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Full Glam On A Budget

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Want a full face of makeup but don't want to break the bank? I've gathered all my go to affordable products that will give you the same, long lasting, glowy effect as high end. My recommendations are for dry/normal skin.
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Prep

All makeup needs the proper skin prep to start. You don't need a twenty step process the way most creators make it seems. I have two steps - wash and moisturize (face and lips). Washing can also mean wiping your face with a wipe prior to moisturizer ... 

 
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A gentle, non foaming cleanser that is great for sensitive skin. No harsh smells or reside. It also comes in an oily version. This is on the higher end of the drug store items but a worth while investment.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser
 
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This has a great lather but it isn't harsh. You get a deeper clean with the dryness. Also availble in an oily skin version.
La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Foaming Wash
 
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Rich. moisturizing and fragrance free daily lotion. The consistency is thick like a cream but in a pump version. A little goes a long way. It's a multiuse product and can be used a face, body and hand moisturizer. Apply a small amount after cleansing...
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Body Lotion Moisturizer

Makeup Brushes

You should have a few key brushes to get you started on your makeup journey but if you prefer to use your hands then go for it. There are no real rules for makeup. It should be fun and creative and all about you. 

 
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Miss A blenders are soft, affordable and amazing. Their soft texture allows you to get under you eye and in the corners with no problem and no need to change tools. Use it with concealer, foundation and liquid blush/highlighter for a flawless finish....
AOA Studio 6pc Latex-Free Makeup Sponges
 
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You need a handful of essential brushes that can be used multiple ways. I do recommend investing in decent brushes on certain occasions but not all the time. The Morphe brushes I use are no longer available and these are the closest to them that I ca...
Eye Want It All 7-Piece Eye Brush Set - Morphe | Ulta Beauty
 
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Great for pressed powders and bronzers. The large size may pickup a decent amount of product but it will spread easier and give you more control. Don't press hard on your face when applying.
M161 Large Rounded Powder Brush - Morphe | Ulta Beauty
 
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A dense kabuki brush is the best application for pressed powders if you're looks for an airbrushed finish. The powder goes on light but with coverage that can be built up. Not recommended for blush or bronzer.
Kabuki Face Brush - e.l.f. Cosmetics | Ulta Beauty
 
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Great starter kit for base makeup and eyeshadow that you can expand on.
Best of Blends 8-Piece Face & Eye Brush Set - Morphe | Ulta Beauty

All About The Base

Every masterpiece needs a foundation and every foundation needs the proper base. It's important to look at ingredients but also trial and error is a big factor. Not every primer works with every foundation. Not every foundation works with every powde... 

 
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After your moisturizer absorbs, apply a small amount of primer and allow to dry down. You can always add more if you need it but you can't remove if you add too much. This primer will get tacky as it dries down - you want that. It's going to allow th...
e.l.f. Power Grip Gel Hydrating Face Primer
 
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If you're looking for a concealer that is full coverage, affordable and comparable to Tarte Shape Tape - this is it. Juvia's Place is an underrated brand with phenomenal quality. Their products are rich, pigmented and long lasting.  A little will go along way with this product. I prefer using concealer after primer as it was intended to be used. I don't overly add concealer on top of foundation; it's too heavy and it's what causes makeup to crack. I usually blend out with a flat...
I Am Magic Concealer - Juvia's Place | Ulta Beauty
 
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This isn't my favorite recommendation but if you need a budget friendly concealer, this is your friend. The product has decent coverage; I don't find it super long lasting but realistically makeup doesn't need to be worn for 12 hours. They also have ...
Hydrating Camo Concealer - e.l.f. Cosmetics | Ulta Beauty
 
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A true classic concealer. I HATE the sponge and prefer taking it off and applying with a brush but that is personal preference. Since the sponge can't be cleaned, I feel like bacteria grows and dirt just sticks to it. Great coverage and blends easily...
Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer - Maybelline | Ulta Beauty
 
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I love an under glow and a wet, bronzy look. Apply a few drops on your face using your hands or brush (don't use a sponge, it will absorb all the product) before concealer or foundation. If you want a more sheer look, add a few drops in with your lot...
L'Oreal True Match Lumi Glotion 901 Fair
 
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Lightweight, skin like finish with medium, buildable coverage. It blends seamlessly into the skin for a natural look.  Great for people who don't love the feel of a heavy foundation but still want coverage.
L'Oreal True Match Nude Hyaluronic Serum Foundation, Medium Tan 5-6
 
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Another skin tint option for people who don't love heavy foundation. This one is more light to medium coverage but it is buildable. I'm sensitive to fragrances so that is my main problem with this one. I love the skin like finish and color but it som...
Maybelline Super Stay 24HR Skin Tint 118
 
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Full coverage, matte foundation. It's blendable and can be sheered down if applied with a beauty sponge. Since it is matter foundation you will likely get cracks in fine lines and notice it breaking up. You will also need to add more life back into y...
Can't Stop Won't Stop 24HR Full Coverage Matte Foundation - NYX Professional Makeup | Ulta Beauty
 
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When I say this is full coverage, I mean FULL coverage. It's completely matte; start with less and and more. Great for oily skin and people with discoloration or rosacea. If you're using this on dry skin; absolutely do don't skip our on moisturizing ...
I Am Magic Velvety Matte Foundation - Juvia's Place | Ulta Beauty