1. Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade ($21)
A majority of my makeup is made-up of drugstore brands because I try to be budget-savvy. The ABH Dip Brow Pomade is the one thing I WILL splurge on. Its impressive longevity makes it SO worth it and my last jar lasted me 1.5 years! I have napped, swam, hiked, went to concerts with it, and I have never had to have awkward conversations about where my eyebrows went. It’s THAT good, and it comes in 11 shades!
2. theBalm Schwing Liquid Eyeliner, Black ($16)
This eyeliner is smudge-proof, even used on my oily lids. I love its thin but sturdy felt-tip applicator. For someone with abysmal eyeliner skills, I find this eyeliner easy to use!
3. Milani Make it Last Setting Spray ($10)
A known dupe for the Urban Decay All Night Setting Spray, it works just as well to lock your makeup in place for hours until you decide to take your makeup off. The only caveat is that the sprayer kind of sucks. But at this price point, compared to the $33 UD Spray for the same size, I’m willing to make the compromise and invest in an empty spray bottle to use it.
4. L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation ($13)
This liquid foundation with a matte finish lasts up to 16 hours. It can be used for a light coverage or be built up to.a full coverage. It applies best using a makeup sponge or a foundation brush, and I find that it blends with the rest of my makeup (contour, blush, highlighter) seamlessly. If anything, I have found that it helps with my highlighter longevity.
5. NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream ($5)
This matte lip cream is non-drying and it goes on smoothly. After eating and drinking, I find that it fades evenly and still looks flattering. It stays put on your lip but it isn’t completely transfer-proof. Because of how moistuirizing it is though, I’m ok with this!