Having a simple straightforward guide of which makeup products to splurge on vs save is really important. High end makeup is amazing, especially because it can last a really long time, but it can also get super expensive. It’s great to swap some high end products with drugstore products that do the same thing. Swapping out some high end products for drugstore ones can save a ton of money in the long run. I put together a guide of beauty products to splurge on and some you should save on.
Beauty Products Splurge:
Foundation:
Foundation is the key to a flawless finish. You want your makeup to blend well, match your skin tone and have a nice finish. Investing in a good foundation can make your skin appear smooth and even younger. It can also make your pores appear smaller and high end foundations usually last longer since you are using less product and need less layers.
Favorite Foundations for Splurge:
Dior Forever Foundation & Airflash
Eyelashes:
Eyelashes are tricky, you always feel as if you’re buying them and discarding them immediately after, so they cycle never ends. You end up buying more lashes, wearing them 1-2 times then replacing them. Buying higher end lashes is a great investment. You want lashes that can stand many uses and can be worn up to 10-20x times.
Favorite Eyelashes:
Glam One Lashes – Mink lashes, reusable up to 20 times with proper care. Shop Here
Primers:
A good primer can keep your makeup on all day long, it can also mattify your makeup and make the application process easier. A primer is definitely worth investing in if you wear makeup for long periods of time, especially if you want it to withstand weather and time.
Favorite Primer:
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer
Bobi Brown Vitamin Enriched Primer
Bronzer:
A lot of things that involve powers should be high end. It can get tricky with powders as they are applied at the end of your makeup routine you don’t want anything that appears patchy.
Favorite Bronzer:
Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer
Application Tools:
This one is tough to believe but a good makeup sponge and eyeshadow brush can make a huge difference in your makeup application. A good blender will allow you to distribute your foundation and concealer better while a good MAC eyeshadow brush will make your shadow blending process easier.
Favorite Application Tools:
Eyeshadow:
Powders are tough to go low end. The best mid-range eyeshadows are by Morphe Cosmetics. Besides Morphe Cosmetics it is important to choose a high quality eyeshadow palettes because the colors will be more intense, blendable and overall look better on your eyes. Pick one palette with lost on mixed colors and warm tomes.
Favorite Eyeshadow Palettes:
Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance
Contour Kits:
Powders again! A nice contour kit will last really long and will double as a bronzer, it will also have nice banana color powders to highlight your best features. Some also bring a bit of a highlighter in them.
Favorite Contour Kits:
Highlighter:
I have not found a drugstore highlighter that works, most look patchy and I end up switching back to a high end one.
Favorite Highlighters:
Anastasia Beverly Hills Highlight Kit
Beauty Products You Can Save Money On:
Concealers:
Concealers are always a win. High end to drugstore, most concealer work well and blend in well.
Favorite Concealers:
LA Girl Pro High Definition Concealer (I always use the yellow color)
Mascara:
Any mascara works, especially if you’re are wearing falsies. There are many drugstore mascaras which provide volume and thickness. There’s really no need to invest in higher end mascaras, just add an eyelash curler to your routine.
Favorite Mascara:
Eyeliner/Liquid or Pencil:
I love liquid liners from the drugstore, they work just as well as high end ones. Also, pencil liners are a great way to save by purchasing them from your local drugstore.
Favorite Liquid Eyeliner:
Favorite Pencil:
Blush:
A good blendable blush can definitely be found at the drugstore, brands like Maybelline, Wet n wild and Pixi Beauty make amazing blushes that blend well and don’t look cakey or patchy.
Favorite Blush:
Wet n Wild Color Icon Blush
Maybelline Fit Me Blush
Pixi Beauty Blush Duo
Eyebrows:
If you dont want to invest in the Anastasia Beverly Hill Brow Pomade and application tool (about $18 each). You can easily create nice eyebrows with other products found in drugstores.
Favorite Eyebrow Products:
Wet n Wild Powder Brow Kit
NYX Micro Brow Pencil
Lips:
There are always amazing glosses in the market, you really can’t mess this one up. Any drugstore gloss works well, they only time worth investing in high end lip products is if you’re going for a matte look and want a more high end finish. Other than that any gloss will do. Brands like Maybelline and NYX Cosmetics have awesome lip products.
Favorite Lip Brands:
All NYX Cosmetics
All Maybelline
