Living With B

I have major FOMO when it comes to makeup. Like, it’s actually embarrassing. I keep an Ulta cart and a Sephora cart going at all times for when I “suddenly have money.” Spoiler: I never do. And spoiler #2: I probably never will. But do I still love makeup with my whole heart? Absolutely. Do I still want the bougie products that I know damn well will collect dust on my vanity? Also yes. Why? Because all the girlies have it! When lip oils hit the scene, I was sprinting to find the Dior dupe. Did I ever use them consistently? No. Do I still have a stash collecting in a drawer? …unfortunately, yes.

Over time, though, I’ve learned some hard truths:

1. Expensive makeup does not automatically mean better.
2. Just because everyone swears a product is “life changing” doesn’t mean it is (a lot of people just want PR packages, sorry not sorry).
3. Navigating this constantly-changing beauty circus is confusing AF when every new release feels like a “must-have.”

So instead of crying into my Sephora cart, I built myself a baddie on a budget routine. Because trust me, you don’t need to spend rent money to look hot.

My Step-by-Step Routine

Skin Care / Primer

Sunscreen is non-negotiable (especially as a ginger). I always make sure I use my Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral suncreen and E.L.F. Putty Primer. I don’t want to burn, but I also want to look flawless.

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen: $19
E.L.F. Putty Primer: $11
NYX Blur Screen SPF 30: $14

Skin Tints / Foundation

Skin tints are tricky with oily skin, but NYX Buttermelt Glaze actually does its job layered over E.L.F. primer. Bonus: SPF 30.

NYX Buttermelt Glaze Skin Tint 30 SPF: $16
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless: $9

Concealer

Listen, creasing is normal. Your face has lines. Own it. The right concealer won’t erase them, but it will keep things looking smooth enough.

NYX Bare With Me Hydrating Concealer Serum: $12
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind: $10

Brows

Brows are my personality trait at this point. If I’m doing the bare minimum, my brows are still getting done. I used to be a pomade girlie back in the 2016 “Instagram brow” days, but now I keep it softer and more natural.

NYX Micro Brow Pencil: $11
NYX Thick It, Stick It! Brow Gel: $12

Eyeshadow & Primer

Eyeshadow? Love her, don’t have the energy for her daily. My palettes are mostly Colourpop collector pieces at this point.

Colourpop Alice in Wonderland 12 Pan Palette: $14 (discontinued)
Colourpop Frosty the Snowman 12 Pan Palette: $14 (discontinued)
Colourpop 30 Pan Palette: $35 (discontinued)
Morphe 35XO 35 Pan Palette: $30

Liner & Mascara

I’m a liquid liner ride-or-die. For mascara, I need something that doesn’t give up when my oily lids and watery eyes start acting up. Essence Lash Princess Waterproof is that girl.

E.L.F. Expert Liquid Liner: $3
NYX Epic Ink Liner Waterproof: $10
Essence Lash Princess Waterproof: $5
L’Oreal Telescopic Lift: $15

Blush, Bronzer & Highlight

Blush is my guilty pleasure — but I keep it soft and natural. Bronzer/contour? Rare, but when I do, liquid all the way. Highlight? I’m all about strategic dots where the light actually hits, not the blinding stripe.

E.L.F. Camo Liquid Blush: $7
NYX Buttermelt Blush: $11
E.L.F. Camo Liquid Bronzer/Contour: $7
NYX Buttermelt Bronzer: $11
Morphe Contour Palette: $30 (discontinued)
Colourpop Super Shock Frosty the Snow Man Highlighter: $9 (discontinued)

Lips

I’m not a lipstick/gloss girly, but stains? Game changer. They last, they’re comfy, and they don’t feel heavy.

E.L.F. Glossy Lip Tint: $6
Colourpop Glossy Lip Stain: $9
So Juicy Lip Plumping Duo: $14
E.L.F. Squeeze Me More Lip Balm: $4

Finishing & Extras

Powders are risky for me — they usually make me look like a cakey mess. But I keep a couple around just in case.

E.L.F. Perfect Finish HD Loose Powder: $7
E.L.F. Stay All Night Setting Mist: $10
Wet & Wild Brush Set: ~$30 (full set is discontinued)
Lash Curler: $7
Powder Puffs: $7
Beauty Blender: $9

Final Comments

You don’t need a $500 makeup bag to be a baddie. Confidence > price tag every time. Find what works for you, play around, and don’t feel pressured to keep up with every viral product. And if you’re over E.L.F. like I am? Use up what you’ve got and swap to NYX, Maybelline, Essence, or Milani. Affordable and reliable.

Read More Posts Here! | Find Me Online: Letterboxd | Goodreads | Fable