FOTD - Recessionista Rhondalei

I am a firm believer in having both cheap and steep make up. While I do prefer some of the higher end brands based on wear, color pay off and texture, I do love my cheapies like ELF. This past Christmas, I gave some of my gfs goodie bags with some of my favorite things that included ELF lippies. Rumor has it that Nordstrom has acquired the brand and will be repackaging as a Nordstrom brand. Don't hold me to that since I haven't done any thorough research. I'm just sayin'. :p

This is what I bring to work on a normal basis. Large MAC softsac filled with make up. This isn't very convenient to tote around, but I use a backpack to work and this manages to fit in there along with my laptop and balon.



This is the Recessionista to-go make up bag. I wanted to create something small, light and with products that are office appropriate. No loud, bright colors which I love, but I just can't walk into a meeting with bright fuschia lipgloss poppin!

I managed to cram all of this product into that bag! All these products and the bag are ELF. The only items that weren't ELF that I used was my MAC Browshader in Soft Charcoal/Maple and 266SE brush for my brows. All of ELF is affordable starting at $1 for most products. I couldn't help but order A LOT of make up since it was such a good deal!

Face:
Tone Correcting Concealer in Light
Sheilding Hydro-Tint SPF15 in Tone 1 & Tone 2 (mixed to match)
Clarifying Pressed Powder in Tone 1 & Tone 2 (mixed to match)
Natural Radiance Blush in Glow
Shimmering Facial Whip in Citrus (used as highlighter on cheeks and above brow bone)

Eyes:
Brightening Eye Color Quad in Butternut
Brightening Eye Liner in Coffee
Wet Gloss Lash & Brow Clear Mascara
MAC Browshader in Charcoal/Soft Maple

Lips:
Therapeutic Conditioning Balm in Blackberry Creme
Featherproof Moisturizing Lip Liner in Spice
Plumping Lip Glaze in Oasis

Me bare faced with just eyecream and moisturizer on. This is how I usually roll into work. I close my office door and do my make up while checking email. Haha! My manager once came in and said, "What's going on here? What's all of this? Do you not have a home?" She was just joking...thankfully. I make sure my office door is shut! Maybe I should lock it too? See how young I really look?! Its a good thing, but I do need to look a bit more refined at work & maybe people will take me more seriously. :p



Me after with my Recessionista make over! Even skin with good color and a look that is polished. Proof that you don't need to spend a lot of money to look great! I know most of us gals are on budgets and need to find ways to beautify without breaking the bank. ELF cosmetics is a definite must in my book and I would love to order more stuff...as soon as my Lenten make up diet is over!

I'm thinking of creating more grab and go kits for different days. Like maybe a fun & flirty pink, daytime smokey eye and summery bronze/turquoise kit. What do you think?