If any of you ladies out there are like me and like options when it comes to beauty products and such, then I am hoping this post might help you. Let’s face it, for your everyday makeup essentials, I know a lot of us don’t like to use the pricey brands…we like to be a little more cost conscious. That’s when it’s really convenient when you find a less expensive option out on the market, and for a few different categories, I have found similar products for WAY less. Here are my top picks!
BB Cream
Splurge: Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream in Light Medium ($39)
Steal: E.L.F Maximum Coverage Concealer Cream in Nude ($3)
Lip Gloss
Splurge: Bare Minerals Natural Lip Gloss in Sugar Cookie ($16)
Steal: Burt’s Bees Super Glossy Lip Shine in Nectar Nude ($7)
Lipstick
Splurge: Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color in Pink Ballet ($24)
Steal: Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Peach Parfait ($7)
Mascara
Splurge: Clinique High Lengths Mascara ($16)
Steal: Falsies Mascara by Maybelline ($7)
Makeup Primer
Splurge: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer ($36)
Steal: Sephora Collection Ultra Smoothing Primer ($17)
Blush
Splurge: Nars Blush in Super Orgasm ($28)
Steal: Sephora Collection Colorful Blush in Pink Plush ($12)
Eyeshadow
Splurge: Urban Decay Naked/Naked 2 Eyeshadow Palette ($50)
Steal: E.L.F. Studio Baked Eyeshadow Palette ($10)
Moisturizer
Splurge: Youth Surge Age Decelerating Moisturizer by Clinique ($52)
Steal: Loreal Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle and Firming (Day and Night Formulas) ($15)
Face Wash
Splurge: Clinique Rinse Off Foaming Cleanser ($19)
Steal: Olay Total Effects Revitalizing Foaming Cleanser ($8)
Body Wash
Splurge: Philosophy Pure Grace Foaming Bath and Shower Gel ($22)
Steal: Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash ($6)
Body Lotion
Splurge: L’occitane Ultra Rich Body Cream ($42)
Steal: Genes Vitamin E Creme ($8)
Shampoo/Conditioner
Splurge: Aveda Color Conserve Daily Shampos and Conditioner ($18 each)
Steal: Clear Hair Damage and Color Repair Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner ($7 each)
Now, here is where you come in…if any of you ladies have some fabulous products that you think are worthy to add to the list, PLEASE let me know!! I know we are always on the hunt for finding new makeup essentials that won’t break the bank.
I have tried a LOT of brands of foundation and my favorite recently is the Covergirl Trublend with minerals. I also love maybelline ultrasoft mascara, I've used it for years.
I read on a blog recently and this is going to sound gross, but "monistat anti chafing cream" has the SAME ingredients as smashbox primer… interesting!
You have to get elf primer! It's $6 and is amazing!
Oooh love this list!! Thank you! Where do you buy E.L.F products??
I had no clue ELF had a baked eye shadow palette! The Urban Decay palette has been on my wish list for a long time! Yippeee!
Great finds!! I love the Maybelline BB Cream! Also a drugstore steal! đ
Love this idea! I've been thinking about trying the BB cream trend. I need to check out those moisturizers too.
Such a great list! I really want to try the Sephora version of NARS Orgasm!
I love Maybelline's Lash Discovery mascara. The smaller brush makes it a lot easier to put mascara on my wimpy lashes, but not too much where it makes my lashes clumpy.
this is a great post! I have always wanted to try a BB cream but not sure how my skin will handle it…def going to try out the E.L.F one! I also have the Pink Ballet color but it is SUCH a drain on the wallet for $24…picking up this Revlon color too at Target this weekend–thanks!
Great list! đ
Just put a few of those products on my list for Target today! I have the ELF bronzer that looks like the NARS bronzer and I love it! I'm excited to try the eyeshadow and primer. I also recently switched to Almay foundation so that I don't use my expensive Laura Mercier foundation and I'm really liking it so far. And LOVE Olay products. Believe it or not, a makeup artist at Chanel told me to use Olay a couple months ago instead of the expensive lotions. Thanks for the great tips! xo
I am SO glad you wrote this list!! I LOVE ELF stuff!! I am boycotting my local Aveda shop so I will DEFINITELY be trying the Clean Scalp & Hair products. THANK YOU!
Such a fun post! Some of my bargain favorites are Maybelline Full & Soft mascara, Maybelline Age Rewind Under Eye Concealer wand, and Cetaphil moisturizer. ELF also has a lipgloss for $1 that is very similar to the Stila lipglosses but I can't remember the name exactly.
Splurge: Makeup Forever HD Microfinish Powder ($32)
Steal: elf Studio High Definition Powder ($6)
Everyone keeps talking about e.l.f! I am going to have to make a Target run this weekend and buy some products!!
Thanks for the list!
Makenzie
LOVE E.L.F!
Such a great post! I love to see better deals!! đ
Great list! I recently tried Maybelline's BB Cream and I really like it. I use Hard Candy Sheer Envy Skin Illuminating Primer ($8 at WalMart!) underneath and I always get comments that my skin is glowing!