As we have established, I am a broke college student who loves makeup. There are always new products with a steep price tag and added pressure to purchase them due to their popularity. Do not fear; I have mastered finding amazing products that if not better, will save you a couple of bucks for a sweet treat with friends and improve your makeup routine.
An absolute game-changer in my routine came from Anna Wolferman. She introduced the Makeup Revolution Eye Bright Concealer in a deep caramel as a liquid contour. You are probably thinking that any darker shade of concealer can be used as a contour, but the consistency of this product is so creamy, making it extremely easy to blend, and leaving a shiny yet dewy finish. But as a side note, liquid contour will change your life. And making it more appealing, depending on the shade, it ranges from $5 to $10.
L’Oréal’s True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer has been my foundation replacement. Some days, foundation may feel a little too heavy, especially if you are going to be sweating all day. As a part of my routine, I mix this product with my moisturizer and SPF. Not only does my moisturizer thin it out to make it apply evenly and feel weightless, but the enhancer still gives me a beautiful tan look, even during peak winter months. Although this may be a little pricier, arguably, coming in at $16.99, it is worth every penny. Especially because the smallest amount of product goes a long way. This 1.35oz tube will last you forever.
As a girl who did not use a primer until last semester, I understand how easy it is to overlook the purpose of a primer. Getting a primer like e.l.f. Cosmetics’s Power Grip Primer for $10 is essential to having your makeup stay flawless throughout the day. This product has a satisfying, semi-sticky, but not heavy texture that does not allow my makeup to budge or smudge throughout the day. Specifically, this primer helps with the longevity of my makeup and adds vibrancy to my look.
Besides my collection of random “lippies” I have cultivated within the past semester, I was never a lip-liner girl. Partially because I never found the right color and it never looked good on me. But, all that changed when I discovered NYX’s Slim Lip Pencil Creamy Long-Lasting Lip Liner in the shade Peekaboo Neutral. In my experience, it works well with any gloss on top and has amazing staying power. But more importantly, unlike other lip liners, this product is creamy and avoids the harsh or dry feeling that other liners may cause. Another bonus, it is only $5, coming in a plethora of different shades for any look.
These are only some of the essentials in my routine. It is important to remember that everyone has different makeup goals and skin types, meaning that some products work better than others. But, in my experience, these products have elevated my look without breaking the bank, guarantee minimal smudging, and have survived the heat of the Rutgers buses. And let’s be real, that is how you know your makeup is makeup-ing.
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