I've been so inspired by back to school makeup blogposts and videos I've come across lately that I've decided to join in. I rummaged through my collection to find school appropriate beauty steals, most of which are under $10!
First up is the Cover Girl The Super Sizer Mascara ($6.85). One of the makeup items that needs to last from early morning though late night studying is your mascara. Nothing makes your eyes look more alert and open than having perfectly perky lashes.
This particular mascara has a remarkably long-lasting formula that really holds a curl throughout the day.
Next is the NYX Cosmetics The Natural Shadow Palette ($7.50) which is so similar to the Urban Decay Naked 2 Basics palette in color. The looks you get from these two palettes are nearly identical!
I chose this particular palette for three additional reasons: One, because of it's neutral shades that literally go with anything you wear and any eye color. When you're on a tight budget, or if you're just in a hurry to get to class, neutral shadows are the way to go because of their versatility. Two, the formulation of these shadows are really long wearing because they are matte/satin finishes & Three is because of the color range you're getting. It's perfect for no-brainer day or night look.
Now let's not fall over in shock when I'm adding in some Elf products lol. First of trilogy is the Elf Cosmetics Shimmering Facial Whip ($1.00) in Lilac Petal.
It's been so difficult to find a decent cream highlight at the drugstore until this recent 'strobing' craze, but this pretty little number still can't be beat. For only a buck this facial whip transforms your complexion from lackluster to fab. It's gorgeous on its own as a face highlight, mixed in with foundation, or on the eyes/center of lips. A little bit goes a long way and this tiny thing will last you at least through the semester.
The dual ended Elf Cosmetics Eye Primer & Liner Sealer ($3.00) is another product I've been raving about for quite some time, more specifically for the Eye Primer side. It wears so similarly to the MAC Paint Pot in Soft Ochre that I can barely tell the difference once on the lid. To be completely transparent with you, I tend to reach for this format much more than my high end option. Not sure if that's psychological in terms of wanting to save more expensive options for special occasions, or if it's really just that much better than the MAC one, but either way…it's gettin' used a whole lot more!
The last of the trio is the Elf Studio Eyebrow Kit ($3.00). I used the NYC one for years before finally trying this one out, and I have to say…this one is much better in both quality and performance. Whether you're using the wax pomade or the powder on their own, they work great, but together they work even better. This is another one of those head scratcher products. I don't know how they keep the cost minimal on such a great product!
The Jordana Modern Matte Lipstick ($2.99) in Matte Classy is really long wearing without the uncomfortable over-drying side affect. It's a dry, yet creamy formula that can really be put to the test in the longevity department. When you're too busy running from class to class, you don't have too much time to mess around with touch ups and this lipstick keeps the need to reapply at a minimum.
Can we talk about this shade? So gorgeous and really on trend right now with a mauve-nude shade that'll wear perfectly throughout autumn.
Jordana's 12 hr Made To Last Liquid Eyeliner Pencil ($2.99) in Espresso Last is another incredibly long wearing product that is astoundingly pigmented. Great for lining lids or tight lining for a wide eyed and perfectly framed eye. I've compared these in the past to the Urban Decay 24hr Liners but at a fraction of the cost.
Nothing better than a base that gets the job done and lasts! The Loreal True Match Foundation ($10.95) range has so many shades to choose from which is amazing in itself, but my favorite part about it is just how beautifully it wears on the skin. It has buildable coverage, is easy to work with and has a natural finish that actually looks like skin, keeping it hassle free on so many levels.
Sometimes you just wanna feel edgy! In the event that you want to sass it up in the liner department, I've gotcha covered ;) The NYC Liquid Eyeliner ($2.79) is a great option for you daring ones out there. As you can clearly see, mine has been well loved. It's thin brush tip creates the most precise point when you're flicking out that wing in a true matte black. Holy grail product!
Keeping with the brand, the NYC Smooth Skin Bronzer ($3.59) in Sunny is an affordable option to keep that sun kissed glow going on into fall, without the sparkle effect. It's a great way to liven up your look when you feel like a zombie after a night of partying *ahem* I mean, studying.
Wet N' Wild is stepping up their game recently. What really surprised me was their Coverall Pressed Powder ($2.93). I purchased this a while ago and have really been reaching for it quite a bit, especially on the go. It's a lot silkier than I thought it would be with a fine milled grit that wears great on the skin.
Against claims from the product's name, I wouldn't reach for this for coverage reasons or in place of a powder foundation. I prefer to use this as a setting powder in the morning and keep it in my purse for touch ups throughout the day.
And lastly for this post is the Wet N' Wild Coloricon Trio in Sweet As Candy ($2.82). Don't be fooled buy its size, this little guy really hits the spot and takes all the guesswork out of how to create a look with its designated shadows.
I like to refer to Wet N' Wild eyeshadows as the Urban Decay of the drugstore. If you've tried them, you know just how beautifully creamy and pigmented these are. I chose this particular trio because it works great with (& without) the NYX palette I mentioned earlier. It offers a pretty pop of color and a little satin shimmer for that added somethin' sweet.
No matter if you're in school or if you're like me and truly enjoy finding hidden affordable gems, these easy to find drugstore staples are musts that won't break the bank.
To view my Instagram related posts, scroll down :) Have a fab day!
