Disclosure: I am no beauty blogger! But after working in retail for over 5 years, I was able to sample and try so many different cosmetics. I’ve become a bit of a beauty junkie, and even though lately I don’t wear makeup all the time, I have loved trying anything and everything! I’ve rounded up some of my favorite budget friendly versions of the high end versions I know and love.
As a WAF, some of our moves require us to be somewhat remote to the nearest Sephora or Ulta. These are the moments when I say HALLELUJAH for online shopping! But if you’re in a pinch and need something ASAP, or are just trying to cut costs while you’re in a new place and not working, try out these awesome beauty alternatives to your department store faves!
I know some BX’s offer more than others, but I looked and the online exchange has quite a selection too and you can usually get free shipping and it’s tax free.
Primer:
Wet n Wild Photo Focus Dewy Face Primer
, $4.99
I’m a firm believer in starting your makeup on a clean and well-primed face! I have loved
($39), but love the price and dewiness that this Wet n Wild primer has. There’s a few different formulas depending on your skin type and complexion. It’s light enough to wear under sunscreen or a tinted moisturizer to the pool, or with your full on face for the day.
Foundation:
, $13.99
I’ve been a diehard
($42) fan, but since trying this Revlon ColorStay, I am convinced there is another formula for me. There are a ton of shades for every skin type, and it goes on evenly and smooth. And the kicker – it lasts during these hot, summer days into the evening.
Bronzer:
Physicians Formula Butter Bronze
, $17
I like to say that bronzer has been essential to motherhood, because no matter how exhausted or sleep-deprived I feel, I can always swipe some on and feel/look a little more awake!
($42) has been my go-to, but I discovered the Butter Bronze and I love how evenly it goes on. It pairs so well a highlighter, and I like to mix the two for a faux tan glow year round!
Mascara:
mascara, $6
I’ve probably tried every mascara out there, and I always come back to this one. It isn’t clumpy, whether I do one coat or 6. It is always smooth and holds up on my lashes, even after a curl or two.
Eyebrows:
, $6.99 &
gel, $5.99
I’ve been a fan of everything
, and she is probably best known as queen of all things brows! Being away from my eyebrow was gal has been a little hard on my routine, but I have found a few products that are so close to the Anastasia pencils that she’s used, and I have survived! The brush on the end is perfect for those wild hairs that won’t behave, and the pencil helps fill the brows in perfectly. Seal it off with a coat of the gel and you are set for the day.
Highlighter:
, $5
Who doesn’t love a good highlight?! I love
($38), and after trying out a few drugstore highlighters, I found one that rivals it! This Wet n Wild one is very pigmented, and adds the perfect amount of shimmer to a full made up face, or the perfect glow to a barely there tinted moisturizer.
Blush:
blush in ‘Luminoso’
The beauty cult fave
has been said to be the most flattering shade of blush on pretty much everyone, but I found a close duplicate! The soft powder makes it easy to lightly sweep on, or apply more for a dramatic look.
Setting spray:
e.l.f. Mist & Set Setting spray
, $4
Living in straight heat and humidity for the last year and a half has made a setting spray essential to wearing any makeup and making sure it doesn’t slide off my face! I have loved
TOO FACED Replenishing Setting spray
($32), but ran out right when I needed it for an event on base. I found this e.l.f mist in a panic, and it has been my favorite ever since! It gently sets your full face and helps it last throughout the day, plus feels so refreshing if you decided you need a mist mid-day to revive your makeup.
Xo,
Alex -Laughlin WAF Ambassador-
