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I love makeup, but I hate the prices! I’ve spent years as a beauty guru, and my wallet has certainly suffered. Mainly because I like high end brands because the products are better. I’d rather pay a little more for better quality.

But I’ll tell you a little secret: some drugstore make up products are essentially the same as high end ones! I know, it’s a ripoff. Criminal even!

Lucky for you, I have a breakdown of high end products and their budget-friendly twins.

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Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder $32

I use this stuff every.single.day. It lasts a while, but $32 is a hefty tag.

Source Sephora

e.l.f. High definition powder $6

e.l.f. makes virtually the same exact product for about 1/5 the cost!

Source e.l.f.

Benefit Benetint $29

Another go-to product for me. I use it on my lips and cheeks, but it's hard for me to justify $29 for a such a small bottle.

Source Sephora

The Body Shop Lip & Cheek Stain in Rose Pink $8.40

$8.40! I can't even believe it.

Source The Body Shop

MAC Cosmetics Viva Glam Nicki $15

MAC is actually pretty affordable, but $15 for lipstick that I won't use that often isn't worth it.

Source MAC Cosmetics

CoverGirl Lip Perfection Lipstick in Temptress $6.99

CoverGirl makes the same shade for much cheaper, and you can pick CG up at pretty much any drugstore.

Source Drugstore.com

Stila Stay All Day Liner $20

I hate that I've spent $20 on an eyeliner. Granted, this stuff really does stay on. But there are more affordable products.

Source Sephora

Maybelline EyeStudio Master Precise $7.99

Once I realized how stupid $20 eyeliner was, I switched to this. It's my favorite eyeliner ever. EVER.

Source Drugstore.com

NARS Orgasm $28

Okay, NARS Orgasm really is my favorite blush in the world. I will always buy it, but there are other options!

Source Sephora

Milani Baked Blush Luminoso $7.49

Milani makes a pretty spot-on dupe for Orgasm. This color is flattering on nearly every skin tone so it's a steal for under eight bucks!

Source Drugstore.com

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer $49

I used to be under the impression that primers have to be expensive to work. High end primers are awesome, but there is a much, much cheaper alternative.

Source Sephora

Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Gel $5.99

No I'm not kidding about this. It literally has the same formula as most primers. And it's like six dollars. Trust me, it works.

Source Drugstore.com

What are your favorite drug store brand products? Do you know of any dupes? Tell me in the comments!

Here’s a cheap trick to get rid of puffy eyes

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This morning I read a really cool story about a woman from Massachusetts, Phoebe Baker Hyde, who stopped shaving, wearing makeup and doing her hair for a full year. As someone who spends way too much time shaving, putting on her makeup and focusing on her hair, I was fascinated. This woman talked about how stopping her daily beauty regime made her feel liberated and more beautiful than ever.

Why did Phoebe do this? She explained on the show Katie that she was sort of starting to feel trapped by her shaving cream, makeup and hair supplies. Before you say that sounds ridiculous, listen to how she explains it – you might be able to relate. She said, “I had become a nervous, critical, angry, insecure woman. I was not the woman or the role model I wanted to be, especially in front of a big-eyed baby daughter. I was at war with the word around me and at war with myself.”

Phoebe went on to explain that she threw out her makeup and cut off all of her hair so that she literally had to put no effort into her appearance. Every day, she “did what a man would do” and only put on deodorant and used a little hair gel. She saved tons of money on beauty supplies, started feeling super comfortable with herself and also gained a lot more free time. Okay, let’s just stop right here. I’m not only fascinated by this woman… I’m also really jealous.

I fee like I could never give up my beauty regime. I feel naked without makeup. I feel uncomfortable when I don’t shave. And I will miss out on events if I’m having a really bad hair day.  Before you call me superficial, hear me out. Sometimes, I wish I didn’t feel this way… but I do. And I honestly can’t imagine a life without wearing makeup, doing my hair or shaving. But I wish I could.

I mean, I love makeup a lot (just look at my bedroom for proof), but I’ve had some moments where I wish it didn’t exist. As much as I love the way eye shadow and eye liner can change up and glam up your entire look, there are some days when applying it is just, ugh, exhausting. Sure, I’ve gone out without makeup on before – but in general, you’ll always catch me with at least a little mascara, eyeliner and foundation on. I just enjoy the way I look with a little makeup on my face.

As for shaving? Don’t even get me started. I hate shaving. Like really, really hate it. But, I don’t know, I just couldn’t imagine going a week, let alone an entire year, without using a razor. Feeling clean shaven makes me feel good about myself. It’s the same with my hair – as annoying as it can be to blow dry it or curl it or whatever, I always feel more confident whenever my hair looks good. Always. Also? Most of the time I like taking a long time to get ready to go somewhere. It’s kind of like my me time.

The point is, I don’t really think there’s anything wrong with feeling more confident from shaving or wearing makeup or doing your hair. I think that everyone feels confident from different things and I think that generally people should do what works for them. But I can also admire a woman who can stop doing all of those things and feel confident in her own skin. That’s pretty cool. And I’m jealous because, seriously, think about all of the free time I would have if I stopped shaving and doing my makeup and hair? So much free time! I would stop being late everywhere and also I could watch more TV. That’s pretty important.

In the end, I think this would be kind of a cool experiment to try… one day. Maybe not any day soon. Because as jealous as I am of this woman, I do genuinely enjoy my beauty regime… and I don’t see us parting any time soon.

What do you think? Could you go a year without shaving or wearing makeup or doing your hair? Why or why not? Tell us in the comments.

I have hairy legs and I like it that way

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If you’re asking yourself, “How do I find someone?” The answer isn’t by wondering if you’re hot or not! | Source: ShutterStock

Sometimes you find yourself wondering, “Why am I not dating someone?” And then you start to think that you’re not with anyone because it’s something about you, and then it messes with your head and leads you to ask yourself if you’re hot or not. Sound familiar? Yeah, I’ve been there too. Feeding on those insecurities, a new, pointless study actually helps you determine if you’re hot or not on a scale of 1 to 10. Because that’s not a means of objectification or anything, right? Sigh.

In a new series of five questions, you can now determine if you’re hot or not. The test says there are a handful of criteria that determine how attractive you are. I think it’s a load of crap, but let’s dive into the study and find out what they think determines if you’re hot or not, shall we?

One is whether or not you even care if you’re attractive. Generally, the study says, attractive people care about how they look, and as a result they take better care of themselves than someone who couldn’t care less. That sort of makes sense–how often you shower may well help determine whether you’re hot or not, because as human beings, we tend to like people who aren’t filthy and who smell okay. Fair enough. But there’s a converse argument here, too, ladies–if someone is too vain, aren’t they a little less attractive to you? Like when you find out a guy spends 40 minutes on his hair or see Real Housewives full of Botox and implants and still looking like hot messes? If you only care whether you’re hot or not, guess what? You’re probably not hot, because it just means you’re really insecure–and that you might not have much else to offer other than a shell.

Another criterion? Whether your exes are hot or not can determine how hot you are. This one is stupid for a few reasons. First of all, what if you haven’t met anyone you wanted to date yet. What does that mean? Second, how hot or not you or your exes are is pretty subjective. Someone who’s hot to you may be a cave troll to your best friend. If you’re a tall blonde, you may still not be hot to a guy who prefers short brunettes or vice versa.

Age and how outgoing you are also play a factor, according to the article, in whether you’re hot or not. We’ll ignore the age one for now, but don’t you all know an outgoing girl who can’t find someone to date? Or a shy girl who gets asked out pretty often? We’re calling a big BS on that one, too.

In fact, the only question in this article that made sense to us? “How emotionally intelligent are you?” Basically, emotional intelligence is how caring, considerate, honest, and sensitive you are plays a big role in whether you’re hot or not. Why? Because those are qualities that are universally attractive. Someone with a fetish for redheads or petites may well end up with a lanky girl with blue hair if she’s a good person.

So if you’re still wondering if you’re hot or not? We’re pretty sure you are. And if anyone makes you think you’re not? Then they’re probably not hot at all.

Do you ever wonder if you’re hot or not? What makes someone hot to you? Tell us in the comments!

You can attract a guy better at a certain time of the month!

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The only problem is that sometimes spa services can be a little on the pricey side. Wouldn’t it be great if you could just replicate everything at home to save money, while still get the benefits from a whole day of me time?

Sure, spas have trained professionals and special facilities, but if you really are a lazy girl (like me), we have a couple ideas about how you can totally recreate the same spa experience (well, sort of) in your own home. Check out these tips to make your own at-home spa dreams come true.

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Make Use Of Mud Puddles

Mud masks are common at spas, and you have a whole supply of mud in your backyard! Just wait for a storm and roll around a little bit and let it sit. Sounds just as relaxing as a day at the spa — and totally free!

Source: Shutterstock.com

Simplify Those Cucumber Slices

Cucumber slices on the eyes may be a recognizable spa image, but slicing up those cucumbers seems like a pain. This is a relaxing day, remember? If you have some whole cucumbers, just lay them across your head. It'll be an exercise in balance which also seems fitting in with a spa day and being totally centered.

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Soak in Some Greens

Trying to wrap yourself in seaweed might not work, so do an at-home version. I don't see seaweed at the grocery often, but spinach and other leafy greens look similar. Buy a few dozen pounds, fill it in your bathtub, and take a dip. I mean, you're still kind of wrapped up, right? Just don't go to the trouble of emptying it out once you're done. You're supposed to be relaxing! Do yourself a favor and let someone else clean it up.

Source: Shutterstock.com

Get The Lighting Right

Call up the electric company and cut off your power — harsh indoor lights are no good for the spa experience. Instead, light every candle you own for the perfect spa ambiance. Sure, you may have 18 very different scented candles all going at once, but it will make a super unique scent for your unique at-home spa! Since you'll probably doze off in this relaxing atmosphere, just make sure a family member is standing watch for all those candles. A fire would really wreak havoc on your relaxation.

Source: Shutterstock.com

Pull A Furniture Swap

You may not have access to a professional massage therapist, but if you plan on keeping the power connected at your house after all, why not invest in a state-of-the-art at-home massage chair? Luckily, there's some models online for only a few thousand dollars! I mean, your parents will be cool with that credit card charge, right? You'll have to toss out your dad's favorite recliner to make room for your new purchase, but hey, you deserve to relax to the max.

Source: Shutterstock.com

Take A Drive To Relaxation

Okay, maybe your parents will put up a fight about the massage chair. Do a makeshift massage my taking your little sibling's remote control car and driving it up and down your back while you lay on the couch. Instant massage!

Source: Shutterstock.com

Fill The Air With Soothing Sounds

You don't want loud noises in your spa space. How relaxing is it when once in a while, a light breeze sails through your chimes outside? Toss out your family's rock-filled iPods, and instead create that soothing sound 24/7 by hanging a collection of wind chimes inside and blasting your fans on them. Surely the constant clanging won't get annoying to the rest of your family as you insist on relaxing for days on end.

Source: Shutterstock.com

Steam Up The Place

Put all the faucets in your house on a full blast of hot water to try and build that steam effect that'll make you think you've never even left your favorite spa. What's the harm in wasting some water if it means you get to relax? Just lay a couple towels on the floor in case the sinks start overflowing water, and just cross your fingers that all the steam won't damage the walls or anything...

Source: Shutterstock.com

Fully Commit To Spa Fashion

Spa robes are so comfy you'd think they were made of clouds. By adopting "terry-cloth only" fashion, you can get that same comfy feeling all the time. Plus, without any non-terry cloth clothes left, you'll have an excuse to never leave your at-home spa (aka more relaxing time!). I mean, just look at that picture — you can also do some serious style damage if you get creative.

Source: Shutterstock.com

Have you ever been to the spa? Do you have any favorite at-home spa treatments? Tell us in the comments!

Give Yourself An At Home Marble Manicure

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Look at your fingers, girl. Do they need a little fancying up before the ball drops? Well, Jamie has the perfect fancy schmancy manicure to get your digits dance floor ready for New Year’s Eve!

What’s your favorite at-home manicure tip? Tell us in the comments!

Try This Too Cute Plaid Manicure!

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It looks so simple, right?! | Source: Shutterstock

So, how can you wear red lipstick and look hot instead of horrifying? It’s easier than you’d think! First, since you’re playing up your lips, keep your eye makeup simple–no bright or bold eye shadows! Then, use a nude-colored lip liner to keep your lipstick from bleeding outside the lines. Finally, take your time when you put it on. Do not attempt to put on red lipstick on the bus, on the way to school, or while you’re walking down the street. It will look like a hot mess!

Once your lipstick is on, blot it once with the back of your hand to keep it from smudging on other stuff. Voila! You’ve got perfect red lips!

Do you ever wear red lipstick? Do you think it’s a cute look or not? Tell us in the comments!

Could Your Makeup Make You Stupid?!

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Tired eyes? If you know why it’s happening, you can prevent ‘em! | Source: ShutterStock

Let’s be real: Being told that you look tired is pretty much a polite way of saying you look like crap. Typically, people are referring to tired eyes–they may be dark or puffy or, for those of us who really hit the jackpot twice, both. Why do we look like poop when we’re pooped? There’s actually science behind it.

Apparently a lack of sleep–which both causes and is often a result of stress–reduces the level of collagen in your skin. So when you ‘re groggy and look in the mirror the week of finals and feel a little horrified at the bags under your eyes, that may be to blame.

Another big bummer about tired eyes is the fact that they can get so puffy. That’s because if you don’t sleep enough, especially on your side on your back, the water in your body doesn’t get distributed evenly throughout your bod. That results in those swollen bags under your eyes when you’re freaking out over wrapping gifts and studying at the same time.

What’s more, losing sleep causes more than just tired eyes and crankiness. It may even make you paler, because stress and a lack of sleep can decrease your bod’s production of melanin, which gives your skin its color.

Even worse? Stress can actually cause wrinkles. You’re probably not worried about that right now, but you’ll have to worry about it even sooner if you’re always stressed out and not getting enough rest. One doc explained, “Your cells are biologically 10 to 15 years older … if you are chronically stressed. If you are 45, the cells signal as if they are 60 years old.” So if you’re 16, you might look 31. Now, there’s nothing wrong with 31-year-olds. A lot of them are really hot. But when you’re 16, you probably don’t want to look older than, say, 21, right? (Because after that, there’s no incentive.)

So how do you get rid of tired eyes? Relax. If you’re stressed, take a breather and try to get to sleep at a decent hour.

Easier said than done? There are some tricks to make your eyes look more awake. Grab cucumber slices from your fridge and put them on your eyes for a few minutes to reduce puffiness. (Don’t have those? Chuck two spoons in your freezer to do the same.) Makeup wise? Avoid dark eyeliner and put concealer just where you need it–and curl your eyelashes to make your poor tired eyes look more alert!

Has anyone ever told you that you look tired? Do you have a favorite remedy for tired eyes? Does stress make it hard for you to sleep? How do you deal with insomnia? Tell us in the comments!

A good night’s rest will improve your grades better than an all-nighter of studying–here’s proof!

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Are you wearing all of this, plus some?! | Source: Shutterstock

But, according to a recent study, apparently we’re all wearing a lot more makeup this time of year. During the holidays, women reportedly wear 12 different kinds of makeup on their face. Twelve! That’s a dozen products. I mean, even when I add in some eye shadow and blusher (which is what I wear when I want to be fancy), I’m still only up to five types of makeup.

I’m not dissing on girls who live to wear tons of makeup, but I just don’t get it, either. I mean, how big of a bag do you carry to keep all that stuff with you during the day? It’s not like one application of makeup stays on forever. You need to have all that stuff with you for touch ups. Plus? Who are you wearing this makeup for? If you’re wearing it for you, because you think you look cool with hot pink eye shadow or giant false eye lashes, then fine! Go for it, girl! But if you’re wearing all this makeup for guys, well, that’s kind of a silly thing to do. First off, even at the drug store, makeup is expensive! Even just one tube of lipstick (and we all know how long those last–not very long!) can cost about $10 at CVS. And from what I’ve heard from most guys I know, they think it’s kind of a turn off when girls wear too much makeup. It’s like they’ve got something to hide or something.

So, my advice to you, pretty girl, is to just think about how much makeup you really need. If you’re using so many products you have to use all your fingers and some toes to count them up, maybe you could ditch one or two. Well, unless it’s glitter makeup . . . but then I’m a sucker for anything shiny.

What do you think? Do you know girls who wear too much makeup? How much makeup do you put on in the morning? Tell us in the comments!

Want Super Kissable Lips?

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You know how everyone’s rocking those effortless beachy curls and they look so awesome? Well, newsflash: They’re not all that effortless. You need to spend hours with a curling iron, hair spray and, if you’re anything like me, some Neosporin and Band-Aids for all of those curler burns. Or at least, you did need all of that junk. Kristina’s testing out a brand new way to get bouncy, gorgeous curls using only a headband. That’s right! No heat…and no burned fingers! Too good to be true? You’ll just have to watch to find out.

What’s your favorite hair style? What do you think the best way to curl your hair is? Tell us in the comments!

See Kristina Try Walking In High Heels!

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Looking good without makeup? Not a problem! | Source: Shutterstock

Ever heard of an eyelash curler? It’s an inexpensive metal device (most are $5 or $6) that works kind of like a pair of scissors, except instead of clippers at the end, it has a curling bar. When you press your eyelashes in the curling bar of the eyelash curler, your eyelashes will immediately be drawn upward, toward your forehead. What does that do? Turns out, a lot. If you’ve ever wished you had bigger eyes or didn’t think your eyes were pretty before, I think you’ll be wowed by what you see when you use this eyelash curling trick.

You can rock this pretty look without makeup, or if you want, you can put mascara over the top to emphasize it even more. Either way, girl, you’re gorgeous and you know it!

Do you ever go without makeup? Have you used an eyelash curler? What’s your favorite beauty trick for when you want to feel extra pretty? Tell us in the comments!

Did You Hear This Gross Beauty Tip?

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