Source Shutterstock

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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Source: ShutterStock

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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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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Lead free makeup can keep you smart and healthy–but why’s it so hard to make? | Source: ShutterStock

A new study showed that out of 22 brands of lipstick tested, 55 percent of them showed traceable amounts of lead. That’s pretty scary, because even in tiny amounts, lead can do some serious damage to your brain.

“What we know now is that even the lowest levels of lead can harm your IQ, your behavior, your ability to learn,” one expert said. Yikes! So how much is in typical amounts of lipstick and lip gloss?

The study showed that it varied among types, colors, manufacturers, and where the makeup was actually produced. Some had no detectable amounts of lead, while others ranged from 3.22 parts per million. The limit is usually around 5 parts per million. It may not sound like a lot, but considering how dangerous a substance lead is, it’s quite a bit. This is stuff you want to avoid at all possible costs if you can.

The FDA says that small amounts of lead in lipstick are safe, but the Center for Disease Control disagrees and says that even the tiniest bits are toxic.

Despite the lead content still being somewhat alarming, it’s actually better than what it was recently. In 2010, the lead count was roughly twice what it is now, clocking in at an average of 7 parts per million. One expert explained, “Clearly the concerning part is that more than half of the lipsticks do contain lead, but half of them don’t, proving that it’s possible to manufacture a lipstick without lead.”

So why aren’t more companies doing something about it? It may be because that while it’s possible to make a lead-free lipstick, it may not be easy–and we doubt any cosmetics company is out to poison anyone on purpose! This particular study didn’t find any links between lipsticks with and without lead, and there was no pattern or method to it among brands, colors, or locations. However, another study showed that 400 shades of popular lipstick had trace amounts of lead, with L’Oreal, Maybelline,Cover Girl,and NARS brands containing the most. So if you’re looking for lip color that won’t make you crazy or sick, at least you have an idea of where to start!

Do you think lead content in makeup is a serious problem or nothing to worry about? Have you ever gotten sick or had an allergic to reaction to makeup? What’s your lipstick or lip gloss of choice? Tell us in the comments!

This is the best lipstick trick ever. Ever.

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Make that lipstick last! | Source: Shutterstock

If you’ve ever spent extra time in the morning doing your makeup only to realize that your lipstick is clean gone off your face by second period, you’ll want to listen up for this magic lipstick trick.

Get a lip liner (even a cheapie one will do!) in the same shade or one shade lighter than your lipstick. Carefully outline your lips, then fill them in lightly with the lip liner. Once you’re done, put on your lipstick as usual. It takes two seconds longer, but will make your lipstick last and last and last! If you ask us, that’s time well-spent!

What’s your favorite beauty tip? What makeup do you wear on a daily basis, or do you wear any at all? Tell us in the comments!

Which Do You Like Better? Lipgloss Or Lipstick?

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Sara’s been giving tons of advice on how to convince parents to let you do something and this week, she’s got another helpful parent how to—getting them to let you wear make up! A.K.A., the parental compromise gateway drug. (We just made that up, but it totally works. Spread it around.) So hit play if you want some help convincing Mom and Dad that it’s time for you to step it up in the make up department.

Are your parents cool with you wearing makeup? If yes, how’d you convince them? Tell us in the comments!

How To Convince Mom And Dad You’re Old Enough To Date!

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Talia Joy Castellano makes girls feel beautiful with her YouTube channel–and now CoverGirl and Ellen are doing the same for her. | Source: YouTube

CoverGirl has a lot of spokeswomen lately–Pink, Taylor Swift, Sofia Vergara, Janelle Monae, Ellen Degeneres–but their newest one is our favorite. Talia Joy Castellanois beautiful inside and out, and she’s helping other girls feel that way, too, through her super-inspiring and cosmetically educational YouTube videos.

Talia is 13 and was first diagnosed with cancer six years ago. At that time, she bonded with a pal of her mom’s who also survived the disease, and they started talking makeup–and Talia never looked back. She used makeup as her “wig,” sporting sparkly shadows and lip glosses to feel beautiful despite losing her hair to a lot of her chemotherapy. She spread her joy around by making YouTube tutorials on how to get her spritely looks, and she garnered around 14 million hits–this was before she even made it on TV.

“When I put on my makeup I feel like I can embrace those features that I really like about myself,” she explained. “I feel if someone’s looking at me, they’re looking at my makeup, not looking at my bald head. I am just trying to make young girls, young adults, adults, anyone, feel beautiful by using makeup.”

Ellen Degeneres heard of Talia, who is now battling both neuroblastoma and leukemia at the same time, through her fans on Facebook and Twitter, and, much like the rest of the world, fell in love with her. She invited Talia to be on her show, where it was announced that Talia was now an honorary CoverGirl. Of course, Talia’s response was freakin’ (or, as she’d put it, “frickin’“) adorable. Watch it here and have your heart warmed and day made, and check out Talia’s video blog here.

Are you inspired by Talia? Who’s your favorite CoverGirl? What’s your best makeup tip? Would you skip a wig like Talia or go all out? Tell us in the comments!

And here’s our other favorite beauty vlogger!

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Simple Scar (Super Easy)

Barbie (Pretty Easy)

Snow White (Pretty Easy)

5 Minute Zombie (Pretty Easy)

Easy Cat Lady (Pretty Easy)

Frankie Stein (Not Too Hard)

Betty Boop (Not Too Hard)

The Wicked Witch (Not Too Hard)

Minnie Mouse (Not Too Hard)

Lioness (Not Too Hard)

Pop Art (Kinda Hard)

Corpse Bride (Way Hard)

Miss Argentina BeetleJuice (Way Hard)

Sugar Skull (Could Take A While)

Lady Gaga Born This Way (Could Take A While)

What will you be this Halloween? Let us know in the comments!