drugstore makeup: a love story

(Did it come through that I tried to make a heart-shape out of some of my favorite drugstore products...No?... Oh well.) 

I would consider myself an equal opportunity makeup user. I love Chanel. I adore Laura Mercier. I gotta lotta MAC. But I also love drugstore makeup. In fact, there are certain drugstore favorites of mine in which I have yet to find a comparable department store dupe. And why would I want to?

Here are some of my favorite drugstore products that I have in my collection right now.

Face

I use to think foundation and concealer haaad to be department store brand. And while I do have many favorite high-end foundations, concealers, and powders, I also have some cheap ones that I find just as reliable. 

1. L'Oreal True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup *great for combination/dry skin *dewey finish *very blendable *medium coverage

2. Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Concealer Kit *dupe for the Laura Mercier "Undercover Pot" *creamy and blend-able *2-in-1 concealer and setting powder

3. L'Oreal Magic Lumi Concealer *dupe for YSL's "Touche Eclat" concealer/highlighter *brightening *lifting *doesn't settle into fine lines

4. Rimmel Stay Matte Powder *keeps shine away all day *smooth/not chalky 

5. Revlon ColorStay Foundation *full coverage *range of colors *sets quickly and stays all day

Eyes

I like some of these eyeliners more than their expensive counterparts!

1. Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner *dupe for MAC Fluidline *will absolutely not smudge *sets quickly *comes with liner brush
2. NYX Noir Collection Liquid Liner *thin applicator brush for precise lines *stays all day *very black
3. L'Oreal Lineur Intense *dupe for the Lancome Artliner *precise felt-tip applicator *lasts all day *very black
4. Milani Color Brilliance Eye Liner Pencil  *dupe for some of the MAC pearl color pencils *glides on, doesn't pull *stays in the waterline *highly pigmented

Left-Right: Milani, L'Oreal, NYX, & Maybelline

With few exception, I don't believe in high end mascara. Right now, these are my favorites.

1. Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies *buildable volume *does not flake or transfer *removes easily with makeup remover *deep black

2. CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume *volumizing *no clumps...ever! *does not flake or transfer *deep black

Lips

One of my favorite products to buy and try from any brand, high-end or low-end, is lip products. While many of these lip products were after thoughts while picking up toothpaste or deodorant, they have become fast favorites!

Because I have soooo many favorites in the lips category, I won't detail each one. But I will say that they are all great and below you will find color swatches of some of my top picks.

NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss. L-R: Beige, French Kiss, & Sweet Heart

Revlon Kissable Balm Stain. L-R: Cherish, Honey, & Rendezvous

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter: L-R: Red Velvet, Sugar Plum, & Berry Smoothie

NYX Slim Lip Pencil. Top-Bottom: Burgundy & Pale Pink

If you have tried any excellent drug store products that you think I should know about, let me know! I'm always interested in trying something new. I would really like to try some nice drugstore blushes...I've heard good things about Rimmel. Another post?

Glad to be back on the posting wagon. Expect new posts from me this coming week!

Til next time. 

In a haze...

I am basically sleep walking through my days lately. I gave up coffee—above is my new favorite, chai tea—due to bad sleep and anxiety. The time change has not been an easy adjustment for this sleepy girl (perfect time to give up the coffee, eh?). And as school stress mounts (5-weeks until I am done with my B.A.!!) my focus seems to be everywhere and no where all at the same time.

So here are some things that have been saving my tired-life as of late.

Minimal makeup. Some days, weeks, or months I find little to no desire to spend any amount of time doing my makeup. On such occasions, I grab for my foundation (currently using the L'Oreal Lumi Magique Foundation), a touch of Benefit's Dallas blush, couple of coats of mascara, and and my Anastasia brow duo. I finish it off with a lip stain—in this picture, I used Revlon's Kissable Balm Stain in "Honey." Too easy.

No-fuss footwear. I have had these Converse sneakers for aeon's, but they are always a classic and fun staple. Comfortable. Pair with nearly everything. And better with age. If you don't own a pair, I certainly recommend buying some. This color would be so great for fall!

Easy-peasy dinners. My mom gave Dan and I a magazine of nothing but soups recipes. Heaven. The Cheesy Potato Soup from above has only seven ingredients in it, plus, there were leftovers! We cut calories by using low-fat cheese and milk and it was still delicious.

Call me crazy, but sometimes the idea of an hour plus gym workout sounds less than appealing. So lately I have been alternating workouts with the "Bum Bum Rapido" workout from the Brazil Butt Lift series. It's an intense 10-minute workout that always leaves me a little sore the next day. I actually look forward to doing this workout because I know it is effective and it's over before it starts! Best of both worlds.

—

That about sums up my guide to easy living. I think this time of year brings out the sleepy person in all of us, so I figure why not just go with it!

Til next time.