Drugstore Dupes for those Highend Holy Grails

Drugstore Dupes for those Highend Holy Grails

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What could a beauty blog viewer love more than being introduced to a bargainous version of their fave product(s)/one they've been longing for for about 13 and a half years?! Take a wild guess at what I've got in store for you all today? I'm thrilled to announce that I'm back to beauty (finally!!!) - I've missed this too much. So...what other way can I make up my insane lack of makeup based content than a cheeky deal for you all to get your hands on - it's a good 'un! It get's better...I thought I really owed it to you so I've made sure to find a few dupes for some all time favourite highend beauty products.

Mac Studio Fix NC15 VS Bourjois 123 Perfect 51

In terms of colour, both in the bottle and on the face, these foundations are identical. They are both cool-toned, which is fabulous to counteract my blotchy red areas and are the closest matches to my skin colour I've ever found. When it comes to coverage, these are the ones I go to for that medium-full, flawless finish. Each dry to give a satin/matte finish, which you may think is strange considering I have dry skin. However, neither cling to dry matches or focus on any rough areas I may so have. The only problem is, the MAC one can become very cakey looking on the face so to avoid that, apply thin even coats on top of each other making sure to buff lightly into the skin. Onto lasting power now, I must say that if you like your makeup to last all night, I advise to pay that little bit extra and purchase the MAC option. This is because it last roughly 4 hours more than the drugstore one.

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer VS NYX HD Photogenic Concealer

For those looking to eliminate dark circles, imperfections and redness, don't hesistate to carry on reading! Not only do these both give an insane full coverage (a fundamental feature in my case - when choosing a concealer to hide those dark, zombie undereyes) but they both glide effortlessly onto the skin without dragging or irritating my skin. I've found in the past that some concealer wants can be quite rough and make my eyes red/sore. The only difference I can state about these two is that the NARS one feels much more luxurious and fulfilling on the skin, the formula is heavenly and sinks perfectly in places you wish to be rid of and correct. Finally, both concealers have a great tendency to last the entire day without creasing - HUGE BONUS! Grab your hands on either of these if anything above ticked your concealer hunting list.

Benefit Rockateur VS Bourjois Jasper Rose

In the photos, we can see that there colours look slightly 'off' - Rockateur has minor peachy tones whereas Jasper Rose is just plain pink. Despite this colour mishap at first glance, when applied to the cheeks, I kid you not, they give off the same healthy, rosy glow. A little goes a long way; each product being so high on the pigmentation scale means only a sweep on the brush can give you your desired look. Anyone who is still unsure of splashing out £24 on a single blush, I suggest you go down to boots and get your hands on this before purchasing. 

Benefit They're Real VS Collection Lenthening Mascara

The couple claiming to both lengthen and define are neck and neck. Using Collection's mascara sincerely surprised me - I was not expecting it to match that of Benefit's infamous They're Real. With alike wands, the formula is applied in the exact same way. Bottom lash application is also simple as the wand ends are very slim so are able to get in there without being too messy. Honestly, I cannot fault the Collection mascara in any way; the final look on the eyes are very very V E R Y similar so similar I may do an in depth review on these two just to prove how much. The only things I could mention, if I was to be really picky, is that the Benefit one is easier to remove and overall slightly lengthens the lashes by 1mm more. THE BEST DUPE OF THE POST!

Urban Decay Naked Lipgloss Liar VS Barry M Toffee Ligloss

Urban Decay's Naked collection is an evergrowing love of every beauty fanatic nowadays. More recently, I have seen people purchasing the beautiful rose gold lipgloss tubes, which I have to say I'm in love with deeply. In my collection, I realised I have a lipgloss that can be compared quite closely. Regardless of the differentation in colours (seen in swatches above) the Barry M lipglosses have a dupe-like formula to that of the Urban Decay lip products. Both with a smooth glossy finish, you would not be able to tell the difference on the lips aesthetically and personally - a great bargain if I do say so myself. The only downfall is that the UD ones have better pigmentation and the Barry M ones can become rather sticky after several layers of applicance. 

Chanel Coco Rouge Lipshine Satisfaction VS L'Oreal Collection Privee Cheryl's Nude 

My all time favourite nude is Chanel's Satisfaction - not too pale, not too dark. Personally, I believe this to be a very sophisticated and flattering colour regardless of skin tone/preference. L'Oreal's nude collection could mirror that of this gorgeous Chanel shade; with 6 colours in the range, you can find your perfect nude for a cheaper price. In my opinion, Cheryl's Nude strikes drugstore Satisfaction to a T - I'm really into a nude lip this Summer. If you want that more luxurious feel and richness on the lips, you can go all the way and pay £25 for Satisfaction! Equally, each have a very subtle finish and pigmentation on the lips which makes it evermore the classier - I'm just in love with this lippie!

Mac Lady Danger VS E.L.F Velvet Rope

Hot, orange goodness to brighten up your Summer, Mac's Lady Danger and E.L.F's Velvet Rope can help you make a statement this season. Despite the different finishes, you can save £12 to get an exact colour match. As Lady Danger is has a matte finish, it is therefore longer lasting and can honestly stay on your lips for an entire day/night. On the other hand, E.L.F's moisturizing formula has a slightly glossier finish so can end up rubbing off in a couple of hours. It's down to you to decide - moisturzing, cheap but not long-lasting or matte, long-lasting but expensive?

Nars Audacious Charlotte VS Rimmel Kate Moss 107

Colour - With Rimmel's Kate Moss 107 shade being the Autumn craze over the last few years, I would like to inform all you owners of this berry beast that it mimicks that of the Nars Audacious Lipstick collection. Deep berries are my go-to every Autumn/Winter, like most beauty bloggers, so I thought I'd share this good lil dupe. The shades are very alike in the swatches above, as well as looking identical on the lip. Lasting power is 10/10 for both but the formula can become very drying and flake with the Rimmel option. To avoid this from happening, all you need is a little bit of lip balm to apply beforehand and your flaking nightmare will be over. 

Mac Rebel Lipstick VS Maybelline Colour Drama Berry Much

Colour - I won't declare this as the classic 'save the best till last' but this dupe comes close to one of my faves. Being a huge fan of the Maybelline Colour Drama pencils has become no surprise to me, the easy application, the rich colour, the variety in colour range and longevity of the product has been a massive YES from me! I would totally compare the darkest shade, Berry Much, to one of my Mac holy grails - REBEL! Similar in both satin finish, formula and intense berry colour you cannot go wrong with this dupe. For a third of the price, I would totally recommend all of my viewers to get your hands on this, especially before Autumn approaches.

What are your favourite dupes? 

Lots of love

Urban Decay Naked Basics 2

Urban Decay Naked Basics 2

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If you have been reading my blog for a while, you will know that I am a crazy Urban Decay fan - especially when it comes to their ultra pigmented, buttery eyeshadows. I have been using this little palette throughout the whole of January and I cannot get enough of it! 

Naked Basics 2 holds all matte shadows (with the execption of skimp - it is slightly shimmery), all of which are neutral and highly wearable for anyone. I am in love with all the names - all cheekily related to the whole 'Naked' range. There are two lighter shades and the rest of the palette is orientated around taup-ier/grey colours...very similar to the Naked 2 which happens to be my most used and very well loved palette. 

Over the past month, I have been really into subtle eyeshadow with a slick feline flick. I have been wearing stark all over the lid, cover in the outer corner(also mixed with frisk in the crease) and finally skimp on the inner corner and brow bone. As skimp is the only shade that isn't purely matte, it looks beautiful when highlighting the brow bone. I'm also really into the warm tone cover beholds, as it really accentuates the eye shape and compliments hazel/brown eyes. Finally, when discussing the colours, I love how the darkest shade, undone, is not an intense black, as seen in the first Naked Basics palette. I think a muted black is far more wearable, perfect for wearing as smoked liner and nicer for creating more natural looks.

On the topic of formulation, this palette does not fail to meet my expectations. Like all my other Urban Decay palettes, the shades are all very buttery and pigmented. This makes it so much easier to blend the shadows, especially those being applied in the crease. I do this usually with my E.L.F Professional Eye Blending Brush. 

Overall, I must conclude that this is a definite must-have for those who are a cool-toned shadow fan, love matte shadows, are a lover of Urban Decay palettes, obsessed with neutral eyes or anyone who travels alot, since the palette is small and compact. I cannot compare this to the first and I don't own it/never tried it but let me know in the comments below if you loved it! 

What are your favourite products from Urban Decay? Do you like their eyeshadows as much as I do?

Love

Lip Crayon Love

Lip Crayon Love

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Good Evening Everyone!

Recently, I have been obsessing over the deserving raved about lip crayons. These nifty handbag saviors have been in store for quite some time now, but this month I've suddenly been reaching for them more regularly, whether it has been a neutral, bright or darker shade. 

Here are my top 5 faves...

From left to right...

• E.L.F Jumbo Lip Gloss Stick in Movie Star - I think this is the perfect Autumnal shade that those who aren't so brave with dark lip colours can feel comfortable wearing. It looks like a super, deep berry colour in the tube but on the lips looks much more subtle, slightly glossy and holds surprisingly has pink undertones. An added bonus is that is tastes of mints.
• Bourjois Paris Color Boost in Red Sunrise - Red Sunrise is a beautiful glossy red that I feel can be worn all year round. A vibrant red, with slight hints of coral, and a glossy finish, whilst still maintaining impressive pigmentation. My favourite things about this product is that it doesn't start fading from the inside of your lips, which the E.L.F one can occasionally do, and that it is very moisturizing. Drying lip products are a no-go for me!
• Revlon ColorBurst Lacquer Balm in Vivacious - Say hello to the hottest fuchsia pink! Although this applies pretty pigmented in the first place, these well-loved balms can be layered to create a brighter colour. I love how the vibrancy of the pink really pops, and how the product contains minimal glitter (I hate when lip glosses have an overpowering amount of glitter). Overall, an amazing balm that will look suitable on a night out or worn in the day.
• Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Stick in Nudist - OMG. I cannot explain how much I've used this product over the past three months of owning it. It is a staple in my school bag and the perfect subtle nude, a must-have for those who aren't allowed to wear (much) makeup to school. I'd describe the colour to be a peachy-nude, with slight flecks of glitter running throughout. Although I'm not a massive fan of glitter, you can't really tell when the gloss is applied. The formula is very moisturizing and lasts a long time on the lips.
• Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm in Elusive - Finally, I have another balm from Revlon. This isn't as moisturizing as the lacquer balms, but isn't far off (considering it is a matte formula). The colour is however fairly misleading, as the tube is a dull, muted pink, but on the lips it appears much brighter and bolder. This has a tendency, like all matte lip products do, to settle into all the cracks on the lips, however this can be settled by using a lip scrub/balm beforehand.

Overall, I just love everything about lip crayons and cannot wait for all these brands, and more, to bring out more ranges/colours in their collections. Application is just bliss when the product is in the form of a crayon..I'm sure you will all agree with me? 

Thank you for reading, don't forget to leave a comment below on what you think about lip crayons.

Love