Hello, my name is Devon, and I am a makeup addict. I absolutely love makeup. I started playing with makeup when I got my first job at age 15. At first, I had a limited budget and no idea what I was doing. I went through some really rough looks, but I feel like I’ve gotten pretty good at it! So, I wanted to share some of my favorite makeup products. Whether you are a brand-new beginner or a seasoned pro, here are some of my fav products!
*Please note that products that work well on me might not work best on you! We are all different and beautiful and require different makeup! I am a very fair, slightly oily person and these products compliment me. If any of these products interest you, I suggest swatching the colors in store. If it’s a face product, Sephora will even give you a free sample to try it out!
Primer
Urban Decay Optical Illusion Complexion Primer ($36)
I absolutely love this primer! It makes my pores look almost invisible and creates a nice smooth surface for the rest of my face makeup. Sometimes, I even wear it alone to get a smooth look! Buy it here!
Foundation
Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation ($49)
I have been through a BUNCH of different foundations, and this one is my holy grail. This foundation is very full coverage which is perfect for the looks I go for. I find that a little goes a long way which justifies the price in my opinion. I am a very pale person, so I find that a lot of light foundations oxidize on me. But this one doesn’t! Definitely recommend! Buy it here!
Concealer
Tarte Shape Tape ($27)
To be fair, this is almost everyone’s go-to concealer. This is also a very full coverage concealer where a little goes a long way. I’ve been using this for about a year and a half now, and it really is amazing. It’s a bit drying, so if you have dry under eyes, this might not be the product for you. Buy it here!
Setting Powder
Concealer setting powder: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder ($39)
I really like this powder for setting the under eyes. It doesn’t dry out the under eyes and gives a nice highlight. It also reduces creasing, which is a necessity for a full glam look. Buy it here!
Face Powder
CoverGirl Clean Pressed Powder, Normal Skin ($6.99)
I think this works wonders for setting the rest of the face. I take a little bit of this on a big fluffy brush to set the face, and it gives me a nice matte finish! Buy it here!
Bronzer
Don’t Be Afraid to Dazzle Contour and Highlight Palette ($30)
I originally bought this for my friend, and after watching her wear it, I decided to buy it for myself. I use the bronzer more than the highlighter usually. The formula is just so beautiful and smooth! It applies like a dream and gives me a nice sunkissed look! I think this color would also look good on a lot of different skin tones! Buy it here!
Contour
Smashbox Step by Step Contour Kit ($35)
I don’t contour that often, just because I don’t find it that necessary for the looks I go for. However, when I want that chiseled look, I really like this palette. The browns are very deep, cool colors that allow for a nice shadow effect! It even comes with instructions, too, if you aren’t sure how to contour! Super helpful! Buy it here!
Blush
Makeup For Ever Metal Pro Palette ($18)
So for a while, I was on the hunt for blush. I didn’t want to buy single blushes for $20, nor did I want to spend $40 on a blush book that has colors I’ll never use (I’m looking at you Tarte). In my blush hunt, I came across Makeup For Ever! I got to build my own little blush palette! I chose three colors and put them in this magnetic tin. The formulas are so nice, and they have colors for all skin tones! Buy it here!
Eyebrows
Urban Decay Naked 2 Basics Eyeshadow Palette ($29)
Ok so, I am kinda terrible and use powder on an angle brush for my eyebrows. A lot of people judge me for this because the powder is a little harder to use on eyebrows. I have very thick, fluffy eyebrows, so I think it’s best to lightly fill them in using a powder instead of a pomade or a pencil. Bonus: this is a wonderful natural eyeshadow palette! Buy it here!
Eye Primer
Benefit Cosmetics Stay Don’t Stray Eyeshadow Primer ($26)
I used this for a long while and loved it. It is a nice lightweight primer that really works. Lately, I’ve just been using my concealer to prime my eyes which I find works super well too. But if you want an actual primer, I recommend this one. Buy it here!
Eyeshadow
James Charles x Morphe Unleash Your Inner Artist ($39)
Y’all, this palette is amazing. I suggest it to literally everyone! This palette just launched and is constantly out of stock. You get 39 colors for $39! What a steal! These colors are super pigmented and beautiful. They apply and blend like a dream. There is also such a wide array of colors that you can truly make any look with it. From a natural everyday look to a deep smokey eye to a rainbow look this palette can do anything! Follow @jamescharels or @morphebrushes to be updated when it will be back in stock! Buy it here!
Too Faced Natural Love Eyeshadow Collection ($59)
This was one of the first “high end” eyeshadow products I bought for myself. It is a beautiful natural palette that has some GORGEOUS shimmer shades. But the main reason I included this palette in my Fav Products is for the black shade. Too Faced has the best formula for a matte black. Like seriously, if you need a matte black shade, get a Too Faced formula. I use the black shade a lot to set my eyeliner or to use on my lower lash water-line. Buy it here!
Eyeliner
~still on the hunt~
I have yet to find a holy grail eyeliner. I tried Stila eyeliner (this one) but didn’t like it. I felt like it pulled at my skin when I dragged it across the lid. I also tried Kat Von D liner (this one) that everyone swore by, but I found that it dried out super fast and didn’t have a lot of product. So, I’ve just been using some random eyeliner a friend gave me. No idea what brand but it works alright. I’m still on the hunt. Let me know what your favorite is!
Mascara
Buxom Big Tease Plumping Mascara ($22)
LOVE THIS MASCARA! We got the mini version in a HerCampus survival kit, and I fell in love! The wand is terrific that gives me the effect of false lashes! The formula is my fav because it’s not clumpy like other brands. Perfect application and very long wear! Buy it here!
Lashes
Any Ardell Lashes ($4.99-$11.99)
I have tried a lot of lashes, ranging from cheap $5 lashes to $25 lashes. I’ve come to the conclusion that there is no difference, so get the cheap ones! I love Ardell lashes and wear them all the time for work. They have a bunch of different styles for any look! Personally, I like the ones that start short and flare out on the end! Buy it here! *PSA! Don’t buy the magnetic lashes from any brand! It does not work. At all. Don’t waste your money!*
Lips
Too Faced Melted Matte Liquified Long Wear Lipstick ($21)
I own two colors in this formula and adore them! I wish I could buy more (my bank account won’t allow it). This is a beautiful matte lipstick that has a nice finish. It comes in a bunch of colors, including crazy colors like green and black! I bought two shades when there was a sale of buy one get one free! Best $21 I’ve spent! Buy it here!
Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick ($20)
Another amazing lipstick! This was also on sale for buy one get one free! I really like this formula. It’s a creamy matte that stays all day long. My only problem with it is that it can be a little messy to apply, so if you are a beginner, I wouldn’t recommend this. It takes a solid minute to dry, so if you close your mouth while it’s still wet, it can get on your teeth. I love the finish so much, but the application can be a bit rough. It’s easier with practice! I personally love the shade Dusty Rose. Buy it here!
NYX Lingerie Liquid Lip ($6.99)
If you don’t wanna spend an arm and a leg on lipstick, NYX is the brand for you! I love their lingerie liquid lip line! Very pretty matte finish! I’m pretty sure I own the whole line. This formula, however, is a bit drying so moisturize the lip before application! My favorite shade is Exotic! Buy it here!
Highlighter
Anastasia Beverly Hills Moonchild Glow Kit ($40)
I was given this palette as a gift (shout out to Taryn!), and I fell in love! These shades are sheer but give a beautiful sheen of color. Very buildable if you want the colors to really pop! The shade Pink Heart is probably my most favorite thing I’ve put on my face. Buy it here!
Setting Spray
Morphe Continuous Setting Mist ($15)
This is a very affordable setting spray that lasts a while! It gives a nice dewy glow after application! Keeps my makeup in place the whole day! Buy it here!
Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Spray ($32)
This is not so affordable but works like a dream! This product is also pretty waterproof. I spray this before I go swimming and my makeup stays on! My only downfall with this is that you tend to use way more than you actually need, so you run out kinda quick. Youtube makeup influencers DRENCH their face in this stuff, and it’s really not necessary. If you get this, all you really need is 3-4 spritz max! Buy it here!