Just because you need to look your best for an interview, a wedding you’re attending, photo day, or whatever it is that life throws at you, doesn’t mean you need to splurge on the most expensive products out there. There are a few staples for me when it comes preparing for important events, even at a budget.
I’ve written previously about some of my favourite high-end products that I find to be most reliable for any kinds of important occasion, and this is the budget-friendly version that doesn’t skimp on the quality. Trust me, whether it is a $5 or $50 foundation, I expect both to deliver a flawless, as full coverage as it can get, and long wear time!
+ Rimmel London 25 Hour Foundation ($5.99, available here)
For a foundation that prides itself for having a wear time longer than an actual full day, you would expect nothing less. I find this to be my favourite medium to full coverage foundation that wears as well as the Laura MercierSilk CremeFoundation without the price tag or thick, creamy texture. Great for photography too from my experience with it!
+ Maybelline Fit Me Concealer ($9, available here)
A concealer that covers everything and still look flawless and skin-like at the end of the day. It’s been dubbed as the NARS Creamy Concealer Dupe, so you know it will be good. It’s usually on sale for $6-7 and the tube lasts a very long time!
+ Inglot HD Sculpting Powder ($17, available here)
I’m obsessed with contouring my face more than adding blush or bronzing up the skin. The HD Sculpting powder from Inglot may be a little pricey but seriously looks fantastic when it comes to achieving that Victoria Beckham-esque cheekbones! All matte and no glitter, and packs a punch when it comes to pigmentation. On my NC25 skintone, I use shade #506!
+ Maybelline Fit Me Foundation Stick ($9, available here)
This is one of those super versatile product that actually works best for everything BUT as a foundation. The shade Toffe is a little too orange to be a proper contour shade, so I use it primarily as a bronzing cream stick. I’ve been known to switch up between the Fit Me Concealer and the lighter shade of the Foundation stick as a concealer as well.
+ Real Techniques Miracle Sponge ($6, available here)
Need I say more about this product? It saved my Dior Star Foundation from going to the dumps and makes every other foundation and look incredibly natural and skin-like! I don’t think this sponge can do anything bad and it’s so so much cheaper than the Beauty Blender while delivering the same results. It ensures your foundation and concealer applies evenly and without any patchy spots – important for any picture-taking events!
+ Annabelle Twist Up Lip Pencil ($9)
This range of lip pencil from the Canadian brand, Annabelle is one of my favourite for its high quality formula, great wear-time and an abundance of shade. The easy to slip-into-your-purse pencil format guarantees great application each time and no feathering. Enriched with super hydrating ingredients such as Vitamin E, this lipstick nourishes as much as it delivers great colour. This colour ensures that your lips look lovely for hours on end without highlighting any dry or flaky bits.
+ Avene Eau Thermal Spray ($14-22, available here)
This magical spray in a bottle is unlike any other facial mists I’ve tried though. I was equally cynical and skeptic about the product’s claims but I’ve slowly realized how much healthier, and hydrated my skin looks after spraying a quick mist. When I’m out of my favourite Urban Decay B6 Setting Spray, I will turn to this and get the same results! It is quite expensive, but Shoppers Drug Mart often has promotions running on this brand.
+ Nivea Lip Balm ($3)
This is a stand-out among many lip balms I have tried. No nonsense, unscented, moisturizing and long-lasting, this tube is a keeper throughout the year.
Now it’s your turn! What are your trusted products when it comes to important events? As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Share with me comment section or through Twitter or Instagram!
I’ve been reaching out for this bronzer all the time! I can’t comment about how siilar it is to the Kevyn Aucoin one but it is a staple in my makeup bag!
Ooh, I need to try that concealer and thermal spray! I love Real Techniques’ sponge — so, so good!
Agreed with you there Steph! The Real Techniques sponge changed the way I put on my makeup and is such a lifesaver with streaky foundations!
Nice lineup! I reach for Revlon ColourStay when I want a flawless base and I agree that the Inglot Sculpting Powders are incredible! ????
I started out using the Revlon Colour Stay and I agree – it was a fantastic foundation! I need to repurchase that now that I think about it ???? It was such a staple in my bag!
The Ingot sculpting powder seems like a Kevyn Aucoin dupe–never tried anything from the brand but seems awesome!