This one goes out to my ladies (and gents, because makeup is for everyone!) who are “ballin’ on a budget.” In a world of faces coated in prestige brands such as Fenty Beauty, it’s hard to figure out how to get an amazing makeup look without dropping hundreds. I personally save the good stuff for parties and special occasions, and break out the drugstore brands for an everyday beat. I’m a huge fan of getting “the look” for the least amount of dollars I possibly can. Here’s how you can too!
I’ve been swearing by this eyebrow pomade for about 4 years now. It’s my secret weapon for perfect eyebrows that stay put through the entire day! Apply it with a thin angled brush to get the look without splurging on the Anastasia pomade.
This concealer is great for under the eyes and touching up around your eyebrows. For the brows, I use a very thin, flat brush to clean around them and sharpen lines. Underneath my eyes, I tap on dots of concealer and buff them out with my Eco Tools Concealer Brushes. Boom! Hidden under-eye bags (even though they’re designer!) and snatched brows.
Although Morphe is one of the pricier drugstore brands, it’s definitely worth it to make the investment. Certain brands simply won’t give you the buttery application, pigmented colors, and staying-power that’s needed for a good eyeshadow look. I’ve been playing with different brands ever since I started experimenting with makeup, but this brand is the best in its class by far. This palette was gifted to me for my birthday and I haven’t looked back since. That’s probably why this listing only has seven more in stock right now!
It’s really no wonder that this liner has a cult following. I’ve been using it for years because it was recommended to me by the same friend who gifted me the Morphe shadow palette. In comparison to pencil eyeliner, gel is so much easier to use for wings and shapes. It comes with an eyeliner brush and the pot lasts FOREVER because a little goes a long way! Having used it for about 3 years now, I’ve only purchased it twice – and I wear it almost every single day.
This mascara is so amazing to me. I love the length it gives and how it darkens my lashes – especially the bottom ones! I recommended it to a previous supervisor of mine who also loved it. Plus, it’s infused with coconut extract.
This foundation looks beautiful when applied properly. The best way to get a flawless look is to use a damp beauty blending sponge to apply it evenly and blend it into the skin. I love the shade selection, as it comes in 45 beautiful colors that range in several undertones and hues.
I find that powder contour is better for everyday use than cream because I like to use it as a bronzer rather than for a carved look. Plus, it saves so much time. This kit has mixed reviews, but my experience with it has been really great.
Highlighter – Makeup Revolution Strobing Highlighter $13.46 Careful now, the glow on this one is sure to blind someone and send them into oncoming traffic. This baby GLOWS! It’s pricier for a drugstore product, but the shimmer is impeccable. Definitely a great find!
The price on these Ultra Satin lippies is unbelievable for the quality of this product. I love how the color is matte and stays put, but without drying out your lips! This brand became famous for their matte lipsticks, and continues to come out with beautiful new colors and formulas. So worth it!
Long story short, you don’t have to empty your pockets to get “the look!” Save the prestige brands for weekends and get togethers, and use the cheap stuff for everyday.
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Marissa Strang is a full-time lifestyle and travel blogger based out of the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area. Travel is her number one passion, and she is on a mission to empower others to make travel a reality for their own lives as well. She’s a strong believer that everyone can experience the joy of exploring the world, no matter the way they look or their socioeconomic status. Marissa creates one-of-a-kind city guides, destination inspiration, and budget-friendly travel hacks for aspiring travelers, especially young travelers and minorities. By creating travel content through her blog, The Marissa Daily, she strives to help others make lifelong memories - one destination at a time. Her journey as a blogger for the past 3 years has led her to visit amazing places and build an engaged travel community that she cares for deeply. One of the principles Marissa lives by, and encourages others to abide by, is that when you look like your passport photo, it’s time to book a trip. Let's go places.
