The Full Face That Got Me Together for Under $100 – Ale Jay
Hey boo. Let me just set the scene for you:
It’s 9am, my to-do list is terrifying, my group chat is already talking about someone showing up with no brows, and me? I’m standing in the middle of Walmart—mascara in one hand, phone notes in the other—trying to figure out how to look cute for under $100.
If you’ve been here before, you know the drill.
If you’re new—hi love, I’m Ale Jay, your makeup big sister. And today? We’re going on a back-to-school beauty mission. ✨
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Whether you’re heading back to campus, clocking back into the office, or just faking it ‘til you make it (because being an adult is a scam), this post is for you.
I needed makeup that:
- Looks good all day
- Feels good on dry skin
- Won’t have me spiraling at checkout like, “Did I really spend $300 on concealer and vibes?” 😩
The Mission: Build a Full Face for Under $100
Location: Walmart
Goal: Affordable, beginner-friendly, longwear glam
Mood: Broke but beautiful
The Foundation That Actually Feels Like Skin
Let me start with this gem: the e.l.f. Soft Glam Foundation in 53 Neutral.
When I tell you I was skeptical? I was skeptical. Drugstore foundations and dry skin are historically not friends. But this one? She showed up moisturized, glowy, and just neutral enough to not make me look like a sweet potato.
It blends like a dream and doesn’t settle into those smile lines (you know the ones—when life is lifing and your stress shows up around your mouth). I applied it with a damp sponge, and baby, it gave “my skin but better” in 20 seconds flat.
Concealer That Covered My Chaos
My under-eyes had been going through it—dark circles from editing late at night, too much caffeine, and let’s be honest… binge-watching shows when I should be sleeping. 😬
Enter: L’Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer in C7.
This is my new favorite for dry-skin girlies who need coverage without crust. It’s creamy, brightening, and blends out like you drank water and minded your business (even if you didn’t).
I dotted it under the eyes, a lil’ around the nose, and it just lifted my whole face without making me look like I was wearing three layers of paint.
Blush That Brings You Back to Life
Y’all know I live for a blush moment, and the NYX Buttermelt Blush did not disappoint.
I picked up this warm coral shade (because I need to look alive, not ghostly), and whew—the pigment! It melts into the skin without removing your base, and it has that soft, balmy texture that gives just the right amount of dew. I applied it with my fingers, tapped across the cheeks and nose, and suddenly I was blushing like I caught feelings. 🙃
Setting Powder That Didn’t Betray Me
Now THIS part made me nervous.
I don’t play about powders because one wrong move and I go from dewy goddess to desert lizard real quick. But the Wet n Wild Photofocus Setting Powder? She’s gentle. She’s forgiving. She’s that girl.
I used it to set just under my eyes and around the nose, and it locked everything in place without making me look 47. If you’re dry like me, trust—less is more. But this one? It passed the test.
Brow Pen That Gets the Job Done Fast
Brows set the tone, and the NYX Brow Pen has been holding me down lately.
It’s a fine tip marker that lets you draw on little hairs where you need ‘em. My tail ends? Nonexistent. This pen? Microbladed me in seconds.
It’s beginner-friendly too. If you mess up, just take a clean spoolie and blend it out—it gives that fluffy brow look without the TikTok-level pressure.
Mascara That Deserves Her Own Award
No lie, the L’Oréal Telescopic Mascara might be my favorite part of this routine.
She lifts, she separates, and she does not smudge—EVEN through my “I’m late again” speed-walk to the car. I don’t wear falsies every day, and with this? I don’t need to.
Two coats and I look like I was born with lashes. Highly recommend.
My Holy Grail Lip Combo (Walmart Edition)
You already know I can’t go outside without a lip combo.
- NYX Lip Liner in Espresso is that deep brown that always hits. It gives shape, definition, and grown woman energy.
- I topped it with the e.l.f. Lip Oil, and I was shocked at how plush it felt. Not sticky, not greasy—just glossy, soft, and juicy.
It’s giving: low-maintenance hottie who drinks iced matcha and minds her business.
The Final Touch: Lock It All In
Lastly, I grabbed the L’Oréal Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray Mist—and y’all… I love a good mister, but this one? This one MISTS. Like, my face felt refreshed and set at the same time.
It took away any powdery look and melted everything together.
By the time I walked out of Walmart, I had a full face, $96 receipt, and a new lease on life.
Final Thoughts
If you’re rebuilding your makeup bag this season—whether you’re a student, a teacher, a 9-to-5 girlie, or just someone who wants to feel a little more put together again—Walmart really does have some gems.
This face held up through errands, content filming, and sitting in LA traffic… and I still looked good when I got home. 🙃
So yes, I did all this for under $100. Yes, it’s beginner-friendly. And yes, these products will 100% be in my weekly rotation.
Let me know if you want a full wear test post, tutorial, or TikTok-style GRWM using this look. You know I got you.
With love and lip liner,
Ale Jay