Let me give y'all a quick warning: I'm NOT a makeup guru. I dabble in makeup every now and then, and I try to make my makeup look as natural as possible (unless I'm going out with my friends and wanna flex). However, I've learned about several amazing products over the years and know some great advice to keep in mind when doing makeup or looking for products.
Tried and True Products for Beginners
Maybelline New York Dream BB Fresh 8-in-1 Beauty Balm Skin Perfector (Medium/Deep Sheer Tint) $8.99
If you're not a fan of foundation or don't want a product that's really heavy, I'd opt for using a BB cream. I use this in the morning before work when I want to look like I put effort into my makeup, but don't want something that'll melt off in the heat. It has 8 amazing benefits such as: SPF 30, adjusts to your skin tone, blurs imperfections, and hydrates your skin.
NYX Hydra Touch Primer $13.99
This primer does exactly the same thing as Smashbox's Photo Finish Primer, but at a much more affordable price. Because I have dry skin, I needed a primer that would leave my skin feeling hydrated. When I tried the NYX Hydra Touch Primer, I noticed that it had the same consistency and results as Smashbox.
Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herb and Rosewater $7.00 (4 oz) $12 (8 oz)
I use this facial spray as a toner before my moisturizer, a finishing spray for my makeup, and as a freshening spray when I'm hot.
NYX High Definition Eye Shadow Base $6.99
I tried Urban Decay's eye shadow base and was not a fan. So, I found a more affordable option that gave me a base I was looking for.
e.l.f. Clear Brow and Lash Mascara $2.99
I don't use the lash mascara half of the product as much, but I always use the brow portion when I need my eyebrows to look neat and defined. I even use it when I don't use my eyebrow pencil or pomade; the gel makes them look nice and neat as is!
NYX Tame & Frame Tinted Brow Pomade (Espresso) $6.99
I've had this pomade forever now, and I use it to fill in the thinner portions of my eyebrows. This was a lifesaver and a game changer for me.
Neat trick: Use a bobby's flat edge to outline your eyebrows straighter.
SEPHORA COLLECTION Colorful Face Powders- Blush (I'm Quite Tipsy) $14.00
I tried a more affordable blush from ColourPop, but I didn't like the consistency nor the fact that the color didn't show up as much on my face. So, I bought a Sephora brand blush and fell in love as soon as the makeup artist tried it on my skin. By the way, a little of their product goes a long way!
SMASHBOX Legendary Liquid Lip (Crush It) $24.00
When I want a bold lip that will last all day and not dry out my lips, I opt for this product. However, if you're going to be having a couple of drinks or even a cup of coffee, I'd stay away from this product because it will definitely leave residue on your cup or glass.
SMASHBOX Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick (Stepping Out) $24.00
I always use this color if I want a little bit of makeup on, but not a full face. It applies sort of like a liquid, but dries as a matte. And don't worry, this lipstick will not dry out your lips like some other mattes do. Also, this shade is the best "nude" color that goes with my skin tone.
BECCA Aqua Luminous Perfecting Foundation (Warm Honey) $44.00
This is probably the best foundation I've ever used. Warm Honey matches my skin perfectly, and it doesn't feel caky on my skin. Also, you can change up how much coverage you want by applying more or less. This foundation is also great for people with dry skin because it gives you a dewy look instead of dry or flaky.
Wet n Wild ProLine Felt Tip Eyeliner $2.99
I literally bought this from Walgreen's. I've found that felt tip eyeliners work best for me because they're easy to apply and they don't smudge as easy.
Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge $6.99
I've started to use my sponge a lot more when applying my foundation and BB cream. I'm able to get into creases and corners more easily.
Neat trick: WET your sponge before applying your makeup for easier application.
Dermalogica (Travel Size, because I don't wear a full face all the time) PreCleanse $11.00
I found that makeup wipes don't get all of my makeup off. First, I use a Neutrogena eye makeup remover pad to wipe off my eyeliner/eye shadow/mascara. Then, I rub the pre-cleanse onto my face, wet my hands and rub it in, and then rinse and wipe off. After that, I take a makeup wipe and wipe my face again to make sure I got all of the products off. Finally, I wash my face. It may seem like a lot of steps, but I'd rather "do the most" than wake up with makeup on my pillow and pimples.
My Top 7 Tips for Applying Makeup
Wash your face before putting on any makeup.
YouTube is your friend.
Don't believe the hype: expensive doesn't always mean better.
Wet your blending sponge before applying foundation and/or BB cream.
After applying primer, don't put on your foundation/BB cream just yet!
Drug store makeup is lit.
After taking off your makeup at the end of the day, wash your face again.
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