High-End Ery'thang

The woes of being a college student with a part-time minimum wage job are plentiful, but with a little  help from the scrappy saving that go into my "Treat Yo'self Fund" and the occasional holiday/birthday treats and splurges (mine come all in one go in December) I am slowly building out my little makeup trove of high-end goodies. I don't know what it is about the brand name label and sleek, sturdy packaging, but as superficial as it sounds, I find using nicer products and indulging a little bit in yourself is always a satisfying feeling! I've finally collected up enough high-end products to create a whole look, so that's what I'm sharing with you today. I think investing in the staples is the way to go, but I don't reach for all of these every day. Changing my routine up from the usual use-and-abuse drugstore products (though I don't know where I'd be without them!) to a little more luxurious selection made for a really fun morning! Also, excuse the unruly hair -- nothing worked in getting it camera-appropriate today. 

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BASE: Tarte Amazonian Clay 24hr Airbrush Foundation + Airbuki Bamboo Powder Foundation Brush
This magical powder foundation but basically melts into the skin. Like a lot of reviews I read before purchasing said, it doesn't seem like it's doing much when you first buff it in, but by the time I'm done with my makeup it looks like my skin has a naturally smooth touch and is really evened out. I love how lightweight it is and how natural it looks while still covering up the redness and pores.

CHEEKS: Benefit Box Blush - Dandelion, Too Faced Glamour to Go Palette - Fairy Edition
Sweeping on any Benefit Box Blush is a treat because they smell absolutely gorgeous (a slight floral hint) and it's a foolproof formula - you can never apply too much of Dandelion, which gives the most natural flush of perk-me-up baby pink to the cheeks. I also busted out my Glamour to Go palette today (I always forget about this little sucker) to lightly bronze up the "3" zone of my face.

EYES: NARS Eyeshadow Duo - Charade, Make Up Forever Smoky Extravagant Mascara (Sample Size)
My wonderful roommates pitched in to get me the NARS Charade duo for my birthday a few years back and it's one of those products I always come back to and am like "Oooh yeah!" It's a subtle look but the touch of purple really accentuates the green in my hazel eyes without overdoing it on the brightness front. Today I tested out my Sephora sample of the Make Up Forever mascara and the size of the brush was so alarming I had to close it back up right quick before mustering up the courage to face this monster again. It's not the best or the worst mascara I've used, but probably not going to use it again due to the fear factor brought on by this scary spiral contraption.

LIPS: MAC Syrup
Can I say anything more about this product? I've already raved. Check it out here.

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Products mentioned:

Tarte Amazonian Clay 24hr Airbrush Foundation    /    Airbuki Bamboo Powder Foundation Brush    /    Benefit Box Blush - Dandelion    /    MAC Syrup

Too Faced Glamour to Go Palette - Fairy Edition    /    NARS Eyeshadow Duo - Charade    /    Make Up Forever Smoky Extravagant Mascara