Found: Drugstore Makeup Treasures

Much to both my husband's and my wallet's chagrin, I am usually a high-end makeup snob.  Mind you, that is not simply because I prefer to spend a profusion of money on makeup.  It is merely a necessity, as time and again, I have been disheartened by the quality of drugstore makeup.  

The good news is, due to my determination (okay, and maybe lack of willpower), I have discovered some drugstore gems worth mentioning. 

1.  Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat:

Absolutely extends the life of a mani or pedi.  This top coat dries quickly and leaves a super glossy shine too.   I found this at my local Harmon beauty supply.

2.  NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss (Beige):
To be honest, I am pretty enamored with the NYX line in general.  Great pigmentation and color selection all around, plus the prices can't be beat!  I have found a few duds in the line (hello NYX jumbo pencil in black bean-total mess), but in general I have been pleased with my purchases.  I purchase most of my NYX cosmetics at Harmon.  As far as this lip gloss goes, it is a pretty shade of natural pink (despite the name) that goes with everything!

3.  NYX Sheer Gloss (Vintage):

Very pretty milky pink with a sheer
shimmer.  The smell to me is more tolerable than the other NYX glosses.  This one reminds me of grapes (whereas the Mega Shine glosses smell like cherry medicine).  Love this gloss paired on top of nude lipsticks- including NYX Pumpkin Pie and MAC Peachstock.

4.  NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss (Smokey Look):
As I have previously reviewed this (read here) I will keep this short- great peachy nude.

5.  NXY Lip Gloss Pallet (Pinky Promise):
Generous sized pallet in 5 variations of pink.  The pallet comes with a small lip brush.  I like to mix and match different shades to find the perfect look.  I believe I paid under $5 for this little gem- great value in my opinion.

6.  NYX Round Lipstick (Pumpkin Pie):

My latest favorite nude.  This shade glides on creamy and provides a peachy pink nude color to the lips.  When paired with a good nude liner, this lipstick is fairly long lasting.  I adore this one with NYX Smokey Look or MAC Creamsheen in BoyBait over it.

Wearing NYX Pumpkin PIe

7.  Maybelline The Falsies:
As previously mentioned in my last mascara post (here), I love to marry this with YSL Singulier mascara.  I adore the c-shaped soft wand on this one.  The formula is a bit wet and really lengthens my lashes, but I won't wear it alone (does not give any volume).  Again, paired with a volumizing mascara, this can really take your lashes to the dramatic look you desire.  I purchased this in CVS for under $8.

8.  Milani Baked Bronzer (Golden 06):

I couldn't be more thrilled with this purchase.  Milani has three shades of baked bronzers ranging from light to dark and I purchased the deepest shade.  The product is a beautiful marriage of bronzer and highlight (see the gold flecks in the image below).  The swirly marble design in very reminiscent of MAC's MSFs (at a much cheaper price tag).  The color payoff is good and the shimmery highlight is gorgeous.  The compact has a dual opening that houses a brush in the bottom compartment (okay to reapply on the go).  What I don't love about this- the abhorrent packing- it is cheap and mine came with a cracked plastic case.  The company uses a cheap piece of tape to hold the product together that leaves a glue residue.  Having said that, the pros out-way the cons on this one.  I purchased mine at CVS with a sale, buy one get one 50% off.

The greatest part to all of these little treasures is that each one one under $10 (some under $5).  What are some of your favorite drugstore buys?

YSL Singulier & Maybelline The Falsies = WOW Lashes!

My favorite 5 words this week have been:  "Are you wearing false eyelashes?"  Well, no I'm not; however, I am THRILLED that you asked!!  So far, 3 people have asked me that in the last few days.  GLEE!  JOY!  LOVE!  My natural lashes are so non-existent, that for someone to mention my lashes is superlative!

I simply love to play around with mascara combos:  high-end, low-end, volumizing, lengthening, thickening- I try them all.  As a matter of fact, my first blog post was about mascara (read it here).  I covet bigger than life lashes.  It's a never ending journey to find THE ONE.

Here's my new favorite lash combo that garnered the false eyelash inquisitions:  YSL Singulier mascara paired with Maybelline The Falsies on top.  I think it has given me an almost perfect marriage of volume (thanks to the YSL) and length (thanks to the Maybelline).  The Singulier goes on a bit dry, but it is an outstanding base.  In contrast, The Falsies glides on wet and really adds to the overall effect.  Interestingly enough, I don't love either mascara on its own.  However, paired together, this lovely union of high-end mascara and low-end mascara really packs a punch!

I would love to hear some of your favorite mascara combos!