Guys, this post was the definition of a labor of love. I've been planning this challenge for months, and was so excited to finally go out, shop, film and put it all together for you. If the title hasn't already given it away, today I'm going to be showing you how to create a beautiful smokey eyed makeup look using all products (AND tools) that cost $5 or less. I love incorporating budget-friendly makeup into my everyday routine, and I thought it would be fun to challenge myself to find really great, super-affordable products that I could recommend to you all.
So I plan, I set everything up, I film last weekend, edit my photographs...I was feeling pretty on top of my A-game. I knew I was going into New York on Wednesday and decided I could use my 2 hour ride each way to edit my footage. Everything seems to be going swimmingly until I'm on the train, on my way to Manhattan when I realize that a 10 minute chunk of my footage is missing. Just GONE. My memory cards are both wiped clean, and I am an unhappy panda.
Needless to say I had to wait until after work last night to come home and refilm the missing footage so I could finish editing my video and still get it posted (albeit very late) on Thursday night. Posting consistently has been one of my blog goals, and I was DETERMINED to stick to my schedule, even if that meant losing a few more hours of sleep.
So, after much frustration, but a lot of love and hard work, I'm finally able to actually show you all some really great, budget-friendly makeup that you can add to your collection! Let's get this challenge started.
Makeup//
Foundation: Rimmel Match Perfection ($4.79 @ Walmart) / Rimmel Stay Matte ($4.97 @ Walmart)
Concealer: NYX HD Concealer Wand ($4.99 @ Target)
Powder: Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder ($4.29 @ Target)
Bronzer/Blush: E.L.F. Studio Contouring Blush & Bronzer Duo in St. Lucia ($4 @ ELF.com)
Highlighter: Essence Eyeshadow in Apricotta ($1.99 @ ULTA)
Eyeshadow: Wet n Wild Color Eyecon Eyeshadow Trip ($2.79 @ Target)
Brows: Essence Make Me Brow Eyebrow Gel Mascara ($2.99 @ ULTA) / E.L.F. Instant Lift Brow Pencil ($2 @ ELF.com)
Pen Eyeliner: NYC City Proof 24 Hour Wear Waterproof Eyeliner in Black ($3.99 on NYC Website)
Liquid Eyeliner: Essence Superfine Waterproof Eyeliner Pen ($2.99 @ ULTA)
Mascara: Essence Lash Princess False Effect Mascara ($4.99 @ Target)
Lashes: Ardell Adore Lashes
Lipliner: Milani Color Statement Lipliner in 03 Nude ($4.49 @ Milani Cosmetics)
Lipstick: Makeup Revolution Rose Gold Lipstick in Chauffeur ($5 @ ULTA)
Setting Spray: Wet n' Wild Photofocus Setting Spray ($4.99 @ Walgreens)
Tools //
Wet n' Wild Flat Top Brush ($2.99)
E.L.F. Flawless Concealer Brush ($3)
E.L.F. Complexion Brush ($4)
E.L.F. Angled Blush Brush ($4)
E.L.F. Small Tapered Brush ($3)
Wet n' Wild Large Eyeshadow Brush ($0.99)
E.L.F. Contour Brush ($3)
Sonia Kashuk Blending Brush ($3.99)
E.L.F. Small Angled Liner Brush ($3)
Honestly, this challenge was a ton of fun to put together. There's nothing more exciting to me than discovering a really amazing product that only costs a few dollars and rivals something at 10 times the cost. For all of my fellow bloggers, if you've also challenged yourself to do an affordable makeup tutorial, I would love to check it out! Tweet me the link @blushingbirdie. And if you're just a regular ol' makeup enthusiast like the best of us, tell me about your favorite drugstore makeup in the comments below. What should I try out next?
What are some of your favorite budget-friendly makeup products?
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