I hesitated in writing this article because an article about makeup, amidst the loss of Bernie Sanders as a candidate for November's election and the numerous social injustices that are probably happening as a I type, seems vain. Let me go ahead and address that misconception. Just because you like makeup and learning about its magic and creativity does not make you vain. The art of makeup, whether it be through beautifully drawn eyeliner or the cosmic combination of eyeshadows, is a creative outlet which most see as art. Like most art forms, makeup's beauty is often in the eye of the beholder. In other words, get your glam on!
With that being said, here are a few of my favorite affordable beauty products. As a college student, I like to explore beauty within the confines of my budget. Each of these items is less than $20, and they can conveniently be found in your favorite drug store. These are just a few of my favorite drug store beauty items that I've found to be worth every penny.
1. NYX High Definition Finishing Powder
This has been a miracle for Spring and Summer looks. I have oily skin, but my oily skin tries to steal the show during these sweltering months. This product is the perfect setting powder for all skin types. However, because it is a matte product, oily and combination skin types will benefit most from this product. And, don't worry! It's translucent. Just use a powder brush to sweep this over your face after finishing your look, and you'll be sure to stay radiant throughout the day or night.
2. Revlon Color Stay Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Romantic.
I love finding new things to accentuate my lips because I feel like they are one of the better features on my face. That being said, I hate having things on my lips. I've tried to become more conscious of protecting my lips with lip balm, and I've searched through stains, glosses, and lipsticks. This little treasure has proven to be one of my favorite lip products. It isn't too sticky or too dry, and it has just the right amount of a peppermint scent to make me feel like I'm doing my lips a favor by wearing it. I mention the shade Romantic because I recently purchased it, and I've been wearing it pretty much constantly. Besides Rendezvous, a coral shade, I haven't found a shade that I don't love in this lip stain.
3. Maybelline New York The Rocket Volum' Express Mascara
Months ago, I started watching a beauty blogger on YouTube. Her name is Leigh Ann or leighannsays as she's known across social media, and she and her dog, Luna, are amazingly weird and down to earth. However, in the first few, or 20, videos that I watched of hers she would go on and on about this mascara. If she put on mascara, it was this mascara. At one point, I got annoyed and told myself that I had to try the mascara, and if it sucked I was going to blame Leigh Ann. Then, I tried it and fell in love. Like I learned from Leigh Ann, this is an incredible mascara if you have straighter lashes that need a little lift. I curl my lashes, apply this mascara, and then I apply another mascara because my lashes need all the help that they can get. Even if your lashes aren't as troubled as mine, this is a great, inexpensive mascara that can change your world.
4. Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso
This is another product that I picked up from leighannsays. Like the mascara above, Leigh Ann kept mentioning this blush and how inexpensive it was. Under the only peer pressure that I succumb to, of the beauty variety, I bought this blush. I'm pale given by strong Irish and German heritage while Leigh Ann is more often than not glowingly tan. So as I stood in my bathroom and warily swatched this beautiful peach blush, I was pleasantly surprised that it seemed to go as well with my own skin tone as it did with hers. Apparently, after branching out to other beauty bloggers, this blush is a cult favorite among all skin tones which is just the cherry on top of the peach bellini that is this blush.
5. Maybelline New York Fit Me! Matte + Poreless Foundation
OK, guys. So, there is a lot of controversy in the beauty world when it comes to foundation because most affordable foundations are limited in the variety of skin tones that they appeal to. Maybe I shouldn't say most, but a few of the more reliable ones seem to fall into this category. One of the reasons that I love this foundation is the fact that it is offered in 24 shades. Does that mean that it will accommodate every skin tone? No, not necessarily. However, the chances are greater. For me, even as pale as I am, I usually have to mix two different shades to get the closest match depending on the season. The reason that this product is worth trying out is because it's offered in both matte and dewy which means that whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin, this foundation has the potential to be your new best friend.
6. Revlon PhotoReady Primer + Eyeshadow in Metropolitan
7. Simple Micellar Makeup Remover Wipes
Makeup removing wipes are a must have for anyone who is a beauty connoisseur. However, the beauty in these wipes is that they are a makeup remover and a general cleansing wipe. This is the first product that I've ever tried from Simple, and I'm sold if the rest of their products are as gentle as these wipes. You can remove the hardest to reach eyeliner, and your eyes will thank you for the gentle cleaning that you are giving them. Also, like I mentioned, I have oily skin which means that I usually have to stay away from products that claim to be hydrating. However, these provide my skin with enough moisture, but they do not clog my pores with unnecessary oils. I love this product so much that I have recently tried to confront my own commitment issues, and I have subscribed to the wipes on Amazon.com.
