Makeup for Mom: Splurges, Staples, and Steals

I love makeup. When it comes to beauty products, the only thing I love more than makeup is finding good, cheap makeup. I love trying new trends, but the most popular makeup looks right now are on the complete opposite ends of the spectrum: The “I woke up like this” trend, and the full-blown “highlight-and-contour, perfectly painted eyebrows” trend. I don’t feel like either of these looks really work for me on a daily basis. With the “I woke up like this” trend, I either look like the middle brother from Hanson, or more like “I awoke from the grave like this.” The super overdone makeup looks great on Instagram, but (a) it takes a long time; and (b) it just doesn’t feel right during daylight hours or without the candlelight glow of my Samsung Galaxy Beauty Filter.

So, my everyday makeup falls somewhere in between. My daily routine is more of an “I don’t want to look like a hot mess, I want to feel pretty, and I don’t want to spend ungodly amounts of time or money on my makeup” trend. Here’s my line-up!

STAPLE: Foundation—Revlon Colorstay ($9)

I firmly believe that you do not have to spend double-digits on foundation. I’m a reformed makeup junkie, but even my high-end makeup-loving friends use Revlon Colorstay foundation. It comes in two formulas—for dry or oily skin—lasts all day, and can provide either full or sheer coverage. I am not a couponer, and I still never pay full-price for this foundation. You can find it regularly on sale at Walgreen’s for “Buy One, Get One Half-Off” or at HEB with $2 off in-store coupons. If you like a sheer makeup, you can apply it with a damp foundation brush, and it still sets GREAT! (I prefer EcoTools makeup brushes, which are also a STEAL and can be found in most drugstores.) I buy my Colorstay in two colors, because the top half of my face always seems to hold more color from the summer, while the lower half is fairer but needs more coverage due to the awesome surprise of adult acne! You can’t even tell I use two different colors.

STEAL: Makeup Remover—Avalon Organics Vitamin C Renewal Cleanser ($10) and Ponds Cold Cream Cleanser (less than $5)

The downside to 24-hour makeup is that it can be a beast to get off. I used to buy makeup-removing cloths, but they always irritated my sensitive and break out-prone skin. This cleanser actually can cut through 24-hour makeup without a washcloth. I’ve found it at Wal-Mart for about $10. But even after washing my face, I’m still usually left with mascara under my eyes. A q-tip dabbed in my jar of Ponds—which can also be found at Wal-Mart for less than $5—takes it right off, and since I only use a pea-sized amount, it lasts forever!

SPLURGE: Blemish Treatment—Mario Badescu Drying Lotion ($17)

I’ve tried almost everything to banish my adult acne: elimination diets, topical treatments, pills, you name it. I think the best treatment is probably to eliminate all stress from my life, but we all know that’s not going to happen. So, to me, this Mario Badescu Drying Lotion is the best spot treatment I’ve found. My blemishes are significantly smaller overnight.

STEAL: Bronzer & Blush—NYC Cheek Glow ($2.79)

I stumbled across this bronzer (packaged as a blush) in “Park Ave” when I forgot my makeup bag and refused to go bare-faced. Not only is the price unbeatable, but it gives a subtle warmth without looking orange or overly shimmery. These products are not super-pigmented, so they’re great for fair skin or for those who don’t wear make up often and are afraid of going heavy-handed.

STEAL: Highlighter—e.l.f. Shimmering Facial Whip ($1)

I have no cheekbones. I have to be about 10 pounds underweight before my cheekbones are even remotely noticeable. So, I create a highlight on my own. This highlighter on the top of my “cheekbone” gives just enough shimmer and blends great. While I would skip the eye shadows, this is one e.l.f. product I really love.

STAPLE & STEAL (DOUBLE DUTY): Eyeliner & Brow Pencil—Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner ($6)

I use this eyeliner to define the bottom line of my eyebrows, and then I blend it in with E.L.F. eyebrow wax (another $ steal!). This is a great way to try that fuller brow trend without looking like that one Backstreet Boy with the caterpillar brows. Most eyebrow products are too reddish for me, and this provides a nice and neutral brown. If I make a mistake, I clean it up with Covergirl Ready, Set, Gorgeous concealer and a small brush. And, it’s the only eyeliner I’ve tried that stays on the waterline without disappearing or running. I’ve been using it for 12 years. (I love the Revlon Colorstay liquid liner, too!)

STAPLE: Eyelash Curler

I naturally have Snuffleupagus eyelashes, so when my goal is to look well-rested without a full face of makeup, curling my lashes is a must. If you have naturally curled lashes (jealous!), skip it! But if you’re like I was and you’ve never tried curling your lashes before, make sure the first time you try is NOT when you’re in a rush. I curl before applying mascara and start at the base, pulsing the curler as I go toward the ends. If you do it after mascara, just make sure your mascara is completely dry, and go lightly so you don’t end up with crimped lashes.

SPLURGE: Eye shadow—Lorac and Urban Decay Palettes ($30–$60)

There are not many things I splurge on, but eye shadow is one of them. I kept trying cheaper, drugstore shadows, and the colors just weren’t saturated. I would either have to apply them over and over to even see the color, or it would fade. Once I tried these Lorac and Urban Decay shadows, I was hooked. These higher-end palettes come with dozens of colors, give rich, almost creamy pigments, and last all day without a primer. They’re worth the money. And, if you have Kohl’s cash, some Kohl’s stores carry Lorac cosmetics. Treat yourself!

As for the other items I didn’t mention, like powder, mascara, or lipstick… I don’t have a favorite mascara right now. I’m a serial mascara dater who can’t commit to one. Same goes for lipsticks. I don’t have a favorite, but I always love me some Bonne Belle or Chapstick brand chapstick! Whatever lipstick I put on, I always find myself swiping some chapstick over the top, just to give it a nice sheen.

What are your makeup staples, splurges, and steals?