Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Concealer | Dupe Alert | New at the Drugstore

This post contains affiliate and referral links.

I wasn't kidding when I said that good things are coming to a beauty department near you. That seems to be especially true for the drugstore lately. Turns out, Neutrogena wasn't about to be left out of the new product release action. 

While perusing the aisles at ULTA, I stumbled on their new Hydro Boost Hydrating Concealer ($12.99, 0.12 oz). I was immediately struck by how similar it was to a certain high end concealer stick. See if you  can guess which one just from looking at the picture below. 

If you didn't scroll down to see the next picture and guessed Benefit Fake Up concealer ($24. 0.12 oz), then we're on the same wavelength. So you know I had to take it home with me and put it to the test. 

But before we check out how the two compare. Let's read a little bit about what Neutrogena's Hydro Boost concealer claims (from Neutrogena's site): 

Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Hydrating Concealer applies flawlessly to help mask imperfections. The non-greasy, lightweight formula glides onto skin providing silky-smooth, natural-looking coverage. The unique hydrating core is designed to instantly quench skin.

• With purified hyaluronic acid

• Blends effortlessly to hide dark circles for a fresh look all day

• Oil-free, non-comedogenic

• Ophthalmologist tested: safe for sensitive eyes & contact lens wearers

• Available in 5 blendable shades

Now that we know what we're supposed to expect, let's pit these two products against each other and see what we find. Is the Neutrogena Hydro Boost a dupe for Benefit's Fake Up? Let's find out!

Like what you saw? Subscribe for more!

Join the ULTA Rewards program (free), get a $10 coupon! 

Use ebates for added savings and cash back when you shop! (Get a $10 gift card when you sign up)

*Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are "referral links" or “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item or sign up for a service, I will receive an affiliate commission or referral rewards. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review: NYX Epic Ink Waterproof Eyeliner | Dupe Alert! | New at the Drugstore

This post contains affiliate and referral links.*

So you guys know that my mission in life is to find the best liquid liner and tell you about it, right? 

(OK, so maybe I also like to tell you about all kinds of other beauty products too, but liquid liner is definitely a favorite)

Remember how excited I was about the Jesse's Girl Liquid Liner? Well, if you were bummed that you didn't live near a Rite aid, then I've got more good news for you. NYX unleashed a new liquid liner onto the market that sent shivers down my spine and gave me that fluttery feeling in my stomach.

Yep, it's that serious. 

Let me introduce you to the NYX Epic Ink waterproof liner ($7.99, 0.03 oz). Does it remind you of anything? 

If you said it reminds you of the Kat von D Tattoo liner, then you had the same thought I did. And let me tell you, when I saw it at the store, a actually let out a happy little squeal (and got a few side-eye stared -- but they just don't understand the magic, now do they?). 

As soon as I read the description, I knew I had to buy it and test it out. Check it out (description from NYX's site, emphasis by me): 

Live for super-sharp wing inspo? Don't just "like" all your faves, draw 'em yourself using NYX Cosmetics' Epic Ink Liner. Featuring a slender and supple brush tip, this intensely pigmented, waterproof pen lets you achieve black liquid lines effortlessly. Every stroke is unbelievably fluid for a defined finish. Control the thickness of your lines by pressing down just a touch. Fine and natural, broad and bold - the look is always up to you!

Mmmmmhmmmm... I needed it. And since ULTA was having a buy one, get one half off sale, I purchased the last two in the store that day (because I'm extra like that). If it was indeed a dupe, I wasn't about to ever be without it.

Check out my video below to see the NYX Epic Ink Liner in action and side-by-side with my Tattoo Liner to see for yourself.

Like what you saw? Subscribe for more!

Join the ULTA Rewards program (free), get a $10 coupon! 

Use ebates for added savings and cash back when you shop! (Get a $10 gift card when you sign up) 

*Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are "referral links" or “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item or sign up for a service, I will receive an affiliate commission or referral rewards. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

How to: Winged Liquid Liner | Drugstore Dupe for Kat von D Tattoo Liner

This post contains press samples, affiliate and referral links.*

Today we're obliging another viewer request, because we're awesome that way. Haha! Oh modesty!

No but seriously, a few of you have requested a tutorial on how I apply my liquid liner. And I'm all too happy to oblige because a fierce cat eye is pretty much my favorite makeup look.

Why? Because you can keep everything simple, but when you add that winged liner all of a sudden your makeup slays.

Best of all, it's appropriate for any occasion. Work, school, date, errands. You name it and the winged liner will slay it.

And it pairs well with just about any look. From simple to full glam, this adds a little extra sass to whatever you're wearing.

But mastering the winged liner definitely takes practice.

Today, I'm sharing how I do it and a few tips that I've learned to help make the process easier.

Plus, I have an awesome drugstore dupe to share with you. Long-time viewers/readers know all too well that I only have eyes for a brush tip liquid liner pen. For years, I've been using the Lorac Front of the Line Pro liquid liner and more recently Kat von D's Tattoo Liner (talk about a budge proof liner!).

But then, the dupe gods decided to smile down on me and my wallet and they introduced me to Jesse's Girl Cosmetics Liquid Liner ($6.99) and changed my life all over again. Just like the Kat von D and Lorac liners, this drugstore liquid liner has my must-have brush tip (think calligraphy pen) and easy-to-use pen shape. Best of all, it's jet black, fluid and inky, and BUDGE PROOF. I'm serious guys, this one didn't come off with plain old soap and water. It required waterproof makeup remover.

I mean, just look at how sharp that liner is.

Check out my tutorial (skip to the 2:15 mark if you only want to see the how-to) and listen to me rave about this dupe!

Like what you saw? Subscribe for more!

Join the ULTA Rewards program (free), get a $10 coupon! 

Use ebates for added savings and cash back when you shop! (Get a $10 gift card when you sign up) 

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Also, some of the links in the post above are "referral links" or “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item or sign up for a service, I will receive an affiliate commission or referral rewards.Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review: Elf Cosmetics Studio Brushes | Dupes for It Cosmetics?

This post contains products I purchased myself, press samples, affiliate and referral links.* 

Hi guys! Remember way back long long ago when I hauled some new elf brushes? No?

They were the ones I got because I thought they were dupes for some high-end favorites. Still not ringing a bell? Well here's where maybe the elf haul post will jog your memory.

Anyway, I finally got my butt in gear and reviewed these, just in time for elf to release their latest brush collection (the new brushes hadn't been released at the time I filmed this video).

Regardless, some of you wanted to know what I thought of these brushes and if they were indeed reliable $6 dupes. The answer is: Yes.

Check out my video to see which brushes are dupes for my favorite It Cosmetic brushes and which dupes left me kinda disappointed.

e.l.f. Ultimate Blending Brush | It Brushes for ULTA 101 Airbrush Blurring Brush | It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Brush (press sample)  | e.l.f. Selfie Ready Powder Brush | It Brushes for ULTA 102 Airbrush Smoothing Brush | Real Techniques Expert Face Brush |  e.l.f. Selfie Ready Foundation Brush | e.l.f. Sculpting Face Brush 

Like what you saw? Subscribe for more!

Join the ULTA Rewards program (free), get a $10 coupon! 

Use ebates for added savings and cash back when you shop! (Get a $10 gift card when you sign up) 

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Also, some of the links in the post above are "referral links" or “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item or sign up for a service, I will receive an affiliate commission or referral rewards.Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Haul: Colour Pop Cosmetics Super Shock Shadows + Lippie Stix

If you've been watching Youtube beauty videos lately, then you've no doubt heard of a new brand out there called Colour Pop. The brand's taken the bloggosphere/vloggosphere by strom -- and with good reason. The quality and pricing of their products are jaw dropping. Their Super Shock eyeshadows and Lippie Stix have beauty bloggers/vloggers weak at the knees, which means I had to go ahead and order some of their products to check them out for myself.

Right now, the brand makes eyeshadows and lipsticks -- all priced at $5 (!!!). And soon they'll be releasing a blush line. They haven't announced the price of the blushes, but they have said they won't be priced at $5 as they are a larger product. Regardless, I'm already salivating at the possibility.

I went ahead and ordered seven products (five shadows and two lipsticks). If you're doing the math, that's a whopping $35 (steal!). And since I signed up for their newsletter, I got a $5 off coupon, which brought my total down to $30.

I'm pretty sure I've spent more than that on fewer products at the drugstore. Just sayin'.


Anyway, here's a picture of the five eyeshadows I purchased.

I haven't given these a thorough testing, so I'm not ready for a full review. But from what I've experienced so far, I can say that these are impressive. They offer great color pay off and lasting power. I've worn them with and without primer and was pretty impressed with both -- although primer gave it much better lasting power (of course).  More to come once I test these out for longer.

In the meantime, here are some color descriptions and swatches for you:

• So Quiche: Olive with gold, pink, and violet duo chrome shimmer (metallic finish)
• Amaze: rose gold (metallic finish)
• 3: bronze with silver and multicolored glitter (metallic finish)
• Desert: warm saddle brown with taupe (satin finish)
• Hanky Panky: soft cool-tone taupe (matte finish)

I also purchased two of their Lippie Stix:

• BFF is a peachy nude with a glossy finish
• Frida is a warm mid-tone pink nude with a satin finish

Colour Pop Lippie Stix in BFF (left) and Frida (right)

These are quite creamy and also offer great color pay off. See the swatches for yourself.

Colour Pop Lippie Stix Frida (left), BFF (right) 

Even though Hanky Panky is described as a cool toned taupe,  it reminded me of  MAC Soft Brown and Stila Eden shadows. In the pot, they all look very close. But on closer inspection, it's not an exact dupe -- just in the same color family.

Soft Brown is definitely darker and warmer.  Eden is rosier. Check out the side-by-side swatch below.

Is it just me? They're kind of similar, right?

Don't forget to check out my video for a little hauling fun! When you're all done with that, visit Eugenia's haul and Phyrra's haul so you can binge on some Colour Pop purchases.

Fashion Savings: The Bubble Necklace Knock Off

Just two weeks ago I shared my woes with you about not being able do decide on the color J. Crew Bubble necklace I wanted to spend my hard earned money (and gift card) on. You all weighed in and it was still a tie! Seems it really isn't that easy to choose only one.

Well, after I wrote the post, I started searching online because I'd seen a few gals sporting some bubble necklaces that I knew weren't J. Crew. Cute as they are, J. Crew simply didn't put out those colors. I'm not judging you. I just wanted to know where I might be able to score some savings myself. Plus, as I mentioned, I really was kicking myself over not purchasing the royal blue one that J. Crew put out.

My search turned out some happy returns. I stumbled upon many Etsy stores that offered bubble necklaces at a fraction of the cost. I settled on the Blue Bird shop. For one, she had a royal blue necklace! Plus, she is based in the U.S. (faster shipping for me) and she was running a special (free shipping and a free pair of matching earrings). My necklace cost $34. How's that for savings?!

Mind you, if you search "bubble necklace" on Etsy, you will find quite a few shops that sell the necklace for less (I saw some as low as $16). But, most of them ship from China, and I simply didn't want to have to wait.

I ordered my necklace on Friday morning and it shipped the same day (even though the site said it could take up to a week to ship) and I had it in my hands by Monday. I'm pretty happy with my purchase.

Here's what I think of the actual piece:

• It's not as heavy as it's J. Crew counterpart, but that's not exactly something that bothers me considering how much less I paid.
• No visible signs of glue on the bubbles or around them.
• The clasp on mine is a bit tough to open, as though it could use a bit of lube. A bit dangerous for my manicure, but still functional.
• The bubble color is really pretty in person. I'm really glad I found it and got it.

I have to wear mine on the smallest clasp because I'm a bit busty, which makes the necklace hang a bit awkwardly if I try to wear it too long. I could have worse problems, I suppose. I can't wait to include this when I put together different outfits. 

Check out my photos of it below.

Like I said, I'm happy with my purchase and I think I'd definitely purchase from her again. I'm loving the red and kelly green version of this same bubble necklace and she has a gorgeous multi-stone drop necklace on sale that I'm considering in seafoam green.

Do you have a bubble necklace? Did you buy it at J. Crew or find it elsewhere? What color is yours?

Dupe Alert: MAC 217 Blending Brush

Photo credit: MAC website

If you are a beauty junkie, you have probably heard all the fuss over MAC's 217 blending brush. I'm in the camp of people who adore it. I think it's the perfect brush. It's stiff enough to pack on color, yet fluffy enough to blend to perfection. I can use it with powder shadow and creams. It's the one brush I reach for that I can use for a complete eye makeup look. For me, it's a staple. For the longest time, I couldn't find a cheaper alternative. For all my other brushes, I could easily find an alternative that wouldn't cost as much. Fluffy blending brushes, shader brushes of all sizes and densities, angle brushes, liner brushes, pencil brushes, you name it, I could find one that I didn't have to spend a fortune on. As much as I love MAC, I just couldn't bring myself to shell out the money for a brush I could find somewhere else (that was also a good quality and friendlier on my wallet). In fact, the only MAC brush I own is the 217, and that was after an intense (and failed) search for a suitable alternative.


But now, I'm happy to report, you don't have to pay $22 for one brush. If you are like me, and just love your 217, or if you've been wanting to try it but just couldn't justify the price (what if you didn't like it after spending that much?), you are in luck. There are now some great dupes out there that will save you lots of cash.

The first one I ever got was the Sigma E25 ($9) is less than half the price of the original MAC brush. I have the travel sized E25 and I think I may actually like it better than my original 217. Here's why, it's softer and a bit fluffier. Yep. As much as I adore my 217, I feel it can sometimes be a bit scratchy (not crazy scratchy, but just a tiny bit). Now, I have discovered that if I wash my brush often, it doesn't get scratchy, but I have to do the deep cleaning (as in using baby shampoo not brush cleaning spray). I don't have a problem with this, but sometimes I'm in a hurry and forget to clean it. I use the brush so often, I can't have it on the counter drying and not be able to use it (Gasp! Unthinkable!). Enter the new brush. With two of them (and one at a fraction of the price) I can alternate between the two while the other one is being cleansed. But I digress; the E25 is definitely softer, even when it's not as ideally clean as it should be.

Photo credit: Sigmabeauty.com

So I thought I was in heaven when I found a dupe for $9. It was a price I was much happier paying (especially compared to $22) if anything were to happen to the brush that I would need to replace it. But, call me cheap, I'd still prefer to pay less (if I can).

Imagine my joy when I received my weekly email from Coastal Scents announcing its sales and saw that brushes were on sale and in the photo I saw a brush that looked just like the 217. I had no idea that Coastal Scents had this brush! I'd been on their site many times before and had never seen it. Turns out, it's relatively new (about 6 months). I immediately clicked on the link and went to find out if this brush was in fact a comparable dupe. There were tons of reviews on it. Apparently it had been out long enough for the legions of 217 fans to try to get their hands on it, so it was always out of stock (how had I NOT heard of this until now?). Most reviewers were saying it was a comparable dupe. And here is the kicker. Are you ready for the price? Wait for it… $4.95. Yes! And it was on sale for 20% off. Even without the sale I could get 4 of these brushes for about the price of one 217 (I'm counting shipping). I jumped on it.

Photo credit: coastalscents.com

I got them in the mail two days ago. I have to report, it really is a close copy. The 217 is definitely denser (fluffier, more hairs) and a little rounder, while the CS Pro Blending Fluff Brush is a bit flatter and stiffer. But don't let this fool you. It still does an amazingly good job at blending your shadow and packing it on if needed. It's excellent quality at a fabulous price. I washed mine, and it didn't lose shape. However, when I did wash it, it looked like it might lose shape (the bristles started drying all wide). I fixed this by folding my towel in half and drying the brush wedged inside the fold (to help hold the shape since I don't own brush guards). I then put a small container (I used an eye shadow) over the bristle side to keep some pressure over it, and that worked just fine. When I unfolded the towel and got my brush the next morning, it looked just as it did before I washed it.

UPDATE: I recently urchased more of these brushes and have more to say about them on this post. 

Here are photos of my brushes so that you can compare them side-by-side. Apologies for the one dirty brush. I'd used it (obviously). As you can see, the Sigma brush is fluffier and fuller, while the Coastal Scents brush is a bit flatter. However, they are all so similar, the distinctions are truly minor.

Left to right: Sigma E25, MAC 217, Coastal Scents Pro Blending Fluff Brush

Close up shot of brush heads (same order as above)

I'm so thrilled. I now have four of the same style brush. Excessive? Maybe, but I'm telling you, I use this brush a lot and I'm tickled that I can now find it at a better price (and share those savings with you) and can always have a clean one ready and on hand.

So, what do you think? Are you a 217 fan? If so, will you be getting either of these brushes? If you have them already, was your experience similar to mine? Tell me what you think!

Beauty Blender Alternative: Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge

Well, I've finally come around to the dark side, or shall I say, I've finally come around the the airbrushed-look side. For a while I've been resisting the Beauty Blender phenomenon. I just couldn't understand why I should pay so much for a reusable sponge, when I could simply use a disposable one, or even a foundation brush. So, here it is: I. Stand. Corrected. This really does make your foundation application look flawless. It's impressive.

Now, as you can see from the title, I didn't purchase the $20 Beauty Blender brand. Instead, I saved $10 and purchased the Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge ($10) at Target. It's pretty much the same thing, at least according to many people who have done side-by-side comparisons to them. The main difference (aside from the obvious color): the Sonia Kashuk sponge has a groove along the middle that is supposed to make it easier to grip. If you prefer the full-on egg shape, sans the groove, check out the Sephora brand blending sponge, which is $12. I have not tried this one out, nor have I seen any reviews on YouTube comparing the two, so I can't vouch for it. But, it looks like it's essentially the same thing.

Here's the skinny on it:

• It is latex-free, which is great for any of you out there who are allergic to latex and therefore avoid the disposable makeup wedges
• You use it to apply foundation (use the bottom, broader side), concealer (use the pointy side to get into hard to reach areas), and cream blushes (use the broad/bottom side)

How it works:

• Dampen the sponge (make sure you squeeze out nearly all the moisture, you want it to be damp not wet). This step is crucial, otherwise the sponge will absorb the foundation into itself rather than applying it to your face.
• Apply foundation to the back of your hand and dip the sponge into the foundation
• Bounce the sponge on your face (also known as stippling) to apply the foundation
• For concealer: apply concealer under your eyes and use the pointy side of the sponge (damp) to blend into skin.
• For blush: apply cream blush to your cheeks, and use broad end of sponge to blend
• Can also be used to apply sunscreen to help you apply an even coat without applying too much (and clogging your pores) and keeping your from looking greasy or ashy

You might be asking yourself, how is this any different from dampening a makeup wedge and using the same application method? It's not that different. Either way you are using a stippling method. In fact, before I purchased this blending sponge, that is what I did when I used makeup wedges. Except, I still had to do a lot of blending. I'd still get some streaking, nothing blending wouldn't take care of easily, but I think the blending sponge's egg shape helps you stipple and blend simultaneously, making application a little quicker. I also find I end up using less foundation with the sponge than with the wedges (even when they are damp) and I just notice the finish is more flawless. Again, I think it is because the sponge blends better, though other than because of the round shape (you can roll and bounce simultaneously), I'm not sure why. 

One benefit of this is that it is reusable. You can wash it with soap and water (would you like a YouTube video on how to do this?) and reuse it, making it a more environmentally-friendly alternative. And over time, costing about the same (possibly less), as buying several packets of disposable wedges, depending on how many you go through per month (you should toss out the disposable ones after each use). As I understand, these should last about 3-4 months before you need to replace them, depending on how well you care for them. 

I'm planning on nabbing myself a second sponge so that I can use one while the other is freshly washed or so that I can use one for makeup and one for sunscreen. I'm definitely happy I purchased it.

Has this peeked your interest in a reusable makeup sponge? Would you like a YouTube video on how I use it to apply my makeup and sunscreen? 

How I got free Physician's Formula products at CVS

Yes, you read that right - free! How? I went to the scan box, scanned my CVS card and I got a $10 off Physician's Formula coupon. I read about this over at Noveau Cheap this afternoon and headed to my CVS to see if the coupon was still printing. Low and behold, it was! Here's the skinny, you can either get a $3 off coupon or a $10 off coupon for Physician's Formula products. I do not know what qualifies you for $10 versus $3, but either way, it's a good discount, considering CVS has a lot of beauty products on 75 percent off clearance and there are a lot of Physician's Formula products at my local CVS store still left. So, I ended up getting 4 products and only paid $2.14! Yes, I did. Here are the pics and how much each product was (at the discounted cost)

Felt tip Eye Definer: Warm Black

$1.82

I always need a good felt tip liquid liner. I love how much easier it is to apply than regular liquid liner, since it's much like using a pen. To my happy surprise, the warm black was a nice dark black, and just glided on. The swatch below is just a quick thin line I drew on my hand.

I also picked up two blushes. Two! These are actually the products I'd gone in hoping to find. Thinking I'd only get the $3 off coupon, I planned to pick up Blushing Glow, which is a matte peach color blush, since it got such rave reviews over at Noveau Cheap (and I tried it on, it is quite deserving of the praise, sorry no swatches just yet). Each of these were $2.99 after the 75 percent discount. Having a $10 coupon, I decided to pick up Pink Glow. These are not only a great product -- they apply smoothly, the packaging is sturdy, and they are for sensitive skin (to help prevent any irritation or breakouts) -- but this clearance price is amazing. Three dollars for a blush is a steal! Anyone in the market for a matte blush should definitely check these out. Even if you don't get the coupon, you are still getting a bargain.

Lastly, I picked up a translucent powder from the same Mineral Wear line. I didn't really need it, but I figured translucent powder is always good to have to set your makeup. It has a soft green undertone to help reduce the appearance of redness, which is great for anyone with acne prone skin or rosacea. This little ditty was only $3.49.

I've purchased quite a few products at the CVS clearance sale, visiting various CVS locations in two different states. The bargains are incredible! I'll have to do a post with pictures of all the products I picked up. There are a lot (and I've spent less than $50 total), and the CVS locations I visited also accepted coupons on top of the discounts, so I ended up getting products for free or just a few cents. 

Have you scored any goodies at CVS? Were you able to take advantage of the Physician's Formula CVS coupon? What did you get?

Proclaim Argain Oil



My Kenzia Moroccan Argain Oil post is one of the most popular postings on this site. It's continuously getting hits. So, it seems you're all quite interested in the merits of affordable Argan oil products. I'm happy to oblige. I'm a sucker for hair serums that promise to condition my hair, make it shiny, manageable, and enviably pretty. Who doesn't long for commercial-worthy hair?

I stopped by Sally on Christmas Eve to pick up some hair dye, and got to the counter to pay for my order. They had a little bowl of mini little 0.5 oz bottles of Proclaim Argain Oil treatments. And this gal went for it. It was only $1.49 (regularly $1.99).

I gotta say, I think I like this version better than my Kenzia. And what I like most about it, is that its accessible. Unlike the Kenzia, that you have to keep you eye out for at your local TJ Maxx or Marshalls (it's the only places I've seen it), this item is regularly available at Sally Beauty Supply. The regular size (8 oz) retails for $6.99.

It works wonderfully. The formula is actually closer to the Moroccan brand that is sold in salons. It's a bit thicker than the Kenzia. This one is more of a serum consistency. And it smells heavenly! Heavenly! I can't describe it, but it's just so good. It's not overbearing, it's not perfumey. It's slighly sweet. It's just good.

I completely recommend anyone to go grab one of the 0.5 oz ones to try them out. It won't set you back much at all, and it will give you super soft, shiny hair. You don't need to use much either, so you'll get a few uses out of this little bottle. Plus, it's the perfect size if you need to travel.

As an added bonus, you can also add a little of this magic serum to your nails and cuticules. It's supposed to help promote nail growth. Bonus!

What are some of your favorite affordable argan oil products?

Pretika: A wallet-friendly alternative to Clarisonic

Alright readers, you may or may not know by now that I've been desperately lusting after a Clarisonic Mia. It was on my holiday wish list last year (didn't get it though), and I tweet about it from time to time. Well, I still haven't gotten my act together and purchased one. But, a few weeks ago, while perusing one of my favorite spots for bargains (TJ Maxx) with my fiance, we stumbled upon this little device. The Pretika Sonicdermabrasion. It looked just like a Clarisonic, and I just couldn't resist. It was priced at $29.99, which is a price I don't have to think twice about! Thanks to David for noticing it as I was marveling at the DDF products TJ Maxx had on hand. When he showed me the box, I may have even squealed with joy. I was so excited at the prospect of actually finding a wicked bargain, because the Clarisonic Classic is a good $195 and the Clarisonic Mia (the travel sized version) is $149. Well, not only did I save by forking over my hard aged cash for this device, but when I got home and did a search for it so I could read reviews before I opened it and could no longer return it, I found that many people out there liked it as an affordable alternative to Clarisonic. Best of all, I found out that the Pretika actually retails at $50, so I saved an additional $20. Score!

Now that I've been using this for about three weeks, I can tell you I'm pleased with the results. It is pretty much a cheaper alternative to the Clarisonic Classic. There are some key differences, which I'll tell you all about, but if they don't bother you, then you can try this more affordable version until you can get yourself the real deal (or instead of doing so, whatever you prefer). 

I have noticed a perceptible difference in my skin, for the better. After two weeks of use, I saw a noticeable reduction in breakouts,  my skin feels softer and overall looks better. How does this work? The vibrating brush helps exfoliate your skin, which helps improve breakouts by removing dead skin cells from the skin surface and keeping them from getting into your pores along with the natural oils your skin produces and clogging them. By eliminating the dead skin cells your skin looks fresh, feels soft and looks more radiant. 

So here's the skinny:

• The Pretika comes with a docking station and a an additional replacement brush.
• The Pretika brush is not as soft as the Clarisonic, but I didn't find it too harsh. If you have sensitive skin, it might be too rough. So, you might want to think twice about purchasing this or if you still go for it, then use it sparingly.
• According to instructions you use the Pretika once daily, I use it at night after removing my makeup.
• Once charged you can keep it off the docking station for several days without recharging. So far, I've kept mine off the dock for over a week and it's still holding a charge.
• It has two speeds, high and low
• It automatically shuts off after 60 seconds, and beeps every 20 seconds (20 seconds on one side of the face, 20 on the other and 20 on the forehead). Works the same way as my SonicCare toothbrush, which helps me make sure I brush my teeth for the right amount of time achieving a deeper clean.
• Unlike the Clarisonic, the Pretika only has one type of brush head. The Clarisonic sells brushes that vary in stiffness (normal, sensitive, delicate, and body).
• The Pretika's entire brush vibrates, while the Clarisonic's brush vibrates in the center

All in all, I'm enjoying the benefits of using the Pretika. Not only does my skin look and feel better, but it absorbs my serums and moisturizers much better. 

You can buy your own Pretika at http://www.pretikafacebodyspa.com/ or if you want to enjoy additional savings you can find it on Drugstore.com for about $40 or see if your local TJ Maxx has one. You can purchase replacement brushes on the Pretika web site and on Amazon.

Have any of you tried the Pretika? If you have been wanting a Clarisonic, will you try the Pretika out instead? If anyone has a Pretika, would you still buy the Clarisonic once you had more money to spend on it? 

Tweet

Eyeshadow Primer Comparison: Do bargain brands stack up to the UDPP?

Review: Sephora Flashy Liner

From left to right: Silver, Mauve, Copper, Brown, Blue, Green, Black

I've been meaning to write a post about the Sephora Brand Flashy Liners. I really like them. I think they are quite comparable to the Urban Decay (UD) 24/7 liners. I wouldn't say the colors match completely, but the quality of these liners is excellent. They are creamy and glide on smoothly much like the UD liners. They are waterproof and have excellent wear. When I got the holiday set, which came with seven liners for $20, I did the swatch above. I tried to rub it off, and they did not budge (once they set that is, because you can smudge them if that is the look you are going for, you just have to work quickly same as with the UD liners). I was too lazy to wash it off and fell asleep that night with the swatch on my hand. The swatches were still there the next morning: unsmudged. I had to use soap and water to remove them, they didn't just wipe off with water. These liners stood up to quite the test. I don't recommend sleeping with your makeup on, but the liners stayed put on my hand that night.

Since then, I have worn some of these liners (mostly the black and brown) as they are meant to be used, and they did well, as I expected after having the swatches last through the night. I've worn them on my water line (NOTE: always remember to disinfect our makeup before and after using it on your waterline) and they stayed put. They come off pretty easily with eye makeup remover.

I definitely recommend these liners to anyone who may want something similar to the UD liners but with a bit of a smaller price tag. As mentioned, the holiday set, which includes seven liners (not full sized, but still a good size) was $20. If you aren't really into color liners and just want your basic black and brown, the full-sized, individual versions are $8. UD's liners (individual prices) are $17. This is by no means intended to dissuade anyone from getting UD's 24/7 Glide On liners. I have Bourbon, which is a shimmery dark brown,  and I absolutely adore it. I got it as part of a kit that included the half backed shadow and a glitter liner. I completely understand why UD liners have a cult following, and you do get a lot more color options with UD. However, I do think that Sephora's Flashy liners are a good alternative if you need to pinch a few pennies (or in this case $9).

A few notes: The Silver is a little whitish, but its still kind of metallic. I used it for a while when I needed white, and though it wasn't a bright white (like UD's Yeyo or NYX's Jumbo Pencil in Milk), which I don't really think its supposed to be, it did an OK job at substituting. But once I got Milk, then I was really able to see the difference. However, it's definitely a light light silver. Also, the mauve wasn't really a favorite for me. It just didn't go that great with the looks I tried it out with. But, for $20, if one of the colors is a bust, I think I still got my money's worth. I still like the silver, it's the mauve that really isn't getting any use.

I will certainly purchase some of these colors again.

Have any of you tried these? How did you like them?

Bargain find: Essence of Beauty Crease brushes

Wow! I'm so glad I tuned in to Marlena at MakeupGeek and her brush review! I stopped by my CVS today and found the Essence of Beauty Crease Brush set ($5.49 for the set). I brought it home and I'm impressed. They are synthetic, but they are soft! Sometimes you find some synthetic brushes that are a bit scratchy. And the two different sizes help you get into that outer V and your crease when you really want to define it well. Thank you Marlena for that fabulous tip!

Speaking of bargains, I've also gotten some great brushes from e.l.f. My two favorites are their defining eye brush and their eyeliner brush. The best part: they are only $1 each! Their shipping is $6.95, so sometimes I find that if I'm only going to get one or two things, it's not really that big of a savings (once you factor in the shipping). So, generally, I wait until I need a few things (because then I can also apply their coupon codes!). But, on the plus side, Target is starting to carry e.l.f. products, and I think I noticed some of the brushes in stock. So, check your local Target first.

Other e.l.f. brushes I have that I think are OK, especially considering they only cost $1 are the angle blush brush and foundation brush.

I'll have to do another blog entry on my favorite e.l.f. products, as they have quite a few gems are rather fond of (some of these I buy in multiples so I never run out!).

Does anyone else have any bargain brush buys they swear by?