I've already rounded up my thoughts on the gel moisturizers, foundations, mascaras, lip balms and dry shampoos I've put to the test, so I thought it was about time to talk about concealers. There are so many amazing affordable options at drugstore prices, but different concealers can used for different purposes so here are my thoughts for navigating this space in the drugstore.

Maybelline Cover Stick | I feel like this is a hidden gem at the drugstore. This concealer was my secret weapon when I was working as a swim instructor because it is both high coverage and waterproof. I still to this day keep one on hand for the summer when I know I'll be at the lake or pool, or just generally spending time outdoors. It is a very thick consistency so I warm it up first with my fingers and then blend out with a fluffy blending brush so it doesn't appear cakey.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind | The brightener shade of the concealer is amazing for counteracting dark circles and bringing back some life to your face. It is a thick formula so a little goes a long way, and I always top it with something skin toned to make sure it blends into the face.

Coastal Scents Camo Quad | I know this isn't drugstore per se, but it is available for a drugstore price and I love it too much not to include it! This is my favourite concealer for covering blemishes, as it is so easy to get the perfect colour no matter how much of a tan you've got going on. It's a gel-like formula so it blends seamlessly and provides great coverage. 

 

Maybelline Fit Me | This is a very popular concealer, and for a good reason. The moisturizing texture makes it useful for both under the eyes and on the face. If you're battling dry skin or even dry spots from acne treatment this may be something you would love. Just note, the coverage is medium and it definitely benefits from being set because of the creamy consistency.

Garnier Anti-Dark Circle Rollerball | Since I already use a brightening product underneath my eyes, I love that this formula is very thin and doesn't feel like you're caking up the product. It's not very high coverage, but it covers what I need and it doesn't crease on me throughout the day making it perfect for everyday wear. The amount of product you get in this is crazy so even though it is on the higher end of prices, I know it will last me for at least a year.

What is your favourite affordable concealer?

  keep up with me: bloglovin' | instagram | pinterest | twitter

When it comes to nails, I'm all about the DIY. Unless it's a special occasion, I much prefer to do my own nails in the comfort of my own home than have them done at the salon. Doing your own nails can be a process, but with a couple of awesome tools I feel I can get professional looking nails in just a few minutes!

 Step 1 | Tame those Cuticles
A few months ago I finally picked up the Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover and it was a serious game-changer when it comes to at-home manicures. Apply it to the cuticle area, let it sit for a few seconds, then use a cuticle pusher to remove all of the excess skin. It's quick and simple and makes it easy to get a professional look at home.

Step 2  | Shape
When it comes to nail clippers, I'm not picky, but files are a whole different story. A glass or crystal file not only saves you the cringe-worthy feeling/sound of filing nails with a traditional emery board, but it gives the smoothest finish and lasts basically a lifetime.

Step 3 | Lay the Base
Base coats are one of the most important steps when doing your nails - they adhere the polish to the nail bed to help your mani last longer, and protect the nail from yellowing. My holy grail used to be the Revlon Colourstay Base Coat, but since that has been discontinued I've been loving using ORLY's Bonder. It's quick drying and creates a "rubberized" layer that truly helps increase the longevity of any polish on top.

Step 4 | Colour & Clean Up
After applying my nail colour of choice, I use a small synthetic brush dipped in nail polish remover to go around the edges and clean up any areas that I may have gone beyond the lines. This gives you a clean, professional final result! This one sent to me by Born Pretty Store (use the code SSEG10 for 10% off) doubles as a dotting tool which is a great for achieving easy nail art designs.

Step 5 | Seal It
The worst part of doing your own nails can be the time you're left waiting for your mani to dry, am I right? After recently repurchasing the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri, I don't know why I ever stopped using it! With this top coat the nails are dry to the touch in just a few seconds.

Step 6 | Maintain
I have very dry hands so a cuticle cream is necessary for keeping everything looking it's best. Lush's Lemony Flutter is amazingly moisturizing and smells pretty heavenly. I'm still working on a sample that I got last year, so the full size would probably last you forever! I apply this once my nails are fully dry and I'll use it a couple of times a week while I'm at work or before bed to keep everything smooth and moisturized.

Do you do your own nails? Any tips that I need to know?

keep up with me: bloglovin' | instagram | pinterest | twitter

I was recently tagged by both Mia for the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award, and Melanie for a Leibster Award so I thought I would combine the two in a quick Q&A that I'd love to hear your answers to as well!

Are you an early birdie or a night owl?
Definitely a night owl. I honestly wish sleep wasn't necessary because I get my best work done at night!

Favourite trip you've ever been on?
My favourite vacation was probably when I went to BC and Alaska with my family the week before I started university. It wasn't a trip I was particularly excited about at first, I'm not a fan of the cold after all, but the landscape was unbelievably stunning. One of my best friends is getting married in Whistler next summer and I can't wait to go back out west!

If you could eat one food and beverage for the rest of your life what would it be?
Food would definitely be pasta of some kind - I just love carbs. And beverage would definitely be tea! Hot, cold, it's always good.

What made you start your blog?
I'd been reading blogs for years and had always loved writing, photography & beauty. It was actually Tyler who gave me the extra push to bite the bullet and start, and I am forever grateful he has been so encouraging!

If you were to only wear one makeup item forever what would it be and why? 
Just one? That's tough. If I could also have great skin forever it would 100% be mascara, but if not probably foundation. Having flawless skin is an instant confidence booster!

Current favorite song, you know, the one that you crank up in the car?
This song has been my running companion for the past few weeks...and maybe Ariana Grande One Last Time.

Dream job & why?
Would any blogger not want to be able to turn this into a full time gig? But other than that, working in marketing for a company like Benefit or Revlon would be a amazing!

Do you like to workout? If so, what types of sports/workouts do you like the best?
My favourite workout is definitely swimming, but unfortunately my gym doesn't have a pool so I have to wait until the lake is warm enough in the summer to get my swim fix at the cottage. Running isn't my favourite thing, but I'm currently training for a race in June so that's what I've been focusing on recently.

What is your favourite can't-live-without lip product?
Lip balm, definitely. Lately that's been either the Nivea Lip Butter at night or the Smith's Rosebud Salve in the daytime.

You have 1 totally free YOU day, what would your day consist of?
I would spend the day outside in the sun on the porch swing reading and relaxing, then at night go through the whole nine yards of my pamper routine, and probably self tan - because it's a process people!

Here are some things I'd love to know about all of you:

1. Do you have any pets? Tell me about them!
2. What is one thing on your wishlist right now?
3. What is your favourite photo from your childhood? And yes, you can post photos in comments!
4. If you had to pick one which would it be: Instagram, Twitter or Pinterest?
5. Where do you get your style inspiration from?
6. What is your most treasured possession?
7. What are your favourite apps?
8. What is your favourite beauty/life hack?
9. What's one accomplishment you are particularly proud of?
10. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

Answer any of these questions in the comments, or write a post and tweet it to me so I can learn some more about you!

keep up with me: bloglovin' | instagram | pinterest | twitter