I am guilty of pinning an absurd amount of makeup ideas on Pinterest that I will never actually find the time to try. Not to mention, most of those makeup pins seem impossible to replicate, unless you've got your own professional makeup team on hand just waiting to fix you up every morning. Regardless, these pins have inspired me to try out several new techniques and products. While I could have written an entirely separate article about my "makeup fails" (maybe next week?), I decided to compile a few of the makeup products I've tried that really do work. These products and tips are realistic, cheap, and have passed the "I woke up late and I have five minutes to get to class" test. You can't go wrong.
1. Illuminator
Ever wonder how some girls seem to just naturally "glow"? Maybe it's natural, or maybe they've discovered the secret of illuminator. This product consists of a light, glittery base and can be dotted on the cheekbones and "T-zone" (forehead, bridge of the nose, center of the chin). The illuminator reflects light hitting the face, producing an irradescent glow and the appearance of being awake. This product especially comes in handy when I wake up feeling (and looking) exhausted. I dab it on in 15 seconds, and voila! Fresh, awake, natural-looking face for the rest of the day.
I use Hard Candy Glow (Walmart, $8)
Note: If you tend to have oily skin, set your face with a loose translucent powder first before applying the illuminator.
2. 2-in-1 Mascara
My eyelashes are blonde, which means that they are virtually invisible without mascara on them. On top of that, they aren't very long either. Thankfully, I have discovered a product that fixes both issues. 2-in-1 mascara contains one side with a white "extending" mascara and the other side with normal black mascara. By applying the white extending mascara first, eyelashes are extremely lengthened and then covered by the black mascara on the other side, resulting in gorgeous, dramatic eyelashes. Even you will wonder if they're really yours.
I use L'Oreal False Lash Superstar (Walmart, $8)
3. Lip Stain
The word "stain" sounds scary because your mind flashes to a giant mustard stain on your favorite white shirt. Take a deep breath. Lip stain won't ruin your day. Actually, it's a lifesaver. Unlike normal lipstick, lip stain will genuinely last for hours, even through eating, drinking, and (dare I say) kissing. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors--bright red for a glamorous event or dainty pink for going to class.
I use Elf Lip Stain (Walmart, $3)
4. "Marker" Eyeliner
The coveted "cat-eye" is one of the most classy make-up looks, yet one of the hardest to achieve. Pencil eyeliner is reliable, but fails to produce that clean, edgy look. Liquid liner is dramatic, but seems to go everywhere except where its supposed to. The solution? Marker eyeliner. If pencil and liquid eyeliner had a baby, it would be this product. You get it. Marker eyeliner allows you to achieve a fierce, accurate cat-eye without all the stress. Plus, it lasts all day--no running or smudges.
I use Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eye Pen (Walmart, $8)
5. Cream Gel Eye Shadow
One of my biggest pet peeves is when I drop my eyeshadow and the powder breaks into a bazillion pieces. Additionally, powdered eyeshadow seems to rub off easily and flake down onto the rest of my face. Thus, when I discovered cream gel eyeshadow, I fell in love. This eyeshadow can be applied with the tip of your finger in just a few seconds, and it stays on all day long. You never have to worry about messy powder getting everywhere or needing extra makeup brushes to apply. Not only that, but cream gel eye shadow shows up more vividly with much less product than typical powdered shadow. What more could you want?
I use Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24hr Cream Gel Eye Shadow (Walmart, $7)
