Latest Dupes for High End Fashion/Beauty

Let’s face it, if you are a fashion and beauty lover like me, sometimes it can be hard to not get the actual product…but OUCH! For that price?! I’m owning up to the fact that I LOVE whipping out my MAC or NARS lipstick in front of my friends and being the most “chic” girl…

I am so guilty of instant gratification, as well as cute Instagram pictures. So, when I see a product I love, I tend to spend the money, no matter the cost, to get what I want. Let’s stop this shall we? I’ve compiled a list (let’s call it part one) of items that are super cute or super expensive…and “dupes” for said products.

  1. MAC’s “Snob” lipstick–Revlon’s “Pink Pout”
  2. MAC’s “Ravishing” lipstick–Revlon’s “Smoked Peach”
  3. MAC’s “Russian Red” lipstick–Revlon’s “Really Red”
  4. OPI’s “Mod About You” nail color– China Glaze’s “Something Sweet”
  5. Essie’s “Turquoise and Caicos” nail color– China Glaze’s “For Audrey”
  6. L’Occitane’s “Crème Mains Hand Cream”– Burt’s Bee’s “Shea Butter Hand Repair Cream”
  7. Benefit’s “Hoola” Bronzer– NYC’s Smooth Skin in “Sunny” Bronzer
  8. NARS’ Blush in “Orgasm”– Milani’s Baked Blush in “Luminoso”
  9. MOROCCANOIL Treatment (Hair treatment)– Garneir Fructis Moroccan Sleek Oil Treatment
  10. Chi Silk Infusion (Hair)– Got 2b Smooth Operator Lustre Lotion

That’s all for part one… stay tuned…for picture comparisons! Sigh, I know it’s hard…but your wallet will thank you!

 

Happy “dupe-ing!”

 

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Utilizing What You Have

Hi Saving Beauties!

Sorry for the writer’s block lately. While being away, I did not spend much money, and when I did…I was using up gift cards that I received for my birthday. Topic for today? Utilizing what we have.

When going out, how many of you change purses and wallets? That’s right, every single one of you. How many of you just take what you need for the night and leave the rest of your items begging for a home in your old purse? Here’s what I’ve come up with:

  • Gift cards that are half used tend to be forgotten about. “Out of sight, out of mind”
  • Items that fall out of you bag and into your car or in your room go missing forever.
  • Going through your coat pockets can bring a bit of wealth your way.

Just some thoughts I thought I would share…the main point? Use what you have before you go out and buy more. You would be surprised the amount of money you have in half used gift cards!

Another point of random interest? Buying nail polish bottles is not a crime! Think about it: A whole bottle of nail polish is $10.00 tops? A full manicure and pedicure is $20.00 minimum. How many manicures can you give yourself with a WHOLE bottle of nail polish? My justification skills are phenomenal!

 

Happy savings!

And Another One Bites the Dust…

Since my boyfriend lives so far away from me, I am always on the lookout for cute little things to send him. Unfortunately, those small things end up being much larger purchases. I consider my weakness as another lesson learned.

Lesson learned: do NOT go onto any shopping website with free shipping if you are attempting to save money.

As for what I purchased for my boyfriend, that will remain under wraps due to him reading this 🙂 BUT I will say, I was proud of the “bargain” I got for what I bought.  But…gifts are selfless right?

On the bright side, I have walked in and out of my local drug and beauty stores and not bought a single nail polish! This does not mean I haven’t thought about it. But, I learned that if I bring a friend along, I will not purchase out of guilt. Not the best reasoning, but better than spending frivolous money on items I didn’t need. Looking through my collection, I found I have over 30 bottles of Essie nail polish from different collections and for different seasons. I have justified thus far every bottle as an essential part of my collection.

Rome wasn’t built in a day….right?

Regression…Time for an Intervention

Although I seem to work 40-45 hours a week, I don’t seem to get paid enough. But, the money that I do get, I’ve been trying to save. I decided I would open a free online savings account. I chose Capital One 360. It’s simple enough to get started…and transferring money is not instant so if I am in a spending spree, my saved money is safe.

 

Unfortunately, I still can’t get past my online shopping problem. I received an e-mail from a website (who shall remain nameless) that gave me about $15 in credit to spend. Naturally, I clicked on the link and went to the sale shoes. Immediately I found a pair of super cute shoes for $24.99 with free shipping..so I only had to pay the difference. Right? WRONG. I know I’m rationalizing again…It’s the principle of stopping the urge! Why am I so tempted to purchase more crap I don’t need?

 

When they were delivered to my house, I was at work, so I couldn’t intercept the package. My mom gladly took the package inside and sent me a snarky text about my shopping habits. But I really do think my problem is getting worse since I’ve tried to start saving money. I usually walk around different drug stores to look at the Essie nail polish displays with my best friend. Last night, I went to the 24-hour CVS down the block from my house, and my friend had to literally drag me out kicking and screaming.

 

Le sigh. Why aren’t pretty things free?

 

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