-Special thanks to my sister, Taylor, for writing this post!-
As a full-time student, summer is the only time I can actually work a job that pays decent money. And with that money (and my distinct lack of impulse control), often come splurges. But, with the ever-looming fear of student loan debt, a few saves are made along the way as well.
The first is equal parts splurge and save for me, just to get the ball rolling. It’s the bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream. Mine’s in the shade Buttercream if you happen to care. But let’s just pause for a second so I can thank God this came into my life. Seriously, as someone with patchy skin and large pores, I had previously given up on ever having something more than concealer as coverage. But my prayers were answered in the form of this tinted moisturizer. It’s a splurge at $29 for not too large of a tube (35 mL, so it could be worse I suppose), but a long-term save because it has booted my YSL Touche Eclat Foundation out of my favorite list (and this is half the price. Once again, all hail the makeup gods.)
My next splurge is a product that has been popular for way longer than I have even been into—or even wearing at this point—makeup. Yup, it’s the Nars Laguna Bronzer. I stayed away from this for so long because my Irish skin was so scared of how dark it was (and I was a little afraid of the $39 price tag) and I figured there was no way I could make it work. Oh my friends was I wrong. I know it’s a cliché but it really does blend like a dream (Literally, I was applying it in my dream the other night, no joke.) and I have never dealt with it looking orange or muddy. It just makes me look like I’m healthy, which you know, I happen to be into.
My wallet breathes a sigh of relief as I bring to you my first real save—the Maybelline Brow Drama Sculpting Brow Mascara in Deep Brown. This one checks all the boxes I was looking for. Sets my brows in place? Check. Dark enough to match my hair without being tinted red? Check. Fill in gaps? Check. And all for only $7.
I have been in the market for some Mac eyeshadows for a very long time now, so this splurge was more of an inevitability than anything else. It’s the Burgundy Times Nine Palette and oh let me tell you I’m in heaven. I have hazel eyes so the golden/burgundy shades are perfect for making them pop. I’m sure you’ve heard time and time again that Mac eyeshadows are amazing and this is me telling you everything you’ve ever read was telling you the truth. This palette is my new baby (although most babies don’t cost $41.)
And let’s finish with a save. It’s no secret I, as well as most people, are very likely to splurge when it comes to lip products. I myself invested in a new Nars Audacious Lipstick (in Audrey. Swoon.) just a few days ago but I decided not to go into that too much since Kelsey has it as well/has probably talked your ear off about it. But I’m also here for cheap but lovely lipsticks, and that’s what I found in the Revlon ColorBurst Balm Stain, specifically in the shades Honey and Lovesick, although I do own 5 others. I’ve worn these non stop this summer: they’re super easy to apply and the colors are beautiful. All around, an amazing $8 spent on each.
(Hey the best part is all of these can be put together for one awesome look. Which I do. Every day.)
Taylor is a 19-year-old Political Science major/Journalism minor at Northeastern University. She would love to run a beauty blog of her own, but as she doesn't have enough time she takes over on Beauty by Kelsey from time to time. She likes cats, feminism, and pretending she's Leslie Knope.