Primer is essential to every makeup look. It improves wear time and makes blending easier while also blurring pores and discoloration. The cult favorite Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer is a gold standard in all of these respects. However, E.L.F. Mineral Infused Face Primer is a force to be reckoned with, blurring, smoothing and extending wear time just as well — for a mere third of the price.
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Twin alert: Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation in Coffee and Revlon Photoready Airbrush Effect Makeup in Mocha look almost identical when swatched. Both have full coverage formulas, boast all-day wear times, and photograph well — which one would you choose?
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When you think of timeless beauty, Chanel immediately comes to mind and its Poudre Universelle Libre is absolutely top-notch. It mattifies the skin, it's very easy to blend and it stays on your face for days. The only downside? The sky-high pricetag. Enter Maybelline New York Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder. It'll cost less than your lunch and, like the Chanel product, it's hailed for its versatile shade range, natural finish and shine-busting prowess.
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Want eyebrows on fleek? You're going to need the best tools in town. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz has garnered cult acclaim for its easy-to-use retractable pencil mechanism, long-lasting formula and, of course, the custom spooley on the other end. NYX Micro Brow in Espresso happens to be the perfect color match Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Dark Brown — and it's just as user-friendly as its luxury counterpart.
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Nothing ever says "fancy" better than Dior — and the Dior Eye Reviver Illuminating Neutrals Eye Palette is a perfect example of the brand's trademark luxury. The palette offers an array of luminously flattering shades, which opens up endless options for different eye looks. Now, it was tough going finding a a dupe for the iconic palette, but the 10-shade L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche La Palette is pretty darn close, with its well-curated mix of neutral mattes and glitters. Get ready to take your smoky eye to the next level — minus the guilt.
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