I’m so excited to finally be sharing this post! I’ve gone back and forth between drug store and high end makeup for years, and think I’ve finally found the perfect combo for me. Some things, like mascara and lip products, are on both lists because I can and do use them interchangeably. Others, I will only buy that particular version of, and I say that in the description if that’s the case.
I plan on doing a makeup tutorial soon and posting it to Instagram and then saving it to the highlights. My comments on these items go left to right and then to the next row down. Let’s dive right in!
Drug Store:
- Maybelline Falsies Mascara: My close second favorite mascara if you’re looking for a great drugstore one. I’ve used it for YEARS and only recently switched to Marc Jacobs.
- e.lf. Matte Lip Color: This is a great liner, lipstick, all of the things. It lasts all day and is such a great price and staple.
- NYX Lip Liner in Whipped Caviar: I started using this recently and love the color. It goes on and stays on really well.
- NYX HD Eyeshadow Base: I use this in place of the Urban Decay one quite a bit, and it works great.
- e.l.f. Kabuki Brush: I use this to put my powder on (also e.l.f.) and LOVE it. It’s great quality and gets the powder on very lightly and evenly.
- Maybelline Eye Liner Pot: I’ve been using this for YEARS as well, and always go back to it. I was intimidated by the brush at first, but it’s seriously so easy to use and stays on all day long. Love it.
- Revlon Eyebrow Pencil: This is my go to, and even if I don’t “do my makeup” I put this on. The blonde shade works perfectly on my skin, it’s easy to use, and gives a great, natural looking brow.
- Loreal Infalliable Pro Matte Foundation: I’ve switched between this and the Pro Glow Foundation, and like both. Loreal makes a great foundation!
- e.l.f. Perfect Finish HD Powder: I love this stuff. Using it with the Kabuki brush is so easy and a no-brainer for me. I also use this under my lower lash area when I’m done with my eye makeup to prevent any eyeliner and eyeshadow smudging and it works for well.
High End:
- Urban Decay Primer Potion: I put this on before I do any eyeshadow on my lids, and love it. My eyeshadows don’t fade and stay on all day long.
- Tarte Salt Lyfe Lipstick: This is pretty much the perfect nude for me. I use the lipstick, not the gloss.
- Kiehls Creme de Corps: Ok, this is a splurge. I know. BUT it’s seriously the best body lotion. Hands down. The large container lasts about 10 months, and if you get it on sale during the Nordstrom Anniversary or Black Friday sales, it’s more palatable. I promise you, this is worth the money.
- Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream: I use this at night during the cooler, dryer months a couple of times a week and it leaves my skin looking and feeling so radiant and soft by the morning. I would say I have sensitive skin, and this doesn’t make me break out at all.
- Smashbox Photo Finish Primer: I put this on my forehead and a little bit on each side of my mouth after all of my makeup is on. It gives a great matte, smooth “filtered” finish and look.
- Laura Mercier Highlighting Powder: I love the glow this gives, and it’s super easy to use. I put it on my cheekbones (not that I really have any visible ones =p), right under my eyebrows, my nose, and my cupid’s bow.
- a. and b. NARS Bronzer and Blush: Perfect duo, I just love these colors on me. And they don’t fade.
- Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Mascara: I’ve used a few tubes of this now and LOVE it. It doesn’t clump, you can layer it, and it doesn’t flake away. It’s pretty much the perfect mascara. Before that, I used Maybelline Falsies.
- Tarte Toasted Eye Palette: My go-to. The colors are so vibrant, long lasting, and beautiful. Eye palettes are definitely worth the splurge in my opinion because the colors are more pigmented and last longer. I also hardly have to put any on my brush. I literally just lightly tap my brushes into the color a couple of times and that’s all I need.
- Laura Mercier Radiance Primer: I’ve used this off and on for years, and have tried to find substitutes or dupes and just can’t. This is the real deal, and leaves my face look beautiful and dewey before foundation.
- Paula’s Choice Daily Wrinkle Defense Moisturizer: I’ve used this for several years now and am always happy with it. It’s lightweight, doesn’t make me break out, has a tiny bit of tint, and 30 SPF. Totally worth it!
I hope all of this info helps! I didn’t really include too much skin CARE on here because that should be its own separate post. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions! =)