Saving Money With "Dupes"

If you are a makeup lover like I am, you want it, you justify it and you cannot WAIT until you have a clean face (the blank canvas, if you will) for a new application of products.  Every woman has a budget and some may stick to products they find in their local drugstore. Others shop the spectrum, from drugstore to high-end. If they like it, they buy it. And then there are those with superior taste...and anything other than high-end just doesn't feel right.  If you have tried a high-end lipstick, you can understand that concept, even if it's just while you're trying it on at the makeup counter. lol

 

The term "dupe" didn't come out of nowhere. Duplicate or "dupe" refers to a drugstore or lesser price point than its high-end counterpart. For example, let's say a friend is wearing a fabulous eye shadow that catches the light just so....and you can't take your eyes off that shine. She says it's "X" shadow from "Y" Cosmetics.  So you go look it up. Wowza. $18 for one eye shadow?! For you, that could mean two lunches for you or two weeks worth of lunches for your child etc. (Note to self: Don't blog when hungry.)

If you're like me, you still want the color, the experience, the look/feel...without the cost.  How on Earth are you supposed to find something similar out of the TONS of brands out there?! Well, that's why I'm here! I've done the work for you. Products look a certain way in the container. Swatched they either look the same or different. In order to find the correct dupe, swatching for comparison is key.  It's difficult to swatch drugstore items which is why it helps to have experience with various brand colors and textures. 

 

Would you rather pay $3 or $18 for the same color/texture? True, there are package/brand lovers out there that will choose to pay $18, but they are paying for the brand/package. The lab does the same amount of work either way.  The color payoff is the same.  I'd rather pay $3 because that means I go home with more products. :-)))

 (photo credit: pinksith.com)

 

 

If you need a dupe, please contact me for more info and I would be happy to assist!

Autumn Purples

Purple is everywhere these days! I'm talking "your lips but better" shades of berry all the way to the deepest eggplant....and that's just on the lips! Metallic plums, grayish purples and deep creamy shades of aubergine polish.  There is a purple for everyone. I'm surprised to come across so many wearable shades but it's exciting to see such a great selection from drugstores to high end brands.  A few years ago, purple was just as difficult, if not more so, to pull off than a confident red. Purple was more of a "rebel" color but now going into Fall, we're seeing all shades of purple from the fashion runway to the local drugstore. 

 

 

 

I think most of us have at least one item of clothing in the purple family...maybe a soft lilac...a deep plum or a vibrant deep purple. Blue eyes, green or brown, you can pull of the color purple.  If you've never experimented with the color, now is the time to try! Hold up a scarf or sweater up to your neckline and look in a mirror. Do you look awake, bright, happy? If you look washed out or tired, try another shade, either lighter or darker, until you find one that suits your skin tone. 

Soft lavender shadows can be a great way to stay natural while a shimmery amethyst can look fantastic for a night out. 

 

 

 

Whether you're already a fan of purple or you're tempted to branch out of your comfort zone, there are wonderful products currently in stores and more coming soon.  Limited edition kits (holiday season is around the corner!) always include at least one or two colors that "pop" which allow you to experiment with the trends while staying grounded by more neutral colors as well.  If you would like assistance finding the right shade to suit your skin tone, please use the contact form or email me directly at bpmomathome@gmail.com.

 

 

 

 

***Lilla Rose September Flexi of the Month is now available!  Gorgeous with any hair color or skin tone (not to mention gorgeous when paired with purple!), this clip is stunning.  To see the current flexi and many more styles, click the image below.