Monday, May 18, 2015

Makeup Splurges + A Giveaway

Splurges are a funny thing in that they're very personal. What one person might consider a splurge another might consider totally normal. I would find it extremely difficult to spend more than $70 on a bag, but I know plenty of people who wouldn't dream of carrying one less than $100. So while I labeled this post makeup splurges I fully recognize that to many of you these products may not be splurges and could actually cost less than what you'll normally pay for makeup.

Maybe it's because I've always preferred to go makeup less unless it's a special occasion (something I completely attribute to going to an all girls' middle school followed by the most unusual high school experience), or maybe it's because I was really lucky and God gave me good skin, or maybe it's because I'm just totally clueless about how to apply makeup really well; but I just can't bring myself to spend a lot of money on the stuff. I can distinctly remember the first time my mom took me to the store to buy makeup. My older sister had been asked to the homecoming dance and like any good little sister I annoyingly insisted on tagging along to buy her outfit. After walking around McRae's (anyone else remember theses?) we decided to go with Lancome because we thought those women had done the best job with their own makeup. That was the last time I owned a department store makeup product until my sophomore year of college when my sorority had a discount  night at a local makeup boutique and I felt pressured to buy something.

That's a very long way of saying I usually stick to drugstore brands. L'Oreal is Lancome just without the pricey label, so why should I pay more just for a fancy designer name. But while my general rule is the cheapest mascara is the only one I'll buy, I do have a few exceptions when I'll pay more for a certain higher quality brand. These makeup splurges are totally worth their price tag in my book.

1. NARS duo eyeshadow - specifically Key Largo - This was an item I purchased during my sorority's event and it's the only one I used completely. I'm normally not a fan of eye shadow pallets or duo sets because the colors never seem to match what I'd actually wear together, but this is an exception. I love that these colors are versatile so that I can wear them for a totally natural look for work, or use them as part of a more "makeupy" look for going out. And I can't even begin to describe how much this makes my eyes pop; if you have blue eyes you need this eyeshadow!

2. MAC lipstick - specifically Russian Red - If you're looking for a classic red lipstick this is it. It has a bluish undertone so your teeth will look more white, a concept I don't really understand but greatly appreciate as someone who doesn't want to pay an arm and a leg for professional teeth whitening. This is a great matte lipstick that doesn't smudge or need to be reapplied 15 times a night. This is a head turning lipstick that will make you feel like a total bombshell.

Now want to try out some higher end makeup than your normal drugstore brands? Today I'm teaming up with a few bloggers to bring you a giveaway to Sephora! You could seriously buy so much NARS eyeshadow with this! Don't forget to write in Salsa the blog as the site referring you!

giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway

What are your favorite makeup splurges? Anything I should try out?

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  1. I'm the same way, just can't bring myself to spend a ton on makeup when drugstore brands work just fine! I have heard great things about Nars though!

  2. For a long time I refused to buy anything more expensive and while I still do mainly buy drugstore brands I have fallen in love with MAC lipsticks. Darn you Taylor Swift for rec'ing it so often. But they are completely amazing and the best lipstick I have tried.

  3. I've never tried Nars, but I really want to!

  4. Amy Head cosmetics in Oxford are my favorite makeup products! They're what I consider a splurge (similarly priced to Estee Lauder, Merle Norman, etc), but they are fabulous products made by a Mississippi entrepreneur!

  5. MAC lipsticks are absolutely worth the money! Girl About Town is my all-time fave.

