I really enjoy my daily makeup routine in the mornings, and I have a specific order that I follow consistently - liquid foundation, concealer, powder, eyebrow pomade, liquid liner, mascara. Keeping stock the various products used in my routine can be quite pricey if you don't research your options.
Here are my holy grail product picks for the budget-conscious beauty addict.
1. Liquid Foundation
Revlon ColorStay Makeup For Combo/Oily Skin ($12.99 at Ulta)
I've used this foundation in the shade 110 Ivory on and off for at least seven years now. The medium-full coverage lasts all day and the color matches my skin tone perfectly. There are two formulas, one for combo/oily skin and the other for normal/dry types. I've used both options in the past and would recommend the combo/oily formula to even normal/dry skin types if you're looking for a more matte finish.
2. Concealer
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer ($6.99 at Ulta)
I wear this concealer in 15 Fair and the coverage just can't be beat at the drugstore. The color is a perfect few shades lighter than my skin tone and the formula doesn't seem to settle in the lines around my eyes. This has been my go-to concealer for the past three months or so.
3. Pressed Powder
Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder ($4.99 at Ulta)
This pressed powder has been an absolute staple in my makeup routine since high school and for a good reason. I use the color 003 Natural every day to set my liquid foundation and give me a little extra coverage. When I use this in combination with the first recommendation, the foundation lasts absolutely all day, even in the hot Florida sun.
4. Eyebrow Color/Pomade
Milani Stay Put Brow Color ($7.49 at Walgreens)
I discovered this drug store gem when I recently ran out of my Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade (chocolate) and was looking for a more affordable alternative. 04 Brunette is my shade of choice to compliment my current hair color and the the formula is very similar to Dipbrow at less than half the price.
5. Liquid Eyeliner
Physicians Formula 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner ($11.99 at Ulta)
Right around the same time I discovered the last drug store life-saver, I had also run out of my Lorac Front of the Line Pro Liquid Eyeliner. Still wanting to save some extra cash, I looked around for the closest drugstore dupe I could find. This liner pen from Physicians Formula in Ultra Black 7365 is easily the deepest, most opaque color you'll find for the price. The product stays put all day and doesn't fade, and the tip of the pen is flexible and easy to work with.
6. Mascara
Covergirl The Super Sizer Mascara ($6.99 at Ulta)
I'm super picky when it comes to mascara, seldom am I wowed by even the higher priced formulas. When I found The Super Sizer in 800 Very Black, I gained a new go-to choice for thicker and more defined lashes. The first few applications were a little too thin, but after a little time, the formula thickened up to a perfect consistency. I've also tried Covergirl's The Super Sizer Fibers and just wasn't as impressed in comparison. The Super Sizer easily ranks in my top five all-time favorites, up there with Too Faced's Better Than Sex mascara which is more than three times the price.
