Hello, gorgeous readers! It is #BEAUTYMONDAY! I hope you had a fantastic weekend. I know I did! I’m with my family and my husband and we have been having a total blast. For the next week and a half, I am going to be having a series of guest posts by some pretty spectacular women and I know you won’t be disappointed. So, without further ado, meet Candice!

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I am so EXCITED to be here with you guys for a little chit-chat and to talk about my best budget makeup! A little background about me: I am a licensed Cosmetologist, an educator for Gelish where I teach at local beauty schools, I have two little girls, and I love pizza, snow cones, and pilates.

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I just want to start off with saying that this post is a huge deal for me. Let me just say…I am a die-hard Sephora, Ulta and MAC girl — I never really did the whole budget makeup deal. I just got so hooked with it that I thought that high-end was the only way to go. Don’t worry though — I have awoken from this sleep now because I have found some tried and true products that are very comparable to the high-end products. Below are some of my favorite budget makeups. I hope you enjoy!

#1 – NYX Angel Veil Primer

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This says that it is a “Skin Perfecting Primer” and I think it does just that. This product makes my skin feel baby soft, and I love that it has helped fill in my pores. It spreads out all over my face so easily and the product goes a long way. I also feel like it works really well at helping my makeup last longer. I usually buy the primer from Makeup Forever which costs me $30, but this one is only $15. Just be aware it is a little thinner and white instead of a tan color…but this is still a great alternative if you don’t want to spend too much on a primer.

#2 – Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Concealer

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I am obsessed with the Urban Decay Naked concealer, but I recently tried out this one by Maybelline and I love it. It is so much cheaper and I think it works just as well. I do notice it does crease a little more, but I just set it with some powder and that helps a ton. The color payoff is incredible. I feel like this concealer is almost brighter than the Urban Decay brand and this one makes me look more awake and alive. I like to apply it under my eyes on top of my foundation with a damp beauty sponge. It really helps brighten things up and cover up some dark circles. I really am going crazy with how much I like this.

#3 – Morphe Eyeshadow Palettes

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I can go on and on about my Morphe palette because I love it that much. I paid around $20 and have so many shades of amazing quality eyeshadows. Each one of the large variety blends out very well. The pigments are incredible and last all day. I really don’t have one bad thing to say. The one I have is the 35K palette and it has the BEST neutrals. It comes with 35 colors and have lasted me at least a year (and still looks like it has barely been used). I really believe this is a great find and very much worth the money.

#4 – ColourPop Super Shock Shadow (shade Tassel)

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Did I tell you the price of this one? No? $5!!! Yes, FIVE DOLLARS. Every shadow, every shade. Colourpop has plenty of shades to choose from. You’ve probably seen other bloggers and YouTubers rave about this brand because it really is amazing and very affordable. If you haven’t tried this brand yet: just do it already. At this price, what do you have to lose?

#5 – Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer

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Ok I feel like we need to have a moment of silence for this bronzer……… I have heard so many people going crazy over this bronzer and I decided to go to my local Target and get it. I was super hesitant about getting it and even put it back a couple of times because I felt like it was kinda pricey for a drugstore bronzer. It was $14 so I decided to get it anyways and I do not regret it at all! This bronzer smells like straight up coconut and the packaging is incredible — AND it blends out SO gorgeous. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think this will replace my Benefit “Hula” bronzer (which I love), but that one is $30, so I scored big time on this one.

#6 – Essence Blush Up!

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This blush is my new best friend. I’m the type a person that loves a strong pink cheek. This blush allows me to use the darker side for my all over cheek color, then use the light pink side for the apples of my cheeks. This blush is another replacement for my “high-end blushes”. I will warn you that this is HIGHLY pigmented so just barely putting some on your brush and it will go a long way. This is in the shade 20 Pinky Flow. I have used this color every time I have done my makeup since I got it.

#7 – Pixi by Petra Beauty Blush duo

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I have this color in the shade Rose Gold and I have been super impressed with Pixi by Petra products. I received this blush/highlighter in my ipsy bag and as you can tell from the picture, I need to buy a new one because I have been using it so much. The highlighter in this is great for my lighter skin tone. It’s not an icy cold white, but rather has a great cream ivory highlight and I love it. The blush is really good too, but you do have to build up a lot on your brush, though it is still very pretty.

#8 – Covergirl Katy Kat Matte (shade Magenta Minx)

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This lipstick has got me feeling like I’m a firework from Katy Perry’s song because these Katy Perry lip colors are so gorgeous. I was super surprised how much I loved them. They are so pigmented, last a long time, and have a pretty shine to them. They are not matte at all, well at least this color wasn’t. The only thing that I don’t love is they taste kinda funny, but hey, I can look past that for how much I love the color and the price.

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Anyways, thanks so much for letting me taking over here at Blonde & Ambitious! I hope you enjoyed these drugstore favorites and can add some new items to your collection for a good price. It has been so much fun guest posting! I’m such a huge fan of Taylor. 🙂

Shop this post: NYX angel veil primer / Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Concealer / Morphe Eyeshadow Palettes / ColourPop Super Shock Shadow (shade Tassel) / Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer / Essence Blush Up! / Pixi by Petra Beauty Blush duo / Covergirl Katy Kat Matte (shade Magenta Minx)

And there you have it, kids. Candice’s guide to budget makeup and an easy summer face. I definitely have some new products to try, and I know you do now, too! What are your favorite drugstore beauty gems? I would love to hear it!

Be sure to visit Candice over at Hello Pretties Blog and show her some love! She has an awesome hair tutorial up right now so you can learn how to do the awesome braid showcased in this post!!

Stay tuned for some more amazing guest blogs coming this week! 

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70 Comments

  14. Thank you for this. I am not a make-up person. Don’t get me wrong I wear make-up but I don’t really know anything about it and I am quite horrible at applying it to my face. So, I don’t like to spend a lot on it. I would rather buy paint and some fabric. LOL!

    I appreciate your reviews and will definitely go looking for some of these products!

    Reply

  19. I rarely wear makeup, and one reason is because it’s so expensive for quality! Thanks for showing me there is another, more affordable way!

    Reply

  24. I have been looking for a concealer for a while now! I haven’t ever used one and never knew where to start. I think I will start with your suggestion 🙂

    Reply

  26. I don’t like spending a lot on make-up so this is just what I need! I can’t believe how affordable these items are, that’s really awesome! Thanks for the list and for a tutorial as well.

    Reply

  27. I’ve been experimenting with bolder lip colors lately and I’m LOVING that pink you’re wearing! I need to check out that line!

    Reply

  31. Very pretty! I don’t think I have tried any of those products. We are going shopping tomorrow, I may have to check these out especially the eyeshadows!

    Reply

  33. Great products! I am a big fan of NYX and need to try the primer. I love makeup products that are good and not super expensive. I love the pink lip color also!

    Reply

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