The Best Makeup: Splurges vs Steals
When shopping for makeup, it’s so easy to gravitate towards the pretty designer label and the luxe little box that makeup can come in. But what we really want to know is, what products are worth the price? And on what products can I take the cheaper route? Let’s break down the categories and see what’s worth the splurge and what’s not!
1) Primer
Steal: Primer creates a smooth, hydrated surface so makeup can look flawless and stay for an extended period of time. If you are just looking for a basic first step in your makeup routine then this would be a steal! e.l.f.’s $6 primer works just as well as many pricier options out there.
Splurge: However, if you’re looking for something extra like sun protection, then you should splurge for a primer with SPF 15 such as the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, especially if you know that you won’t go through the hassle of applying sunscreen in the morning. There are tinted primers out there that have all the bells and whistles like brightening flecks, a sheer tint, and even colored primers that enhance your skin tone, like a slight green shade if you’re face tends to look pink.
2) Tinted Moisturizer/Foundation
Splurge Only: If there is one beauty product that you should shell out extra cash for, it is your tinted moisturizer or foundation because it needs to be perfectly matched with your skin tone, and pricier brands tend to have more all-encompassing shades and fade to match flawlessly. If your skin is a couple shades darker in the Summer then you should have another foundation for those tanner months! Having a quality foundation that lasts and that suits your skin type can make all the difference. I recommend Laura Mercier’s oil-free tinted moisturizer with SPF 20 for daily use and Makeup For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation for going out at night or special occasions.
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3) Nail Polish
Steal Only: What you’re really paying for when you shell out extra cash for a Chanel or YSL nail polish is the brand name, which doesn’t mean prettier nails! You can get very similar colors for under a few bucks, including a glossy topcoat which will pull your nail look together. When was the last time that you used an entire bottle of nail polish? Most of us have a collection of our favorite colors and move on to the next one when we get bored…or distracted by a new nail trend like ombre nails or glitter! Nail polish is one of those things, like chap-stick, that we absolutely relish having a million of and our habit doesn’t have to break the bank because they can be so cheap!
4) Eyeliner
Steal: For an everyday subtly defined look, a cheap eyeliner will do the trick. Elf has eyeliners for just a few bucks. Some cheaper eyeliners don’t blend as easily, but you can use a eyeshadow brush to smudge the eyeliner in with some eyeshadow for a natural appearance.
Splurge: You will probably want a pricier eyeliner for a more dramatic look, as kohl eyeliners and similar densely pigmented types are more blendable, last longer, and give more oomf to your look. The Marc Jacobs Highlighter is very popular and is $25.
5) Blush
Steal: When shopping for a great blush, you’re just looking to find a pretty color that fits in with your skin tone. Powder blushes work better on oily skin as they set better, but cream blushes tend to last longer. As long as you find a color that you like and that looks natural on you, you can save money by looking into inexpensive options. I love e.l.f’s studio HD blush, I have it in the bright pink shade “Diva” and it is so quick and easy to use, just blend a tiny bit (less than a pea size) as if it were lotion and you’ll have some cute color all day.
Splurge: However, if you’re looking for that perfect color that looks good from Summer to Winter and every day in between, NARS carries a blush in “orgasm” that is a cult favorite of women everywhere.
6. Mascara
Splurge only: Every girl knows the frustration that comes with clumpy mascara, and has had to deal with spidery eyelashes because the mascara wand wasn’t able to comb out the excess. Truth is, not all mascara is made the same, and they can all create drastically different looks. Whether you want some length and definition, or noticeable volume, or if you don’t have naturally black eyelashes and need color, you can find mascaras that cater to your needs. Although a lasting, non-irritating formula is a must, the effectiveness of the mascara is in the brush. Better quality mascaras will have brushes that maximize volume, lift, and curl, and the straight-across mascara wands from the drugstore may not do the trick.
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This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.
