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When To Splurge Versus When To Save on Makeup

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Fairfield chapter.

Stepping into Sephora is like stepping into a candy shop for grown women. If you’re a beauty junkie like me, one trip to Sephora can be a pricey one. However, there are many makeup products that you do not always have to splurge on. So have you ever wondered what products those are? Below is a list of what beauty products to spurge on and where to save.

SPLURGE Primer

            Primer is essential for your makeup to last all day long, so this is an area where you should splurge. In order for your foundation to not budge, try a primer like Smashbox Iconic Photo Finish Foundation Primer. For eyes, a beauty cult favorite is Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer Potion. Even though these products are an investment, you are only use a little each time so the product will last you awhile. 

SPLURGE Foundation 

            Wearing the correct foundation shade for your skin tone is one of the most important parts of your makeup routine. Having a makeup artist test foundation on your skin, can help you see if it’s the correct shade and coverage for your needs. In addition, having a great foundation will make your skin look flawless and it is important to have this base for the rest of your makeup. 

SAVE blush

            The drugstore offers a variety of shades and formulas that are just as fantastic as higher end blushes. When it comes to drugstore blushes, one of my favorites is Revlon’s Cream Blush since it has some rich pigments in a range of colors. In addition, it gives you a dewy glow and will last for hours without having to touch up. 

SPLURGE Eyeliner

            One of the worst things after a long day of classes is looking in the mirror and having your eyeliner smudged or barely there. That is why it is important to spend some money on a good eyeliner; pencil, gel, or liquid. Some favorites include Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Liner, and Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner.

SAVE Mascara 

            It is hard to tell when someone is wearing high-end or drugstore brand mascara. In addition, mascara has one of the shortest lifespans of makeup, you should replace it every 3-4 months. This is a makeup bag essential you should pick up at the drugstore.

SPLURGE lipstick 

            Does a great lipstick need to be pricey? No. Is a good lipstick worth the splurge. Absolutely. The pigmentation and long-wear formula will be worth the money verses a drugstore lipstick that will wear off after your first coffee. NARS  and MAC lipsticks are always worth the investment. 

SAVE lip-gloss

            Lets face it lip-gloss rarely last all day, so why spend big bucks on them. L’Oreal and Maybelline make great basic lip-gloss in a range of colors. 

Mary is a Fairfield University senior majoring in Communication with a minor in Marketing. She is the Editor-in-Chief of Her Campus Fairfield, which she has been apart of since the launch in February 2014. Things that Mary can't live without: Starbucks, Gilmore Girls (Team Jess all the way), Instagram, statement necklaces and her dog. She also has a real weakness for avocado toast. Make sure to follow her on Instagram, @marystamp   
Danielle was previously the Deputy Editor at Her Campus, where she oversaw social and content strategy, lifestyle, beauty, fashion, news, and entertainment. Prior to joining Her Campus, Danielle worked at House Beautiful as Senior Lifestyle Editor, directing and producing feature videos and stories. Danielle also served as Snapchat Editor at Cosmopolitan, overseeing the brands daily Snapchat Discover channel. In 2016, she launched Cosmo Bites — which is now the official food and beverage vertical at Cosmopolitan. That same year, Danielle was named as a Rising Star in the digital media industry by FOLIO Magazine. Danielle got her start in digital media by launching the Her Campus chapter at Fairfield University in 2014, where she acted as Campus Correspondent for 2.5 years, before graduating with a degree in English and creative writing. She enjoys wine, food, and long walks through HomeGoods. Follow Danielle on Instagram!