Happy Halloween!

This year, I decided to become Cleopatra — Queen of the Nile! I would like to share my makeup look and the products used 😄

PRODUCTS USED:

FACE
Foundation: L’Oreal True Match in N1
Powder: Clinique Blended Powder in “Transparency Neutral”
Blush: Mac “Melba”
Highhlighter: The Balm “Mary Lou-Manizer”
Contour Powder: NYX blush in “Taupe”
Lipstick: Mac “Kinda Sexy”
Undereye Concealer: Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in “Chantilly”
Brow Powder: Bobbi Brown single shadow in “Steel”

EYES
Primers: Mac Paint Pot in “Soft Ochre” (all over) and NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in “Milk” (lid & crease)
Lid: Urban Decay single shadow “Honey”
Crease: Urban Decay single shadow “Peace”
Deep Crease: Urban Decay single shadow “Ransom”
Browbone Highlight: Mac “Nylon”
Eyeliner: Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in “Trooper”
Mascara: YSL “Baby Doll” mascara
Eyeliner: L’Oreal Infallible 24-Hour Gel Lacquer Liner in “Blackest Black”

Hope you enjoyed the makeup look! See you next time 👻🎃🍁

NOTE: This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products that I love. Please read my full disclosure here for more information.

Often while makeup shopping, one wonders which items are worth our hard-earned money — and which are no better than their less pricey Wal-Mart counterparts.

Below, I have examined each category and offered my opinion as to which venue — the department store or the drugstore — provides the best product in each category!

1) Foundation: SAVE

An excellent foundation is definitely something which can be purchased at a reasonable price. Top foundations abound at the drugstore, most notably L’Oreal “True Match”, Revlon “Colorstay”…the list goes on and on! These foundations rival and often surpass higher end products.

2) Eyeshadow: SPLURGE

Have you ever brushed your fingers over the Urban Decay “Naked” shadows? Such buttery textures simply do not exist at the drugstore. The reason? Higher end eyeshadows are more finely milled. Top eyeshadow formulas include the iconic palettes from Urban Decay — in addition to those from Lorac, Kat Von D, Tarte, Too Faced, Bobbi Brown, etc. The biggest exception includes the silky metallic L’Oreal Infallible potted shadows.

3) Lipstick/Gloss: SAVE

Outstanding lip products exist at bargain prices — and in large selections. My favorites include the Revlon “Super Lustrous” line, Maybelline “Color Sensational” lipsticks, Covergirl “Exhibitionist” lipsticks, & all the NYX lipsticks. The Revlon line alone offers over 70 shades, ensuring a color for everyone!  However, if you ever do wish to splurge on lipgloss, you must check out the amazing Buxom Full-On Plumping Lip Polish Gloss.

4) Blush: SPLURGE

As with eyeshadow, higher end blushes are more finely milled, therefore furnishing a better formula. Star blushes include those from Bobbi Brown, Nars, Mac, & Benefit. The drugstore just cannot compete in this area.

5) Mascara: SPLURGE

I used to think that the department store offers better mascara. Too Faced, YSL, Dior, & Lancome produce stellar mascaras.  However, that was before I found Maybelline Lash Stiletto Mascara – a holy grail product!

6) Powder: SAVE

Dust your face with Maybelline’s “Dream Matte” powder, any of the the Physician’s Formula powders, or even the vintage Coty Airspun powder, and no one will ever know the difference!

7) Brushes: SPLURGE

A huge part of makeup application is having high-quality brushes, the production of which requires craftsmanship. Mac, Sigma, & It Cosmetics brushes blow Eco Tools brushes completely out of the water. The sole exception is the less expensive Real Techniques collection.

See you next time! 😘

Related:  

Money Saving Makeup Hacks

Happy Fall, everyone!

Although I did an autumn look last year (read it here), I’ve decided to update the look — with a twist!

Much has been made lately about Kylie Jenner’s makeup, particularly the perfect mauve 90’s pout. In all honesty, the look is very versatile and balanced, perfect for work (due to the neutral lipstick) or a fancy evening (due to the subtly winged eyeliner). It’s therefore ideal for the return to work/school.

I’ve recreated the makeup look below:

PRODUCTS USED:

Face
Foundation: Illamasqua Skin Base in Shade 2.5
Powder: Physician’s Formula Mineral Talc-Free Powder in “Translucent”
Blush: Tarte Amazonian Clay blush in “Exposed”
Bronzer: Milani “Hermosa Rose”
Concealer (Undereye): Maybelline Dream Lumi in “Radiant”

Lips
Lipliner: Mac’s “Spice” (to fill in the lips)
Lipstick: Nars’ Audacious Lipstick in “Anita”

Eye Look (close-up):

Primer: Lorac “Behind the Scenes” eye primer
Lid & Brow Bone: Mac’s “Blanc Type”
Crease: “Vanish” from the Kat Von D “Monarch” palette
Eyeliner: Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in “Trooper”
Mascara: YSL “Baby Doll” mascara
Eye Brow Powder: Bobbi Brown shadow in “Steel”

Hope you enjoyed this look, which is very simple to recreate! As always, I try to utilize a mix of high-end and drugstore products 😄

See you next time!

Nothing oozes sophistication — and power — quite like matte lips. Yet the primary drawback of so many matte lipsticks is their drying tendency.

Do the new Creamy Matte lipsticks from Maybelline measure up?

We shall see!

I purchased 4 shades, with swatches and shade names labelled below:

Now, for the lip swatches!

1) “Touch of Spice”

This color is incredibly flattering for many skin tones — a total dupe for Mac’s “Twig” lipstick. Perfect for work, or even job interviews. Very pigmented, but neutral! The 90’s mauve lip, currently popularized by Kylie Jenner, can be effortlessly achieved with this shade.

2) “Ravishing Rose”

This shade is a cool-toned pink (with a hint of lilac), but more wearable than many of the other bubblegum pinks. Neutral enough for the office as well — and looks natural. Your lips but better!

3) “Siren in Scarlet”

Here’s your “Rita Hayworth” 1950’s red! Although it appears more warm-toned (like a tomato red) in the photo above, it exudes neutral undertones in real life. This renders it a universally flattering red lipstick (there are few!). High glamour here — but only for the bold!

4) “Mesmerizing Magenta”

A true magenta, this lipstick is a dupe for Mac’s “Girl About Town”, but in matte form. It’s a fun, dramatic color! When worn, the wearer must be prepared for many second looks.

The finish of each lipstick is truly matte — and gorgeous!

However, what about the comfort level of this product? I’m happy to report that, while it cannot be called moisturizing, this lipstick is not drying — yet still manages to last through lunch and a lengthy workday.

The best part? The price — $5. No one would ever suspect! 😉

I wholeheartedly recommend these little gems!

Final Verdict: 5/5 Stars

Available at ULTA, Target, Wal-Mart, Walgreen’s, CVS, & Rite Aid for $5