10 Best Makeup Products for “Normal People” + Sephora Double Giveaway!
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I’m convinced the 10 best makeup products for “normal” people are in my makeup bag and it’s really all I use to perfect my everyday look. My routine takes just 10 minutes. I’ve tried so many different products over the years and these are my very favorite.
I’ve also done a ton of research, testing the top selling Sephora brands and most popular makeup products of 2017.
I’ve been dreaming about making this post for a couple of years now. I get so many questions on Instagram and Snapchat (find me there @natashaskitchen) about which products I use. I don’t blow a bunch of money on makeup but I also don’t buy the bottom of the barrel (although I’m certain my inexpensive mascara will surprise you!). You don’t have to spend a fortune to feel awesome about the way you look.
My husband loves the natural look so I don’t go nuts (proof at the bottom of this post) ;). P.S. Make sure you enter the Sephora giveaway at the end of this post. 2 Winners will each win $100 gift cards to Sephora just because I love ya!
Before and After
My husband put these 2 pictures together. I don’t wear a lot of makeup but WOW it sure makes a difference. When I put it on I feel more more confident, energized and professional. I also think it makes me flirt more with my husband ;). It sounds silly but it’s true!
Here’s the BEST Makeup for “Normal” People:
Make Up Forever Ultra HD Foundation – $43 Sephora
The “HD” stands for high definition. Movie stars use this because you can’t see it on their skin. I use it because you can’t see it in everyday life – it’s not cakey. I love that it’s lightweight, goes on flawless and it doesn’t dry out my skin even in winter (My Color: Y315).
Make Up Forever Pro Finish Powder – $36 Sephora
This powder also goes on super clean and gives me a nice matte finish – it keeps my face from getting shiny all day long.
Bare Minerals Blush – $21 Bare Minerals
BareMinerals blush has the perfect amount of color, goes on nicely and stays put all day. Plus, their colors are so lovely. This one is called “Pearl Blossom.” Visit their store and they can help you find your shade.
Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer (Original) – $13 Amazon or $20 Sephora
Amazing!! I put this on every day, even on the days I don’t wear eye shadow. It gives my eye lids a nice clean look (hides the little veins) and keeps my eye shadow from creasing literally all-day-long. And you can’t feel it on your lid – it’s very lightweight. They recently redesigned this $20 fancier tube with a wand but their $13 earlier squeeze tube was a little larger and just as good.
Bare Minerals Eye Shadows – $15-$18 Amazon
These eye shadows last forever. I put the color “Steel” on the corners of my lids with an angled brush and then apply the glimmery “Celestine” to the rest of my lid, blending into the corners. On lazy days, I’ll just wear “Celestine” all over.
Schwing Black Liquid Eye Liner – $15 Amazon
This one is made in Germany by “the Balm” company. For a long time, I was afraid of liquid liners, but I fell in love from the first time I laid eyes on it (literally)! I thought if I messed it up, I’d have to wash my face all over again, but I’ve never once had to re-do it. If I messed up a smidgen, I’d just put it on a teensy bit thicker and got away with a more dramatic look for the day :). Watch a couple of youtube tutorials and you’ll realize it’s easy to apply. This eye liner is inexpensive but works really well! It has alot of pigment and glides on so pretty and dark. Find it on Amazon.
Anastasia Brow Definer (in Medium Brown)- $23 Sephora
I only started using a brow pencil about a year ago and now I don’t leave the house without it. It fills in your brows and frames your whole face (see before and after picture on top). My color is medium brown.
Cover Girl Lash Blast Fusion Mascara – $6 Amazon
Don’t laugh, but this Cover Girl mascara in “very black” is very good. It doesn’t flake or clump and it’s very inexpensive. I’ve also used the green and pink tubes and they were both nice but I think the purple one is my favorite.
Bare Minerals Radiant Lipstick – $16 Amazon or $20 Bare Minerals
This is a new favorite. It goes on really buttery so it’s a lipstick and moisturizer in one. It also has more natural ingredients and the color (“Panko”) seems to last longer than the rest of my lips sticks.
The Best Makeup Giveaway!!
Prizes: 2 of my readers will each win a $100 gift card to Sephora (or Amazon if you prefer)! To enter, please use the rafflecopter widget below. This giveaway was sponsored by Natasha’s Kitchen.
*Login with Rafflecopter widget below using Facebook or email links.
*Use one or all giveaway entry options for more chances to win. Click the check box at the bottom right to enter on each one – a greyed out checkmark box means you’ve entered!
*Winner will be randomly selected on Tuesday March 7th at 11:59 pm MST.
*The Rules: one entry per person, must have a valid email address and be 18 years or older (I will send the prize via email if you are not within the continental US).
a Rafflecopter giveaway
And this is how our photo session came to an end. lol.
Oh p.s. Let me know what your absolute favorite best makeup is in a comment below! I can’t wait to hear from you!
Thanks. What about Make Up Forever Pro Finish Powder? What shade?
No problem. I used this one here in COLOR: 128 Neutral Sand
Hi Natasha, what shade of powder you using from Bare Minerals? Thanks
Hi Julia, my base and favorite color is “Celestine”
Thank you for beautiful tips on makeup tips and We love you recipes.
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it!
hello Natasha. Who won?
Hi Kateryna, I have the winners names inside the Rafflecopter. The first winner was Diana Ma… and the second was Galina Ra (I don’t post the full last name for privacy. I have sent emails to both winners. Thanks for entering!! 🙂
Hi natasha, i cant seem to find where the winners are posted. I looked on the blog giveway and still cant see the winners.
Oh I found it😊
Oh perfect!! The first winner was Diana Ma… and the second was Galina Ra (I don’t post the full last name for privacy. I have sent emails to both winners. Thanks for entering!! 🙂
Who won? Just asking, because I’m Diana Mart (Martiushycheva), and I can’t check my email now. Just let me know, if it was me, please
Hi Diana, the spelling of the last name was actually “Mak..” and her email starts with “grad” but thanks for checking! 🙂
Thanks for sharing!! I love tarte shape tape concealer. I struggle with dark circles under my eyes and I have tried so many brands and found the tarte concealer provided the coverage I need. I wish I didn’t have to spend so much on concealer, but I will do whatever it takes to “cover” them up as much as I can.
Thanks for sharing your beauty tip! 😀
Hi Natasha,
Thank you for letting us in on your natural makeup items! I’ll look into buying them on Amazon..or better yet win the gift card and go from there 😉
Ha ha, winning is definitely the best option! lol. Thanks Anna 🙂
Hi. I see you use a few bare minerals products. Have you tried any of their foundations? If so, what do you think?
Hi Sveta, I used their liquid mineral foundation for awhile and it was good in summer but as soon as winter started, it made my nose look terribly dry so I switched to the one I’ve been using for awhile 🙂
Beautycounter!
http://www.beautycounter.com/jennrittenhouse
They are made completely of natural and safe ingredients. Their eyeliner ranks number one on the interdependent Environmental Working Group website.
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/browse/eye+liner/
Their mascara formula took three years to develop.
Thanks for sharing that with us!! I’ll have to check it out 🙂
I just discovered a lipstick brand called Lipstick Queen. They have one called “Frog Prince,” which looks green in the tube but goes on pink (frog turning into a prince!). It’s a really pretty and universal shade of pink. I love it!
How fun!! Thanks for sharing Beth 🙂
I love my mineral powder makeup by PUR Minerals. It’s goes on light and lasts most of the day. So easy to use and no heavy feeling on your face. 😊
Thanks for sharing your beauty tip Gail! Good Luck 🙂
I love Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Waterproof mascara. I have sensitive eyes. This is the only mascara that I have tried that hasn’t irritated my eyes.
Thanks for the tip Karen! 😀
Hope to win this giveaway, have not tried this brand.
Best of luck!
My eyes are super sensitive and the one mascara that worked for me was made by Origins. Also I recently started using bentonite clay from Amazon mixed with Apple cider vinegar to make a face mask 3-4 times a week. Leaves my face feeling great and doesn’t break the bank.
Thanks for sharing your beauty tips Victoria!
Anastasia Brow Liner is the absolute best!
I agree! Anastasia brow “anything” is the best out there! Thanks for sharing Carol 🙂
I am currently using a NARS concealer and I love it! It’s creamy and blends nicely. I have also used bare minerals translucent powder and it worked very well!
Thanks for sharing Lena! 🙂
Thanks for sharing! I love the bare mineral products you shared – my personal absolute favorite product in the world is the bare minerals face powder! It’s seems like the only thing to work on my picky skin, and I haven’t bought a different face powder/foundation in 4 years:)
Bare Minerals is a staple! Thanks for sharing Anna!
I love Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Rose. It keeps my lips moist, and I love the glossy color.
I love Burt’s Bees products! Thanks for sharing Amy 😀
I like how you said ‘normal’ people 😉 I am pretty simple with my makeup-maybe a little too simple;) I use a drug store mascara too, and love it. You look beautiful in these photos-with/without makeup. <3
LOL! Thanks :)..and thanks for the wonderful compliment!
Hey Natasha! I love the liquid matte finish Mary Kay for my foundation because it goes on smooth, light, and conceals perfectly for a flawless smooth look
Thanks for sharing Katie! 😀
Hi Natasha –
How are you ?
I don’t have facebook? for The Best Makeup Giveaway!!
I did everything but not facebook 🙁
Hi Nat, it is not necessary to have Facebook to enter the giveaway. Thank you for entering!
I loved this post. Thanks for sharing with us. Can I just say what a natural beauty you are and you have the perfect smile!
I’m glad to hear that! Thank you so much for the wonderful compliment! 🙂
Awwww that picture at the end is everything!
I love Mary Kay products. They work well and I do not need to spend a fortune to get them.
Thanks for sharing, Natasha. You are beautiful!
Thanks for sharing….and the wonderful compliment! 😀
Hi Natasha! Awesome post! love anastasia brow pencil it’s the BEST!!
Next time please share what lotions,creams,perfumes are your favorites 😉
Thank you Nina! I will keep that in mind! 🙂
I also hate spending money on beauty products which is why I love the site MakeupAlley.com where a lot of normal people review products from expensive department stores to cheap drugstore ones. This is how I found my go to products over the years. I used to wear foundation, but switched to tinted moisturizers topped off with a little powder which gives me a “glowy” look. My two favorites are Covergirl BB cream (used to be called CG smoothers) and Ponds Bb Cream.
Thanks for sharing your tips!
Hi dear
I follow your blog regularly i wish i could participate in your giveaway as i am not from US..
Khadeeja
I just opened up the giveaway to everyone as long as you have a valid email address, I can email the winner with the gift card codes. 🙂
Thank u sooo much dear
My pleasure! 🙂
I LOVE my Amazonian clay
waterproof brow mousse by Tarte cosmetics.
Thanks for sharing Lena!
If you were to have a checklist for the products mine are almost same. I use NARS as a base for eyelids, loreal butterfly for lashes. Foundation is same as yours but for every day I love Garnier BB cream.
Thanks for sharing Alla! Great minds think alike! 😀
Bare minerals radiant lipstick is my fav.! It looks very natural and love their other products too:)
Bare Minerals has so many awesome products!
Love your recipes. MY GO TO!!! Thanks for the giveaway.
You are really pretty!!!
You’re welcome! Thanks for the compliment Natalya! 🙂
My favorite makeup of all-time is the Anastasia Beverly Hills brow powder duo in medium brown! It’s my favorite eyebrow powder in the entire world and I haven’t found better powders that work well for me other than this one! 🙂
Anastasia products have the BEST brow products don’t they!?
I love bare minerals eye shadow. Also Sonya eye liner from Forever Living.
Bare Minerals has so many great products! Thanks for sharing Inna 🙂
Hi Natasha! Thank you for so many great and easy recipes!
Speaking of makeup: I really like Garnier BB cream for everyday use, for special occasions- Too Faced Born this Way foundation.
Eye shadow palettes by Anastasia and Urban Decay are my favorites.
Waterproof mascara by Pacifica
You’re welcome Tatiana! Thank you for sharing 🙂
This is so exciting 🙂 now looking forward to March even more!!! I love the mac lipsticks from Sephora. (Especially the matte ones..they stay on for a long time!)
Also I though at first you had to do all those things to be entered into the raffle so I did all of them..which showed I “entered more than once” and abobe yiu wrote only one entry per person. That won’t disqualify me would it?
Thanks!!
Hi Tatyana, Thank you for sharing and for entering the giveaway! I meant you can only login to the rafflecopter once but every person has 10 chances to win. Does that makes sense? You can do 1 of them or you can do all of them for more chances to win 🙂
Favorite makeup piece is between my brow pencil and mascara
Agreed! It’s a toss-up between the two. They’re both necessities! 🙂
Entered! Hope it worked. I don’t have a Facebook though:(
Hi Dina! thanks for entering! You don’t have to have Facebook to enter 🙂
Kat von d foundation is my go to!! Love love love Sephora ❤️
That’s a great brand too! Good luck Alina!
no favorite makeup yet!but hoping to win so i try some of your favorites:)
Best of luck in the drawing Katie!
My favorite is a brow pencil. Great for thinning brows.
It’s definitely a MUST!
Hi Natasha! Do you think that the foundation can cause breakouts? Thanks for having this giveaway and I like you blog!
I’ve never had that happen with this foundation but I also don’t have super sensitive skin. There are thousands of positive reviews on it though and I’m sure it’s probably people with a variety of skin types. I do love it though 🙂
I have sensitive skin. I can’t use most moisturizers, foundation, lotion, even some hypoallergenic ones make me turn red and itchy. This one (from Natashas poat)had been good so far. But all skin types are different. Trail and error.
There certainly is a lot of trial and error using cosmetic products! I’m glad to hear this foundation is working for you Yelena! 🙂
So, I also love that primer! I use the anti aging one from them. Also, I have those exact 2 shades in bare minerals eye shadows , hehe and they do last forever I love the shimmer aspect of it ! My fav mascara is Maybelline define-a-lash in very black I get waterproof but it’s very lengthening and not clumpy. Loved this post ! Your beautiful sister! God bless😘
Ooooh thank you for sharing! And thank you for the sweet compliment! God bless you too dear 🙂
Make up & food! Two of my favorite things haha I love this “recipe” 😉
Oh & my favorite make up is fake lashes! I don’t wear them often but when I do, it just changes the look completely and I love it!! I can totally agree with you that I get flirty with my husband when I wear make up too haha 🙂
Oh that’s something I want to try some day for a fancy date! What kind of fake lashes do you like?
I get them from walmart or sallys beauty supply – they are called Ardell whispies! They provide a more natural look 🙂
Thanks for sharing!! 🙂
Oh ha ha!! I love that! I didn’t even see it as a recipe!
Natasha + Sephora= Natasha’s Kitchen on Fleek 😍❤
Lol you’re so nice! I didn’t even know what fleek meant. I had to google it “extremely good, attractive, or stylish” – as in “my face is on fleek right now” lol. I love it!!
Hi,
I just wanted to start by saying I love the last picture, cute.
I always change my foundation depending on the season and the feeling of my skin.
But one foundation that I’ve been using a lot is the MaryKay.
Its light and stays on the whole day.
I don’t feel like I need to put on too much and I don’t have the feeling like theres oatmeal on my face.
The other makeup I started liking is the NAKED Urban decay matt colors.
This is my daily eye shadow. I love the matt colors on a weekly schedule because I feel like one color and im good to go. Not too fancy not too boring lol and it lasts me the whole day:)
But I think I love changing my makeup around to see what’s out there, its fun.
But there’s always those that are keepers and make it comfortable wearing it and also lasts the whole day without feeling extra weight on my face.
Awww you’re so nice! Thank you Alice! 🙂 And thank you for sharing your favorites!!
My favorite makeup is my Lorac Alter Ego Eye Shadow Palette: Dream Girl. I use 2 colors from there and the 2 highlighters. I got it for $6 on clear the rack sale at nordstrom. Very pigmented, but is unavailable.
That’s always a bummer when you have a favorite and they discontinue it! 🙁 Thanks for sharing!!