Beauty on a Budget

I'm not denying the fact that I have been known to splurge on beauty products in the past.  Trips to Sephora to purchase high end cosmetics are something I enjoy probably a little more than I should admit, but these days, I've really dialed back my beauty routine, since I highly doubt the effort is much appreciated by my 3 year old and 1 year old.  

Lately, budget beauty purchases have totally become my jam.  Given the amount of trips I make to Target on a weekly basis, I've become accustomed to quickly throwing something in my cart before a toddler tantrum ensues, and hoping that when I get home, it's as fabulous as I envisioned in the frantic moment that I decided to grab it and give it a whirl.

The following are the items that I've randomly tried, liked, and come to use on the regular.  Most of them are under $10, and all of them can be purchased at good ol' Target, making them even easier to love.

1.  NYX Concealer  This stuff provides great coverage for the dark circles under my eyes, that result from the minimal hours of sleep I've been getting, as well as the occasional blemish.

2.  Pixi Sheer Cheek Gel  I love the pop of pink that the "flushed" color this gives my cheeks.  I use it year round, and it lasts all day long.

3.  Maybelline Baby Lips  I own this stuff in pretty much every color.  A self-proclaimed lip balm addict, the price of this stuff makes it great to stock up on.  I love the colors, and the moisturizing benefits.

4. e.l.f. Eye Brow Kit  I recently realized the impact you can get from lightly filling in your brows... I use the term lightly, because one can certainly go overboard here, but a few light brushstrokes of this through your brows really does make a world of difference.

5.  Maybelline Pumped Up Colossal Mascara  You guys, I LOVE this stuff.  The best inexpensive mascara I have purchased in a long time!

6.  NYX Dusk til Dawn Eye Shadow I like to think of this palette as the Naked palettes much, much cheaper knock off.  The colors are great for both day and night, and it offers great versatility for the price.

7.  e.l.f. Jumbo Lip Gloss Stick  At $2 a pop, you can't go wrong with this stuff.  It's great when you want to experiment with color and not spend a fortune.

Like I said, I still like to splurge on certain items.  I have my go-tos when it comes to bronzer, BB cream, and blush... but I feel a lot less guilty about it with the money I save from purchasing these great items.

What are some of your favorite budget beauty purchases?