Diary of a Beauty Addict

Diary of a Beauty Addict:

The Drugstore and High-End Products I’ve tried So You Don’t Have To

I’m not bragging, I promise- I’m really not. There’s very little pride which accompanies spending hundreds if not thousands of dollars on whatever makeup the latest influencer is toting that week, only to end up sticking with the same signature go-to products that I have for years. I’m a poor college student and believe me, it’s exhausting. So for the benefit of our fellow readers I’ve comprised a list mixed with drugstore and higher end makeup products that I absolutely swear by. And I promise, I’m not being paid for any of these recommendations (although I wish that I was).

1. The Holy Grail: Dior Airflash Spray Foundation & Dior Buffing Brush

Price- Foundation- $62.00

Necessary (!!) Applicator- $49.50

Rating- 5 Stars

I know what you’re thinking: does this chick seriously expect me to shell out over $100 for foundation? The answer is a resounding YES. I have tried probably upwards of 50 foundations in my lifetime and this is the single best formula I’ve ever come across. It provides a medium to full coverage and glides on evenly and effortlessly. Not to mention that the Dior buffing brush is so amazing and soft that I’ve come dangerously close to orgasming while using it. Also here’s a little piece of trivia for you- this is the main foundation that they use on the models at all of the Dior shows so honestly $111.50 not including tax is a relatively small price to pay for looking like a supermodel. Just go get it. You’ll thank me.

2. Too Faced Hangover 3-in-1 Replenishing Primer and Setting Spray

Price- $32

Rating- 5 Stars

This one is still pretty pricey but totally worth it, especially since you can swap it in for virtually all other makeup products. I’ll admit, up until about a year ago I myself was completely in the dark about the importance of a good primer/ setting spray. That was until this product. I was drawn in by the word Hangover on the label which as I delve into my mid-twenties I’ll admit I am becoming more and more acquaintanced with. Also as I age I find myself becoming less willing to apply a full face of makeup for daily outings and more willing to slap on a pair of oversized sunglasses and a hoodie. The great thing about this little cult favorite is that you don’t need to apply a full-face, or any makeup at all for that matter! One or two sprays will leave your skin looking fully replenished and like you got a full 8 hours of sleep, even if you didn’t.

3. Maybelline Define- A- Line Eyeliner

Price- $5

Rating- 5 Stars

It has occurred to me that I may be one of the few people left that actually still uses lower lid eyeliner. Apparently it may have gone out of style in the late 90’s. I digress. Anyway, if you’re like me and fully believe that eyeliner gives your eyes the extra pop they need, (it does!) then look no further. With one fell swoop of this product across your lower lash line your eyes will instantly look larger and more defined. No more struggling or risking a potential splinter to the cornea with traditional pencil eyeliners, this mechanical liner has a smooth and creamy gel-like consistency. It also has a smudge tool built into the opposite side which makes blending easy in case you’re like me and make a lot of mistakes when applying makeup. I recommend the shade Onyx for any of my brown eyed beauties out there.

4. Maybelline Great Lash Washable Mascara

Price- $6

Rating- 5 Stars

Apparently, the people at Maybelline really know what they’re doing when it comes to affordable high quality makeup. This is another classic favorite, and chances are if you go into your mothers or even your grandmother’s makeup bag this product is there. It’s sold at virtually any drug store across America and I have to agree it’s absolutely amazing. It gives you longer, thicker lashes and glides on as effortlessly as the brand’s eyeliner. Time and time again, Great Lash has been voted “Americas Favorite Mascara”. Don’t believe the hype? At $6 a tube you can afford to take the risk. Although I have to admit I don’t know what they mean by washable. Can you put it in the washing machine? The shower? Anyway, let’s move on.

5. Tarte Colored Clay CC Undereye Corrector

Price- $25

Rating- 5 Stars

If you’re like me and also cursed with a perpetual set of under-eye bags then lo and behold: this is the product you’ve been looking for. This CC Under eye corrector is thicker than the average concealer and has far more coverage, so it keeps you from looking like you’ve been up all night- even if you have. It comes in two colors Light-medium and Medium- tan, but I’ve found that the lighter shade is still deep enough for olive skin tones (such as mine). The corrector provides instantly brighter/ younger looking eyes and doesn’t crease with wear. The only downside is that at $25 dollars it comes in a small compact case that runs through pretty quickly, especially if you apply daily, so I’d recommend using sparingly. A little goes a long way!

6. Kat Von D Shade + Light Face Contour Refillable Palette

Price- $49

Rating- 4 Stars

Originally made popular by none other than beauty mogul Kim Kardashian, the contour appears to be a beauty trend that’s here to stay. For those of you who don’t know (which if you’ve gotten this far into this article I’m assuming is none of you) contouring refers to a popular beauty method which allows your face appear slimmer and more angular. As someone with a rounder face and jaw line, believe me when I say I have tried my fair share of contour kits. However, this is the one which I always find myself coming back to. The three highlight shades this kit provides are perfect for covering any discoloration and provides the perfect contrast to your sculpted cheekbones. I knocked off one star because I have found that some of the contour shades are not as pigmented as I would like, but they are easily buildable.

7. Sephora Collection Colorful Gloss Balm

Price- $5

Rating- 5 Stars

Okay, so this one isn’t technically a drug store product because it’s Sephora brand but at $5 its definitely drug store priced. A famous person who I haven’t been bothered to research once said, “Give a girl the right lipstick and she can conquer the world”. Well guess what, it isn’t 1985 anymore and lipstick doesn’t look great on everyone. Available in 33 shades this Sephora collection gives you the ability to pick the right shade (or shades) for you. Also, I have always subscribed to the theory that when it comes to lip gloss the glossier the better, and this product definitely doesn’t disappoint! Probably the best part is that this gloss lasts longer than most other brands that I’ve tried so you don’t have to constantly keep reapplying. Insider pro tip: If you want a barely there shade with just the right amount of gleam go for “Nude Attitude”. You’re welcome.

8. Milani Baked Blush- Luminoso

Price- $8

Rating- 5 Stars

I really can’t say enough about this product, but I’ll try to keep it short and simple for you all. I know you’re busy girls. This drugstore blush has remained a cult classic over the years for a wide variety of reasons. First- its shades ranging from Baked Blush to Sunset Passionate are universally flattering on all skin tones. Also, it provides just enough shimmer to give your cheeks a natural (ish) highlight without looking like a drag queen. I’ve found that blush is another product which people tend to underestimate the importance of, but I promise after introducing this to your makeup routine you won’t regret it. A quick swipe of a brush after applying foundation will have you looking fresh faced and full of life all day, even if you just pulled your second all-nighter in a row studying for finals.

Honestly, I could go on and on but seeing as a few of these products could put a potential dent in your bank account I’ll leave you with these 8 staples to start with. Don’t trust my judgement? Try them for yourself! What are you waiting for?

#reading #writing #lessons