Killer dress? Check. Awesome shoes? Check. Perfect clutch? Check. Party-proof makeup that lasts all night long? Eh, not really. There are so many different brands of makeup that it’s hard to figure out which one has the best products and it is nearly impossible to try every single kind. You’ve got to know when to splurge and on what product. I’ve taken the liberty to jot down the save and splurge versions of the best makeup that doesn’t require 10 touch-ups throughout the night:
1. Best Primer
Splurge: NARS ($32) has a fantastic primer with SPF AND smooths skin. It also perfect because it absorbs oils so you’re face will never look greasy. It’s definitely a keeper!
Save: Sally Hansen just came out with a new face primer and its super affordable (around $10).
2. Best Foundation
Splurge: Personally, I love to keep it natural so I use Bare Minerals ($26) for my foundation but if you prefer liquid foundation, I recommend Chanel’s Mat Lumiere ($54). It’s perfect for all-day and all-night wear plus it’s super lightweight.
Save: There are a lot of great foundations I’ve come across but I’d say Rimmel London’s Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation (around $7) is probably the longest-lasting, especially if used with a primer.
3. Best Concealer
Splurge: I’ve been really happy with Clinique’s Airbrush Concealer ($19.50). It doesn’t leave your skin cakey like some concealers do and it does a great job covering up imperfections like red spots and the occasional pimple.
Save: I’ve heard great things about Physicians Formula’s Conceal Rx Physicians Strength Concealer ($8.95). If you put a dab on your imperfection and leave it there for a few minutes and then rub it in, it covers the area completely and lasts all day.
4. Best Blush
Splurge: Blush has been my enemy for years because it seemed like I’d put it on and then it’d be gone 10 minutes later. I absolutely love NARS blushes ($28). There’s 25 different shades and this blush lasts ALL day.
Save: Victoria’s Secret has a great line of cosmetics. I’m a huge fan of their Luminous Mineral Blush Duo ($15). Like NARS’ blushes, there’s a variety to choose from as well.
5. Best Bronzer
Splurge: Okay, bronzer is a tough one. On one side, you don’t want it to be too light because then you’ll just look cakey. But on the other hand, you don’t want to be as dark as an Oompa Loompa. I really like Bobbi Brown’s Illuminating Bronzing Powder ($35) because it’s really lightweight and gives the right amount of glow to the skin. My favorite is Mac Bronzing Powder ($23) my color is refined golden.
Save: Physician’s Formula products are good. Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Pressed Bronzer ($14.95). You’d think that a cheaper bronzer would turn you orange but this stuff gives you the perfect glow and lasts for hours.
6. Best Eyeliner (Liquid and Pencil)
Splurge: Urban Decay offers a great pencil liner that is super easy to apply and doesn’t break up after wearing it for hours with their 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil ($19). For liquid liner, I wasn’t a fan of liquid liner for the longest time until I found the right brand which, for me, is Smashbox’s Limitless Liquid Liner Pen ($22). It’s SUPER easy to apply and you can create a soft, every day look to a glamorous smoky eye look for a night out.
Save: I’ve heard great things about CoverGirl’s Perfect Point Plus ($5.79) and the best part about it is that it’s a self-sharpening pen so you don’t have to worry about getting eye liner shavings everywhere. For liquid liner, Almay’s Liquid Eyeliner ($7.29) is perfect for creating a dramatic look and offers different colors for your specific eye color.
7. Best Eyeshadow
Splurge: I absolutely love all of Urban Decay’s eyeshadow sets! My favorite palette is their Ammo Eyeshadow Palette ($38). The palette comes with a wide range of colors so you can go for a daytime look and then use the darker colors for a sultry night look. I am also a Mac girl, the amount of eyeshadows I have is stupid!
Save: Ulta’s 10 Shade Eyeshadow Palette ($14) offers a great variety of colors that have a bit of shimmer in them. Perfect for ANY occasion!
8. Best Mascara- Mascara is a tough one because everyone has different lash lengths. The key word to remember in your search for long-lasting anything is ‘waterproof’.
Splurge: Dior has a great line of mascaras and the perfect party mascara (doesn’t run or smudge) would have to be their Diorshow Waterproof Black Out ($25). It gives AMAZING volume and never make your lashes clumpy. This is a mascara that is definitely worth splurging for.
Save: Like the eyeshadow palettes, I love having a product that can work for daytime wear AND nighttime. So, Almay’s One Coat Dial Up Mascara ($8.49) is perfect for your transformation from the office look to a sexy nighttime look. This is good for a busy mom or hard-working gal that doesn’t have a lot of time between work and play. Almay also offers a great waterproof mascara that adds volume AND grows your lashes at the same time with their One Coat Get Up & Grow Waterproof Mascara ($7.99).
9. Best Lipstick
Splurge: My favorite Lipgloss ever is Buxom ($18). Love, love, love it! It will plump your lips and moisture at the same time. Another great hydrator is from Dior ($30).
Save: CoverGirl’s LipPerfection Lipcolor ($7.99) comes in fabulous runway shades and continues to moisturize your lips after application. The best part about this lipstick is that you don’t have to reapply every hour!
I am a firm believer that beauty is on the inside but I also believe that sometimes you feel the way you look. Its always nice to get dressed up or put on a full face of makeup for no reason but to make yourself feel good. So put on your best and have a beautiful day!! xo
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