Monday, September 15, 2014

Buy This Not That




Dirt cheap products that work like magic. I’ve tried most of them and I’m definitely sold. Some of them are long lasting and so highly pigmented with colors so true that Mac and Sephora combined don’t stand a chance. Others I haven’t tried but have heard great reviews about. Think upgrade your look, with less $ = winner! I thought I should share with you my friends. I hope you find a few you relate to.

If you are looking for a matte heavily pigmented and long lasting lippie, look no more. Wet and wild offers a range of beautiful long lasting products. As I embrace the onset of Fall and the dark lip trend I tried a few and fell in love with Cherry Bomb. This baby showed up, no reapps all day, and the color stayed true. Now I know the lippie to grab from my stash. One con I noticed was dry lips so use a lip primer before application. I use Lucas Papaw, 12bucks at Net-A-Porter but when I’m out, a regular chap stick does the job. Lets just say I will not be investing in another tube of Mac Diva. Yes, its that good. And if you’re an NYC addict, then you’ll be pleased to know that Mahogany is also a dupe for Mac Diva, so save up…

OPI nail polishes! So fun, so addictive, so pricey! I’m a french tip gal but if those good enough to eat OPI colors are your weakness you should try Sinful Colors. This product offers bright beautiful equally good enough to eat colors for just a lil fraction of the price of a bottle of OPI. So by all means do get ‘Sinful’.

I love me some Urban Decay Naked Palette 2! They’re back at Sephora by the way. I thought I’d repurchase that forever until I met E.L.F natural palette. So much more in different finishes too for half the price. The shadows are not as long lasting so be sure to use a shadow primer. Btw they also carry an ‘eye~deal’ mineral primer that gives the high end products a run for their $ for just 3bucks. There’s also lip glosses, blushes and brushes so what are you waiting for? Go out and get you some ELF on your shelf.

I am a huge fan of long dramatic lashes. Even when my makeup is not as good, I apply the lashes and boom, everything is tied together nicely. High end lashes cost a pretty penny and it all adds up. In my quest to cut costs I discovered Ardell lashes. Number 111 is long, it’s flirty and is a close Mac 44 dupe and I’m so happy with it. Number 110 is a natural look and will add a tad of volume for a great everyday look. Like to stand out in a crowd? Take a walk on the wild side with Ardell rhinestone glitter and colorful finishes. These falsies come in many different styles, are 100% natural, reusable and affordable. So Ardell away, why not?

I will post more installments of ‘Buy This Not That’. I'm so thrilled with all my finds. I’m pretty sure we can all use some 'save not splurge' ideas. Enjoy the rest of the Marvelous Monday, Xx...

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6 comments:

  1. Thanks Idu. What a great post! As a makeup lover who has dropped a ton at Sephora and Mac only to have buyer's remorse (I once bought the 0.8 ounce tube of Givenchy foundation primer for the price of a full bottle of Estee lauder's primer which works better by the way IMHO), I am constantly looking for more affordable ways to pull off that "beat face" look. I'm a firm believer in good products but love the idea of getting a great look without breaking the bank. Thanks again!

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    1. Ouch @ the Givenchy! I'm glad you found this post useful Oge. I'll keep digging deeper and hopefully uncover more ways to turn our backs on the $ zappers :-)

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  3. I sauntered over to your blog after you left a comment on mine and let me say you are absolutely gorgeous!!!

    I will definitely have to out check Mahogany from NYC, don't know how that one got away from me. Currently I mix MAC's Diva with Kat Von D's Vampira to create the perfect shade of matte burgundy, but both of those lipsticks together are about $40 so if I can eliminate one (preferably diva) with Mahogany that will be great. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thanks a lot Delilah. Yes do check it out. I've heard good things about Kat Von D lipsticks too, I'll try the Vampira for sure and hopefully find some others I love in that line. I hope you had a great day...

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  4. Lovely blog. Any tips on make Brands for darks skin beauties

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