I’m not a beauty blogger nor can I film a makeup tutorial worth watching, but beauty products are a part of my everyday life and consume a large portion of my bathroom counter…. and drawers. I buy products because I actually use them, not because they’re popular or I want to test them. If I’m spending my money on it, I want it to be worthwhile. I look for reliable products that work well and are long lasting. Some of them I’m willing to spend a pretty penny on, but many can be found in a single aisle in your grocery store. If I’m going to wear makeup everyday, there’s no way I’m putting on a $50 foundation. Below are my beauty picks that I’m willing to splurge on as well as the dependable items that don’t cost me over $10.
Splurge
NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation
This was my first purchase with NARS and the consistency is much different than my normal MAC foundation, but I’m very fond of it. You put it on with your fingers (that was a first for me) but the coverage is incredible. I feel like I’m wearing no makeup when I wear this. Since it’s so expensive, I generally only use it for weekend wear and to shoot photos.
This is my go-to foundation. It lasts for months and a little bit goes a long way without it being too cakey. As the seasons transition, my skin tone varies. It blends to match your undertones so you get the perfect shade every time without having to switch foundations.
MAC Soft and Gentle Mineralize Skin Finish
I use this as a highlighter above my cheekbones and on the bridge of my nose. It looks subtle but has a noticeable similarity to Becca’s ‘Champagne Pop‘ for a few bucks less.
I consider this a splurge because as effective and easy to use as the pencil is, it doesn’t last long at all. With daily use, I get about three weeks worth and at $23 a piece, that’s too pricey for me. I try to limit its usage when I need a more glamorous look because it’s basically the key to ‘brow art.
MAC Global Glow Mineralize Skin Finish
I use this as a bronzer and it’s perfection. I switch between this and Gold Deposit when I’m darker in the summertime. Just look at how it shiiiiines. Buy them both!
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If I have a long day ahead of me, I make sure to use this setting spray. It keeps your face from getting oily, which is especially necessary in this Texas heat and only costs $8 at most local drug stores.
Maybelline Pure Dream BB Cream
I don’t like a heavy face of makeup for an 8+ hour work day, so I never wear a full coverage foundation. This BB Cream is light and airy. While it still provides coverage, it allows your skin to breath giving you a fresh face. This + bronzer will get me out of the house in 5 minutes.
L’Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara
I’ve easily been through a dozen of these. I never wear lashes so a good mascara is vital to my regimen. This one does not disappoint.
Physicials Formula Shimmer Strips Bronzer in Vegas Strip
This bronzer is SO good and gets me so many more compliments than my pricier ones. It’s apart of my daily 15 minute makeup routine. It gives me enough color to look lively but isn’t so intense that I look ready to party while I’m in the office.
This is a major saver for me. It’s $18 per pod and lasts me over a year. That’s enough to sell me time and time again. I use ‘Ebony’ but ‘Dark Brown’ blends well with my dark hair also.
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation
My best friend told me to go and get this and I’m glad I did. I honestly can’t tell the difference between this $8 foundation and my MAC Matchmaster Foundation.
What products do you use that are worth keeping money in your account versus what you’re willing to make it rain for?
So crazy ! Nars was the first foundation I purchased as well. I use Mac Foundation as well. I recently used CoverFx it’s $40 from Ulta. I recently purchased Maybelline Dewy Finish Fit Me Foundation for $9 and so far so good.
I like the NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray and now I am using L’Oreal Infallible Setting Spray for $13. I religiously only use the Anastasia Beverly hills brow wiz or the brow definer.
I went to go get the L’Oreal Infallible Setting Spray after you recommended and I’m not gonna lie… I was hesitant with the $13 price tag for a drug store product LOL but I’m glad I did! It’s worth the few extra bucks. Thank you Jasminne!
I’m currently using the Maybelline Fit Me Matte foundation. I ran out of my MAC Studio Fix and ran to Walgreens and picked this up. Glad I did…I’ve been using it ever since. I do plan on purchasing the NARS foundation to have that for weekends and social outings. I tried the NYX eyebrow gel but I found that the ELF brand works better to give you a more “natural” look…plus the price of $3 isn’t bad. I’m currently loving my “Love Joy” blush from NARS. Great everyday color for brown skin. XOXO
I need to try that $3 ELF brand for sure. Every time I pass them up and see everything is less than $6 I think “take my money!!” hahaha. Thanks for the recommendations Whitney! xx
Foundation is definitely where my splurges occur! I’m obsessed with Estee lauder’s double wear foundation and Chanel’s compact powder for reducing shine and going for that matte look. A good lipstick is also a must I think – I love a good Mac matte lipstick or Clinique’s long-lasting lipstick!
I’ve really been wanting to try the Chanel compact powder but it’s SO pricey for me to be unsure. I’m going to buy it if you’re promising it’ll help reduce my shine lol thank you for the feedback boo! xx
It’s definitely on the higher end of the spectrum hey. I think there are two types – I went with the cheaper one as I just wanted to give it a try and see how it went. Get one of the sale ladies to do your makeup and see what you think before you buy it! I wear sunscreen everyday that makes my skin pretty shiny and as soon as I put on the compact powder, it’s instantly gone! 🙂 x
Hey! A good dupe for Anastasia’s Brow Wiz pencil is Maybeline’s Define-A-Brow pencil (original, not the newer versions). It has the same consistency and color matches and usually $6 or less.
I just ordered one off of Amazon, I can’t be spending $25 on Anastasia’s Brow Wiz every 2 weeks! LOL thanks girl