NYC: New York Color City Curls Curling Mascara

While sometimes cheaper mascaras really don’t no much for the eyelashes, NYC’s City Curls mascara is hands down one of the best curved brushes. It definitely gives a flirtatious look, and the brush convincingly sweeps lashes upward. It also works for a natural look as your eyes will appear awake and bright. I recommended this to a good friend years ago and she still raves about how it always delivers on its promise.

City Curls can be found at all leading drugstores for approximately $2.99

 

 

LA Girl PRO Concealer

LA Girl is slowly rising as the next awesome inexpensive makeup brand, and their concealer is incredibly top notch. Their PRO Concealer really covers up any flaws you may feel you want to tweak, and it even works well as body makeup for minor spots. The best part is that their range of shades is one of the best from any makeup brand. The hues go from a “Classic Ivory” to “Dark Cocoa” and they really resemble the many shades we are in real life. The quality is smooth and creamy and it stays puts. This one is a definite winner.

The PRO Concealer retails for no more than $3.49 at beauty supply stores, K-Mart, and select drugstores.

 

Wet ‘n Wild Silk Lipstick

The name of this lipstick is highly appropriate as the texture just glides on and the color, whether rich or subtle, has a great payoff. It doesn’t bleed, but will come off easily, as some are more heavily oil-based than others, so be stingy with those kisses when wearing this! Again, the colors are fantastic with classic reds, but some fun coral-reds, fashionable plums, tempting dark and chocolate shades, and shades turn pearlized. It also has a light, sophisticated sheen that puts your mouth on center stage, no matter the color you choose.

SN: You can also try the NYX Lipstick for the same great quality but in their Matte form.

Silk Lipstick is available at all drugstores between $0.99 to $1.99

 

E.L.F. Flawless Finish Foundation

I’ve seen this foundation sell for no more than $3, and for that amount I get full-coverage that looks natural and feels light on my skin. Though it does have a slight factory smell to it (despite having no unnecessary ingredients like parabens) when you first pump it out of the bottle, that’s forgettable in seconds once you see fresh-faced you look. The texture is very seamless in tone-matching and it is a matte formula, so if you’re more of a dewy person you may want to mix the foundation with shimmer or bronzer cream, or maybe even plain ol’ lotion.

e.l.f. is sold at Target, K-Mart, and similar retailers, including their flagship in New York City’s NoHo neighborhood

 

 

Black Radiance Artisan Color Baked Blush

Highly pigmented, this Baked Blush has subtle swirls of complimentary undertones, like how Raspberry is infused with rose gold and the super pretty Gingersnap which is a dupe for M.A.C.’s Lovejoy. This is a blush for cheeks and faces that want to evoke a mix of sugar and spice, and a little goes a long way here.

Sold at Rite Aid, CVS, and leading drugstores for $4.99

 

 

 

 

 

HONORABLE MENTIONS: Wet ‘n Wild Mega Eyes Creme Eyeliner, Milani Brilliant Shine Lip Gloss