Thursday, December 9, 2010

A Recessionista's Guide to...Beauty

A couple of months ago, I started doing a little series of recessionista date night ideas (here and here). But recently I've become a recessionista when it comes to beauty products as well, so I thought I'd share a few of my favorite finds of 2010.


Sonia Kashuk Radiant Tinted Moisturizer
I really didn't think it was possible to find a tinted moisturizer that could hold it's own to the one from Laura Mercier. But I must confess that I like this version from Sonia Kashuk even better (and who wouldn't love the $13 price tag compared to $42 for Laura Mercier's?!). It gives the perfect amount of coverage and doesn't make my skin shiny at all. Bonus -- it includes SPF 15 to keep your face protected from the sun's mischievous rays.






Proclaim Argan Oil Hair Treatment
I had been contemplating buying a bottle of MoroccanOil for quite some time when I discovered this version from Proclaim at Sally's for only $7. After reading multiple reviews (and discussing personal opinions with friends), the consensus seems to be that it works just as well as the $40 argan oil from MoroccanOil. Sally's even had it on sale for $5 a few weeks ago, so I stocked up! I use it on my hair wet and dry to help with frizz and shine. It also smells wonderful. Definitely one of my favorite recessionista finds of the year!





Maybelline The Falsies Mascara
Mascara has always been one of my department store spurges. I have naturally long black lashes, and
I'm always looking to take them to the limit. Unfortunately, drug store brands usually don't do the trick. I don't know what possessed me to try this mascara (I was probably just drawn to the fat purple tube), but I'm sure glad I did. It makes my lashes just as long and voluminous as my favorite department store brands. And $6 a tube certainly beats $25!




Neutrogena Brightening Eye Perfector
What girl hasn't read rave reviews for the Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat? Many make-up artists and celebs swear by it, but I just can't bring myself to pay $40 for an eye brightener. So when Neutrogena came out with their version, I just had to try it. I love the stuff so much I'm now on my 3rd tube! It's definitely a must-have for anyone with dark circles or tired eyes. I even use it on my lips (which are naturally very pink) to create a blank canvas prior to putting on lipliner. I'm really not sure how I ever lived without it.





What are your favorite recessionista finds?

2 confessions:

Jules said...

Okay, these are some seriously amazing finds! Half of them I didn’t even know existed. I’m so into finding cheaper alternatives that work just as well for beauty products. I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews about Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer and Moroccan Oil, I’ve just never tried them. Now that I’m hearing about the Sonia Kashuk and Proclaim, I might never try them ;)

Next time I’m at the drugstore, I’m definitely looking for the Neutrogena eye perfector. Thanks for the tips!

I don’t know if you’ve even tried ELF products, but I love their blush/bronzer duo. I swear it’s a dupe for the NARS Laguna bronzer/Orgasm blush duo and it’s $3 instead of $42.

Sommer said...

definitely gonna try the tinted moisturizer and eye brightener. what's weird is i was JUST thinking about doing a similar post a few minutes ago. i think i shall do it!

p.s. my mom is obsessed with moroccan oil so i'll pass that proclaim along to her. :)