Hello all of my amazing blogger followers! Seriously, I just want to put it out there how bad ass you all are and that I appreciate that you guys take the time to actually read some of the stuff I throw on here. I know sometimes I try to be funny and I'm lame, but you love me anyways and that's why you guys ROCK.
Today I am writing a post on how to get a high end makeup look on a low end budget. This post was inspired by one of my old Ulta Beauty coworkers and I thought it was great idea! I learned a lot of tips and tricks from working there and also what things work and what don't. I also know when to splurge on certain makeup products and when the drugstore brand honestly just works better. (*GASP* You mean the cheaper brands really do work better?)
Yes, sometimes I think the drugstore brand is a better product for the money you're spending so why go broke on products that will give you the same payout, etc.
I will list below the makeup I used to achieve what I believe is a high end look along with the tools to do so. I hope you enjoy lovies <3
{MAKEUP}
Primer:I'm going to be honest, I don't use a foundation primer. I never, ever use one and nothing you say is going to change that haha. If I get one for free I'll test it out from time to time but for realz guys, I just don't think I need it. I do believe that they help with color correcting and filling in pores for a smoother finish but I am just too lazy for another step and I think my make up looks fine without. Suggestions anyways- I would probably try out COVERGIRL + Olay SIMPLY AGELESS Anti-Aging Foundation Primer because I really like the fact that it is hydrating the skin while fighting anti-aging and it's around $11. Again, sorry for no help in this department but I think most can get by without it.
Foundation:Maybelline Super Stay Better Skin Foundation with SPF 15 in Nude Beige 25. I have been using this for about two weeks'ish now and I love love love it. I am picky with foundation because I hate dewy finishes, I hate when my face feels like it's caked on, and I hate when it doesn't give me a full coverage. This foundation makes my skin feel hydrated and light while covering everything I want it to. A+ to you Maybelline. I also think it's super important to have a foundation that includes SPF in it because you need to protect your skin! This bad boy is $9.98!
Concealer:For about the same amount of time I have been testing out COVERGIRL Ready, Set Gorgeous concealer in light pale. I do like this product but not necessarily for covering up major blemishes. I don't think it is a thick enough cover but I think it does a great job at highlighting the parts of my face that I want to highlight. What is good though is that this is $5.39, what a steal!
Powder:So sometimes I skip the foundation part and just use the powder for a more casual look but other times I overlap them to help keep the foundation in place, so what better to use other than the Maybelline Superstay Better Skin, Skin Transforming Powder also in Nude Beige 25. I really like that it is a pressed powder with a natural matte finish. The price of this is $8.94.
Bronzer:Now for this one, I do not at the moment have this bronzer but it is one that I use on the regular and highly recommend. I am trying to use up my Naked Flush pallet that I got from working at Ulta so that is what I used today but honestly Nyx Cosmetics Matte Bronzerworks just as well! I like to get it in Dark Tan or sometimes Deep if I have been tanning a lot because I use this to contour more so than just warming up the face. I also like that it is $8.99.
Highlighter:I just recently found this little guy thanks to my sister and it's sooo pretty. I do feel like I have to really rub a lot on to get the payoff I want but I love it! I have been looking for a gold, nude highlight so I am so happy I found the Maybelline Facestudio Master Strobing Stick Illuminating Highlighter in Medium/Nude Glow. The price you ask? $7.94!
Highlight Powder for Baking:So, I have just began the whole baking idea where you put powder underneath the contour and under your eyes and let it sit there for about 5-10 minutes and then wipe away and it is amazing. It really helps define the jaw line and gives your contour more definition. People use all different kinds of things for this step but I am really loving the Nyx Cosmetics Studio Finishing Powder Translucent Finish. Today, I used my Tarte free gift translucent powder but the Nyx will be my next purchase as it is exactly the same thing. This guy is $9.99
Eye Shadow Primer and Second Coat of Concealer: As I stated above I like the COVERGIRL concealer but it isn't heavy duty. I use Hard Candy Glamoflauge HEAVY DUTY CONCEALER with pencil in lightwhen I really need to cover up a blemish. I also use it as my eye shadow primer because it leaves that cream color on the top of my lids which I like because that calls for less eye shadow with a better payout. This is one of my favorite products but it is hard to find at drugstores.
Blush: BLUSH IS MY FAVORITE and this blush is seriously a god. I'm not kidding, I bought a Smashbox blush for $40 tried it out and then the next day I saw Makeup Revolution's Blush Pallete in Hot Spiceand almost died. I bought it and instantly returned the Smashbox one because 1) It was a palette 2) The colors were amazing and 3) IT IS $10!!!!
Eye shadow: So I bought the Maybelline The Rock Nudes Eyeshadow Palette a while ago but wasn't feeling it at first because the color payout isn't the greatest but I tried different eye shadow brushes and that made a world of difference. Therefore, don't use the brush it comes with because you will hate it. Oh and this palette is $8.98 so you get a similar palette to Urban Decay's Nakeds without paying the high price.
Eye liner:I use the Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eyeliner on the reg. Not kidding like this is my go to all of the time never anything else choice for eye liner. I love how black it is and I can actually manipulate the brush to go where I want it unlike some other kinds. It is $5.97 and I get it in blackest black. For my waterline I use Maybelline EyeStudio Lasting Drama Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencil in Cashmere White.That is $6.94.
Mascara: The Falsies Volum' Express Washable Mascara is the one product that I used to use every single day but once I was introduced to Too Faced's Better Than Sex I haven't been able to turn back. I do however still use this puppy when I'm running low on moolah because I think it is pretty similar when it comes to brush size and how plump it makes the lashes. I also like to get this in blackest black and it runs for $5.69
Lips:On the lips for today was Nyx Cosmetics Soft Matte Lip Cream London. I am a big fan of basically any of the colors (which there are like 34) because I love matte and I love Nyx. It is $5.99 so also a great price!
{BRUSHES}
Beauty Blender: Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge $6.99
Highlight Brush: EcoTools Deluxe Fan Brush $7.99
Contour Brush or Bronzer Brush: EcoTools Blending & Bronzing Brush $9.99or EcoTools Bamboo Bronzer Brush $8.98
Blush Brush: EcoTools Precision Blush Brush $7.99
Powder Brush: EcoTools Bamboo Powder Brush $9.99
Eye Shadow Brushes: EcoTools Essentials 6 PC Eye Brush Set $10.99
Eye Lash Curler: Revlon Extra Curl Eyelash Curler $7.99
So there you have it! That is my affordable makeup routine and I hope you enjoyed! What kinds of affordable brands are your favorite?
-xo