{inside my makeup bag}

I thought it would be fun to give you all a peek inside my make-up bag today. As a disclaimer...you're not going to see any fancy make-up counter stuff here. I'm a loyal drugstore product user...both because I'm on a budget, and also because I've found products that I love and I stick with.

To be honest, even if I had a larger budget for beauty items, I would still shop at the drugstore because I'm frugal like that. :)

So here are my favorite beauty items...

1. Cover Girl CG Smoothers tinted moisture

I use this instead of foundation and love the tint and coverage it offers. I also use Cover Girl loose powder {not pictured}

2. Cover Girl Invisible cream concealer

3. Cover Girl Natural Lash no color mascara

I have rather unruly eyebrows so this product is a must have for me every day.

4. Rimmel Sexy Curves mascara

LOVE this mascara. It goes on without any clumps and it has a great curved wand that gets every lash. 

5. e.l.f. blush in twinkle pink

e.l.f. cosmetics are really great products for the value. This blush is $3 and the eyeshadow you'll see below was $1 {found it at our Dollar Tree!}

6. Almay Intense eyeshadow trio

I have a lot of eyeshadow kits but this is one of my favorites. The colors are great and isn't the packaging adorable?

7. e.l.f. studio single eyeshadow in coffee bean

I use this rich dark brown as an eyeliner.

8. Wet & Wild Natural Blend Lip Shimmer in cocoa

This lip balm was $2 and is a really perfect shade for fall.

9. Bath and Body Works mentha lip shine

I usually only apply lip color in the morning before work, and use this stuff throughout the rest of the day. It has a slight pink tint and a little bit of shine.

So there you have it! My make-up essentials. I'm basically a walking ad for Cover Girl. :)

What are your makeup staples? Do you splurge at the make-up counter or rely on drugstore buys?

{Revlon Expression Experiment}

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Revlon for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I love experimenting with makeup, so I was very excited when Revlon contacted me to participate in their new Revlon Expression Experiment.



Revlon is encouaging women to express their unique personalities through bright and fun makeup colors. The kit they sent me has definitely nudged me out of my typical neutral makeup tones, and I love the results.

I started by playing with the nail polish. They included a base and top coat, and I love the "Sorbet" color...very summery!





Then I tried out the makeup, which included their makeup primer, photoready eye primer, two great eye shadow quads, and three red lipstick options.




I had never tried primer before and I have to say that it has become one of my staples since I tried it. I love how it creates a smooth layer for the rest of my makeup, and I've noticed that everything goes on easier and lasts longer when I use it.

So wanna see all of these great products in action? Let's start with a blank canvas...


{yes...I just shared a makeup-less photo with all of the internet. Yikes.}

Here I am after applying the makeup primer and photoready eye primer...already much better...



Then I had lots of fun with the "Inspired" eyeshadow quad. I love the shades of green and blue. The back of the packaging even includes a photo tutorial on how to use the different colors...



I varied a bit from their suggestion and used the light celery green all over my eye lid, the darker green on half of my lid, the blue in the outer corner, and the deep purple as an eyeliner...




I was really happy with the results...the colors can be used boldly or in a more subtle way, so they are very versatile.

I finished my face off with the "Cherry Tart" Colorburst Lip Butter. I'm not much of a red lipstick wearer, but I was pleasantly surprised with this lip butter. It is very sheer and the perfect pop of color, and will definitely become a part of my lipgloss rotation.



Thanks so much to Revlon for encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone and try more color in my makeup wardrobe!

Do you want to join in the Revlon Expression Experiment? Revlon wants to help you to step out of your everyday makeup routine and into something bold and new. Whether it’s a new color or technique, wear the look out with friends or around town. Then share what happens with the Revlon Expression Experiment community on their Facebook page!



So, what do you think of the products and my finished look? Would you enjoy wearing these bold colors? Let me know in the comments!