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?

  • mizshellytee@alien.top
    BEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    I prefer to spend on complexion products (mainly foundation and concealer; I don’t use a face primer as I think my skincare is sufficient-enough prep). I’m more apt to find shades that work for me from mid-range or higher-end brands than more affordable ones (I’m on the very pale side).

    You can absolutely save on mascara; I personally wouldn’t spend much more than $20-25 USD on one.

    Eyeshadow-wise, I am #TeamSingleEyeshadowPans versus buying pre-made palettes. Pre-made palettes can be good when you’re starting out since you’re still figuring out what you like. However, I think long-term it becomes more expensive, wasteful, and simply not worth it. (That said, I’m not averse to buying a trio or a quad if I think I’d get good use out of the shades.) With single eyeshadows, the expense is in the short-term (buying an empty palette to put your singles in + the eyeshadows themselves), but long-term cost is lower since you’d only be repurchasing one pan at a time, not to mention you (hopefully) have a selection of eyeshadows you know you love and will use. There are a number of brands that do single pans at varying price points – Sydney Grace, Devinah, Looxi, Colourpop (I think you can also depot any pre-made palettes of theirs pretty easily?), Terra Moons, Dandy Lions, Lethal Cosmetics, MAC, Make Up For Ever, Inglot, Glaminatrix, Clionadh, among others.

    For cheek, lip, and brow products, I think you can go either way.