Okay, so I’m a prestige beauty and skincare gal – there’s no hiding that. Let’s be honest, prestige brands often wear better and provide greater results than mass market brands. There, I said it. I’m not throwing shade – it’s just facts. However, there are some products that just do not warrant the prestige price tag. There’s just no way you can justify it other than you just like spending top dollar for dollar products. Since the opening of e.l.f. cosmetics retail stores, I’ve resorted to going to e.l.f’s Soho store whenever I need to pick up items that I know offer the same quality as the prestige brands at a fraction of the cost. This week, I stopped by and picked up five items that are necessities to any makeup bag.
Here are the five items that I picked up:
Shine Eraser Blotting Papers – $1
Makeup Remover Cleansing Cloths – $3
Lip Liner & Blending Brush – $3 (This is the real MVP)
Now, I do own the prestige versions of each of these items, but I bought them during a time when I was really feeling myself.
Okay, so I’m feeling myself again with that gif, but let’s back on track. Here is my review on each of these products and how they compare to their prestige equivalents. You can click on the prestige names below if you want to check it out and you can even purchase them and compare. I’ve made sure that all of the links go to Sephora so you can do the comparison yourself. If you want to keep the prestige products, by all means go spend your coins.
Shine Eraser Blotting Papers vs. tarte NOT SO SLICK OIL-ABSORBING BLOTTING PAPERS
It’s literally the same thing at a tenth of the price. That is all.
Make Up Remover Cleansing Wipes vs. SEPHORA COLLECTION Express Cleansing Wipes
With the e.l.f. version you get five less wipes, but the thickness is comparable and it costs a third of what the SEPHORA COLLECTION runs for. Not only that but let’s be honest – these are cleansing wipes. After a really long night this might be the only thing that saves you from sleeping with all of your makeup on, but you know you’ll need to follow a nighttime skin care regimen in order to ensure that all of your makeup is off. What I’m saying is, don’t argue with me on this one – thank you.
Cream Eyeliner vs. Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Eye Liner
This might be the only product that I will allow for you to state your case. However, if you’re a lady that normally uses a kohl pencil and only breaks out the cream eyeliner when you need to achieve that fierce cat-eye for a night on the town with the girls (or your guy, or just because) I need you to get your life and pick up the e.l.f. version. It’s creamy, the color payoff is great and it offers a lot of product for a fraction of the price ($3 vs. $22) and it doesn’t move provided you prime your eyelid. If you’re not priming your eyelid or any other part of your face before you apply your makeup, once again, I’m going to ask that you go get your life together (I say that because I love you).
Lip Liner & Blending Brush vs. Clinique Quickliner for Lips
Not even going to lie – I love the Clinique Quickliner for Lips. It glides on so smoothly and I love that it’s retractable so that I don’t have to carry a sharpener. But the e.l.f. version still wins and here’s why. It has the same creamy feel as the Clinique version, it’s retractable so you don’t have to worry about sharpening it AND it comes with a blending brush. That’s one less item to carry in your makeup bag. Did I mention that it’s a fifth of the price ($3 vs. $15)? WINNING!
Gotta Glow Lip Tint vs. Dior Addict Lip Glow
Okay, I’m going to admit it. Normally, I would splurge on the Dior Addict Lip Glow. It’s been a staple on my vanity for three years. I’m probably going to buy another one within the next few weeks. I had to stop myself last week because I knew it wasn’t a necessity, but it’s really the shit. Like really. I needed to fill the void. I was on my way to the cash wrap when this product caught my eye. It’s kind of a gimmicky product, kind of like a mood lipstick but not really. Is it moisturizing? Yes, it has shea butter. It gives your pout that pink that you’re looking for. It’s a great alternative. Let me be clear, I’m not asking you to replace your beloved Dior Addict Lip Glow with this. I’m not saying that AT ALL. I’m just saying this is nice to have – you know for those days when you’re running errands and don’t want want to do a full face. Oh and it’s $6 vs. $33. It’s a runner up. That is all.
Until next time…always remember to SEE. TOUCH. TASTE. xx