Makeup on the Cheap: Base Products

Hey girl hey! I'm sorry for yesterday's absence, I had full intentions of posting this then but the weather here was a beautiful 70º and I just could not make myself come inside! I promise I will try to make it up to you with today's post! I've done style, I've done skin care and I've done hair care so today I'm doing makeup! Yes, it is quite a lengthy post. But, if you're going to trust me for advice, I want to give you a reason why you should!

When I first thought about writing this post....well, when I thought about starting this blog even, I thought 'What information do I possibly have to offer anyone?' But ya know, I know there are people out there who are still where I was a year ago; who are just now wanting to take that step into reclaiming themselves and they have no idea where to start. Shoot, I'm still learning everyday myself! But we all have to start somewhere! 

All of my knowledge and inspiration came from blogs like this and if I can help even one woman on her journey to feeling better about herself, then I've already accomplished my blog's entire purpose. I've been there, done that and let me tell you, it seems a lot more intimidating than it is! I am not, by any means, a makeup specialist (or skincare specialist or fashion guru) but I am a real woman with real kids and a real budget and I know, as much as anyone, how hard that can be sometimes. Especially if you're trying to conquer it on extremely limited funds!

So, I was going to do one inclusive post and cover all makeup products and tips and such but I realized very quickly that would make for a super long read. I don't have a whole lot of tricks in my makeup bag, but I have a little more than I can fit all at one time. So I am starting a makeup series and today I'm starting with some great, CHEAP base products.

Base Products: Coverage

My skin has taken a huge turn for the worse this year. I talked a little about my skin issues in my Orange Juice Face Mask post and how their clearing up...but it's happening very slowly and I've got to cover it in the meantime. My pores have gotten larger, my under eye circles have gotten darker and my break out scars are really dragging their feet disappearing. These products are the ones I've found to work best for these specific needs.

All of these products are drugstore and all of them do the job they are intended for very well. And although drugstore makeup can be great product and save you TONS, it has one drawback. The biggest con with drug store makeup is not being able to test it out before you buy it. But hopefully I can take some of the guesswork out of it. Because let me tell you, I learned what products were worthy through a lot of trial and error. It can get expensive and that's no good! Especially since the entire purpose of buying drugstore is to save you money! So, here is a list of base products in my makeup arsenal that are awesome AND affordable!

Makeup Needs:

• full coverage, 
• a smoothing, flawless finish 
• long lasting, all day wear

1. I like my for my foundation/concealer to be my coverage, so I really like having a translucent powder. I just need something to set my foundation and control shine and REVLON PHOTOREADY Translucent Finisher is really good. It lasts all day and it has photochromatic pigments. You're going "Huh? What's that?" Yeah, that means it reflects light. So it gives you a really nice dewy glow also.
2. I kept hearing about this REVLON PHOTOREADY foundation. People were raving about it, so I gave it a shot. At first I didn't like it.... At all! But, I had paid for the dang thing and I was determined to stick it out. Once I found the stippling technique (post on that coming soon!), it fixed the issues I was having and I instantly feel in love with it. And yes, it also has those photochromatic pigments too. This foundation is essential for pictures. Know that ghostly washed out look you get in photographs? Yeah, that's your makeup. This foundation doesn't do that so it's great for a fashion blogger!
3. Physician's Formula is a little pricier for drugstore makeup, I know. But PHYSICIANS FORMULA Correcting Primer has lasted me so long that it's worth it and it really does the job. If you know anything about the color wheel, you know green cancels redness out and this is perfect for me. Whether you need the redness control or you prefer the standard primer, this one is awesome. My makeup goes on smoother and still looks fresh by the end of the day.
4. Concealer is a big one for me. If you don't have to use it, I envy you! L'OREAL Visible Lift Serum Absolute Concealer checks all the boxes for me. It has amazing coverage and it blends super easily. It doesn't settle into lines and wrinkles either which is great for my under eye area AND it holds up all day.

Bonus Product

L'OREAL Magic Lumi Highlighter is exactly what it says, a highlighter. It was another product that I kept hearing about everywhere. I don't use this one on a day-to-day basis, only if I'm going out somewhere. If you do highlighting and contouring, this primer is perfect. I use it under my eyes and it really brightens them up. It's also really lightweight and helps your makeup to stay flawless all day. 

That's it for today! (You're saying "Thank God!") I know this was a pretty lengthy post and the rest of the makeup series won't be like this. I promise! I just wanted to elaborate on my purpose and how this information can be helpful to you. Makeup was the most intimidating to me and it really doesn't have to be. Let me know how it goes if you try one of these out! Or let me know if you have any great products I should check out, I love to try new things!