Today's post will be a bit different, but I wanted to share some of my makeup favorites that I have been loving lately. Most products listed below are drugstore brands (with the exception of one product) and mostly affordable. Please note that most of the products are for dry, sensitive skin and eczema-friendly.
Disclaimer: this is not sponsored and none of the products in this post are PR products. I am not monetarily compensated nor are the links provided affiliation links. This is also not (really) a makeup review post. While these products have proven to be sensitive skin friendly and eczema-friendly for me, it may be different for other eczema/dermatitis folks, so always do a skin test or ask your dermatologist before trying.
FOR SKINCARE (aka moisturizers + sunscreen)
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream for very dry sensitive skin ($10.99) | I have the 8.8oz jar as a refill for the 1oz travel-size container I bought at Bed, Bath & Beyond (not available online, unfortunately) that I use.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 ($9.99) | This may be on the higher price point side of sunscreens (at least to me) but using my red card at Target with family discount affords me to get it for 15% cheaper. This is the one splurge I suggest for super sensitive, extra dry/flaky skin and eczema-prone skin as the formula is water-based and applies easily and smooth.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Water Gel Face Moisturizer ($7.99) | Neutrogena's Hydro Boost line are a godsend for people with dry and sensitive skin like me. The full size is a bit pricey so I buy the trial size which makes it perfect to take on the go and for traveling. It has hyaluronic acid so it is incredibly hydrating. I used to use a french brand called Vichy Aqualia Thermal Mineral Water Gel moisturizer, but Target stopped selling the trial size and the regular size costs more than I'm willing to spend. Neutrogena Hydro Boost is a great dupe.
FOR FACE
Maybelline Face Studio Master Primer 'Hydrate + Smooth' ($5.29) | I've used the Elf hydrating primer for the past few years but recently made the switch to Maybelline's primers, specifically their "hydrate + smooth" product, and it is absolutely amazing and hydrating, especially in the cold, dry seasons. This is for those with dry skin, but they have a line of other primers for redness control, pore minimizer and more.
Milani Eyeshadow Primer ($5.99) | This primer comes in one shade in a squeeze bottle instead of a tube with an applicator, so the formula is thicker and less creamy/liquid than their tube primer counterparts. It applies as a nude base and it's crease-proof. It's also (animal) cruelty-free and vegan friendly. I don't wear eyeshadow on a daily basis but it does help make my eyeliner and, on occasion that I do wear eyeshadow, foil eyeshadow pop more. Since it isn't as creamy as other eyeshadow primers - it's more on the drier side which helps from creasing - it does grab onto whatever you put on top of it so be mindful when it comes to blending and using transition shadows.
NYX Professional Makeup Microbrow Pencil ($9.99) | Shade: black or espresso. This retractable eyebrow pencil complete with a built-in spoolie on the other end glides on easily and allows for easy switching between filling in and brushing out the brows. It's buildable and allows to make realistic hair-like strokes for a natural brow look, or fill in for a dark, thick brow look. Admittedly, it doesn't work as well as brow pomades, as most pencils don't. Elf also has a great brow pencil as well at an even more affordable price.
Milani Stay Put Eyeliner Crayon ($6.99) | Shade: Linked On Black. Crayon eyeliners work better than powder eyeliners, but I mostly use this to line my waterline and tightline. It is so pigmented and defines my eyes, and it stays on pretty long. It applies smoothly as opposed to the actual pencil eyeliners that are impossible to line your waterline without stabbing your eye in the process. It's also waterproof and transfer resistant. If you're looking for a liner to line your waterline and tightline, I'd recommend this one or their 24hour liner. I also bounce between this and Maybelline Eye Studio Master Kajal Eyeliner from time to time. Both work fantastic and can also be used as eyeliner on the eyelid.
Maybelline Falsies Lash Lift Waterproof Mascara ($8.99) | The waterproof version of this mascara only comes in one color: black, while the non-waterproof Falsies mascara comes in a few more colors. Pro tip: always go for waterproof mascara's for a more voluminous and lifted eyelash look. It also holds curls and lasts longer. This works pretty good but L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise is still is my favorite.
Physician's Formula Butter Bronzer ($7.67) | Shade: Bronzer. This bronzer is know for its buttery formula which is fitting. It is buildable and applies smooth like butter (lol I love puns). Can work as either bronzer or contour, to be honest. It's hypoallergenic, gluten-free, aluminum-free, paraben-free and (animal) cruelty-free.
Wet n Wild Megaglo Highlighting Powder ($4.99) | Shade: Golden Flower Crown. Wet n Wild offers a lot of products that are inexpensive and one of them is their highlighting powder. I love how well this highlighter shines especially for a powder. You can go for a subtle, sheer highlight that will give a more natural glow, or you can build it up for full glam night out. There's only three shades so far but they're all so pretty. I also like Maybelline Face Studio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter in 'molten gold' which works on all skin types.
Almay Velvet Foil Cream Eyeshadow ($6.99) | Shade: Golden Vibes. For a more pigmented shimmer-y shadow look, I really like foil cream eyeshadows and Almay has good ones in variety of colors. I also like the End Game shade as well which is more dark brown. They have other vibrant shades from blue, purple and red in their 11 shade range as well. I mostly use this as my inner corner highlight.
Morphe 3B Pure Nude Eyeshadow Palatte ($6.99) | In my venture to try eyeshadows but didn't want to make a big purchase, I bought a three shade mini eyeshadow palatte from Morphe. The shades are a dark brown (Deep Hue), medium brown (Kinda Natural) and a mute pink color (Velvet). The colors are a bit dark for me so I don't use this palette much, but if you're looking for a high-pigmented matte eyeshadow in the nude ranges and don't want more than a handful of colors then this is for you.
Almay Velvet Foil Cream Eyeshadow ($6.99) | Shade: Golden Vibes. For a more pigmented shimmer-y shadow look, I really like foil cream eyeshadows and Almay has good ones in variety of colors. I also like the End Game shade as well which is more dark brown. They have other vibrant shades from blue, purple and red in their 11 shade range as well. I mostly use this as my inner corner highlight.
Wet n Wild Photofocus Natural Finish Setting Spray ($4.99) | Another product I love of Wet n Wild is their setting spray. While they offer other setting sprays for different skin types and aromas, this one applies as a dewy finish, so this is a good setting spray for dry skin folks going for a dewy look. Out of all the drugstore and high end setting sprays I've tried over the years, I always come back to this one as it gives me the dewy look my skin needs. It may not help keep makeup stay on that long but it still works pretty good, and the way it sprays is better than many others. I just wish that it came in a bigger bottle or didn't run out so fast.
Maybelline Face Studio Lasting Fix Setting Spray ($7.99) | This is for those who are looking for a more matte makeup look and lasts for up to 16 hours. I use this occasionally and only on this one shiny, oily spot in the middle of my forehead to mattify (?) it. I used to use the Master Fix setting spray which was dry skin friendly but I haven't been able to find it anymore.
♥ What makeup products do you guys use?
What are your favorites? What did not work for you? ♥
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