I used to be a faithful MAC girl, until one of the makeup artists at a MAC store let me in on a little secret! Many of the products, from high end to low end have the same ingredients! The packaging and marketing costs account for the huge gap in pricing. True, many of the celebs endorse Mac, but now lower priced brands are being supported by famous faces as well! (If you’re into that sort of thing).

If you are not familiar with NYX cosmetics (pronounced Nix), I suggest you take a look at the website http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/. Although it is not as intricate and expensive looking as MAC’s website, the NYX product assortment is just as fab!  The colors are just as bold and pigmented and the quality is comparable. NYX can be ordered online or found in your local drug store or beauty supply store.

EYES

Check out the drastic price difference in the eye shadows below. They are the exact same size and both have an equal  pigmentation level. Proper application and blending are very important factors in making your look work for you. Start having fun with bold colors and styles. Maybeline and NYX both carry great liquid liners and mascaras. My favorite mascara is Maybelline Voluminous lash! It’s bold and long lasting! If you are in need of further instruction, Youtube has tons of freelance artists that give tutorials on different makeup looks as well. Start your research there!

 $4.50 NYX Cosmetics Eyeshadow

$15.00 MAC Cosmetics Eyeshadow

FOUNDATIONS

Your foundation is the biggest part of a refined perfect face. As long as you know your skin type, finding the perfect match is no longer considered rocket science. As opposed to $35 coverage products, opt for Maybelline  http://www.maybelline.com/Products.aspx . It’s effective and boasts a hypo- allergenic formula. If you love Mac Studio Fix, try Maybelline’s Queen collection for the same coverage! I’m also a long time user of Matte Mouse by Maybelline. It will forever remain a staple in my beauty routine.

BRUSHES   

Now that you have all this amazing product, how do you get it on your face? Well, brushes are the deciding factor between a professional look and a poorly done job. One of the best investments I’ve made this year is the Sonia Kashuk brush set from Target. I noticed an EXTREME difference in how my makeup turned out before and after investing $25 on a set of nice brushes. The set includes a foundation brush (not a sponge like I previously used) 5 other useful brushes. I now have a more uniform look because the brush fibers glide fluidly across my skin providing even distribution. If you want minimal use, the key necessity is the multi-purpose brush! It can be used for foundation, blush and bronzer application!

$13 Mutli- purpose brush http://www.target.com/p/sonia-kashuk-core-tools-large-duo-fibre-multipurpose-brush-no-115/-/A-11909446?reco=Rec|pdp|11909446|ClickCP|item_page.new_vertical_1&lnk=Rec|pdp|ClickCP|item_page.new_vertical_1

$25 Brush Set http://www.target.com/p/sonia-kashuk-gilded-cage-holiday-brush-set-6-pc/-/A-14255725#prodSlot=medium_1_14

STARTING FROM WITH IN

Your inner beauty is a reflection of your outer beauty, therefore a proper skin care regimen is key. With proper diet, exercise and a special attention to your face, makeup becomes a fun extension of your beauty NOT a necessity.

While at a day spa, I noticed a lady of 70 years+ with unbearably perfect skin. She was void of wrinkles, blemishes and the wear and tear of age. She caught me staring at her and so I was prompted to inquire about her secret to the fountain of youth. She told me that she avoided heavy alcohol all her life and had minimal amounts of red meat (It may be too late for me on these two). She also said that she constantly drinks water and exfoliates every day!

From that day forward, I began exfoliating. I do not do harsh micodermabrasions or peels. I just use a light apricot scrub and a facial brush. I have seen a change in skin texture and I rarely have breakouts because my pores are cleansed thoroughly quite often. Check out this quick clip! It demonstrates how you can get the products you need to start your own $10 facial care treatment.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psAmr7Ddcs8

A good moisturizer also helps in retaining elasticity in the skin. This can be a bit challenging, but remember, no matter your skin type, you should choose an alcohol/fragrance free moisturizer. I’ve tried tons of day creams, night creams and all things in between and I’ll admit that this time, I’ve gotten the best results from the $32 MAC Studio Moisture Cream.  It can be worn at bedtime or you can use it right before you apply your makeup.

Check out Naja’s Youtube channel for health, beauty, hair and makeup tutorials! http://www.youtube.com/user/BeautyBar22

You can also check out her blog HERE

Naja Matthews is an author, social critic and lifestyle blogger. She hails from Memphis, TN but can currently be found in Harlem televising the revolution.