I’m sure I’ve said it before- but it absolutely bears repeating- you don’t need to spend a ton of money to find high quality and flattering makeup/cosmetics these days. That’s not to say I’ll turn my nose up at high end brands, because I still like to splurge from time to time- but if navigating through this pandemic has taught me anything other than how to stay six feet away from people at any given time and how to accessorize with masks that cover most of my face (and that high end makeup, anyway)– it’s that saving money when I can in uncertain times is surprisingly easy and definitely smart.
So when it came time to refresh my makeup collection for the Summer of 2021- a stifling hot, insanely humid one thus far- I turned to drug store gems and independent brands to give me lightweight, oil-free coverage with fun pops of color and a sunkissed glow to get me through the season with confidence.
There are, of course- still some favorites from my Spring 2021 collection that I’m still using regularly- like my Southwestern-inspired Urban Decay shadow palette and Rare Beauty lip gloss- but I wanted to showcase some of the newer arrivals I’ve been loving since we kicked things off around Memorial Day.
As always, swatches of the products will be near the bottom of the post- and I’ll link my past collections here, as well!
2020: [ WINTER ] [ SPRING ] [ SUMMER ] [ FALL ]
Maybelline Instant Pore Eraser Primer: So, it’s hot- like, REALLY hot- and as much as I don’t want a full face of foundation clogging my pores or making me feel like I’m wearing a mask this Summer- I also don’t want any cover-up sliding off of my face minutes after I put it on, either. To keep everything in place while making sure my skin stays super smooth- I’ve swapped out my former primer for this clear, lightweight, silky soft one from Maybelline.
This primer feels wonderful when I put it on- and keeps things in place all day without causing any kind of irritation or breakouts. It’s mattifying, too- which is always appreciated when you have combination/oily skin this time of year like I do!
[ MORE INFO HERE ]
e.l.f. Cosmetics Camo CC Cream: This Summer saw me ditching my full-coverage foundation that had given me a flawless finish throughout the colder months here in New England for a more sheer, blendable and buildable alternative that would cover any imperfections if needed and give me sun protection at the same time.
With SPF 30, Hyaluronic Acid and collagen (among other complexion-boosting ingredients!) this CC cream goes on like a dream and actually leaves my skin feeling refreshed while I have it on. It’s perfect for the heat and humidity- and a couple of drops gives phenomenal coverage.
[ MORE INFO HERE ]
e.l.f. Cosmetics Hydrating Camo Concealer: Going hand-in-hand with the CC cream, I also upgraded my concealer for the season- making the change to a more hydrating formula that doesn’t crease as much as the previous one I’d been using throughout the Winter and Spring. Infused with Sodium Hyaluronate and Rose Flower Water, this concealer reduces puffiness while providing long-lasting coverage with a satin finish.
I’ve been using this throughout June/July and my eyes look brighter and less sleepy- which is going to come in handy when I head back into the office in a couple of weeks.
[ MORE INFO HERE ]
Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer: I’ve written about how careful I have to be with bronzers in the past. One wrong shade, or one heavy-handed movement when applying- and I turn into a pumpkin faster than Cinderella’s carriage at the stroke of midnight. I have to keep things light, and maybe a little shimmery- to give myself a nice glow.
So I am in love with this powder (but it feels like cream to the touch!) bronzer that goes on smoothly and is easy to blend- making it ideal for contouring. Infused with Murumuru Butter, Cupuacu Butter and Tucuma Butter, this bronzer is good for the skin and is a light enough shade where I don’t look orange or overdone when I dab a little on each day.
[ MORE INFO HERE ]
Milani Gilded Getaway Eyeshadow Palette: I had written about this impulse buy palette with the cutest packaging ever that I’d picked up right before I headed back to Las Vegas in May– and it remains one of my favorite things to wear this Summer. There are 12 shades- with a mix of mattes, metallics and shimmers- that range from earthy tones to sunny yellows and reds.
I’ve had a lot of fun mixing and matching shades within the palette- creating simple every day looks or going glam for special occasions (or when the mood hits me.)
[ MORE INFO HERE ]
essence makeup Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara: All I wanted this Summer was a lengthening, thickening mascara that I could wear on the days where I was racing out the door and didn’t have time to complete a full eye look- and I found the perfect fit with this long-lasting mascara from essence that makes my lashes look so SO pretty.
Although a couple of swipes of this formula will undoubtedly make my lashes look like false ones- I’ve found that one or two coatings gives me beautiful volume and length that takes me from day to night.
[ MORE INFO HERE ]
e.l.f. Cosmetics Ride or Die Lip Balm in “Just Peachy”: AKA, my everyday balm- I am obsessed with the coral shade of this deeply hydrating, softening and smoothing gloss. This balm gives me a splash of color on my lips and stays put for quite some time after applying! Infused with Jojoba Oil and a subtle, but pretty peach scent- I wear this constantly when I’m out and about.
[ MORE INFO HERE ]
Wet n’ Wild Beauty Cloud Pout Marshmallow Lip Mousse in “Candy Wasted”: When I want a swipe of more color for a specific occasion- for under $5- I grab this matte finish gloss from Wet N’ Wild. With a tasty scent and a bold, bright pink color that’s perfect for the Summer- this soft, non-sticky and non-drying formula plumps and smoothes my lips for hours at a time before I need any kind of touch-up or reapplication.
[ MORE INFO HERE ]
Maybelline Lip Lifter Gloss in “Topaz”: Sometimes during the hotter months I want more of a bronze look- be it a splash of gold on my eyes or a little bronzed contour. To pull it all together, though- I use this stunning plumping gloss from Maybelline. The shade, “Topaz”, is a really pretty and subtle pink/gold color that is universally flattering and is great for day-to-evening wear.
[ MORE INFO HERE ]
__________________________________
And there you have it- my Summer makeup collection for 2021- filled with affordable but great quality finds to help me re-enter the world as we continue to work ourselves through this pandemic.
Below I’ve got some swatches, for anyone who may be wondering about pigmentation and textures. Please keep in mind, however- I am obscenely pale!
If you want to share any of your Summer 2021 makeup essentials- feel free to drop me a line. Otherwise, we can compare notes when I share my next collection in the Fall!
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 