My Beauty Routine Is Sucking My Wallet Dry, And I Don't Regret It #BeautyAddictProbs
I’ve always had this fantasy that I would be able to win some Instagram contest that allowed me to gain free makeup for a lifetime (Ok, even a year would be totally cool). I see myself highlighting, contouring and lip lining all at the expense of unknown makeup goddess somewhere in internet-land.
However, this is not my reality. My reality is that while I adore buying and trying out fun makeup products, they sure do eat up my wallet up. Not until recently did I do a cost-analysis on my daily makeup routine. Not surprisingly, it was a lot more than I had anticipated. I’m self-proclaimed Sephora-o-holic. In one shop, I find all the glamorous makeup wonders a gal could dream of. It’s safe to say that I’ve found products I really love. After I find products I vibe with, it’s hard to sway from the brands I know and trust.
So, let me start with my morning skin care routine:
I start off with a cleansing oil. Noni Glow Face Oil ($68) is divine.
This product helps with skin dullness. One major aspect is that it assists with uneven skin tone. I noticed a reduction with the redness in my cheek area using this product. I have combination skin. It’s hard finding a Face oil that doesn’t make my face look shiny, but this is it. It makes my skin feel glowy and sungoddessy ( and yes, I just made that word up).
Next, it’s time for toner. Kiel’s Since 1951 ($45)
It combats against dryness. Being almost 30, I dig that this product reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. I’m all about some preventive measures when it comes to wrinkles and making sure my skin is at its healthiest.
Next, I use No. 3 Exotic Goddess Ageless by Edible Beauty serum ($54).
The good news is, this product lasts a while because you only need a small amount to see the effects. I’ve noticed my skin looks firmer and helps to reduce redness, as well as the Noni Glow Face Oil. This product has natural SPF to protect against the sun’s harmful rays. Finally, I apply a light moisturizer that doesn’t leave my face feeling greasy.
I just started using Purity Made Simple Ultra-Light Moisturizer by Philosophy ($25).
The product has helped reduce pore size in a short amount of time, while keeping my skin feeling super moisturized. Used sparingly, these products usually last me about 6 months. I totally dig how light this product feels on my face. The moisturizer makes my skin feel incredible without the heavy, greasy feeling.
TOTAL COST: $192 every 6 months or $384 a year
Next let’s chat about my daytime routine:
I like to keep my daytime look fairly natural. Living in Nashville, the summer air is really dense with sticky heat. Instead of going too heavy on makeup and having it melt off my face, I like to stay with light, airy products that can stand the heat.
First, I like to apply a primer. I’m super into Stila Stay All Day 10-in-1 HD Illuminating Beauty Balm ($19)
One of my favorite aspects of this product is that it has SPF 30. Protecting your face against the sun’s rays is important, especially if you live in a climate with lots of sunshine. This primer reduces pore size and helps with shine, too. My dream come true (finally)!
Up next is foundation. My all-time favorite foundation is NARS Luminous Weightless Foundation in Stromboli ($49)
When I’m wearing this product, it feels like I’m barely wearing any foundation. This foundation is fantastic with not feeling melty in the heat. I also like any makeup product named after a carb because it’s fun and I like pizza. But honey- it’s a no grease zone here.
Now, it’s on to concealer. Concealer may be my most loved makeup tool because it hides blemishes and dark circles - my two arch nemesis. Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof 12-Hour Concealer is my dream product ($25).
I like that it’s full-coverage, lasts 12 hours and the fun design allows for easy coverage when you’re on the move.
provides just enough coverage to still feel light and airy with my daytime look. The product has Vitamin C to brighten the appearance of skin.
After applying powder, I use a little bronzer to get a slight contour going. Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Summer Glow Multi-Palette is great. This product has bronzer, blush and highlighter in one compact ($50).
I apply just a touch of bronzer, just to get a sun kissed glow. I then apply the blush and highlight directly after. You’ll be looking like Kim Kardashian in no time when using this product. Trust me on that.
My choice of eyeliner is the liquid kind. Milani Stay Put Matte 17HR Wear Liquid Eyeliner provides coverage for so long without needing to apply over and over ($6.99). Now, there just needs to be an invention for steading your hand while applying liquid eyeliner and the world willl be forever changed.
Lastly, I add some mascara. The mascara I swear by is L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara in ‘Blackest Black’ ($5.84)
I’ve tried more expensive mascaras, but this one really makes my lashes so long and gorgeous. I will cheer so hard for this mascara in the mascara playoffs if that was a thing.
TOTAL COST: $182.83 every 3 months or $731.32 a year
Additional Night on the Town Products:
My nighttime routine is about the same as my daytime routine as far as my coverage goes, but I usually add some eyeshadow to elevate the look for the night. For this, I have two eyeshadow palettes. The first is Anastasia Beverly Hills Aurora Glow Kit ($40).
This palette is awesome for nighttime looks because it has a metallic finish and shines on the dance floor. However, my dance moves could use some work, but who’s judging?
The second palette I like is Tarte Highlighting Eyeshadow Palette Vol III - Rainforest of the Sea Collection ($46).
I adore this palette because if I’m feeling more of a demure look or have a strong lipstick, l’ll go for the natural looking shadow. It’s a creamy eyeshadow, too, so you don’t need a primer. This product makes me feel totally glam and allows me to put on my best “eye flirt with the cute guy across the room” eyes.
TOTAL COST: $86 every six months or $172 a year
Now for the Hair Products
Keeping my hair in check takes some time. For shampoo I use Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo ($26). This helps smooth my hair out and conditions.
For conditioner, I like Fresh Seaberry Revitalizing Conditioner ($27). It leaves my hair feeling weightless and smells really good!
I apply a serum to my hair before blow drying for heat protection. My favorite serum is Kiehl’s Since 1851 Silk Groom Serum ($18). This protects my hair against heat while making it feel silky.
For hairspray I use Bumble & Bumble bb Strong Finish Firm Hold Hairspray ($30). I like it because it has a strong hold without making my hair feel “crunchy.”
TOTAL COST: $71 every 6 months or $142 a year
Even though these products cost me a grand total of $1,237.32, they are ones that I know and love. They complete my total look, so that I am ready to face the world. I’m still daydreaming about that Instagram win, though.
