Drugstore Make-up Cheat Sheet

I don't do things half-assed. Paul teases me and says I'm a full ass kinda of person. When I like doing something, I go all in. So far, I've discovered I like reading, writing, gardening, painting, fashion, and make-up.


When I go to drugstores, I'm not wandering the make-up aisle looking lost. Sales people know to step aside because my expression says, "Move! Get out da way!" a la DMX.



But last night, I walked into Walgreens to kill some time (Was waiting for an order of wings Paul called in next door), and I realized the make-up aisle looks intimidating as hell, especially if you don't know what you're looking for. And that made me super bummed, because some people might miss out on make-up because there are just too many choices to choose from. 

So here's a quick cheat sheet on what to buy at the drugstore.Now I could write a book on this, but I gotta keep this short, so I'm sticking to 3 things: lipsticks, mascara, and foundation, aka the beauty triad. 

Lipsticks-huge bang for your buck.

Go to the King of Lipsticks. That would be Revlon. If it's lips, always go Revlon. They've got balms, they've stains, they've got mattes, they've got super lustrous, they've got anything to make the world know you have lips. 

Suggestion: Try the creme lipsticks.  Rose Velve is a good one to try. Stay away from anything that has ICE in the name, very few people can rock that look. I find that it ages most people. Once you get used to the creme ones, try the matte balm ones (they look like giant crayons) Elusive is a personal fave. 

Another alternative is Maybelline, which as a company has really upped their lip game lately. I never thought of them when I wanted lip color but that has definitely changed. They're really hitting it out of the park with their Color Sensation line. Lots of beautiful mattes ranging from brights to pinks to nudes, but it doesn't feel dry on the lips at all. Try Touch of Spice and tell me it doesn't change your life.

Alright, this is gonna get a bit harder now b/c we're getting closer to the eye ball. lol. 

Mascara- so tricky, but so worth it.

Covergirl. Anything by Covergirl, really (Did you know in Europe, the brand is actually Max Factor and is twice as expensive?).

 Look for the orange tube ones. They do have an awesome one called Super Sizer but be warned that the brush on this takes a bit getting used to. If you can figure it out, it's worth it. 

 

 

Oh, and L'oreal Paris Voluminous (which I heard was a dupe for Dior one). That one is a holy grail product for me. Lashes look soooooo black. 

 

Now, I'm known for my lashes. It's just my signature look. I feel naked without falsies. But even without falsies, I like my lashes to look good because my eyes are beautiful (I think everyone's is beautiful, though).

Here are my tips for you.

1. Curl lashes first. Not last. Unless you want to break your lashes.

2. Take the mascara, take a Kleenex and wipe it through (Yeah, I know, right? But there's always too much in there. By doing this, you reduce your chances of getting mascara all over your eyelid.)  

3. Take one hand, gently lift the skin below your brow, other hand holding the wand wiggles the roots of lashes before stroking out once.  

4. Then stop and wait. (Do NOT pump wand into tube.)

5. After a moment, repeat. Reason you wait is b/c that formula has to dry on your lashes. Sorta like paint. You should be using two or three coats tops. Anymore and you get tarantula lashes. And no one wants spider lashes, they make eyes looks scary.

MONEY TIP: I honestly wouldn't pay more than ten bucks for mascara. You see the fancy ones but the formula is pretty much the same. You're paying for the wand their using. If you do decide to splurge, then after the three months are up (cuz you need to throw it away after that. The bacteria inside that thing would disgust you.)\ save that wand, wash it well {sterilize with alcohol or hot water} and you could reuse it for a cheaper mascara tube.

Foundation- this is when stuff gets hard. You have to know yourself a bit before you randomly buy stuff. 

What is your skin like? Is it oily? Is it dry? Does it only get oily around your nose and forehead? 

It might take a bit of experimentation. Also depends if the formula oxidizes (CoverGirl, I'm lookin' at you). But if I had to recommend something...

Go for 

-Rimmel Long Lasting Finish

-L'oreal True Match

 

-Neutrogena Healthy Skin (which I hear is a dupe for  the Nars Foundation)

Now foundation can be a personal thing. The ones I recommended make you look like you have a natural glow. I'm not for the full matte look, but some people are. Revlon ColorStay might be more to your liking

Doesn't matter really, because if you don't apply it correctly, it can be a huge mistake.

OH! And do not buy those white triangle sponges. Well...not unless you like to waste your money. 

 You could use your fingertips. Wash your hands really well before you do this. Whatever germs are in your hands are going back into that foundation bottle to ferment and grow lovely little colonies. (Can you tell I'm really aware of bacteria?)

 I recommend a stipple brush. ELF sells them for $3-5 bucks (Go Studio Line). You dab. You don't smear, okay? Dab the foundation, little taps all over the face.  Blend. Blend. Blend. Lift up that chin and make sure there's not a line there. Blend down your jawline. 

I have been able to make shitty foundation look half-way decent just by blending.  

Later, you might want to consider buying the Real Techniques sponge (it's the orange one below) and trying that out. Rinse really well and watch it grow twice in size, squeeze out that water, and then commence dabbing.

I might write another post like this on concealers, brow stuff, bronzer, blush...There's so much more info I wanna share. I hope this was helpful. Peace and love and know that you're beautiful.