I live for my Revlons, Maybellines, and L’Oreals, but sometimes, when it comes to beauty, you really do get what you pay for. Now, I’m not telling you to go spend $115 on a Tom Ford brush – which is a real thing, we might add – but there are products out there that really will transform you like no drugstore brand can. Stock up on these essentials, and let CVS take care of the rest.
Fresh Crème Ancienne Ultimate Nourishing Honey Mask – $130
Okay, so this isn’t technically makeup, and I know it’s ABSURDLY expensive, but I had to list it because it will make your foundation glide on flawlessly. It’s a super moisturizing, pure honey mask that sinks into the skin like butter – and it smells absolutely delicious. Plus, you only need to use it once every week or two, and the jar seems to last forever.
Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer – $24
I’m not exaggerating when I say you could get no sleep for a week and still look wide-awake using this concealer. Apply with a brush or your finger, and watch as it blends in flawlessly thanks to infused skin softeners. I advise buying a shade lighter than you would for foundation to really brighten up your eyes.
NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base – $25
I thought I’d never break up with my Urban Decay Primer Potion, but alas, I’ve found something new. This stuff might as well be glue, it makes your eyeshadow last so long. We’re talking 14 HOURS long. I’m also obsessed with its stick applicator, which allows for a totally precise application, sans messy fingers.
Stila Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eyeshadow – $32
When I went to Ulta to check this product out, I put it down three times because of the price before ultimately deciding to buy it. Boy, am I glad I did. The included liquid primer makes the glitter really pop, offering a sexy, wet eye look. I got the shade “Comex Gold” – just a little bolder than my typical taupe, and perfect for a night out.
Dior Vernis Nail Lacquer – $24
You may think you’re bad at putting on nail polish, but the more likely culprit? The polish you’re using isn’t very high quality. Dior’s polish brushes make having pretty nails a cinch, and the formula glides on seamlessly in one coat. The shade “Trafalgar” is the ideal red, “Bouquet” is a perky pink and “Blue Label” is a bolder, navy blue option.
Kate Foster is a hodgepodge of seemingly unrelated titles: writer. Blogger. Beauty and fashion junkie. Cat devotee. Art history buff. Harry Potter nerd. Cheesy 90's television fan. Sometimes-gamer. Seasonal sculptor. Mostly she’s a music enthusiast. While her heart and soul belong to 50's and 60's crooners like Etta James, Sam Cooke and Elvis Presley, one shouldn’t be surprised to find her listening to Lady Gaga or Jay-Z. Most days, though, she’s in an indie-punk mood somewhere in between - she counts the Pixies, the White Stripes, M83, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs as a few of her favorites. And while you’ll typically see her bobbing her head calmly at concerts, occasionally she pulls out all the stops for bands like the Black Lips. She treasures her bruises like a child. After graduating from the University of Georgia with degrees in Journalism and Art History, Kate aspires to move to New York City. There, she hopes to continue to write. She also plans on pretending to understand the art at MoMA and stuffing her face with cronuts and one dollar pizza. Kate’s heroes range from Oscar de la Renta and Mindy Kaling to Ernest Hemingway and Rupert Giles. She practically inhales iced coffee on a daily basis. Her favorite color is yellow, and like Buddy the Elf, she considers candy a major food group. She has dreams almost every night involving the coolest architecture and interior design, and has no idea what it means. Seriously, what does that mean?!