Do you get overwhelmed when you are shopping for beauty products? I know I certainly can sometimes, that is why I decided to put together this helpful beauty guide. I am here to tell you, you don’t need to spend a lot of money for quality products! Now, that doesn’t mean it is wrong to buy something you really love that may be a “splurge” or that really loving a product that may be expensive is wrong. For example, my favorite foundation is on this list under the “splurge” category, but it just works so well for my skin so I keep buying it!
A little about my skin first, I have EXTREMELY sensitive skin. Trying new things can be very scary for me, because I tend to have reactions or break out. I have spent years going to my dermatologist to work on my skin – and finding the right products for me were key. This list is going to have things on it that I have tried and faithfully used as well as comparable options that have great reviews. I can basically use any brands I want when it comes to certain products (lips, eyes) it is more foundation, moisturizer, primer and cleansers I have to really be careful with. A great tool to utilize is this website cosDNA. It breaks down the ingredients in beauty products and lets you know about their safety, irritant rating and likeliness to cause acne for acne prone skin. Definitely utilize this website before trying new products!
Cleansers:
Save: Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser
Splurge: Drunk Elephant Beste No 9. Jelly Cleanser
*I have been using this Cerave cleanser for years – it really gives my skin that clean feeling.
AM Moisturizer:
Save: Neutrogena Hydroboost Water Gel with Hyaluronic Acid
Splurge: Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Oil- Free Moisture Cushion
Eye Rollers:
Save: Garnier Clearly Brighter Anti-Puff Under Eye Roller
Splurge: First Aid Triple Eye Remedy: Brighten, De- Puff & Smooth
Primer:
Save: NYX #No Filter Primer
Splurge: Becca Backlight Priming Filler
*I use this NYX Primer daily
Concealer:
Save: NYX HD Studio Photogenic Concealer
Splurge: Smashbox Studio Skin Flawless 24 Hour Concealer
*I use both of these!
Foundation:
Save: L’Oreal Infallible Foundation
Splurge: Clinique Beyond Perfecting Concealer & Foundation
*As I mentioned above, this is the Clinique foundation I use daily, it is my “splurge” for my everyday beauty routine.
Setting Powder:
Save: Makeup Revolution Baking Powder
Splurge: Laura Mercier Loose Powder
*I am OBSESSED with the brand Makeup Revolution, I would highly recommend you try any and all of their products.
Contour:
Save: NYX Contour Palette
Splurge: Lorac Pro Contour Palette
Highlight:
Save: Makeup Revolution Highlighter Quad
Splurge: Becca X Khloe Kardashian Highlighter Quad
*This Makeup Revolution highlighter I use daily
Blush:
Save: Milani Luminous
Splurge: Nars Orgasm
*I am a HUGE lover of Nars Orgasm Blush, but not so much the price – then I found this EXACT dupe and I love it.
Brow Pencil:
Save: NYX Micro Brow Pencil
Splurge: Anastasia of Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
*I use both of these items, truth be told I splurge on the Anastasia every once in a while, especially if my color is out in the NYX one, both are fabulous.
Eyeshadow Palette:
Save: Morphe Palette’s
Splurge: Sephora Pro Palette
*ALWAYS look at Morphe Palettes when looking to buy one, their prices are great, formula is amazing and the color options are so good.
Eyeliner:
Save: NYX Professional Makeup Slide On Pencil
Splurge: Marc Jacobs Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner
*I received this Marc Jacobs Eyeliner as a my birthday gift from Sephora one year and let me tell you, this stuff does not budge while wearing it!
Mascara:
Save: L’Oreal Telescopic
Splurge: Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes
*Buy this L’Oreal mascara, I promise you wont be disappointed!
Setting Spray:
Save: Morphe Continuous Setting Spray
Splurge: Makeup Forever Mix & Fix
*I use the Morphe spray daily
Makeup Removing Wipes & Cloth’s:
Save: Simple Micellar Cleaning Wipes
Splurge: Lancer Makeup Removing Wipes
Save: Mellow Monday Makeup Cloths (2 pack)
Splurge: Makeup Eraser Cloth
*I recently started using Makeup Remover Cloths – I am REALLY enjoying them.
PM Moisturizer:
Save: CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Splurge: Lancome Bienfait Multi-Vital Night Moisturizer
In case you didn’t notice, I really love certain brands, like NYX. NYX is my go to affordable brand when trying new products. I really like Morphe products as well and believe their pricing is very reasonable for the quality and quantity you receive. I also really have a love for some of the splurge brands, like the Clinique Foundation, Anastasia Brow products and Smashbox concealer.
I wanted to create this list for you to introduce you to new brands and products and make shopping for beauty less intimidating. It’s okay to not always go for the most expensive brand – sometimes the affordable brands are better! It is also okay to try a splurge item, treat yourself and love it!
I hope you enjoyed this list, and let me know your favorite products in the comments below!
xo Kait.
**Keep in mind that I may receive commissions when you click my links and make purchases. However, this does not ever impact my opinions or reviews.
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