Long-Lasting Makeup Favorites on a Budget
I am here to share some of my staples and favorites that I’ve found after testing a ton of different makeups. I am somewhat of an addict – not that I use a ton of makeup or anything like that, but I am one of those people that sticks to what I like, so I try to find products that are long-lasting and work for the entire day.
Good looking makeup doesn’t have to be expensive, and budget makeup can last all day. (Photo: Stefanie Degreaf)
Step 1: Primer, foundation and concealer
I always start my routine by prepping my face. On days I am not shooting photos, I only apply foundation around my eyee and under eye area, but on days I have to work or shoot photos, I apply a full face of foundation. I really love E.L.F. Hydrating Face Primer because I have dry skin, and it keeps my face hydrated and smooth. It is also under $10, and primer tends to run out quickly!
I then apply Covergirl Outlast All-Day Foundation in natural beige, which is my “summer skin” tone since I’m a bit more tan. It glides on smooth and spreads out silky with full coverage that doesn’t look too caked on. I really enjoy a natural makeup look, and I find that this works great for that! It lasts all day, which is something I rely heavily on.
I then apply concealer under and above my eyes, because I have such deep set eyes and can get dark circles underneath. I am attached to Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser, mostly because of how portable it is. This is the main item besides lipstick that I will reapply before a shoot, and I love that I can throw it in my purse. I use it in the “fair” shade because I like to really lighten under my eyes. It helps to make me look more awake!
Step 2: Eyes
After my face is prepped and even, I add a bit of eyeshadow. Because my eyes are so deep set, I tend to stick to light and natural colors, and never apply too heavily. I really like Maybelline New York 24K Eyeshadow Palette. It has everything I need from a casual day out to a night out for a date or an event. I like that it has some shades with glitter too, because who can go wrong with glitter.
Next I apply my eyeliner line to my top lid. I always feel so tired without this line, it has become something I rely on, maybe a bit too much. I was excited when I found L’Oreal Paris Infallible Super Slim Eyeliner Pencil. It is one of my most prized secrets. If you are like me, and you mess up eyeliner lines on the daily, this pencil makes it easy and glides on so well. The only thing I will call out is that it does run out somewhat quickly. I felt like the color became a bit lighter after a few uses, but I am still addicted and buy it.
My last step is mascara. If you are looking for tons of volume, then Maybelline Volume Express Colossal Big Shot Washable Mascara is my favorite. It can get dramatic, almost like fake lashes dramatic, but then at the end of the night when you want to wash it off, it isn’t a huge struggle. I hate when I feel like I have to scrub my eyes to get my makeup off, so this washable mascara is my friend.
Maybelline New York SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick doesn’t fade away by the end of the day. (Photo: Stefanie Degreff)
Step 3: Lips
I have been veering away from my signature red lipstick, especially for summer. Two shades I have been wearing a lot recently are L’Oreal Paris Colour Rich Ultra Matte Nude Lipstick in the daring blush shade and Maybelline New York SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in dreamer. It is long lasting and doesn’t fade off awkwardly like some lip stains out there.
Step 4: Hair
I only wash my hair 1-2 times a week because it is dry, but my secret to keeping it fresh is dry shampoo, and I love how voluminous it makes my hair! Batiste Dry Shampoo really cuts the oil off my scalp without leaving any weird residue. It does come out white, so you will have to mush your hair around a bit, but it comes out looking super fresh after!
There you have it — that is my standard makeup routine. It takes me under 10 minutes to get ready, and even though I technically have a full face of makeup on, I never feel too overdone. It always feels summery and natural to me.
Article written by Stefanie Degreff
