In high school, someone once told me I'd "look a lot better if I put on make-up once in a while and learned to fix my hair."  True story.  At the time I thought I looked fine.  The truth is, I didn't wear a lot of make-up.  I did fix my hair.  That comment has stuck with me for years.  I still remember who said it and I remember where I was when it was said.

When I went to college, I started experimenting with make-up a little more.  As an adult, I got into the higher end cosmetic products.  Now that I'm a stay at home mom, I don't want to fall into the habit of not wearing any make-up products at all.  If I do, I hear those words from high school in my head.

These days, I use a "cost per wear" excuse when buying my favorite products.  The more expensive brands are items I don't wear every day so they, in turn, last longer.  (Or so I'm telling myself and my husband.)    

I am not a beauty expert or consultant, I'm just sharing what products I like and what works for me.

These items are my everyday products.  I use these products almost every single day whether I'm out running errands or just hanging around the house.  I always feel a little better about myself if I have some kind of make-up on my face.

1.  Clinique stay-matte sheer pressed powder I love pressed powder for quick coverage.
2.  Nars bronzer I apply bronzer every single day of the year.  This one is my favorite, but it is a little on the pricey side.  I try to make it last as long as possible.
3.  mark. blush I like this blush from Avon.  It also comes in a magnet reusable compact.
4.  Nivea A Kiss of Shimmer lip balm I bought this to have in the hospital after I had Katherine.  I wanted a lip balm that also had a tiny hint of color.  I love this one for every day.
5.  Maybelline the Rocket Volum' Express mascara I've tried lots of different mascaras over the years, from drugstore brands to expensive brands.  My favorite always has been and always will be Maybelline.

I also use Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream every day instead of moisturizer.

For days (or nights) when I want to wear a full face of make-up, these are my go-to products.    

1.  Urban Decay Naked Basics  Love.  That's all I have to say.  This pallet is a little more expensive, but I don't use it every day so it's lasting a long time.  
2.  Yves Saint Laurent Pop Stick Blush I got this blush stick as a gift a while back, and thank goodness.  It's expensive!  But I love the color, it lasts all day and night, and the pop up stick is super convenient.
3.  Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation I'm not a foundation person.  I've never really worn it.  I didn't like the way it made my skin feel heavy.  I had read lots of great reviews about this foundation, so I tried it.  It's a primer, concealer, and foundation in one and it has SPF 20.  I absolutely love it.  You don't need a primer or concealer and it feels so light.  You can't beat the price either.
4.  Benefit Watt's Up highlighter I'm new to the world of "highlighters," but I love this product.  I don't use this product every day either, so the higher price tag is worth it.
5.  Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick I love a good old fashion lipstick.  Nothing fancy or that stays on for days, just normal lipstick.  This one is one of my favorites, and because the price it awesome I can buy them in almost every color!  Almost.
6.  Sonia Kashuk Barely There Loose Powder I use this if I'm setting my foundation, but because the Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous Foundation is awesome, I don't use this powder as much as I used to.

I've recently switched to Nars blush (I got a Sephora giftcard for Christmas) and I love it!  This blush is awesome and stays in place all day.
My favorite places to buy make-up are Sephora and Ulta.  I could live in either store, I love them so much.  I have membership cards to both places, allowing me to rake in points for each purchase.

I love trying new products and hearing how other people like certain products.  A great way to find out if a product is worth buying is searching for reviews on YouTube or Pinterest!

I'm going to try to continue to "look better" by "putting on make-up" and "fixing my hair."