This is a guest post by Catlyn Hoepner
One
of my biggest areas where I struggle to save money is makeup. I see
so many commercials, ads, and reviews for the most amazing looking
products..that also cost about a weeks worth of groceries. Thank
goodness that drugstore products have evolved over the years to rival
those more expensive beauty goodies. Here are some items that are
pretty similar to their pricey counterparts. Try a few out at your
local drugstore and see if you aren't sold!
NAKED2
Eyeshadow vs. Hard Candy NUDE Palette
This is the one beauty item I have almost spent too much money on. The shades are just so gorgeous! I found this Physicians Formula palette and completely forgot about NAKED2. The shades are comparable and this is sooo long-lasting. This NUDE palette will cost you about $10.
Benefit
"They're Real" Mascara vs. L'oreal Lash Extension Mascara
The thing that makes L'Oreal a dupe to Benefit is the two step process for doing your lashes. L'Oreal offers a primer with this mascara that creates"tubes" on your lashes. Layering the colored mascara over the tubes is what gives you the same falsie look that Benefit does. I always get asked if I am wearing false lashes when I wear this. This mascara was $10 at my drugstore.
Makeup
Forever HD Blush vs. E.L.F HD Blush
If your looking for a long lasting, strongly pigmented blush..this is it. Look at how close these shades are to each other! E.L.F's blush is only $3 to top it all off. A little goes a long ways, so that $3 is of a great value to you!
Beauty
Blender vs. Real Techniques Sponge
The Beauty Blender is one of the most talked about makeup application tools in awhile. I recently purchased the Real Techniques sponge from Walgreens for $6 and I LOVE it. I see no difference in the two products,except that the cheaper option has more angles. Which in the end is better for me anyways.
Benefits
Sun Beam Highlighter vs. E.L.F Facial Whip
I received a sample of Benefits Sun Beam Highlighter awhile ago, and ever since I've been trying to find a dupe. E.L.F $3 find to the rescue once again! This shimmer stick has the same glow as my high end favorite.
Urban
Decay Eyeliner vs. Maybelline Eyeliner
Urban Decay's Eyeliner has been raved about for so long in the beauty eworld. Reviewers have said how long it stays on, how pretty the color is, etc. Urban Decay may have met its match in Maybelline. This eyeliner is the perfect combination of smudge and precision, has gorgeous pigmentation, and lasts all day. At just $7, it is a steal.
Smashbox
Photo Primer vs. N.Y.C Primer
Whether makeup primer is a must have is still pretty debatable, but I personally find that it makes my makeup stay much longer. Perfect for those hot summer days. The primer from Smashbox is a popular product on the high end side. I use NYC's Smooth Skin primer and have found that it keeps my skin matte all day. At $3 it's worth experimenting with.
Urban
Decay Potion Primer vs. Maybelline Color Tattoo
This
primer from Urban Decay is especially for eye shadow. It helps it to
go on smoothly and stay on. It has a light shimmery color that really
adds to any eye look. This dupe is probably a little unheard of..but
I use Maybelline's Color Tattoo eye shadow in "Barely Branded"
as my primer. The color is a very light shimmery nude that will help
your eye shadow to stay in place! This was about $5 at my drugstore.
Kat
Von D Tattoo Concealer vs. Hard Candy Glamoflauge
The Kat Von D Tattoo Concealer comes with some pretty big claims.. Obviously, if it says it can cover tattoos! This is another product I almost forgot my thriftiness for. Almost. Then, I saw this concealer from Hard Candy for $6 and had to get it. This has become one of my all time favorite concealers. You use the teeniest dab to cover ANYTHING.
Sally
Hansen Complete Salon Manicure vs. Wet N'Wild
Megalast Nail polish is an area where I want high quality with low prices. I honestly don't like paying more than $3 a bottle. I broke down and bought the Sally Hansen product on the left and loved it. But regretted the price tag. I tried the Wet N' Wild Polish on the right on a whim and was hooked. The brush is big, the colors are strong, and my nails are chip free. At just under $2 it's a total score.
These dupes can be found at any mass retailer (such as Wal-mart or Target) or drugstore. Prices vary from region to region, but the savings will still be worthwhile! See if you can't replace an expensive standby with one of these products!
-Cate
I'm
Cate! I am a Wife to Nathon and a new Mommy to Micaiah. I blog over
at www.thefabulesswife.com, where you can find inspiration to live a
fabulous life frugally! I hope you enjoyed reading about my favorite
inexpensive beauty dupes!
Have
a great day!
--------------------------------------
Thank
you so much Catlyn for your awesome tips! I know so many will be able
to save more on their makeup now, knowing all the little tips and
tricks you shared. Don't forget to check out Catlyn on her blog,
here!
XO
Danielle
