Drugstore Makeup and Prom!

Hello and Happy Sunday! I am taking full advantage of this day with no scheduled activities. Yesterday we went to our friend’s 3 year old’s bday party. It was nice to see them and their family and their little girl was pretty funny. She was getting close to naptime and had a scowl on her face when she was opening presents. And she was more excited about the helium balloon we brought along with us than the other presents we gave her. My husband was holding the balloon in his hand and she ran straight into his arms for a hug as soon as she saw him. Later that day I went over to my sister’s house to see my niece at prom. Check her out, isn’t she beautiful?

 

I remember when my sister called me while I was studying for finals my junior year of college to tell me she was pregnant. Hard to believe nearly 16 years have gone by and she’s old enough to go to prom. She reminds me so much of my sister at that age.  After the Grand March, I went out to eat with my parents, my sis, my brother and his girlfriend, and my aunt and uncle. I forget how much fun my family is sometimes! My aunt gave me the shirt I was wearing last night. She got it and it didn’t like it after awhile. I love free clothes- and it’s a Michael Kors shirt! I love good deals and hardly every buy anything designer.

And speaking of good deals, the point of this blog is regarding my favorite drugstore makeup. I know my last post I said to not use drugstore hair products so maybe I’m a beauty hypocrite but hear me out. (And speaking of hair, how did I do a post without mentioning the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton’s hair? Her hair must have been woven by fairies. )I’m kind of a makeup slut because I can’t just stick to one brand and love trying new products. Also, I’ve been wearing makeup since I was 12 and worked at a makeup counter during college so I feel like I know a little on the subject. I believe in finding what is best for you and your lifestyle. Some of the makeup I have is high end and some comes from the local WalMart. So here it is- my favorite drugstore beauty buys:

1. Milani EyeShadow Primer:
   This is awesome. I got this a few years ago because I was out of my expensive Urban Decay Shadow Primer. I wasn’t able to get to Sioux Falls to get it, so I got this at Walmart. It works just as well, if not better, than the expensive stuff. And it’s only $5.97! I get a new tube about every 4-6 months. I’ve gotten several of my friends to use this now too!
   
2. Rimmel Scandal’Eyes Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner:
   This is the makeup that got me started on trying drugstore makeup. Like the last product, I was out of my Urban Decay Black Eyeliner and got this because the product looked similar. I actually like this better. When I used the expensive stuff, I had to sharpen it every single day and it only lasted a month. This usually lasts about 2 months and it stays on my eyes longer as well. The expensive stuff is $20 and this is $3.97! I use black but it comes in other colors as well. I’ve never had an issue with it smearing or running. I wear contacts and have allergies so I feel like it’s pretty much bulletproof
   
3. L’Oreal Voluminous Superstar Mascara:
   I just got this last weekend while I was in Target with a friend. I like it because it stays on, doesn’t flake, and it has the primer and mascara in one tube. And it’s helpful that it’s labeled Step 1 and Step 2 for people who aren’t awake in the morning. Like me. I was NOT blessed with long, thick lashes like some other women but this makes me look like I was!
   
4. Neutrogena SkinClearing Blemish Concealer:
   I got this for free from a friend. Her husband works for a logistics company and every once in awhile, they have an overshipment that they can’t return. He brings it home to her and lucky for me, she’s generous. I probably would have never gotten this on my own but now I love it! I don’t get a pimple too often thanks to a great dermatologist, but this is awesome when I do. It provides some great coverage and contains salicylic acid which helps the pimple heal. I also use it a lot of days when I don’t feel like doing makeup..like today. This is NOT for the undereyes in case you were wondering
   
5. Real Techniques Beauty Sponge:
   Last but definitely not least, this handy-dandy little makeup sponge. I wanted the Beauty Blender but didn’t want to spend $25 on a makeup sponge. I was watching a YouTube makeup tutorial and the artist was using this. This is only $4.99 and works just as well. To use it, get it wet and squeeze out the excess water. Then use it to blend in foundation or concealer. You can wash it using Dawn dishsoap when it gets yucky. Or throw it out and get a new one. If you’re like me, you keep forgetting that you need a new one so you end up washing it 10 times.
   

 

That’s not a huge list, but definitely some things to check out. Looking and feeling good doesn’t have to be super expensive. I don’t know about you ladies, but I don’t have the budget to go to the spa every few weeks or buy super expensive makeup for all of my makeup. I spend on the things that I feel are important- hair services, hair products, and skincare- and I try to save where I can. If a $10 mascara works as well as a $25 mascara, I’d rather take the extra $15 and keep it in my bank account. Who am I kidding? I’d go spend it on a shirt!

And with that, it’s time to finish this up and head outside. It’s a warm and windy day in northwest Iowa and I’m going to enjoy it by taking my dog for a walk. It’s 67 degrees already and after our April snowstorms, it feels fantastic! My husband just headed out for a run so I better get my butt moving. I’m trying different workouts this week and am surprised how sore my upper arms are! I’m also going to do an Active Recovery stretching workout today to try to get those muscles ready for next week!

My Netflix just stopped and asked me ” Are you still watching Hart of Dixie?” Thanks Netflix, yes I am. I love that show. It doesn’t take itself too seriously and it’s lighthearted. I hope everyone gets outside on this fabulous Sunday and gets to enjoy the day!