top drugstore foundations

If you've read my blog before you know my absolute ride or die foundation is the Arbonne Perfecting Liquid Foundation that I've been using for over a year now. I'm planning on doing a full, in-depth review because I really do use it almost daily and it has tons of advantages..

BUT..

I know that we can't all afford a high-end priced foundation year-round. I also know there are a lot of people who like to alternate foundations as to save the pricier stuff and make it last longer. I'm guilty of this as well. I also just like to switch things up time to time and try new things. And there's no better way to "fill in" your foundation routine than with drugstore products that you can actually afford to repurchase time after time. So I compiled my list of the best drugstore foundations- because lets face it, there are some bad ones out there and its hard to tell what's what.

Lets keep in mind, I have combination skin- oily in my t-zone, which causes foundation to break up in those areas. When I review foundations based on wearability and staying-power, this is my gauge.. how long it lasts on my oily t-zone. Also, I always always always use a setting powder, high end or drug store, they make a HUGE difference. So my reviews are not based on one layer of foundation alone, its always in combination with a setting powder, so if you have oily skin and don't have one, I suggest you invest! 

1. Cover Girl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation
Seriously? How long is that name.. Anyway, this is probably the first foundation I reach for when I'm out of my Arbonne, need a different shade, or just want to switch things up. It is 3-in-1, and claims to be a primer, concealer, and foundation all in one. I definitely still use concealer with it, but it is actually great coverage. The formula can be a bit thick at times, but it has SPF 20 in it which I love. There are tons of shades to choose from. Honestly this would be my #1 drugstore foundation recommendation!

2. Loreal True Match Lumi Cushion
This foundation has a natural glowy dewiness to it, which makes it fabulous for those with dry skin, or if you just really like the glowy illuminated look. I absolutely love the cushion applicator (I honestly didn't think I would.) I just blot my beauty blender directly onto the cushion and apply all over my face. A little bit of this goes a long way. If you have oily skin and like to look completely matte, this wouldn't be the foundation for you. But it has great coverage and makes for a really pretty finish.

3. Loreal True Match
This is obviously the same line as the above foundation, and has all the same perks, except its a more matte formula. It claims to be "super blendable" and I'd have to agree. I think its a great every-day basic foundation. Medium coverage, and there are even more shades to choose from than the CG foundation, which is why it gets its 'true match' name. This foundation is great for oily skin. Its a pretty thin formula so it goes on easily and evenly. My only complaint is that it comes in a bottle without a pump so it can be a bit messy. I usually just shake it up with my finger at the end and dot it on, or have to pour it on the back of my hand. This one also has a SPF of 17 (random)

4. Revlon ColorStay Foundation
Back in the day I was a strict Bare Minerals girl (I know right) and I seriously hadn't used liquid foundations since highschool. When I finally came to my senses and branched out, this was the very first liquid foundation I used. I absolutely love the coverage. The formula is on the thicker side, which does make for good coverage, but can look a bit cakey at times. Its definitely a good full-coverage short-term foundation as it does break up a bit in oily areas. This would be pretty equivalent to the CG foundation, if only it had a pump! (sigh) Seriously though, if you want fuller coverage from the drugstore, try this one.

What is your favorite drugstore foundation? Have you tried anything new lately that I HAVE to try? Let me know!

And stay tuned for a review of my ride or die Arbonne foundation. If you're looking for something with decent coverage, lasting powder, and most important is good for your skin, then definitely check that out. 

xox katie

What if I told you that the above look was done completely using products that can be purchased at any Drugstore? Because they are! I mean, I'm sure you figured that out by the title, but whatever.

This was sort of out of my comfort zone which made me love it even more. I'm not saying I'm too good for drugstore makeup, because I'm not. Actually, the setting powder, eyeliner, and mascara I use daily are all usually purchased at WalMart or Target. But I cannot tell you the last time I even looked at eyeshadow in the drugstore, let alone wore it. And I've been using the same foundation, powder, and highlighter for so long, I forgot that there were other alternatives.. So not only did I challenge myself by finding decent products at a low price, I also challenged myself by using a lot of new products, and it was fun! 

Here's what I used.. 

note: not everything I used is included in the photo above, more products listed below

LIPS

Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lip in Possessed Plum • I have mixed thoughts on this. I have used lots of ColourPop liquid lips ($6) which were the exact formula I was looking for- so you can't use price as an excuse. Although I did love the color and the way this felt on my lips, it is in no way 'matte'. It was actually very glossy and sticky. So beautiful, yes. Matte, no. 

FACE

Foundation: CoverGirl Outlast 3-in-1 Foundation • This had great coverage and there were a lot of color options which is nice. I love this foundation because it really does cover well and has a pretty matte finish. It doesn't seem to last all day like you would expect from a pricier foundation, but you get what you pay for! 

Concealer: Maybelline Fit Me Concealer • I use this concealer on the regular! Definitely comparable to Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer- I highly recommend. Very creamy, VERY pigmented. I use the lightest shade to conceal & highlight. I would say do NOT use this concealer unless you plan to set it with a powder immediately after as it does seem to crease. 

Powder: Neutrogena Shine Control Powder • I use this powder 'drugstore makeup' or not. Its my favorite powder to control oil day-to-day. Its completely translucent and really keeps me matte. 

Bronzer: Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Airbrushing Pressed Powder • Let me tell you, its really hard to find a matte bronzer (for contouring specifically) at the drug store. Everything is shimmery and golden, which is nice, but not what I was looking for. This is a great matte powder, which also has SPF. I would have preferred it was a darker shade, but it did the job. 

Highlight: Wet n WildMega Glo Illuminating Powder • I loved this so much! And will continue to use it daily. I was so pleasantly surprised. Wet n Wild is probably the cheapest brand you can find in drugstores, and this highlight palette was great! I used the second shade, the lightest pink, and it looks amazing. Its also been hours since I applied it and its still going strong. Super pretty and I like that there are lots of color options. Plus, the little 'stripes' are wide enough to fit a normal highlight brush into! 

TOOLS

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge • I was the most pleasantly surprised with this more than anything else! I tried this once before (before I had ever even tried the original beautyblender) and was disappointed. But I realized, now that I have more practice, that it really isn't bad at all! I actually loved the flat end, for applying foundation to my forehead and cheeks, and the pointed end for corners. Great for ~$7!

Elf Contour Brush 

Elf Blending Brush

EYES

Shadow: CoverGirl TruNakeds 'Goldens' • I was very pleasantly surprised with this palette! Like I said, I haven't purchased drugstore eyeshadow in a long time, and when it comes to eyeshadow I have high standards. There were actually two matte shades, the lightest shade which I used on my brow bone, and a medium shade, which I used in my crease. I used the rest of the shimmery green shades to shade my lid and darken the inner corner and used the really pretty shimmery lightest color in my inner corner. 

Brows: L'Oreal Brow Stylist Definer • This is an exact dupe for the Anastatsia Brow Wiz. I swear. Go buy it right now. It was so much cheaper and exactly the same. Even the little 'spooly' on the end was exactly like it. I promise, you wont be disappointed! 

Eye Liner: Maybelline Eye Studio Master Precise Liquid Liner• this was the only product I was "meh" about. If you know of a good drugstore liquid liner, please let me know! This was pretty hard to apply and made the look pretty choppy. Thankfully when I applied lashes it covered up the choppiness.

Mascara: CoverGirl The Super Sizer Mascara • This is another product that I use daily. I love this mascara. It really lengthens and separates and does everything you want a mascara to do. I'm wearing falsies in the photo but I did apply a tiny bit of this mascara and some to my bottom lashes as well. 

Lashes: Ardell Demi Wispies

I have to say overall I was very pleasantly surprised. Like I said, I've never been above drugstore makeup in general, but ever since I tried my first Naked palette (and instantly became hooked on the Sephora/Ulta high) I never went back.

But if you're on a budget and still want a flawless face, THERE IS HOPE! I spent around $80 total on foundation, concealer, eyeliner, 2 eyeshadow palettes (only used one in this look), powder, highlighter, bronzer, lashes, sponge, and brushes. Not bad, right?

I hope this is helpful and if there are any products that you think I NEED to try (especially liquid liner!) please comment below and tell me!

xo katie

like. literally. so cute.

Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that Kylie Jenner & Kylie Cosmetics are.. well.. everything. I, personally, love Kylie, I know others hate her. But say what you will, Kylie's doing big things with her lip kits. I own 2 of her matte lip kits, Kourtney K and Mary Jo & love them. I don't own them all so I don't think its fair to do an overall review, but I did manage to get all of the glosses.

I know they sell out super fast, and if you're lucky enough to get your hands on them, consider yourself blessed.. angels are looking down on you. 

First of all, before I even talk about the glosses themselves, I want to give props to Kylie & her customer service team. The first batch of glosses came out on April 1st. Apparently, prior to that Kylie had sent some Youtubers, makeup artists, and bloggers some glosses in advance. After receiving their feedback, Kylie decided that the wand of the glosses was too long and that the brush wasn't fitting in and out of the tube well creating it to feather out like this. Kylie instantly stopped production of her glosses to create a better brush and shorter wand. Unfortunately anyone who ordered their glosses on April 1 received the not-so-great wand. I was one of those people. 

Instead of just sending everyone an email, a runaround on how to get a new product, a website credit, or anything I'd expect (and have experienced in the past) Kylie decided to do it RIGHT. The company re-sent the new and improved product to EVERYONE who ordered on April 1st. No questions asked. A couple weeks later I received an email saying my product had shipped (I did absolutely nothing on my end, they handled it all) and within a few days I got a new lip gloss, and to me, THAT is excellent customer service and the correct way to handle things.

Okay with that, on to the glosses.. :-)

The three gloss colors, from darkest to lightest, are "like", "literally", and "so cute". Cute, right? They are currently sold out, just like every freaking thing on the site, BUT, when she restocks, they can be purchased at KylieCosmetics.com for $15 each. 

They are all nude shades, which I love, and are very on-trend. I feel like I should mention that I'm so not a lip gloss girl. I can't even tell you the last time I wore or purchased a lip gloss. But Kylie made these look so tempting that I had to get them. And although I'm still getting used to the way glosses in general feel, I really do love the look, especially since its something different for me and out of my comfort zone. 

Like: The darkest of the three. Its the most pigmented. 

Literally: The medium shade and my favorite. I think this would go great with any skin tone.

So cute: The lightest and most pink. This one scared me at first, but was actually easier to pull off than I expected. Even if you aren't used to wearing lighter colors, I suggest you try it!

Overall they're very pigmented. It doesn't take much product at all which is great because you don't have that goopy, heavy feel. The formula is surprisingly creamy, somewhat sticky (because, I mean, it is a lip gloss) but definitely not uncomfortably sticky, and glides on really well. Oh and they smell really yummy, kind of like a cookie scented candle. And, the brush issue was completely corrected (and I have a great point of reference since I have the original gloss and my brush was messed up). 

I love that she released these because matte lips are so in right now and its so fun to switch it up. When I was wearing them I was surprised at how well I loved the look and how it pulled my makeup together so well. I feel sort of guilty because I want you all to go try these glosses right now, but they're sold out! So be on the lookout for the restock, and snatch them up as soon as you can!

Have a great day guys!

xo katie

summer "no makeup" makeup look

I'm a big fan of not wearing makeup. I'm also a big fan of looking perfect and flawless without any makeup, but unfortunately, I gave up on that dream along with being able to eat Ben & Jerry's every night & remaining a size 6. 

But I do think I've kind of mastered the whole "no makeup" makeup look, where you wear just enough to get by, while tricking everyone into think you're all-natural and fresh-faced. I've seen a lot of "no makeup" looks before that really frustrated me because they were still using 10+ products, and in my opinion, if you're going to do that much, you might as well just go full-face!

So my "no makeup" makeup look requires 5 products. (not including your 3 tools, a beauty blender any sort of fluffy ended eye shadow brush, and a powder brush, which is only necessary if you have oily skin)

First I apply this Garnier BB Cream (1) in little dots all over my face. I use my damp beauty blender to apply it all over. I love this BB cream because its lightweight and has decent coverage- remember, we don't want a full-coverage foundation, we just want to even everything out a bit and give our skin a bit of a natural glow- and it has SPF 20 which is great for a no-makeup beach or summertime look. 

Next, I apply my Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark Circle Roller (2) under my eyes. I use the same beauty blender to blend it out and into the rest of your face. This is my favorite, tried & true concealer that I use almost daily. Its actually more than a concealer- it has caffeine and some other magic that reduces puffiness under your eyes, AND has color to it so it conceals and evens out any redness. 

The next step is totally optional and not necessary. I use a fluffy blending brush and take a matte medium brown eyeshadow to my crease and outer corner. I included the Urban Decay Naked Basics (3) palette because it has a great neutral-shade matte.. but you can use any matte brown you want. I also love the medium shade in the Kat Von D Shade and Light palette. The goal in this step is to create more depth to your crease, which makes your eyes pop a bit more. 

Next I follow up with this Lorac Pro + Fiber Mascara (4). This is the best, most natural mascara. It isn't super dramatic or life-changing, but its great for making your lashes look dark and lengthened without having clumpy mascara. I actual have a couple layers on in the photo, only because I was touching up after a long day. But just one coat of this mascara makes your lashes look much longer and darker and thicker without making them clumpy, spidery, goopy, etc. Its a very natural looking mascara. I love this for days where I don't wear any makeup at all except for mascara because it doesn't look like I'm even wearing any. 

The last step is also optional and only necessary if you have oily skin. I use a fluffy powder brush and apply my Neutrogena Shine Control Powder (5) on my t-zone. This just keeps the oil at bay and helps keep my BB cream from breaking up throughout the day. This powder is great for making your face look matte and its translucent so you can't even tell you're wearing a powder. 

I love this look and these products for summertime, especially since the BB cream has SPF. Its great for going to the beach or pool or just doing something low-key where not a lot of makeup is necessary. As you can see in the photo above, my face isn't flawless by any means, but that's the fun part, because I'm just enhancing my face just a little, without feeling naked :-)

I hope you guys enjoyed this look and please tell me what your favorite "no makeup" makeup looks like! hope you're enjoying your spring so far

xo, katie

beauty blender giveaway

I recently gave in and started using a beauty blender to apply my foundation. It has quickly become one of my favorite makeup tools. A while ago I tried a knock-off beauty blender 'dupe' and hated it. I decided sponge applicators just weren't for me and gave up.

But do you ever just get in a makeup rut? You do the same things every day but some days you just don't like the end result and decide you want something new. My makeup brushes (as amazing as they are) just weren't doing it for me. My makeup never looked smooth or seamless or well blended.. and I knew it had to be my tools. Sooo, I gave in and bought the original beautyblender. After using it for the first time I was hooked.

The trick is that it has to be damp. (I'm sure most of you know this and this is old news!) Just run the beauty blender under your faucet for a few seconds, give it a few squeezes to wring it out, then voila! I like to dot my foundation all over my face with my fingers, then use the damp beauty blender to blend it all out. It looks seamless and blended and flawless every time, plus it picks up any excess foundation so it never looks cakey or heavy.

I'M TELLING YOU THIS BECAUSE.. I'M GIVING ONE AWAY! (duh)

I decided to have a little fun with this one :-)

Its an Instagram giveaway, so you must have an account to participate.

Here's how to be entered: 

1. Follow @makupyourmind on Instagram
2. Like the giveaway photo
3. COMMENT below the photo on Instagram, TAG THREE FRIENDS, and answer this question:
What is your middle name? 


** NOTE: there is no 'e' in makup on my Instagram name!!!
*** the answer must be commented on the Instagram photo, not on this blog post.

The giveaway is open until Friday, April 15, 2016.

Good luck!
xo, katie

products to achieve my every day face

I've had a few people lately ask me which products I use every day and I realized that I haven't actually ever listed them out before. I have tons of favorites- things I love and use on occasion, products I use to achieve a certain look, etc.. but then there are the products and tools that I use [almost] every time I do my makeup. My tried and true, ride or die products that, unless I find something better, I use every single day.. if I'm going to lunch with a friend or shopping, dinner, etc.

I'm just going to list and link. The fact that I use them every day should tell you enough about them, but if you want to know my thoughts or have any questions, leave a comment!

oh! & the best part? you can get 35% off my favorite foundation (listed below) just for mentioning this post -- keep reading to find out how ♡


tools
Foundation/Concealer: Beauty Blender  • Real Techniques Buffing Brush, part of the Core Collection • It Cosmetics Brushes for Ulta Airbrush Blurring Foundation Brush #101
Eyes: It Cosmetics Brushes for Ulta Airbrush Blending Crease Brush #105 • Eco Tools Eye Enhancing Duo Set • Real Techniques Shading Brush • Urban Decay Dual Ended Brushes that come with Naked palettes
Contour/Highlight: Kat Von D Shade + Light Contour Brush
Blush: Real Techniques Blush Brush

face
Foundation: Arbonne Perfecting Liquid Foundation in Honey Beige (applied with beauty blender)
Powder: Neutrogena Shine Control Powder
Concealer: Garnier Anti-Dark Circle Roller • NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
Bronzer: 'Bronze' shade in the Lorac Pro to Go Eye/Cheek Palette
Contour: Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit (please note, this is NOT the cream palette, I hate the cream contour palette!)
Highlight: Becca Cosmetics Jaclyn Hill in 'Champagne Pop'

eyes
Eye Shadow: Kat Von D Shade + Light Eye Contour Palette (absolute FAVORITE) • Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette • Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette • Lorac Pro Palette • Lorac Pro 2
Eye Liner: Cover Girl Perfect Point Plus • Lorac Pro Liquid Liner
Mascara: Cover Girl The Super Sizer Mascara • Maybelline Volum' Express Colossal Mascara • L'Oreal Voluminous Superstar Mascara (a new favorite & so far I love it!)

Okay, and now for the good part.

I ♡ my Arbonne Perfecting Liquid Foundation. Obviously, as this post states, I use it every single day. It feels lightweight on the skin, not cakey or heavy at all, but has surprisingly great coverage and totally buildable. It has SPF 15, it is certified vegan, and has no harsh chemicals, scents, or mineral oils.

& you can get 35% by emailing kristindaniels7@gmail.com & mentioning this post. 

aaaaand everyone who purchases the foundation is also entered to win a free primer! :-) so just email the address above mentioning makeup your mind and place your order! I hope you all take advantage of the discount because you will love the foundation and love the discount even more!

have a great week, guys
xo katie

Your Best Winter Skin

I'm currently feeling extremely nostalgic for summer. For tons of reasons, but specifically my summer skin!! For the longest time I'd cringe when I get out of the shower. I'm dry and itchy and its not cute. I've been longing for tan, hydrated, smooth skin. But I think I've finally got this winter skin thing down, and I thought I'd share the products I've been loving.

1. A HUMIDIFIER!

This may seem a little silly but its probably the most important. In the winter my skin is dry, my eyes are dry, my throat.. e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. And its all caused by the dry air. So putting moisture back in the air helps tremendously. The one I use is made by Vicks (like the vapor rub) but any humidifier will do. And if you don't have the money to invest, boil a pot of water with a bit of salt (or epsom salt) and hold your head over the steam for a while. You'll notice a huge difference.

2. An exfoliating scrub

I use this one from Arbonne. Not only does it exfoliate but it has super hydrating oils in it that leave your skin feeling super smooth. I use it to shave and its amazing. Read more about it here. 

3. A good razor

In the past I've used disposable razors and yes they are convenient because they are much cheaper than buying blade refills, you can buy them in bulk, and you can just toss them when they get old. But I have never used a cheap razor without having that intense itchy, dry, razor burn feeling after. I eventually invested in a good razor, Gillette Venus Embrace, and it really changed the way I shave. The two strips above and below the blades are super moisturizing and its like applying a layer of lotion after you shave. Once you try a good razor with good blades that hydrates your skin at the same time, you'll never use a disposable again. 

4. A body butter 

Scents are more important to me than anything so which body butter you choose is up to you. I just prefer something that doesn't leave me feeling greasy, but, instead soaks into my skin and leaves long-lasting hydrating. Try Bliss Body Butter in Lemon + Sage or Philosophy Amazing Grace Whipped Body Creme for a fresher scent. 

5. Lip Exfoliator 

Don't forget your lips! It took me forever to hunt this bad boy (e.l.f. lip exfoliator) down because apparently they're pretty popular. When I finally snagged one at Target, I fell in love, and now I buy one whenever I see it because I use it a lot! Its shaped like a lipstick which makes for super easy application. It has real sugar in it which makes it taste super sweet (which is a huge bonus) and sloths off all the yucky dead skin while leaving your lips smooth and soft. Go buy one, right now.

Do you have any go-to products for the winter that you can't live without? Tell me!

xo, katie

Best of Beauty - 2015

Its been a while since I've blogged and I was thinking it'd be good to sort of "catch up" on what I've
been using lately.. when I realized an entire year has gone by, lots of products came and went, and its a good time to share with you what I used and loved in 2015.

The products listed below are products I used consistently this year and loved. If you don't see a category, that's because I guess I'm still trying to find "the one" ;) -- click links to purchase or learn more

Skincare

- Arbonne Deep Pore Acne Cleanser

- Arbonne Gentle Daily Moisturizer

- Clarisonic Mia 2

- Biore Charcoal Pore Minimizer

Face

- Arbonne Perfecting Liquid Foundation 

- Real Techniques Buffing Brush (sold in set)

- It Cosmetics (for Ulta) Airbrush Blurring Foundation Brush

- Gariner Skin Renew Anti Dark Circle Roller

- Neutrogena Shine Control Powder

- Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit (note: just the regular pressed powder, not cream!)

- Becca x Jaclyn Hill Highlighter in Champagne Pop

Eyes

- Naked Basics palette (an oldy but goody!)

- Lorac Pro Palette

- Lorac Pro Palette 2 

- Maybelline Volum' Express Colossal Mascara

- Lorac Front of the Line Pro Liquid Liner

- Younique Moodtruck 3D Fiber Lashes -- (review here)

I'd love to elaborate on each and every one, but that tends to get wordy, but if you have any questions at all or want my wordy, elaborate opinion, please don't be afraid to ask I'll do a separate post dedicated to that product!

have a great year, guys. here's to hopefully some more posts in the future and some fun new ideas
xox, katie