Not all good makeup is expensive makeup.  Some of the best products out there can be found at your local drug store.  It’s true some pieces are worth the extra cost, but why pay more when the best items are right there under your nose?

1. Mascara – NYX Cosmetics Doll Eye Mascara. This mascara is great, fully waterproof, with a non-goopy formula that lengthens and defines your lashes.  NYX is a professional brand originally started in LA for the film industry (It’s still used for many films) but they have now branched out into the retail world.  The best part of NYX is the price.  You get high grade Professional makeup at drug store prices.  NYX is found at most Targets.
2. Liners – Believe it or not, the best, longest lasting black liquid liner is by Wet N Wild. Their H2O Liquid liners are fully waterproof and believe me when I tell you they will stain!!! They work amazing.
3. Foundation – Revlon Color Stay.  About $13 at Rite Aid or Walmart, but can be found on sale at Rite Aid from time to time for the wonderful Buy 1 get 1 half off deal.  Seriously best coverage out there. In the 13 years that I’ve been doing professional makeup I keep finding myself drawn back to Revlon. I just can’t find a brand I like more regardless of the price tag.
4. Eyeshadow – NYX Shadows are heavy on the pigment and wear all day.  These shadows rock!
5. Primer – Hands down the Poreless Primer by ELF Cosmetics. ELF started out a few years back as a cheapy brand, but now they offer some really amazing products, including this amazing primer that works well on almost all skin types. They have a really nice selection of primers of all kinds, but the Poreless is definitely my favorite.  You can find most ELF products at Walmart.
6. Brushes – I love, love, LOVE the black pro brushes by ELF Cosmetics, most of which can be found at Walmart. My favorite though has got to be the Selfie Ready Blurring Brush, which is a must for light weight liquid foundation application. I love this brush and for $6 you can’t go wrong! And the rest of ELF’s black pro brushes are darned good too!
7. Lips – Got to say I’m a fan of ELF again for lips. They have a nice creamy texture, a good variety of colors and a great price tag. They wear pretty well. Definitely worth playing around with.
8. Color Correctors – You’ve got to try the LA Girl Pro Conceal High Definition Concealer Green, Orange and Yellow. Mix these concentrated liquid correctors into your concealer and you’ll be able to vanish any blemish. These are also found at Walmart.
9. Gel Eye Liner – Maybelline New York Lasting Drama by Eyestudio, very creamy and wears well without smearing. Waterproof and smudge proof.
10. Brows – ELF Cosmetics Eyebrow Kit. This handy duo comes with a wax and a powder shadow to help fill in and shape your brows. Offered in three shades, Light, Medium and Dark.  Work excellent with the small angled brush that comes in it or with a brow brush of your choosing.  Like all ELF products you can pick this up at Walmart as well.

These 10 items are a must for any makeup kit both personally and professionally.  And best of all none of them will break the bank!

Personify Bridal

Sacramento’s On Location Hair and Makeup Specialists since 2004

Sacramento Makeup Artist