I absolutely love Sephora and Ulta. I’m obsessed with expensive makeup brands and everything they have to offer; however, my wallet doesn’t always like the price tag.
With there only being 8 weeks left until Santa makes his visit, I have become particularly picky about where my money goes. Other than necessities, I have been rather stingy with my money, thus, sending me on a mission to find drug store dupes of my favorite Sephora brands. This is what I have found…
The Dupes
Maybelline NY Dream Urban Cover Foundation: A full-coverage (all day wear) foundation with a built in sunscreen (SPF 50). This foundation is the dupe of the $40 It Cosmetics Bye Bye Foundation (SPF 50); even the bottles resemble each other. I wear it in Classic Ivory for my fair skin and it is a perfect match. It doesn’t feel caked on and I haven’t had any issues with creasing. However, I always use a primer with it and I apply it with a wet makeup sponge.
Maybelline NY Master Prime by FaceStudio: This primer and base duo blurs and smooths the skin prior to the application of foundation (number 100 for shelf reference). I apply a little of this to my clean dry skin and I love the way it feels. I am confident in saying that it is the $36 Smashbox Photo Finish Smooth and Blur Primer dupe for sure!
Wet N’ Wild PhotoFocus Eyeshadow Primer: I have always had an issue with my eyeshadow going on smoothy, so my struggles led me to YouTube to watch beauty vloggers apply their shadow. I am a huge fan of Tati Westbrook (@glamlifeguru) and how she applies her makeup. When she gave the recommendation on this primer and stated that this has been one of her all time favorite eyeshadow primers to-date, I just had to see for myself. Thank you, Tati! I won’t be using anything else to prime my lids from now on.
E.L.F 16 Hour Camo Concealer: My friend Harle is super into makeup and she told me about this holy grail of concealer and that, in her opinion, was better than our beloved Shape Tape by Tarte ($27). HOLD. THE. PHONE. I just had to try this, so I took off to Wal-mart and guess what… she wasn’t kidding. Just use this under your eyes and where you highlight the high points of your face (if you’re into that sort of thing) and let it work its magic as you blend it out with a makeup sponge or brush. It is a different consistency than Shape Tape so it took a few days to get used to. Another reason why I love this product is the bottle doesn’t get messy and get makeup all over your makeup bag like Shape Tape does.
Maybelline NY Super Stay Foundation Stick: I use this for my contour around my forehead, cheeks, jaw line, and nose. I wear it in the Mocha (number 360 for shelf reference) and it paired nicely with the classic ivory tone of my foundation. It lasts all day and is the perfect base for my bronzing powder. I apply it with an angled makeup brush and not with the sponge that comes attached to it. It seems to go on dark so I wouldn’t recommend applying the stick directly to your skin unless maybe you were using it for your entire face; however, you would still want to blend it out with a brush or sponge.
Rimmel London Natural Bronzer: This is a throwback.. Actually, a throw wayyyyyy back. Ashley and I have always been in love with this bronzer (since high school), and it works so well. I get mine in the shade Sundance (027 shelf reference) and dust it on my cheeks and chest for a nice summer glow. A heads up: a little bit goes a long way so don’t be too aggressive with your application.
Milani Silky Matte Bronzing Powder: Though I prefer my Too Faced Chocolate Soleil bronzing powder, this Milani helps to hold me over… that is at least until the next Sephora Rouge Sale. 😉
Milani Kabuki Brush and Powder/Bronzer Brush: I am always in need of makeup brushes; these are so soft, apply my makeup smooth and evenly, and are easy to clean. Typically, I use my favorite Morphe brushes but I do enjoy trying different brands.
Clean and Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Scrub: I stumbled on this face wash by chance. My friend Olivia had this sitting in our hotel shower a few months ago and I gave it a try. I fell in love with the cooling effect it had on my skin and how refreshed I felt after; I even have my husband using it now!
I love playing with different makeup. I currently wear these dupes every day and have been saving my more expensive brands for special occasions. Do you ever experiment with different brands of makeup? If so what are your favorites– both drug store and high-end?
xo,
Er
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