Makeup Favorites for Tough Skin
I have long been a makeup enthusiast! I have moved between phases of wanting full glam to a ‘less is more’ vibe. I love trying different products and exploring both drugstore/affordable options and splurging on others.
As a therapist, I have tough skin in more ways than one. I am someone who has always struggled with their skin. I have psoriasis which is an autoimmune skin condition where I get dry patches but I also have always struggled with acne as well so the products I mention work well with those issues. I will include a drugstore/affordable and high-end favorite for each makeup category where it applies! Sometimes I think the affordable option is just better and other times paying more is just worth it.
Foundation
NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation
You truly can’t go wrong with this. It is the perfect amount of coverage without looking cakey and has a long wear time. And only $15 to boot. I don’t even have a high end foundation I love more than this because this is just that good. They also have 45 shades!
I’ve tied many skin tints but this is the best one! Fenty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint
Blush
The Tarte Precious Gems Amazonian Clay Cheek Palette is gorgeous. I’ve had it for two years and it’s still great! It also has a great bronzer shade in it as well.
If you want a natural blush, this is it. My mom got me the shade Dusk and it’s the perfect brownish/peach shade.
Essence The Blush is amazing! All shades are stunning. My personal favorite is the shade Bespoke. These are only $3!
Bronzer
Okay, so with bronzer, this powder is just as good as ANY high-end one. I find that most bronzers pull orange on me but this one doesn’t. Also, if you’re super pale like me, the light shade is perfect.
This is the best cream bronzer out there! They are nice and neutral and blend really well.
Mascara
I have always struggled with getting ‘racoon eyes’ from my mascara bleeding throughout the day. Tubing mascaras have been a lifesaver! Both of these are tubing mascaras, I think the edge does go to the Hourglass one because it is a little better at separating lashes. But, the Milani one is still really good and way less expensive. I also go for mascaras that separate the lashes and don’t clump up. So, if you’re looking for something volumizing, these are not for you!
Highlighter
I personally really like natural looking highlighters that give you a ‘lit from within’ look. My skin is also on the more oily side so I typically give myself my own highlighter with those oils! These are subtle highlights that work with my oily skin.
This Essence highlighter is very subtle and only $5!
Okay, so this is pricey but amazing. My friend showed this to me and I haven’t looked back. I got the mini size and it lasted me for months. I love using this on my legs and arms!
This is a great glowy product that is also a sunscreen! It is also not glittery or oily.
Powders
This Hourglass powder is holy grail. It has a slight sheen to it so you don’t look powdery at all. AND it lasts all day. It’s pricey but worth it.
As for something more afforable, this one is great. It is mattifying without looking powdery, and is only $6.
Setting spray
I personally don’t use setting sprays to make my makeup last longer, but to double up on my sun protection. This Milani spray is great.
Speaking of Sunscreen…
Supergoop is the only brand that doesn’t make my eyes burn. I have tried going cheaper, but I end up paying for it in other ways. Like with my eyes burning. Which is no fun. I personally like the Unseen Sunscreen line because my skin tends to be more oily and the mattifying one makes me dry, but you can’t go wrong with any of the Supergoops. Any of them are great depending on your skin type.
Eyeshadow
I have tried A LOT of different eyeshadows and have never noticed a difference between the cheaper to more expensive ones. My favorite has been the Elf Bite Size Eyeshadow Palette. They have a ton of different palettes with different colors but my favorites are Pumpkin Pie and I Love You A Latte.
Brows
Much like eyeshadow, brow products are all the same no matter the price tag, in my opinion.
If you’re wanting a gel with color, this one is $5 and is just as good as the Benefit one.
If you’re wanting a clear brow gel, I love this one and this brush with it.
For a pencil, I recommend this one.
Lips
The Fenty Gloss Bomb is honestly, bomb.
Most drugstore lipsticks, have a weird taste to me!
I love the MAC lipsticks. They stay a long time and smell like vanilla! I love the shades:
Viva Glam II for a nice nude brown
Modesty for the perfect nude pink
Whirl for the best brown
Eyeliner
Like mascara, I have struggled with finding eyeliners that don’t bleed or smear throughout the day.
This is my favorite liquid eyeliner. Lasts all day and doesn’t smudge.
This is the best pencil I’ve ever tried. It can be used on your waterline too and will stay all day. I personally love the shade ‘The Perfect Brown’.
