Hello! Hello!

There’s one question that every makeup lover asks themselves on a regular basis: to buy or not to buy? It seems like a simple question, but we know that isn’t true, especially when it comes to high-end brands. I mean, who wants to spend forty dollars on a concealer if it has terrible coverage? Who wants to buy a thirty dollar setting spray if it doesn’t keep your face from becoming oily? Today I’ve compiled a list of my top five favorite high-end makeup products. I promise you that these items are worth their price.

#1 Stila “Stay All Day” Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner ($22)

Stila’s “Stay All Day” Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner was the first high-end eyeliner I ever purchased, and also the best eyeliner I ever purchased. This product glides on easily and manages to stay intact throughout the entire day, despite the heat or sweat it may encounter. If you’re looking to splurge on an eyeliner, this should be the one.

#2 Mac Cremesheen Lipstick-Fanfare ($16)

If you’re acquainted with the beauty community, then I’m sure you’ve read plenty of reviews raving about Mac’s creamy lipsticks. I can safely say that the lipsticks live up to the hype. Rich and pigmented, these products don’t need to be reapplied very often. Additionally, the formula is so creamy that you don’t need to apply a moisturizer beforehand.

#3 Benefit Bella Bamba Blush ($28)

 

Up until about a year and a half ago, I vehemently avoided blush. I could never seem to make it look natural; it turned me into a clown (which is terrifying because clowns are terrifying. Seriously. How do clowns make children happy?). However, once I finally learned proper blending technique, I grew fond of Benefit’s “Bella Bamba” blush. It has great pigmentation, blends nicely, and doesn’t make you appear clownish. Those are three pluses for me.

#4 Urban Decay Eyeshadow “Primer Potion” ($20)

Personally, primers aren’t something I like to spend a lot of money on; I don’t find them particularly interesting. I don’t blame my lack of interest on the marketing strategies of makeup companies. It’s probably hard to glamorize a product that’s main function is to be covered up by makeup. What are they supposed to say? “Woohoo! Come spend $20 on a virtually colorless cream that keeps oil from ruining your makeup!” Don’t get me wrong; primer is a wonderful product that I use on a daily basis. Compared to vibrant eyeshadows and lipsticks, though, it’s somewhat boring.

Anyways, Urban Decay’s “Primer Potion” is an exception to my way of thinking. When I apply this product, my eyeshadow looks fresh and creaseless all day long. I don’t melt like the Wicked Witch of the West.

 

Moreover, when oil and sweat cannot affect my shadow, it makes the painstaking process of blending all the more worth it.

#5 Laura Geller “Baked Gelato Swirl” Illuminator in “Gilded Honey” ($26)

There’s only one thing I can think to say when it comes to highlighters: “Ooh, sparkles.” This Laura Geller Illuminator, however, speaks for itself. From the packaging to the pigmentation to the blendability (I love makeup terminology) of the product, everything is seamless. The gold highlight is striking on skin, and stays shimmery all day long.

Those are my five favorite high-end products at the moment. If you’d like to see my five favorite drugstore products, let me know in the comments. Thank you for reading.

Sincerely yours,

Paige