What to expect of the Makeup Master Class
I’ve spent a lot of time testing products and learning directly from working makeup artists. My goal in sharing this knowledge is simple: to help you save money by only buying products that truly work.
When you walk into Sephora or a department store, the staff is knowledgeable, but they’re often incentivized to drive sales or promote specific brands. My recommendations come from a different place. I’m driven by wanting you to find what works best for your skin, your lifestyle, and your comfort level.
What I’ve learned along the way is that brushes, techniques, and application matter just as much as the products themselves. The recommendations I share are brands that work well for a wide range of people. Most of these I’ve personally tested. If I haven’t, they come recommended by someone I trust and respect in the industry.
Definitions
High-end/Luxury makeup refers to products sold at places like Sephora or major department stores. One big advantage of shopping high-end is access to testers and samples, which makes it much easier to find the right shade. I’ve personally found that I often spend less money this way, because drugstore makeup doesn’t offer testers, and I’ve ended up buying multiple shades just trying to find a match. That said, there is absolutely a lot of high-quality makeup available at the drugstore level.
Drugstore makeup includes products sold at places like Target, Walmart, and Ulta. Ulta is unique in that it carries both high-end and drugstore brands. Drugstore makeup is generally more affordable, but it doesn’t offer in-store samples.
Foundation and concealer are the trickiest products to buy without testing. If I were only going to invest in a few high-end items, this is where I would put my money. When shopping at Sephora or Ulta, you can ask for samples of products that have testers available, allowing you to take them home and see how they wear on your skin before committing.
*** I marked my “Ride or Die” products.
“Ride or Die” means that I have repurchased this item many times, and would immediately repurchase if I ran out: MH ride or die
*** If I have personally tested I will add a note: MH
Time to get started!
How to Pick Your Foundation Match
Know your undertone
Find your skin depth
Test the shade on your skin in natural light
Put together your makeup bag for class
Apply properly for the best finish — you will learn this at retreat!