My Make Up Bag Must Haves

Although I keep an extra drawer handy for those special occasion makeup items, but what you see above is everything I currently have in my makeup bag. I’ve included a list of the specific products below, but first I’d like to explain some of my day to day makeup choices.

Since this blog focuses on savvy shopping, you may be wondering why some of the items I’ve chosen are high end beauty items. Well, the answer is simple. It’s cheaper for me to splurge on one or two important items in order to save from having to spend money on repair items later on down the road. For example, cheap foundation makes me break out. Also, if I don’t splurge a little on my favorite setting spray (which lasts forever), then I find myself reapplying makeup multiple times throughout the day which will eventually waste more money than I spent.

As for my other products, I have a few quick tips and tricks for getting them for a good price. The only item excluded from my frugal purchases is the fabulous Kate Spade makeup bag which was actually a very generous birthday gift. I love it and, if you have the extra cash, I recommend this set.

Trick #1: Perfume samples from the counter at Nordstrom make a great replacement for the pricey full size versions. Also, they’re travel friendly and free!

Trick #2 and #3: Although I am madly in love with my Urban Decay Naked Palette, it can be hard to shell out $50 for a few basic eye shadows, right? Well, check out this site for a FABULOUS deal on this eye shadow product as well as the Bobby Brown brushes you see above. I bought all of these items here, they were delivered within a week and they are fabulous. Site: http://www.cheapmacosmetics.com/

Trick #4: I love the lip and brow products I have listed above. I use them all the time, but they too were gifts (thanks, Mom!). If you’re looking for something just as fabulous but  slightly more affordable, I recommend checking out N.Y.X. brow set and ELF lipsticks. Both can be found at ULTA and, if you’re into coupons, check the Sunday paper for an ULTA cutout before you go.

Trick #5: Invest in an awesome foundation brush. The right foundation brush will make your foundation last so much longer just by blending and spreading the foundation more efficiently.

Trick #6: Check out MAC’s products at this site: http://www.cheapmacosmetics.com/. It’s the same site listed above and, although it doesn’t have everything, the MAC foundations are CRAZY cheap on it and are authentic. I recommend doing a bulk shopping trip with a friend just so that you can split the expensive shipping ($25). I got over $420 worth of makeup for just under $65 (and that’s including shipping).

Trick #7: Watch YouTube videos to learn how to properly apply each product. You might be wasting some products because you didn’t know how to apply other products. I highly recommend checking out the following two YouTube channels for some great tips:

• Bobbi Brown
• Lisa Eldridge

So…I hope this helps you! Happy shopping, fashionable friends!