Hi! I’m one of those people who grew up not allowed to do makeup, found one look that (sort of) worked for me in my 20s, and now want to figure out different techniques and products in my 30s. I’ve mostly stuck with lower end products in the past, largely because I can’t justify $$$$ for something I’m not great at. My skill level has improved somewhat since the pandemic, so now I’m curious about exploring higher-end products without spending unnecessarily.

Current collection favors NYX, Revolution, Colourpop. Probably the fanciest thing I own is Urban Decay setting spray 😆 are there brands or preferably specific brands and products you’d recommend to someone wanting to level up from here without spending just on the name brand? Any budget products you particularly love? Basically, what do you think is really worth spending on and what is just as serviceable on the low to middle end of price?