It’s February, which means the international day of love and friendship is upon us yet again. Whether you’re dolling up for your guy, gal, S.O., Tinder squeeze, girltourage, or for yourself, I’m sharing my secrets for an easy and affordable look that won’t cause your wallet irreparable emotional damage. From sexy bombshell to blushing beauty, follow these easy steps to achieve your favorite look.
1. Wet n’ WIld Liquid Catsuit in “Missy and Fierce”
Mood: Feeling muy caliente
Wet n’ Wild just launched a brand new liquid lipstick line. “Missy and Fierce” is the perfect blue-ish red, guaranteed to keep your date’s attention on your lips. Once it’s dry, transfer is minimal but you will have to reapply during your date if you’re planning to eat oily foods or drink from a glass as opposed to from a straw (recommended).
Writer’s Tip: Exfoliate your lips before application to avoid creasing or crumbles. Mix olive oil and brown sugar, rub over your lips, and wash off. Be sure to moisturize your lips with a balm or chapstick before applying liquid lipstick (if your lips are dry, liquid lipstick tends to enhance fine lines and dry skin.) Make sure your lips aren’t sticky from the chapstick before applying lipstick, as it will cause product to move around. Alternatively, you can line your lips or apply a thin layer of foundation over them as primer to make sure the liquid lipstick glides easily over your lips.
Price: $4.99 at Walmart
2. Maybelline Creamy Mattes in Nude Embrace
Mood: Madonna’s “Like a Virgin”
An oldie but goodie, Maybelline’s matte lipsticks provide the perfect matte coverage while remaining comfortable to wear. My favorite shade is 650, Nude Embrace, a cool-toned, pinkish-brown nude that looks amazing of any skin color. My recommendation: pair with a nude lipliner and remember to exfoliate and moisturize before application! While this lipstick is not transfer-proof, it is the perfect shade for planting kisses on your S.O., as the color is pretty muted and not easily noticeable on skin. Reapplying extra layers during the night is easy, too!
Writer’s Tip: Walgreen’s is having a Buy 1, Get 1 50% off sale this week on beauty brands like Covergirl, Maybelline, L’Oreal, and Revlon.
Price: $7.29
3. Covergirl SuperSizer mascara
Mood: Sugar, spice, and everything nice
This mascara really does it all: separation, length and volume to boot. What initially looked gimmicky to me turned out to be my ride or die mascara for life. The small brush tip makes it easy to get close to the root of the lash line without poking my eye or getting mascara all over my lids. Choose Black/Brown for a natural and sweet oomph or Darkest Black for come hither lashes guaranteed to secure eye contact with your main squeeze–or that hot guy/gal standing across the bar– all night long.
Writer’s Tip: Before applying, curl your lashes with an eye curler for even more volume. Make sure the mascara is dry before blinking or touching your eyes.
Price: $5.94 at Walmart
4. Rimmel’s Stay Matte powder in Translucent
Mood: No, Rihanna, I don’t want to “shine bright like a diamond!”
A great mattifying powder with no pigmentation or white-cast–yes, ladies, your selfies will look fool-proof! Use a fluffy powder brush and apply on top of foundation to avoid creasing and shine, meaning your makeup will stay put no matter how capital-S steamy your evening gets. Its small size makes it perfect for travel. You can buy disposable sponge squares and stick some in your purse for reapplication.
Writer’s Tip: Apply ONLY after you are completely satisfied with how your foundation and concealer look– cream/liquid products do NOT apply well on top of powder. Once the powder is on, it’s impossible to touch up without cakiness.
Price: $4.79 at Walmart
Happy Valentine’s, ladies! HCXO