My Top 10 Favorites
Updated: Jan 8, 2019
Budget Friendly
1. L’OREAL VOLUMINOUS PRIMER
This stuff is pure “magic!” I love it, budget or no budget. No need for fake lashes when you prime with this.
https://www.target.com/p/l-oreal-174-paris-voluminous-primer-300-primer-24-fl-oz/-/A-50442502
2. L’OREAL TELESCOPIC Mascara (Carbon Black)
My go-to mascara for the last 10 years at least, I highly recommend it! Great for length and used with the primer your lashes will be huge.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004BCXA7S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004BCXA7S&linkCode=as2&tag=losangelesmom-20&linkId=ff79e8ab02b238d0912dfc0e52121396">L'Oréal Paris Makeup Telescopic Original Lengthening Mascara, Carbon Black, 0.27 fl. oz.</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=losangelesmom-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B004BCXA7S" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />
3. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP BORN TO GLOW ILLUMINATOR (Sunbeam)
NYX has some pretty good, affordable products. I chose this one because it was the closest, as far as pigment, to the Charlotte Tilbury one that I use and love. It also mixes very well with foundation.
4. ULTA MOISTURIZING FOUNDATION STICK
To be completely honest with you guys, I don’t believe there is a “perfect match” for everyone in the budget foundation section. This is one area of the beauty world where I think variety is lacking. It has never been easy for me to find a shade that truly matched. The upside to this being sold at ULTA is that someone is there to help you match your perfect shade. This foundation stick by ULTA is $32 less than the Bobbi Brown one I posted in the splurge category, it works well but I like the texture and coverage of the Bobbi Brown better but for the price you can't beat this one.
https://www.ulta.com/moisturizing-foundation-stick?productId=xlsImpprod18691125
5. MAYBELLINE INSTANT AGE REWIND ERASER DARK CIRCLES CONCEALER
This one is a close match to the Shape Tape concealer, like super close. If someone else were to put them on for me I wouldn't be able to tell you the difference. The only thing I would do differently is apply it with the sponge they have on the tip of the applicator and then blend it out with your own beauty blender. It makes for a smoother look.
6. MILANI BAKED BRONZER (Soleil or Dolce)
This is a great bronzer for the price. I purchased both shades because I wasn't quite sure which color would work best for me. They look pretty shimmery which I love (bring on ALL the Highlight!!). They actually didn't translate on my skin like that but I was okay with that because neither does Sun Bunny, and after all, that is what highlight is for!
https://www.target.com/p/milani-baked-bronzer-05-soleil-25oz/-/A-51088161
7. DR.BRONNER'S PEPPERMIT ORGANIC LIP BALM
Dr. Bronner's is one of my favorites, it's organic too! So happy I found this lip balm. It works really well, and for the price, you can't beat it…and it makes your breath minty fresh too!
8. L'OREAL MATT COLOR RICHE LIPSTICK (MATTE-CARON)
It's clear at this point that I think L'oreal has some pretty great budget makeup. This lipstick is a really nice nude-ish pink which I love. I am a huge fan of the way matte lipsticks look, but not too fond of how dry they make my lips feel. This one is good because the color was nice and the texture was perfect.
9. CLAIROL ROOT TOUCH-UP
So, since I’m a hairstylist by trade, I would have to say I’m a HUGE fan of this type of product! I have clients who come see me every 10-14 days to have their gray hair touched up. I totally understand how costly it can be to have your hair colored bi-weekly or monthly, so with that being said, I highly suggest you grab one of these to temporarily cover your gray before grabbing a box of hair dye – PLEASE!!l You and your stylist will thank me later. ---The GORGEOUS spokeswoman for this product is my dear friend, Rachelle Wood! How dare I leave this important fact out on my first edit! lol
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078KGJ6WR/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B078KGJ6WR&linkCode=as2&tag=losangelesmom-20&linkId=e00484b51c9098314476f0867b906eab">Clairol Temporary Root Touch-Up Concealing Powder, 2.1 g (.07 oz)</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=losangelesmom-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B078KGJ6WR" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />
10.KRISTEN ESS DRY FINISH WORKING TEXTURE SPRAY
I LOVE Kristen Ess products! They are affordable, work really well and they smell good too! I really like this texture spray because it gives a nice hold while adding that little bit of grit that I love and am always searching for. I am someone who always needs my hair to be clean. I wash my hair daily or every other day, but I love the look of day 3 hair, this helps with that - - add a little Design.Me (Puff.me) at the root and you have the perfect "day 3".
https://www.target.com/p/kristin-ess-dry-finish-working-texture-spray-6-9oz/-/A-51397116
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01F7Q1BY0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01F7Q1BY0&linkCode=as2&tag=losangelesmom-20&linkId=fbe032b2fa25635b08cfffa15daea661">Design.Me Puff Me Volumizing Cloud Mist, 0.32 Ounce</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=losangelesmom-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01F7Q1BY0" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />
Splurge
1. LANCOME PARIS CILS BOOSTER XL PRIMER BASE
My original lash primer, the one I used since I was 18, back when I didn’t have a child and had no idea what a budget was (currently rolling my eyes at my teen self while writing this). It works wonders, and I love it but L'oreal is a very close match.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IUI1T2C/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00IUI1T2C&linkCode=as2&tag=losangelesmom-20&linkId=697123349d2387d73b99a9909abbf0ff">Lancome Cils Booster XL Mascara Enhancing Base Full Size 5.2g/0.17oz</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=losangelesmom-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00IUI1T2C" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />
2. CHARLOTTE TILBURY FULL FAT LASHES
Charlotte Tilbury was basically made for the woman on the go, or anyone with small children who hardly have the time to eat, let alone put makeup on. I can go on forever about this line, so I will just say this mascara is BOMB! A quick application for full lashes.
https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/charlotte-tilbury-full-fat-lashes-mascara/3849039
3. CHARLOTTE TILBURY WONDER GLOW
Alright, while I’m on my Charlotte Tilbury rant let me just tell you about this one! Wonder Glow is incredible because you can wear it under your foundation, on top of your foundation, or all by itself. I actually mix it into my foundation for a nice dewy glow. On days I am not wearing makeup I am usually wearing this.
4. BOBBI BROWN FOUNDATION STICK
If you haven't tried Bobbi Brown, do yourself a favor and try their foundation - - ANY of them. They have the large variety of shades and foundations for different skin types. I use the foundation stick because its quick, easy to apply and leaves my skin looking smooth but natural. Sometimes I just use it under my eyes as a quick concealer, that's how well it blends! Just blend with a foundation brush, beauty blender or even your fingertips. I have tried it all! LoL!
5. TARTE SHAPE TAPE
What can I say?… This stuff is SERIOUS! If you are looking for great concealer with maximum coverage for a night out, or even your wedding day (yes, it works that well)! Then this is the one you need to get.
https://www.ulta.com/double-duty-beauty-shape-tape-contour-concealer?productId=xlsImpprod14251035
6. TOO FACED BRONZER (Sun Bunny)
Hands down the best powder bronzer I have found. It works so well; in fact, I don't even need to use a blush anymore. It gives a great contour with a pop of color and has a slight shimmer. It's a WIN!
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EI3X2U/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000EI3X2U&linkCode=as2&tag=losangelesmom-20&linkId=d2ae1ef87c037e7742b3b6b16c964889">Too Faced Cosmetics Bronzer, Sun Bunny, 0.33-Ounce</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=losangelesmom-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B000EI3X2U" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />
7. JACK BLACK INTENSE THERAPY LIP BALM
This one actually has a funny story behind it. I bought my husband a pack of them from Nordstrom a few years back for his Christmas stocking. Let’s just say he's been looking for them ever since! JK! He knows I stole them. They last a long time, so if you like your lips hydrated, it's a good investment. This balm has intense moisture, SFP 25, and they come in all sorts of different flavors. I have one on my nightstand, in my purse, car.. you get the idea.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MIH34Q/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000MIH34Q&linkCode=as2&tag=losangelesmom-20&linkId=8d22ce0e33633ce7e22d8d5773dacd1b">JACK BLACK - Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 - Green Tea Antioxidants, Long Lasting Treatment, Broad-Spectrum UVA and UVB Protection, Natural Mint & Shea Butter Flavor, 0.25 oz.</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=losangelesmom-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B000MIH34Q" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />
8. CHARLOTTE TILBURY PILLOWTALK MATTE LIPSTICK
My favorite lipstick. I don’t necessarily want to call this shade a nude, but it’s close (Nude-ish Pink). It has a subtle pink to it so you won’t look like you have lost blood circulation while wearing it. You guys know what i am talking about!!! I see so many people walking around with the wrong shade of nude lip.
9. COLOR WOW ROOT COVER UP
I think I pretty much covered my obsession with this type of product above, but I have to say if you are someone with a lot of gray and want to save in the long run, splurge on this one because the coverage was better with WOW vs. the Clairol brand.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FYSZDQ4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00FYSZDQ4&linkCode=as2&tag=losangelesmom-20&linkId=89aa22e6b04cf0ba797963a177b03494">COLOR WOW Root Cover Up Medium Brown</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=losangelesmom-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00FYSZDQ4" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />
10. AMIKA UN.DONE VOLUME & TEXTURE SPRAY
I am LOVING Amika! The smell is so fresh, feels pretty weightless considering its a texturizing spray and adds tons of volume. If you like big hair like I do, always add Puff.Me to your root before you use a texture spray. If you are someone who isn't into texture but loves a good hairspray, the one I use daily is MOROCCAN OIL LUMINOUS HAIRSPRAY - - hands down my favorite! This is my finishing product…I don't touch it after this last step.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013XJUWC0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B013XJUWC0&linkCode=as2&tag=losangelesmom-20&linkId=3611807878895fbb4d8381a2559190aa">Aesthetica Cosmetics Beauty Sponge Blender - Latex Free and Vegan Makeup Sponge - For Powder, Cream or Liquid Application - One Piece</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=losangelesmom-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B013XJUWC0" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />
Moroccan Oil Luminous Hairspray
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007B3T47Y/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007B3T47Y&linkCode=as2&tag=losangelesmom-20&linkId=50dced863998f5c5358c14f903fd5f48">Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Strong, 10 Ounce</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=losangelesmom-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B007B3T47Y" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />
Beauty Blender
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HRVC5I/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000HRVC5I&linkCode=as2&tag=losangelesmom-20&linkId=fd29ed14cd8a56d46c243b692a8df414">beautyblender original: The Original Makeup Sponge for Foundations, Powders & Creams</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=losangelesmom-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B000HRVC5I" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />
I hope you guys enjoyed this, I sure had fun writing about my top 10 favorites! I am linking everything so it's easy for you to find. I have also linked anything else I may have mentioned. Tried my hardest to find the cheapest possible links and tried my hardest to make sure they were for amazon prime members so it has fast, free shipping!
XOXO,
Valerie