Beauty on a Budget!

Every girl has a good "cheap" makeup find on her vanity that she can't live without.  After some research mixed with experiences, I've come up with a little info on how you can get the best makeup products on a budget!

Here's what's on the vanity today....


Mascara - L'oreal Voluminous or Maybelline Great Lash. I use these two on my clients, and on myself all the time. You can get these at a drug store, target, etc.

False Eye Lashes - Ardell Fashion Lashes (#23 is a good one for a natural look) I use these on myself and on brides. #116 is another good one with a little more dramatic look. You can find these at a beauty supply store, and most drug stores.  They are very light weight and easy to apply.  You should really use Duo brand glue for applying. You can find this at any beauty supply store.

Eye Liner - Maybelline's Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner. Gel eyeliner is easier to apply then liquid liners and stays put longer than pencil liners. It comes with a brush and is very affordable!

If you prefer a liquid liner I would go for Wen 'N' Wild Megaliner, it's less than $5 and will stay on all day and has a great selection of colors.

Eye Shadow - NYX eye shadows are great for the money. They are pigmented really well. Always wear with an eye shadow base so the colors really pop! You can get these at any drug store. A few good colors to start with are
Black - Like MAC Carbon
Highlight - Like MAC Vanilla (just a bit more yellow)
Apricot Moose - Peach shimmery color
Dark Brown - Like MAC Down Brown

They have a lot of great bold colors too if you are looking for something bright.

Lip Gloss - "Boots" High Shine Lip Gloss from Target. It goes on very smooth, it's not heavy or sticky.

Eye Base - L'Oreal Decrease is a good one but if you have a little more money to spend I recommend MAC paint pots or Urban Decay Primer Potion. One product will last you a very long time. If you are not used to using an eye base, now is the time. You will see a huge difference in how your eye shadow looks and how well it stays on throughout the day.

Foundation - Revlon ColorStay Foundation is good for women with dry skin. If you are oily a good one is CoverGirl Natureluxe Foundation. Foundation is something you really shouldn't go too cheap on if you want what's best for your skin. My absolute favorite is MAC's Face and Body. It's water based, very light weight and builds well for more coverage if you want it. It's worth the investment.

Blush - L'Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Blush. It goes on very lightly but not too light that you can't see it. It comes in 12 shades, so you have a good chance of finding what's right for you.

Makeup Remover - Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing towelettes are the best!! I use these every night when I take my make-up off. Costco has a good deal if you buy a box of them. It will last you a while.

Bronzor - NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder.  This is a matte bronzer, buildable, get at a drug store.  It is comparable to Stila's bronzer, but a fraction of the price.  You can find this at any drug store for about $3-$4.  One tip, I wouldn't use the application that comes with it, use your own brush.