Steal and Swank: Lipstick

This might be the trickiest post in the Steal and Swank series. I love lipstick. After nail polish it receives most of my makeup affections. I've actually run in to very few lipstick brands that I didn't like; most have something good to offer.

Steal: Revlon Colorstay Ultimate ($5.49)
I can't vouch for any 24-hour stay claims (what can I say, I lead a boring life), but this stuff has incredible staying power that is on par with the more expensive brands. Revlon's Colorstay Ultimate applies similarly to a lipgloss. One application delivers complete coverage that stays....and stays...and stays. I've never needed to reapply this lipstick on a day out and it doesn't leave clownish stains on coffee cups. The finish is neither a cream nor a matte, in fact, I'm not sure there really is a color for the finish. Regardless, the pigment is strong and doesn't go anywhere until you want it to.

Swank: Makeup Forever Rouge Artist Intense ($20)
My first Makeup Forever venture came in the form of a free sample of their bright pink lipstick. I had never been a lipstick wearer before, and jumping on the train with a neon color seemed uncomfortable. It must not have worried me too much because I jumped in mouth first (dirty?) and continued to purchase their products like a junkie. The Rouge Artist Intense line by Makeup Forever touts a matte finish that never stops.This is another all day lipcolor that I never seem to find myself reapplying. This particular line comes with approximately 50 color options. My personal favorites include their hot pink, neon orange, and true red. The colors have a brilliant finish that doesn't skimp on pigmentation. Additionally, I never have to use a lip primer or lip liner with Makeup Forever lipsticks. I have yet to run in to any problems with feathering around the lips or clumpy wear.

You can buy both products here and here.

Steal and Swank: Eyeliner

It is important to note that I have never been very much of a eye liner snob. When I first got into makeup I always created my own liners that were eyeshadow powder based. I felt that the powder colors I already owned gave me the most versatility and options for use. I could match the colors perfectly to whatever I was doing and was able to make my lines look as blended or precise as needed. The more adventurous and more creative I got, the more I ventured into buying actual kohl liners. Initially I kept to a drugstore brand grey that served as a foundation for my powders and wasn't visible when covered. I began to branch out when I needed something to make my looks more intense or severe. My adventurous tendencies have allowed me to make the following two recommendations.

Steal: Sephora 12 Hour Wear Eyeliner

This purchase was a total impulse buy. I happened to be browsing a Sephora when some neon liners caught my eye. After testing them on my hand and loving their potency and vibrance I was sold. It took the better part of a day to finally get the colors to come off my hand, which I felt was a true testament to their staying power.
This line offers a massive run of colors (35 total) that allow me to experiment on the inexpensive end. The colors glide on with minimal effort and stay put for the 12 hours they purport, and for only $9 a pop.

Swank: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil

Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliners come in 40 different colors and their title does everything it claims. This eyeliner has the single smoothest application I have ever experienced. The colors are incredibly vibrant and true to every swatch and color label they use. While I most definitely consider these liners a must have, their $19 price tag has me pumping the brakes on impulse buying.

You can buy the eyeliners here and here.

Steal and Swank: Primer Edition

When face primer became a "thing" I convinced myself it was just another stupid ploy to get me to buy more cosmetics. Lucky for marketers and advertisers, their ploys tend to work. Initially, I had a hard time committing to any primer purchases. It just seemed to odd to buy a clear gel like substance that I didn't necessarily see the outcome of its use. Then I used it and realized how stupid I was.

When I first jumped in the primer pool, I started off on the low end. My beginners primer purchase was by brand NYX and was called "Pore Filler." I didn't feel as though I needed primer anywhere other than around my nose. My pores were evident and concealer and foundation always looked messy in that area. I was thrown off at first by the color of the primer. I didn't expect there to be a flesh toned tint since all other primers were either clear, purple, or green for corrective purposes. I smudged a bit around my nose and was enamored with how silky it made my skin feel. What drove me to love this product even more was how a little amount went a long way. I've had the same tube for a few months now and am only now close to running out. For $13 I think NYX Pore Filler is a great to-go primer that lends itself well to everyday use and is a great product to keep in travel bags and purses.

My primer recommendation on the "swank" end is quite predictable: Smashbox. Smashbox has what I view as a monopoly on the face primer market. It was one of the first brands to hit it big with the idea of priming one's face for makeup. It's early attention to the product and magnificent formula allowed Smashbox to soar above the other brands and keep users coming back for more.
When using this product, I stick with the traditional clear primer. Smashbox has a plethora of specific usage primers, such as color correction and luminizing. Much like the NYX brand listed above, this primer requires merely a dab to cover the entirety of your face. It is smooth, silky, and doesn't separate in the tube. What is best about this primer is that it comes in two sizes. I have a large bottle that I keep with all of my makeup supplies and a travel size bottle that I keep in my to-go makeup bag.
What makes Smashbox worth the money, is that unlike other primers, it does exactly what it says its going to do. I don't find myself suffering from what I dub "makeup side-effects," like discoloration, unsolicited shimmer, or flesh colored smears. This product is straight forward and packs a punch without any surprises. For $36 I consider it a must have.

You can buy both brands here and here.

Steal and Swank: Mascara Edition

From now until the end of this year, I will be posting a new series of updates titled Steal and Swank. In this series I will bring you the best makeup "steals" and those which qualify as a bit more "swank," (i.e. pricey). All products that are featured have been tried-and-true by your favorite inconsistent blogger.
The first installation is mascara. I decided to feature mascara because it is my number one essential makeup item. I was wonderfully blessed with translucent eyelashes and eyebrows. Pair this with fair skin, freckles, and red hair, without mascara I look ill or "off." It's not a particularly good look. That said, I've had plenty of time to try out endless brands of mascaras.

Steal:
Maybelline Great Lash
$6
This should be a surprise to no one. Maybelline has easily one of the single best mascaras on the market. This age old formula is a classic and a staple for any makeup aficionado.
Great Lash doesn't flake, it goes on smoothly and without clumps, and it separates and defines. The pink and green tube a go-to for all of my makeup kits and I never want to be without it.

Swank:
Lancome Defincils
$27
Prior to this mascara I had never used Lancome products before. This is one situation that I can blame solely on advertising. Every Lancome ad I have ever seen in a magazine looks like it was assembled by a 14 year old who just pirated a trial copy of Photoshop online. The ad's are just atrocious. Last year, though, I received a sampler set of mascaras from Sephora (highly recommend this, they come out with one every year). A small bottle of Lancome was included. I held off on using it for a bit, as I was more interested in the tubes of Smashbox, Tarte, and Korres. When I finally broke it open, I was wildly impressed. The brush coats the lashes evenly, but leaves behind the blackest pigment. Lancome Defincils gave me dark, dramatic, and voluminous lashes, with minimal effort and no reapplication needed.

You can purchase these items here and here.