Makeup is fun expression for me rather than covering imperfections or changing who I am. Whether I want to be cute, basic, or a dark diva, playing with technique is stimulating and exciting. As someone intrigued by textures due to sensory sensitivities, I also care about finding products that perform well and don’t make me want to claw at my face/bite at my lips.
The products I repeatedly purchase are comfortable, quality, and completely cruelty-free! This is a no gatekeeping zone, so here are my constants you should also run and grab. I’d also love to know what your “holy grail” products are!
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara
I’m adventurous with makeup and willing to try new products; mascara isn’t a product I experiment with, though. Once I find one I like, I stick with it. The curiosity around the 2017 hype for Essence’s waterproof Lash Princess formula overwhelmed my mind, and I bought my first tube from Ulta. Now I can’t even tell you how many tubes I’ve purchased over the years.
This mascara does not budge. If you want something that lasts you through a night at the goth club or high-intensity event like a festival, this is your girl. (Just invest in a good cleansing balm or oil cleanser; you need one to get this off your lashes.) It’s also extremely affordable at $4.99 a tube.
NYX Suede Matte Lipstick & Liner
Lipstick ties with eyeshadow for my favorite makeup to play with. While the rest of me bathes in black fabric, I love color on my face. And I’ve had great luck with these liners and lipsticks at an affordable $9.00 price. (I’m talking this lipstick has lasted 9+ hours without touch-ups.)
The only downside of this line recently is the lack of color selection for the lipstick bullets. The Suede Matte Lipstick collection had a variety of fun colors years ago including greens and (I think) blues that are gone today. However, the reds “Spicy” and “Kitten Heels” are to die for with “Kitten Heels” getting me multiple compliments.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Volumizing Tinted Brow Gel
I have enough eyebrow hair; I feel no need to go crazy on them. I use one product for my brows, and it’s this tinted brow gel. The tube includes this thin applicator that easily coats every hair. All I do is brush the pigment in from the ends in and it’s done — nothing more to say.
Anastasia Beverly Hills has a good selection covering numerous hair colors. It’s the priciest product at $26.00, but this gel doesn’t budge off your face and lasts a long time.
NYX Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Liner
The NYX Epic Ink Liner is my go-to recommendation to people looking for an all-day liner. As frustrating as it is when you mess up the application, this stuff doesn’t move without cleansing balm or oil. This product even (mostly) lasted through me sleeping with makeup on once or twice by accident. (Please don’t do that.)
This is the best $10.00 purchase you could make for your makeup inventory. It lasts forever, and the pigmentation is chef’s kiss. Getting a bold black is effortless, and we love low-effort on a budget.
The Soft Sea Witch 
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