This series is meant to analyze how much I spend on consumer products that are supposed to make me look good.

1. Foundation

$40/bottle (2x/year) = $80

I use MAC Face and Body Foundation. I love it. It’s sheer, lightweight, and blends really well. I’m super pale so most other foundations give me streaks like the rainbow, so this was a great find.

I use it very sparingly, it seems, so I don’t usually buy 2 bottles a year – maybe a bottle every 8 months – but  I’ll round up just in case.

2. Powder

$6/compact (1x/year) =$6

I usually use Cover Girl Professional Loose Powder for this purpose, and use it to matify my foundation in the mornings. I still haven’t run out.

3. Bronzer/Blush

$34/compact (1x/year) = $34

I use Mineralize SkinFinish by MAC. Once again, I’m pasty so it’s a must. I have had my current bronzer for about a year and a half and I only now have to replace it, so I’ll just round up.

4. Eyes

I have a lot of fun with my eye makeup. I really only wear mascara and a little eyeliner when I go to work, but on weekends if I’m going out, I’ll play with color (particularly in the eyeliner department) and use shadow. I went on a MAC binge last year so I have a LOT of colors in my makeup bag right now, but what I use on a regular basis does not reflect that.

I don’t use any of these more than once a year, but because I am not putting anything near my eyes that is old and full of bacteria, I replace after a certain period of time. Usually the bottle is still half full.

A) Maybelline Colossal Volume Mascara – $8/bottle (2x/year) = $16

Not the best, not the worst. It’ll do for now.

B) Prestige Eyeliner – $5/pencil (1x/year) = $5

I’ll gladly use my pencils until they are stubs.

C) MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow – $24/compact (2x/year) = $48

I certainly don’t use that much eyeshadow in a year, but I definitely buy that and more.

5. Lips

$17.50/tub (1x/year) = $17.50

I use MAC Lipstick. Why? Because other than the maybe one tube that I buy during the year, I get it for free when I turn in six MAC containers. Plus, I love it.

I also use a gloss and a lip balm but both of those things I have had for forever and don’t even remember when I bought them.

6. Tools and Cleaner

A) MAC Brushes – $40/brush (1x/year) = $40

I have a full set but I’d be lying if I told you I didn’t lose them from time to time.

B) MAC Brush Cleanser – $15.50/bottle (1x/year) = $15.50

It’s important to keep those brushes clean. So as not to give oneself an eye infection.

I don’t know if you noticed the pattern, but I’m a pretty big MAC fan. It’s definitely not as expensive as some think it is, since it goes farther than lots of makeup.

Total: $262

I’m actually surprised this total came up less than my skin care regime, but it’s likely due to the fact that Philosophy is expensive and I use more of it than my makeup.

Ladies – do you wear makeup? What’s your favorite brand? 

What I Spend to Look Good: Makeup Edition is a post from: When Life Gives You Lemons. Did you like the post? Follow me on Twitter, like me on Facebook, or hop on over to my blog and leave me your feedback.