What makes the best drugstore blush-contour-concealer combo so great? It really depends on what you’re looking for, whether that’s a full-coverage cream to make your acne disappear, or a lightweight, glowy liquid to conceal under-eye circles and bags. Don’t worry though, I’ve got you covered. If you’ve read my past posts I’ve already given you the perfect skin care, foundation, and brow products so next is contour blush and conceal.
First, I like to start with contours. I love a good bronze look. Similar to how lipstick defines our lips, mascara defines our eyes, and contouring will help emphasize your bone structure. This brings out the definition of our cheekbones and jaw. When shopping for liquid contour, the key is to go for cooler tones that mimic a shadow. Warmer tones on the other hand tend to look more like a bronzer, which does not have the same effect. As of right now, my top liquid contour is the e.l.f. Cosmetics Camo Liquid Contour. You only need a couple drops and it’s such a perfect easy blend with a glowing touch. If you’re going for a lighter makeup, one of the best affordable products out there is the e.l.f. Halo Glow Contour Beauty Wand is ideal for anyone looking for a quality formula that won’t break your bank, and will offer a slightly more sheer coverage.
Now once you’re all sharp and carved, you’re gonna want just a hint of blush to really bring out your cheeks. Whether you want to add a wash of color or sculpt your cheeks, blush is non-negotiable for your makeup kit. The e.l.f. Camo Liquid Blushes are perfect for achieving a dewy, flushed complexion. The e.l.f. Camo Liquid Blushes have a lightweight, buildable formula that provides a natural-looking flush to the cheeks. Also it is extremely pigmented so a little goes a long way. The NYX Sweet Cheeks Soft Cheek Tint Cream Blush is also a great pick, and I appreciate how blendable this is upon first application. I recommend working fast because it quickly dries down. Enjoy the freeing feeling of going bare-faced, courtesy of its lightweight formula. Honestly, liquid blush is probably one of the easiest products and going high end isn’t necessary at all.
Lastly, I like to do concealer. Sometimes I get a little carried away with the contour and blush, so concealer is a nice way to clean it up. a concealer should be slightly lighter than your foundation to really add some brightness and contrast to the contour to get that defined look. Dark circles and breakouts happen to the best of us, but the right concealer can work as a magic eraser, making problem spots disappear. While there are plenty of high-end options to choose from, some of our favorite concealers come from the drugstore. Do you prefer cream or liquid? Stick or pot? Just like shades, there are now more type and consistency options than ever before, with something to fit everyone’s preferences. If you have dry skin, opt for something containing hydrating ingredients. For those with oily skin, a matte option might be best to control shine.
The best “Long-Wear” concealer would go to e.l.f. Cosmetics 16HR Camo Concealer, this product provides good coverage without needing multiple layers, and it has a fantastic, thick formula that goes on smoothly. The “Best Matte” concealer is Black Opal True Tone Brightening Concealer. This concealer offers a beautiful matte finish with a formula that goes on smoothly and provides ample coverage. We also love that it’s made with ingredients that help brighten the skin’s appearance. Now “Best for Blemishes” is the Neutrogena Blemish Concealer. When you’re prone to breakouts, you want a concealer that can cover your blemishes without making them more severe. It also blended well, doesn’t appear cakey, and doesn’t crease or fade throughout the day. Best “Shade Ranges” would be CoverGirl TruBlend Undercover Concealer. It is creamy but not too thick, the lightweight consistency is easy to blend and feels comfortable on the skin, even after it dries to a matte finish. But my favorite part? It comes in 30 different shades. It does dry quickly though, so you should blend it right away.
I can’t wait to continue the next steps to the perfect routine. Make sure to tune into Bougie on a Budget!