1. Maybelline
Why we love it: Lash Stylist Mascara
This is by far the best mascara I've ever used. I have teeny tiny little eyelashes, but when I apply a little of this product, they look thick, sexy and considerably longer. It's definitely a great product for small or thin lashes or for a "night time" look for anyone. My only complaint is that the wand does tend to accumulate clumps after awhile, but I just take it out and wash it well every few weeks and it's good as new!

2. Loreal
Why we love it: True Match Foundation
Loreal has come out with some fabulous new products in the past few years, my favorite of which is their True Match foundations, concealers and powders. You can find True Match at any drugstore or Wal-Mart for between $5-$10. The great thing about this product line is that you can match it almost perfectly to your unique skin texture and tone. You can match your skin color on your own (no pushy make-up counter necessary), using a matching system provided with the store display. Simply hold the transparent sheet to your skin (as directed) - the color that disappears is the one that's just right for you. Not only will the foundation match your unique skin tone, but the concealer, power and blush will coordinate perfectly. All of the products blend very well and look totally natural. The True Match line is so great, in fact, that it won Allure magazine's prestigious editor's choice award.

3. O.P.I.
Why we love it: Quick-drying, cleverly-named Nail Polish in a wide variety of colors
This one is a professional product, and thus a bit more pricey (around $7-$9 per bottle), but let me tell you girls - it's worth every penny! You will probably need to visit a specialty beauty store or your local salon to purchase it. O.P.I. is the fastest-drying polish I've ever used, goes on smooth and doesn't clump. It comes in a huge variety of trendy shades with fun names like "Chick Flick Cherry" and "I'm not really a waitress". Even though it might cost a few extra bucks, you will save money in the end, because it lasts so long without drying out or getting thick and clumpy.

4. Lip Fusion
Why we love it: Lip Plumper
This product is one which I just recently discovered and am quickly falling in love with! There's no need for a plastic surgeon thanks to Lip Fusion's Lip Plumper, which actually contains tiny collagen spheres that instantly plump your lips. The effects last for as long as 48 hours and it's said to be totally safe. This one is a bit more expensive, but not entirely unreasonable ($20 - $40 a pop, depending on the specific product). You can't find this at your local drugstore, but it is available at Sephora stores or at lipfusion.com. Lip Fusion's award-winning products have been featured in magazines and on TV shows such as Good Morning America.

5. Physician's Formula
Why we love it: Pearls of Perfection Multi-Colored Powder Pearls Bronzer
This is one of the most natural-looking bronzers I've ever used. I use it during the winter, when my skin is especially pasty-white. I brush it on with a big makeup brush after applying my regular foundation and powder and before I apply my blush. It has just the right combination of colors to give me a brighter, healthier glow. It also has just a subtle hint of iridescence. It costs around $10, but lasts forever! I've had mine for years now and it will probably expire (if it hasn't already) before I ever use it up!

6. Wet N' Wild
Why we love it: Cheap party makeup
Up until a year or so ago, I hadn't used Wet N' Wild products since the 5th grade. However, I was going to a party for St. Patty's Day and wanted to do some outrageously festive makeup. I bought some Wet N' Wild light green iridescent loose shadow and electric green liquid eyeliner. Each product probably cost me less than $2 and I was the hit of the party! I have never gotten so many compliments on my makeup in my life! I was surprised by the improved quality of the products - the liquid eyeliner was especially easy to apply and both stayed put all night long. I probably wouldn't trust their foundation or lipstick to hold up or blend well, but their shadows and liners work great, are super cheap and come in a wide variety of fun colors - perfect for a special occasion look that you don't want to waste a lot of money creating.

7. Heated Eyelash Curler
Okay, I'm cheating...this one isn't a specific brand, but it's a product I think every girl should have - a heated eyelash curler. I received mine as a gift and there is no name printed on the actual curler. I have since thrown out the original packaging, so I have no idea what brand makes the darn thing! It is a small wand that takes AAA batteries. I have tried the clamp-like versions, and I found that the wands work much better. Heat it up for a few seconds, curl your lashes and then apply your mascara. It makes such a huge difference for me, (as I mentioned, I have tiny eyelashes). I have gotten so many compliments on my eyes since I started curling my lashes, and I'm sure that I have my heated eyelash curler to thank. I have tried to find similar curlers at drug stores and stores like Wal-Mart or Target with no success. I even hit up a few specialty beauty stores, but had no luck. The only place I have been able to locate them is on Ebay, but I haven't purchased one yet, seeing as my old one is still working great.

Well, ladies, there you have it. My top 7 makeup brands and why I love them (and I have the sneaking suspicion that you will too!). I hope that this article might inspire you to go out and try them for yourself I think you will be pleasantly surprised that it doesn't take a lot of cash to look your best!