The Good, The Bad & The Empties: 2015 Makeup in Review

Yours Truly used to be that girl who didn't wear makeup, or if she did, it was barely-there-can't-tell-mascara and maybe some concealer. I was afraid of smoky eyes, any kind of lipstick and wary of blush. I didn't know how to apply anything and was basically an all-round makeup dummy. 

 Now I'm an avid beauty addict who's experimenting with go-to looks and constantly discovering new amazing products. Here's Yours Truly's makeup picks on the (mostly) affordable end!

If you're still looking for the best cosmetics out there for the best price, keep reading. Here's what Yours Truly's learned about makeup in 2015. 

Behold the A-list trio of this makeup round-up!  Yours Truly's holy trinity for my go-to makeup routine includes Rimmel London's Stay Matte foundation, Rimmel London's Scandal Eyes mascara in Black, and Benefit Cosmetic's Rockateur blush. 

I'm as pale as they come thanks to those Irish genes so it's the lightest color they've got, Light Ivory, for Yours Truly. This foundation is smooth, rich, moisturizing, with medium coverage. It's perfect for evening your complexion and covering a few blemishes. And it's so affordable, under $5 in fact, found at Walmart, Target and other similar stores. All links are down below.

This delectable peach blush is just the most reliable, loved beauty product I've ever spent money on. Benefit Cosmetic's Rockateur is just that: a vivacious, flirtatious color that still bespeaks of 1950s flair. 

As you can see, I've reached the pan and continue to use it every day. I love a bit of glow and glimmer on the cheeks. It comes with its own brush which I've found to be effective!

London Rimmel's Scandal Eyes mascara is a long-term drugstore favorite of mine. I've used it for years: it's non-clumpy, waterproof, and definitely lengthens your lashes at least 50% as promised in advertising. I will admit that after a few hours in especially warm or damp conditions it often smudges the bottom of your eyes rather dramatically. But for less than $6 it's a steal. 

I bought this Sephora blush to supply a non-glitter counterpart to my favorite Rockateur, but to be honest it was a waste of money. This color is lovely but I just didn't need it after all since I used the Benefit blush so much. 

Drew Barrymore's line of cosmetics called Flower is both affordable and full of vivid, gorgeous hues. I picked up this nail polish and totally love it. It's a bright, metallic scarlet called Budding Romance. My first encounter with the famous actresses' beauty products was favorable so I'll be going back to try more! Stay tuned for more reviews. ;) 

This L'Oreal True Match illuminator is, in theory, something I'm in love with. I bought the warm-toned "rose" one. It's a lovely light, shimmery liquid which feels breathable on the skin. However the rose didn't work well with my skin tone so I haven't used it much. It'll probably have to go since it's just cluttering up my makeup bag. I might try it in the cool-toned "ice" but I didn't like how it went on (sorta streaky and un-blend-able) so I might just look for another product by a different brand. 

Naked2 by Urban Decay is a really amazing starter package for those discovering the joys and frustrations of the day-to-night smokey eye -- or just eyeshadow in general. It is by far the most expensive beauty item I've bought but it was so worth it. Over 2015 I used it at least four times a week; I still haven't reached the pan on any of them, but I just chalk that up to generous portions Urban Decay puts into their palettes. 

I love the mix of cool- and warm-toned eyeshadows here. It really makes it possible to create a variety of looks: nude, smokey, glittery, golden, etc. I love products that allow experimentation and this is definitely a winner!

Burt's Bees glittery lip balm in Rhubarb is, well, the bomb! I love this color because it gives the effect of a bright, dark-red-that's-almost-pink lip but it moisturizes as well. LOVE.

Where Yours Truly found these products
// London Rimmel's Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation {$4.97 at Walmart, here} // Benefit Cosmetic's Rockateur Box o' Powder {$28 at Ulta, here; $29 at Sephora, here} // London Rimmel's Scandal Eyes Waterproof Mascara {$5.47 at Walmart, here} // Flower "Budding Romance" Nail Lacquer {$4.98 at Walmart, here} // Urban Decay's Naked2 Eyeshadow Palette {$54 at Sephora, here} // Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer in Rhubarb {$4.74 at Walmart, here}

Coming up next are my new additions to the makeup bag for 2016! May it be a beautiful new year.
What are your favorite beauty products? I'd love to hear in the comments! If you still want more of Yours Truly's makeup reviews, read up on CoverGirl nail polish (a lacquer you can really call faithful even through the worst that a girl's life can throw at it) or L'Oreal's deluxe Smell the Roses, a great neutral-tone pink nail polish. Thank you as always for reading, re-sharing, recommending on Google+ and commenting.

Yours Truly,
Monica :)