Last summer, my family and I took a trip to Ireland after my graduation, but there were a few things I was worried about: flying, whether or not we would make our connecting flight, and checking my bag, given that ALL of my makeup was in it.

My mom says that I have many obsessions, but makeup tops them all—even over Niall Horan.

I originally got into makeup from watching my sister do hers and seeing how beautiful the results were. I've finally gotten to that point where I feel that my makeup looks just as good as hers, but trust me, I had my fair share of middle school looks, from full on blue eye shadow to glitter lipstick.

I've learned it takes a long time to figure out what products work best for you and what brands are the best for non-animal cruelty, and you have to sit through so many Youtube tutorials.

I still look at tutorials by Tati, a Youtuber who is essentially a "professional" makeup artist. She reviews products in every price range, shows you different looks with a specific pallet, and has even come out with her own line of vitamins for hair, skin, and nails.

When I go to buy makeup, I tend to look at two specific brands: Makeup Revolution and e.l.f.

Makeup Revolution easily has the best pigmented eyeshadows at a price anywhere from $7 to $30, and they're worth every penny. I recently purchased the Makeup Revolution Reloaded pallet in color Division. After I bought it, I swatched it on my arm in the car and literally had a revelation: this was the best pallet I had ever bought. All for $7.

Then there's e.l.f., the only brand that I trust is 100% clean, safe, and cruelty free. I am not a huge fan of foundation because I don't like the "cakey" look; however, this brand has completely changed my mind. I bought the e.l.f. Beautifully Bare Foundation Serum with SPF 25, for only $8, and it blends beautifully into my skin without having that "cakey" effect.

There are many other brands that I like to use and many different products that I'm willing to splurge on or that I'll settle for buying at TJ Maxx, but nothing really beats Makeup Revolution or e.l.f.

It's obvious that I'm fairly addicted to makeup, and I'm getting pretty good at doing it, so when I travel to France next January, I'll definitely need to meditate after I check my bag filled with all of my favorite makeup.