Affordable Make Up Series: Part 1 E.L.F. Cosmetics

So I have a lot of people ask me daily what make up do i use and if its affordable.  That gave me an idea to introduce 3 of my favorite brands that i use daily that are of good quality and affordable! The first Brand I will be introducing is E.L.F. or Eyes Lips Face. This line was introduced to me last Christmas while in Target. The products I'm most fond of would be from the studio line which is of higher quality than their regular line. Their prices range from $1-$6 depending on what products you purchase. first thing is the eyebrow kit i live by this product! one side is wax the other powder it defines your eyebrows very well and stays on all day! Only $3. Next is the make up mist and set spray also $3 use this product as a make up refresher as well as to set make up like a finishing spray.  Very comparable to MAC Fix +.  The ELF studio line offers a wide variety of eye shadows in single and palettes. i have also tried 2 of their pigments which i will post swatches of in passionate purple and golden goddess. Now have anyone tried the Make up Forever HD Powder!? well if u loved it ull love this it is the exact same quality and works really well only difference ELF offers this great product for only $6 compared to MUF full size for $39.  i use this product alot as well LOVE IT!  I love the primer and eyeliner seal only $3 and works great no creasing with the primer which is a A+++  last but not least the brushes in this line are very affordable only $3 each and they are phenomenal i have used mac brushes and these brushes i would recommend to get if ur looking for that quality with a budget.  All of the brushes are  made of soft synthetic hair taklon fibers. i have not tried the foundation or powders yet blog coming soon on those as well as blush. again the studio line is a higher end of their products but they have an large selection in the regular line as well and i have used products from there with no complaints should really check them out trust me you wont be disappointed! you can find ELF at E.L.F. and at select Target stores.

5 of the brushes from studio line

Products ive purchased and used

pigment swatches/ single shadow swatch in coffee bean

Good Eyeshadow Base

How do you get your colors to POP like that?! 

The best way is to use a good base whether its for a pigment or regular eyeshadow ive come across several techniques and products but my favorite one is the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk.  This is a creamy eyeshadow pencil in a true white color works well with eyeshadows to give an ultra pigmented color. You can find NYX products on their website NYXcosmetics.com also sold in Ulta.  

NYX Jumbo eye pencil- Milk

 Swatch of red with out milk base- swatch of Milk base

 bottom swatch with milk base-top no base. the red color stands out more with the milk giving a true red color.

 Powder blue shadow bottom no milk base- top swatch with milk base

with the milk base u would still use a primer with your shadow

When is it time to TOSS IT!?

Make Up like food has an expriation date as well.  expired make up can cause growing bacteria that can leave rashes, blemishes, and cause other bacteria on the face and eyes.  its always good to keep track of how long you have had a certian product from the time its opened always good not to share certain products like eye liner and mascara.  one way to keep track is by applying small sticker lables to your make up with the date it was opened and follow this time line...
Expiration dates — beginning from the time you first open these products
Powders and shadows: 2 years
Cream shadows: 12 to 18 months
Foundation: 1 year
Lipstick & lipliner: 1 year
Mascara & eyeliners: 3 months
Makeup brushes: Clean weekly using a mild detergent
Makeup sponges: Replace weekly, or when sponge becomes soiled
Tips for keeping your skin clean and your makeup fresh
— Smell your cosmetics; if they have an unusual odor, they may contain bacteria and should be discarded.

— Always make sure that products are closed tight and stored out of sunlight, as this can destroy the preservatives.

— Don't use any eye products if you currently have an eye infection.

— Never add any liquids to products unless directed by the manufacturer.

— If there are any changes in color and texture, dispose of the product immediately.

— Avoid sampling makeup at department stores when possible. If you do test, never apply directly from the makeup. Instead, use a clean, disposable applicator (i.e., cotton swab, sponge) to apply cosmetics.

There are ways you can keep your make up clean as well always us disposiable mascara wands when sharing and dont double dip same with lip wands. you can clean your lip sticks with alcohol as well if u r sharing.
these are just a few tips to help you keep the best make up collection possible.

Maybelline Fit Me foundation

Product Details

Why You'll Love It

It's makeup that fits you.

• No oils, no waxes, no nonsense
• Natural coverage that leaves skin the way it was meant to be…fresh, breathing, natural  
• Exclusive translucent base and lightweight pigments allow skin's natural highs and lows to show through
• Non-comedogenic, dermatologist-tested

This Product is great coverage is good and not too heavy. However like many of Maybelline's products i have to mix to get my perfect fit. I purchased the 350 and 355 to get the shade i needed. Which are the 2 darkest colors they offer. The fit me line comes with several products including the concealer, brozers , Powder, and Blushes.  I didnt try the concealer yet but that will be my next item (will keep you posted) but the powder i tried their darkest color. NO BUENO  the powder tends to look very ashy on my skin i normally use the Mark. by Avon powder Buff in Mocha or ELF HD powder. I would most def recommend the Fit Me foundation it feels great on my skin and when mixed to the perfect shade it looks great as well. I normally apply with either a stippling brush or a regular foundation brush. If you have tried it let me know what you think if not and your looking for a good inexpensive foundation check it out. i purchased mine from CVS for $8. The sunlight made the first pic look a lot lighter than what they are the 2nd and 3rd pics are more true to color.                         FACEBOOK PAGE

Welcome

So basically I started ths blog to share my thoughts on different make up products i use and purchase as well as what the up and coming IT products please stay tuned while we take this Colorful ride together!