Beat on a Budget: Editorial Makeup

Let's talk makeup. I love makeup. It's how I make a living and it's something I have quite a strong passion for. I've been doing my own makeup (well, at least doing it well) since high school. It took me a lot of time, patience and practice to develop a hand for makeup. I have had some crazy things done to my face for photoshoots and have even had horrible reactions from makeup used. However, if I had not been able to experience the true beauty of natural editorial makeup, I would never have developed such a love for this look. But one huge problem that I faced in trying to recreate this quintessential look was that I couldn't afford the products that the makeup artists were using to achieve a "glowing from within" effect. I had to do some dutiful research in order to find affordable products the gave me the same look. And with this research, I have found my holy grail products that keep me feeling fresh off of the makeup chair and camera ready- all affordable and safe for sensitive skin. I have focused this post based on what steps in this look I find most important, which are: skin, brows, and blush. Editorial focuses on the "less is more" approach, and I was so surprised when I realized that the makeup artists I was working with let my actual skin show and brought out the natural features of my face instead of trying to adjust them to fit a different beauty ideal. My first product that is my ultimate saving grace, is L'Oreal Pro-Glow Foundation. After applying a thin layer of this medium coverage foundation, my skin has the perfect balance of dewiness all while blending out smoothly and covering my skin imperfections. Dewiness is a key component of editorial makeup and this $13 foundation nails it. The next item that I recommend is the E.L.F Eyebrow Gel that's sold for...$5. Eyebrows have really had their ups and downs in the fashion industry- in just 10 years, thin eyebrows were in, then out, and finally replaced with unapologetically bushy brows. I haven't shaped my eyebrows in over 3 years and still want them to look bigger. I take this clear gel and comb through my brows, first against the grain and then upwards to add volume and thickness. The last step is one that can be a little frightening to newcomers, and that step is blush. I adore blush no matter what the color or the finish. In a steal, I was able to get a mini collection of Benefit blushes for $20 at Ulta, and I have kept the baby blush in my makeup bag ever since. I add the shade Dandelion to the apples of my cheeks and across the bridge of my nose for a natural sun-kissed look. I don't have perfect skin and I don't always wear makeup, but when I do I swear by these products and have easily repurchased them many times. All of the products are linked within this post!- Char