Happy new year everyone! I hope and pray that your 2019 is full of love, health, and joy.
If one of your new year’s resolutions is to start getting into the world of beauty and makeup, I can understand if you’re a little overwhelmed or scared to get your feet into the water. There’s SO much makeup out there on the market. It can be intimidating to choose what to buy and determining what is best. Not to mention makeup can be pricey AF! That’s why I’ve curated a full list of affordable makeup, from primers to lipsticks, as a guide to help you start off the new year feeling like your best self without maxing out your debit card.
1. Primer: NYX Cosmetics Honey Dew Me Up Primer ($10.12 on target.com)
A good primer is essential in guaranteeing a long-lasting makeup look. NYX’s Honey Dew Me Up primer, which contains gold flecks and real honey, provides moisture and glow to the skin, and acts as an amazing base for foundation.
2. Foundation: Maybelline Fit Me! Matte + Poreless Foundation ($5.49 on target.com)
The next step is foundation. This can be a tricky one since everyone has a different skin type and preference when it comes to how matte or dewy they want their foundation to be. However, Maybelline’s Fit Me! Matte + Poreless Foundation is the perfect steal. Even though it was designed for those with normal to oily skin, this foundation has more of a satin finish versus a matte finish, meaning that it is not extremely drying. It has a medium to full coverage finish and it doesn’t look cakey on the skin. The best part is that it’s under $10!
3. Concealer: ColourPop Cosmetics No Filter Concealer ($6 on colourpop.com)
You’ve probably heard all the craze about expensive concealers from high end brands. While it’s true that most of them are amazing, there’s no need to splurge on concealer when the ColourPop No Filter Concealer exists! I’ve talked about this concealer in a different article before, but there’s no way I could leave it out of this one. The No Filter concealer is full coverage, easy to blend, and under $10. You need it in your makeup collection!
4. Setting/Baking Powder: Maybelline Fit Me! Loose Powder ($4.39 – $5.99 on target.com)
After applying your concealer, set it with a loose power to ensure that there is no creasing. Maybelline Fit Me! Loose Powder is a wonderful alternative to those expensive loose powders found in Sephora or Ulta. It comes in seven different shades, and you can choose which ever one you think it best for your skin tone. Even though it isn’t translucent, it still provides a brightening effect to the under eyes. Choose a shade that is one shade lighter than your skin tone to ensure this effect.
5. Eyebrow Pencil: NYX Cosmetics Micro Brow Pencil ($5.39 – $8.99 on target.com)
While you’re waiting for your concealer to set, it’s probably a good time to fill in your eyebrows. Pick up the NYX Micro Brow Pencil for a precise and easy application. This product is available in six shades, and with a good brow gel, it will last you all day (or night) long.
6. Contour/Bronzer: ColourPop Pressed Powder Bronzer ($7.00 on colourpop.com)
Contouring and bronzing gives your face dimension and warmth. ColourPop’s pressed powder bronzers come in eight different shades and allow you to create those sharp cheekbones you’ve always wanted! These beautiful bronzers have a slight sheen to them but have no fear. This gives your face a subtle, natural glow.
7. Blush: ColourPop Pressed Powder Blush ($7.00 on colourpop.com)
Blush is something that many people tend to overlook, however just like any other face step, it really helps tie the look together. ColourPop’s pressed powder blushes are magnificent! They provide many shades, from peach to pink, that provide a gorgeous flush of color to the face.
8. Highlighter (optional): Maybelline Face Studio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter ($7.49-$7.99 on target.com)
If you’re into glowing to the heavens, look no further than the Maybelline Master Chrome Highlighter. This out-of-this-world highlighter is pigmented, creamy, and under $10! It comes in four different shades, doesn’t emphasize texture, and makes your skin look luminous and bright. Apply this onto your cheekbones, forehead, and down your nose to look like a glowing goddess.
9. Eyeshadow Palette (optional): Morphe Brushes 35O Nature Glow Eyeshadow Palette ($24 on ulta.com) or Morphe Brushes 35K Eyeshadow Palette ($24 on morphebrushes.com)
Eyeshadow palettes can appear to be the most intimidating makeup product to buy, especially if you’re a beginner in makeup. There’s SO many eyeshadow palettes on the market right now, and it seems as though new ones are being released almost every day! If you’re just starting out in makeup and want an eyeshadow palette that can give you everything you need under the sun, the Morphe 35 Color Eyeshadow palettes are a must. If you’re a warm toned kind of person, buy the Morphe 35O Color Eyeshadow Palette. If you’re a cool toned kind of person, buy the Morphe 35K Color Eyeshadow Palette.
10. Mascara: L’oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara ($6.99-$8.19 on target.com)
I wouldn’t be surprised to hear if one day, it is revealed that this mascara has some sort of secret magic in it. It truly lengthens and volumizes your lashes so much that it looks like you have false lashes on. Two coats of this, and you’re set for life.
11. Eyeliner (optional): Wet n’ Wild Color Icon Kohl Liner Pencil ($0.99 on wetnwildbeauty.com)
Not everyone likes wearing eyeliner, but whenever you’re in the mood to bring out your inner pre-teen or want to add some intensity to your eyes, Wet n’ Wild’s Eyeliner pencil has your back. This staple item is less than a dollar and works just as good as a high-end eyeliner.
12. Lipstick: L’oreal Infallible Pro Matte Les Chocolat Lipstick ($7.99 on target.com)
Lip gloss: Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Hot Lacquer Lip Gloss ($5.19-$7.99 on target.com)
Just like eyeshadow palettes, there’s so many lip products out on the market. The colors, finishes, and formulas are endless! If you’re looking for a long-lasting nude lipstick that will stay on all day without fading away, the Pro Matte Les Chocolat Lipstick is for you. This liquid lipstick comes in six different shades and smells just like chocolate!
A perfect lip gloss to go with the L’oreal Lipstick or by itself is the Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Hot Lacquer Lip Gloss. This hydrating gloss comes in eight different shades and has a beautiful, shiny finish.
I hope that you’ve found this guide helpful! Happy shopping!