mention, I feel more protected when I wear this!
5.) Clean Matte BB cream- if you haven't jumped on BB cream train, now is the time to make that leap. BB cream, or beauty balm, is magic in a tube. It is a lightweight foundation that also includes skincare benefits. Makeup.com says it best:
"A BB cream acts like a primer, evens out your complexion like a tinted moisturizer, covers small imperfections and redness like a concealer, hydrates your skin like a day cream, brightens up dull complexions, and they often contain SPF and other anti-aging ingredients!"
This doesn't have the coverage of foundation, so if you have a lot of breakouts, pair it with a concealer. It's a great option for a quick application, especially if you don't need much make-up. You can also do what I do and apply it after primer, before foundation for a full coverage-look. Note: higher-priced BB creams may have more coverage.
6.) Full Lash Bloom Mascara- I love this stuff. I've used a million different types of drug store mascaras, and quite a few from Covergirl, and this one is the best (in my opinion). Bloom is my go-to drug store mascara; I always have it in my arsenal. I have crazy-long eyelashes, and this just makes them look full and voluminous.
E.L.F.
7.) Post Workout Cool-Down Mist- Mists for everyone! It's a great refresher during the day if you need to freshen your face, and as its name suggests, it is perfect for after a workout. Not to mention, super cheap!
8.) Spooly brush- everyone needs one! And this one is only $1! I've had mine for about 2 or 3 years now, and it's doing great. Just clean them off every once in a while with a baby wipe and it's like new!
9.) Shape and Stay Brow Pencil- I just bought this a few weeks ago, and I love it! I just needed something simple to keep my brows in place, and this does the trick (plus it's only $2). My brow routine for the summer is super simple: brush with spooly, micro brow pencil to fill in and comb through, and wax pencil to keep in place. Buy it!
Physician's Formula
10.) Butter Bronzer- I cannot rave about this stuff enough. I never used bronzer because 1) I was scared, and 2) because I'm so light-skinned I didn't think it would look good (and I had no idea what color to get). Then one of my best friends recommended this, and I'm obsessed! Right now, it is my favorite part of my make-up routine. I just brush this onto some key areas on my face, and I marvel at the added definition! Seriously, go get some of this.
And those are my favorites! I had no idea I picked out 10 exactly, but that worked out well, huh? Comment below with any questions you might have--I'd love to help! It can be difficult to find a great make-up routine, so we ladies need to help each other as much as possible. Also, if you love make-up and want to try some high-end products without splurging, GET YOURSELF AN IPSY SUBSCRIPTION! It is an amazing service, and I have found a lot of great products through this. Cheers, friends!
This is a non-sponsored post and all opinions are my own. All of these products I own and have tried myself.
XOXO
Mary Kate
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