my all-time favorite red lipsticks

When I was younger, I use to look back on photos of my mom with her blue eyes and red lipstick and laugh. The idea of smearing a bright ass red lipstick on your face just baffled me. But now that I'm almost 27, and I've been experimenting with makeup for the better part of my life, I've come to realize that my go-to look is winged liner and red lipstick. Today, I thought I'd pay homage to my totally gorgeous, amazingly stylish mama and share my all-time favorite red lipsticks with you.

Maybelline Matte Lipstick in Siren in Scarlet ($5.50): This is a creamy matte. It's a brighter red that's somewhere between the Nars and Flower colors I talk about below. If you're careful, you can apply this without a lipliner, but I'd suggest lining your lips just to be sure you don't look like the Joker.

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Striking ($7):  This, again, is a matte lipstick, only it leans more orange on the lips. You can safely apply this without a lip liner.

ELF Matte Lip Color in Rich Red ($3): Matte... again. Now that I look at the switches of all of these, you really only need either the Maybelline matte lipstick or the ELF one. They're nearly identical. However, this one is slightly less matte and is definitely easier to apply with its thin tip.

Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Mysterious Red ($25): By now it's become obvious to you that my favorite form of red lipstick is a matte, chubby lip pencil. And this is no different. Well, it is, because this lipstick actually is mysterious. It's perfectly in-between a bright red and a deep red. It's a matte finish that lasts all day and is incredibly easy to apply. No lip liner needed here!

Flower Cosmetics Lip Suede Velvet Lip Chubby in Coral Floral ($8): Again, a matte lip pencil, this color is a brighter, lighter red that leans more coral. This is perfect if you're new to red lipsticks or if you want to wear it in the daytime. And again, you don't need a lip liner with this one!

[same order as above]

What's your favorite red lipstick? I'm flat out obsessed, I'll admit it! (When I was writing this post, 4 of the 5 lipsticks mentioned were in my purse... #hoarder)

simple smokey eye

The key to pulling a smokey eye off in just a few minutes is using primarily shimmery shades. It's so much easier to blend dark shimmery shades than dark matte shades. I used the Lorac Pocket Pro Palette ($15 at Ulta) (the Wet N Wild trio in Silent Treatment would give you similar results). Tip of the Day: If you're curious about the Lorac eyeshadows but don't want to shell out for a full palette yet, go to Ulta and buy this! It'll be in the bins by the check out line. I promise, you won't regret it. (Once you fall in love with these creamy pigmented shades, go ahead and do yourself a favor and buy the Lorac Mega Pro Palette. OB-SESSED.)

[photo from here]

First, take Pewter and blend it through your crease.

Then, take Nude and pack it on your lid, making sure to blend it with your crease color.

Next, take Espresso and place that in your outer corner and also about halfway into your crease. Make sure all three colors are nicely blended together.

Last, highlight your inner corner with Nude, and run Espresso across your lower lash line.

And voila! You're ready for a night on the town, and it only took a moment of your time.

top five under five

Today, I thought I'd share with you five of my favorite drugstore products that are all less than $5. Actually, when I started compiling this list, I realized that all of the products listed here are $3 or less. That is straight up crazy! It just goes to show that you don't have to spend a fortune to get yourself some amazing beauty products. (All of these products are available at Walgreens and/or Target.)

Wet N Wild Megalast Lipsticks ($2): These lipsticks are incredibly pigmented and last all day on the lips. I personally love the color "Cherry Picking" because I have a red lipstick hoarding problem, but all of the colors are straight up amazing. Tip of the Day: If you're ever thinking about buying Wet N Wild products at the drugstore, keep an eye out, because they often go on sale for 50% off. That means you could get this lipstick for ONE DOLLAR. Literally nothing costs a dollar anymore (except the candy in the check out line).

NYC Sunny Bronzer ($3): This is the best matte bronzer at the drugstore. You can use it as an all over bronzer to warm up your face, or if you're more of a medium skin tone, you can use it as to contour as well.

Elf  Blush Brush ($3): This brush is incredibly soft and versatile. I use it for setting my under eye concealer, contouring, applying blush, and highlighting. Best of all? With its dirt cheap price, you can buy a handful of them so you're sure to have a clean one around when you need it (e.g. when you're too damn lazy to wash your makeup brushes).

Elf Brow Kit ($3): I wish there was a way to convey to you how I feel about this. It's as if the skies opened up and a tiny eyebrow angel came down to earth to bless us with its presence. Seriously, the wax side (the darker side) fills in your brows and holds them in place all day (I don't even use the powder). And because it's just a tinted wax, it's super easy to apply, and it's also very forgiving. I have temporarily replaced my Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade with this ridiculously affordable eyebrow kit. Tip of the Day: Unless you have jet black hair, you probably want to go with the light or medium kits.

Jordana Best Lash Extreme ($3): I've talked about this so much in my life that I feel it needs no further explanation. Just go buy it already. You can thank me later.

So, tell me, do y'all have any drugstore must-haves that are $5 or less? I'm dying to know that way I can run out and spend my lunch money on makeup instead.