This bronzer is matte, and perfect for contouring your face without it being too orange or shimmery. I also think this bronzer makes a great dupe for Hula Bronzer by Benefit cosmetics ($28). Many of the NYC products aren't anything that I'd personally invest in, but this particular bronzer is something I use every day.
I'm not a fan of buying hair products at Wal-Mart or drugstores, but this is something that keeps my ends from getting too awful and extends the time between my trips to the hair dresser. (Because who can afford hair cuts?!) You only need a little dab in your palm to moisturize your entire head, so don't over do it or you'll look like a grease monkey. Argan oil is amazing, and though I prefer the actual Moroccan brand, it is VERY pricey. If you're looking for a more affordable substitute, here's your match!
Anyone who knows me knows that I'm an eyelash addict. These pretty little strips are so easy to apply, and though they require a bit of trimming to fit your eyelid, they are well worth the 2.89 they cost per pair. If you're going on a date and just need something simple, mascara, foundation, and eyelashes can be the perfect thing to reach for. If you are gentle with these you can wear them over and over again. (Unless you're lazy and leave them in random places like your car cup holder and they get smooshed... guilty!) On Ebay you can even order sets of 3 or 4 which are about $8.00 shipped.
$11.00 seems like a bit to pay when you see that Covergirl or Maybelline is a few dollars cheaper, but these two foundations are medium coverage that is easily buildable to full coverage so you only use a little bit to get good, long lasting, coverage. The texture of the Aqua foundation is cool, and literally feels like you're putting cold water on your cheek. It's wonderful! I use it to finish off my liquid foundation, but it can easily be used on its own. Photoready is by far the best drugstore brand foundation I've used. (Actually, it's tied with Netroguena, but Revlon is a few bucks cheaper). Also, if you buy the wrong color, the store will usually take it back or Revlon will send you a coupon to get a different color.
Wet N' Wild makes awesome eyeshadow trios! Out of the "cheap" brand make up in the make up aisle (You know the aisle, it has NYC, Wet n' Wild, and LA Colors in it...) Wet N' Wild is above the rest by far. I reach for my trios over my high end brands sometimes, and if you research "wet n' wild eyeshadow dupes" on Google, you'll see that many of the colors are almost identical to MAC colors. For less than a dollar an eyeshadow, these are well worth the 3 dollar price tag.
A lot of people rave over ELF products, but the only one I keep coming back to are the blushes. They have a range of colors, and they're very close to a lot of expensive kinds. The website tends to have huge sales where you get free stuff if you spend a certain amount of money on product. Target also usually has a pretty large ELF selection.
These lipsticks are super moisturizing and there are about a million different colors. I also like Wet n' Wild lipsticks when it comes to cheap lipstick, but they can be drying. Milani brand are vibrant and make your lip soft. My personal favorite is Fruit Punch. It's a slightly orange Barbie pink. Where most lipsticks smell weird, Milani lipsticks smell like fruity chapstick.
8. BB Cream- Garnier: $9.00
For those of you who don't like or need a full coverage foundation and prefer something lighter and good for your skin, this BB cream is worth a try. I loved how soft and dewey it made my face, and on days when I don't want to do a full face of make up, this is what I go for.
I used this mascara all through high school and I recently re-discovered why. If you have been looking at "fiber lash" mascaras, I would suggest you try this one first and see how it works for you. This mascara picks up my flat, stick straight, blonde eyelashes, and makes them stand out. If you're looking for bold and thick eyelashes, this works wonderfully. Since it doesn't require as many coats as other brands, you're actually saving money.
10. Glamoglauge Concealer- Hard Candy: $6.00
I saved the best for last because this is my "I didn't sleep enough" or "I don't want anyone to see this huge zit" secret weapon. I have even covered up my friend's tattoo with this concealer. It's a bit thick, but that's because it's meant to cover everything. It's also a dupe for Make up Forever's concealer that preforms about the same. (I tested this out in Sephora... the texture is identical, and so is the coverage).
