Technically June is the middle of the year but since July is when every brand revs up their launch engines, I’ve decided to share my personal favorites with you! All of these products cost under $20 (#score) and were either bought at Ulta or at a drugstore (Walgreens).
Primer
L.A Girl HD Pro Prep Primer- I recently began using this primer after I ran out of my e.l.f primer and I must admit that L.A Girl’s primer is actually decent. My foundation applies smoothly and lasts for as long as I wear makeup. The only complaint I have is that the primer can feel a little dry and sticky which isn’t ideal for dry skin types.
E.l.f Cosmetics’ Hydrating Primer– This primer is your best friend if you have dry skin. I have been using this product for over a year and it leaves my skin feeling… well hydrated. Let it settle for about a minute before applying foundation and your face looks brighter. I bought this primer at Walmart for $6 and it was well worth it.
*Photo from e.l.f website
Foundations
Maybelline Fit Me– I absolutely love the formula Maybelline used for their Fit Me line. The Matte+Poreless foundation is great for normal to oily skin and feels a little sticky on my face since I have normal to dry skin. If you are like me, I recommend using the Dewy+Smooth foundation. Since I use a setting spray, the foundation lasts for several hours even in the hot weather. I use the shade Latte (#358).
Makeup Revolution Fast Base Stick– I am usually a stickler for liquid foundation but Makeup Revolution won me over with their creamy formula that dries fast. There are 18 shades and the foundation blends easily. It actually lasts all day (well, for as long as I’m awake) and works well for all skin types. My shade is F12 and it pairs well with the Conceal and Define concealer (mentioned below!).
*Photo from Make Revolution website
Concealers
L.A Girl HD Pro Concealer- This concealer should be in every makeup addict’s collection. So many beauty gurus talked about L.A Girl’s concealer so I decided to give it a try and it worked wonders. If you are using BB creams or going for light coverage with your foundation, I suggest using L.A Girl for a little more coverage, especially if you have any blemishes you want to cover.
*Photo from L.A Girl website
Makeup Revolution Conceal and Define- I love the range of shades that Makeup Revolution included in this collection of concealers. I bought this concealer at Ulta for $8 and I use the C13 shade. I love that it applies smoothly, dries to matte, and feels light on my face. You can also use it to prime your eyes.
Setting Powder
Makeup Revolution Luxury Baking Powder- This setting/baking powder helps correct red undertones and, in my experience, sets makeup quite well. Depending on the day, I alternate between the terracotta shade or the banana shade. Both work just as well. I bought mine at Ulta for $8 and I don’t regret it at all.
Highlighter
Wet N’ Wild Mega Glo Highlighting Powder- I typically don’t use highlighting products in my daily makeup routine but when I am feeling extra, I use Wet N Wild. Their highlighting powder works better for when I know I will be running errands and I don’t have time to touch up my makeup. Plus this was super affordable at $4 and this highlight is in my makeup bag.
Makeup Revolution Liquid Highlighter- If I am going to hang out with family or friends or even going to school, I prefer liquid highlighters. I am in love with the shades in Makeup Revolution’s line. The colors suit all skin tones though I will say that the gold shades suit medium to dark skin tones a little better while the pink shades suit more fair to medium. My favorite shade is Luminous Gold. $9 at Ulta.
*Photo from Makeup Revolution
Eye shadow
Makeup Revolution Mermaids Forever palette– I love this palette because it contains beautiful blue shades that I had been missing in my collection. The colors are beautiful and pigmented. The only downside to this palette is the amount of fall-out but it is still worth the $15 I paid at Ulta!
BH Cosmetics Galaxy Chic palette- I received this palette last weekend for my birthday and I am in love. It is so pigmented and the formula is so creamy and glides effortlessly on my eyes. There is some fall out but not enough to get upset about. I love the shade Neptune, a dark blue color that makes my brown eyes seem a little lighter. It was $9 at Ulta because the store has a buy one, get one 50% off sale.
Eyeliner
Black Radiance Continuous Crème Eyeliner- I love gel eyeliner because it’s easier for me to apply. I love Black Radiance’s eyeliner because it glides on perfectly and is easy to remove. Plus it’s great for creating bold winged looks. I found it at Rite Aid for $4.
Mascara
Wet N’ Wild Megawear Mascara- I love the volume and length of my lashes after I use this mascara. Whenever I wear mascara, I don’t bother with false lashes because Wet N Wild created a great mascara that only cost $4 at Walgreens. The quality of the Megawear Mascara rivals Too Faced’s Better Than Sex mascara.
Lips
Covergirl Coverlicious Lipstick– this has been discontinued by Covergirl but you can still find some shades in stores like CVS and Rite Aid. I love these lipsticks when I plan a night out because they are super pigmented and last throughout the night, regardless of whether I eat or drink. If you love a bold red, Covergirl has it!
![]() |
Hot Chaleur, Caramel Kiss, and Hot Seduce |
Nyx Soft Matte Lip Crème– This has been a go-to of mine when I travel and I keep several in my bag just in case. The Lip Crèmes are pigmented but muted down so they are perfect for a neutral look or, if you chose shades like the purple Seoul, they work for date night. I have the shades Rome, Seoul, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and Monte Carlo.
![]() |
Seoul and Rome |
These are just a few items from my makeup collection and there are still five months left in the year to obsess over the latest launches from my favorite brands. Make sure to follow Indie Clique for future posts like this and also follow me on social media (links in sidebar).
Photos, excepted where noted with *, were taken by me
©2018-2020 Indie Clique
All written content is copyright of AJ Monique. View privacy policy for more details.
I use many of these products and I love them!!!!
LikeLike