Save $ or Splurge$$$: Drunk Elephant Polypeptide Cream

Back at it again with another Drunk Elephant dupe. There is a dupe for everything these days.  Have you been looking to purchase a peptide moisturizer? Check out the comparison first. 

Save: The Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer $15

A nurturing yet fast-absorbing daily moisturizer with a peptide duo that helps support natural collagen and hydrate skin.This moisturizer is formulated with peptides, which are small but mighty amino acid chains that support the firming, hydrating proteins for your skin. With continued use, these peptides help support natural collagen, leaving skin looking youthful and feeling comfortable.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water/Eau), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Betaine, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Carbomer, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Gluconate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Phenethyl Alcohol, Acetyl Hexapeptide-37, Maltodextrin, Pentapeptide-48.

Splurge: Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer $68

A protein moisturizer that combines signal peptides, growth factors, amino acids, and pygmy waterlily to improve the look of skin’s tone, texture, and firmness. Protini restores younger, revived-looking skin. Lines, wrinkles, and sun damage appear reduced and skin feels strengthened and moisturized. Think of Protini like adding protein to your smoothie. Abundant with proteins and nutrients, it replenishes and restores skin to a strong, healthy state. Formulated at an ideal pH level of 4.0.

Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Bacillus/Soybean/ Folic Acid Ferment Extract, Nymphaea Alba Root Extract, sh-Oligopeptide-1, sh-Oligopeptide-2, sh-Polypeptide-1, sh-Polypeptide-9, sh-Polypeptide-11, Copper Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-14, Heptapeptide-15 Palmitate, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Alanine, Arginine, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Valine, Acetyl Glutamine, Coconut Alkanes, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aspartic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Lecithin, Butylene Glycol, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, PCA, Sorbitan Isostearate, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 60, Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Isomalt, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Sodium Benzoate, Phenylpropanol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Symphytum Officinale Callus Culture Extract.

Are you saving or splurging? Drunk Elephant products seem overpriced. So it's The Inkey List for me. 

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Affordable Skincare Products Under $30

ORIGINAL: 4/24/2018

UPDATED: 4/21/2020

Skin is in as I’ve said multiple times on here. I’ve struggled with hormonal acne since I was 12 with a small side of cystic acne and in these recent years some eczema (or so I thought). Add all that together is a recipe for terrible skin.  I’ve tried everything in the book from natural remedies to the strongest of prescriptions, but that thing that has worked the best is a consistent skincare routine with products that fit my actual skincare needs. I have to give some credit to Accutane. I did 2 rounds starting in 2016 and that cleared 90% of my acne. However, I still get a small breakout here and there as well as some hyperpigmentation cause I have a bad habit of picking my face. My skin problems were under control until I found out I had an underlying disease (cutaneous lymphoma) that was pretending to be eczema. The past year and a half my skin has been horrible due to my skin lymphoma. When it got really bad I couldn't even do my skincare routine because everything irritated me. But after completing phototherapy and radiation it looks completely better. Now, I can get back to perfecting my skin. 

My skincare routine is what keeps everything under control. For years I was using the wrong products. I had always thought that I had dry skin but it wasn’t until I went to an esthetician that she told me I was wrong, I combination/oily skin. I was using gel and foaming cleansers that were literally drying my skin out to the point that I thought my skin was dry but in fact, it was just dehydrated. If you can’t afford a trip to the esthetician schedule a consultation with Hey Aprill or Cave of Beauty they will get you together. Don’t have time or money for that either check out this post on April’s blog about determining skin type. This will help guide you to the right products. It doesn’t matter how good the product is if it’s not for your skin type. Odds are the product won't work well for you. 

After finding out my skin type is when I was finally able to get products that worked for me. I switched to oil and more hydrating cleansers, added in some chemical exfoliation, started hydrating and wearing sunscreen. Yes, black people, we have to wear sunscreen. Have you been trying to figure out why that hyperpigmentation won't go away? Well, it's getting darker every time you go out without SPF.  I adopted my own version of the Korean beauty 10 step regimen. I’m not a skincare expert but this is what has been working for me. Here are the steps I take in my routine.

Oil Cleanse - DHC Cleansing Oil (PM to remove makeup)

Cleanse - Paula's Choice Hydrating Gel-to-Cream Cleanser (AM/PM)

Tone - e.l.f. Keep Your Balance Toner

Exfoliate - Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid (2x A Week)

Hydrate - Cosrx Essence (AM/PM)

Treat - The Inkey List Polyglutamic Acid Hydrating Serum + The Ordinary 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder  (AM)

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid* 2% Emulsion (PM)

Moisturize - Hada Labo Rohto Goku-jun Hyaluronic Milky Lotion (AM/PM)

Cerave Healing Ointment (PM)

Protect - Neutrogena Hydro Boost SPF 30 (AM)

Peel - The Ordinary AHA/BHA Peel (Every Other Week)

Spot Treat - COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch

Skincare is my current obsession. I buy more beauty products than clothes these days that I had to implement a 1 empty 1 newbie policy. So that means I can only buy a new product once I’ve finished one. This keeps my product junkie under control. And of course, I keep it affordable when it comes to what I buy. There are great quality products at all price ranges. I just tend to buy on the lower end. I've put together some widgets with affordable skincare products under $30. Check them out!

Cleansers

Toners

Exfoliants

Hydrators

Serums

Moisturizers

Sunscreens

Treatments  & Masks

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Save $ or Splurge $$$ Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

I swear every time I go to buy a high-end product I end up unintentionally find its dupe. In the search for a new setting powder, I ran to my friend google to see what was the best option. Laura Mercier's powder (which had been on my wishlist) was the highest rated and a cult classic. Before I went to purchase, I saw a comparison to Milani's setting powder and decided to try it out. The 2 products are very similar and both have a light and deep formula. Check out the comparison and my thoughts below. 

Save: Milani Make It Last Setting Powder $10.99

Make It Last Setting Powder is a high performance, ultra-fine translucent loose powder designed to seamlessly set and extend makeup wear. Features a weightless, oil-free formula infused with light-reflecting pigments to diffuse fine lines and imperfections for a luminous, shimmer finish. Available in Translucent  Light to Medium and Translucent Medium to Deep.

Splurge: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder $39

A lightweight, easy-to-apply, loose powder that blends effortlessly to set makeup for up to 12 hours. This award-winning powder locks in makeup for long-lasting wear without adding weight or texture. It absorbs oil and reduces shine all day, creating a flawless, matte finish with no flashback in photos. These truly-translucent shades work on all skin tones= and create a soft-focus effect to subtly blur fine lines and imperfections. Available in Translucent and Translucent Medium Deep.

Have you tried either of these powders? I've tried them and they are both nice powders. However, when you do the price break down the save isn't really a save at all. Milani is actually double the price per gram. So the smart thing to do would be to purchase the Laura Mercier. I'm currently using the Milani right now because I found them at Walgreens for under $3 and I purchased the last few they had. 

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Save $ or Splurge $$$ Morphe Brushes

Makeup brushes make or break your makeup application. You most definitely need quality tools to get that flawless beat. Finding super inexpensive high-quality brushes are hard to come by. Outside of E.L.F., I don't know many brands that have good quality brushes at a cheap price. Well not until I came across Beili. I found out about the brand through a twitter thread and they were being compared to Morphe's brushes. And because I love a good beauty dupe I had to see for my self. So, I ordered a few brushes that I have the Morphe comparable, along with a couple others. Long story short, I probably won't be purchasing Morphe brushes any longer. Both brands have synthetic hair bristles and similar shapes throughout the range, and they both provide a flawless application. The only difference is Beili's brushes have a shorter handle, but I actually prefer that. Oh and the price, how could I forget. Beili is about a fourth cheaper than Morphe which makes it a winner in my book. 

Below are the Beili brushes that I ordered that have Morphe dupes. I also ordered 804 (my new favorite foundation brush) and 805 (great for bronzer). If you love Morphe's brushes then you'll definitely love these. 

Save: Beili Brushes

815, 817, 810, 813, 803

Splurge: Morphe Brushes

E48, E4, E7, E63, E41

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Save $ or Splurge $$$ Laura Mercier Glow Brush

I've been watching a lot of YouTube videos lately; catching up on old videos, searching for new channels to subscribe to, and watching product reviews.  Recently, I was looking at a product review by MakeupShayla on the Laura Mercier Loose Setting Translucent Glow Powder and she used their brush to apply the highlighter and I just loved how it looked. I went to  Sephora to get all the details and closed the tab because I didn't really want to pay $40 for a brush, $20 is my limit lol. I'm pretty sure you know what's next....yep, you guessed it. I began searching for a dupe with that curved shape. I found a few good alternatives from Fenty, E.L.F and Shop Miss A but good ole E.L.F ended up being the best option to me. See the details and tell me what you think, SAVE or SPLURGE?!

Save: E.L.F. Sculpting Face Brush $6 ($3 at Walmart in-store)

The contoured and curved shape of this brush hugs the face to help expertly sculpt and blend product, contour cheekbones, define the nose, and minimize the look of jawline definition for precision application. This brush is ideal with foundation but also works perfectly with a variety of formulas including powders, liquids, and creams.

Splurge: Laura Mercier Glow Brush $38

A powder brush designed to allow for even, luminous application all over the face. This brush’s unique, curved shape is designed to fit the contours of the face. It applies powder evenly and smoothly all over, leaving behind a consistent, uniform veil of luminosity.

Have you tried either of these brush? Are you saving or splurging? Right now, I'm going to save. But when I get some extra money, I'll be splurging again.

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Save $ or Splurge $$$ Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

I always thought my skin type was dry skin until I visited the esthetician and learned it was, in fact, combination/oily. The reason why I thought it was dry is that it lacked hydration and was just dehydrated. Dry skin lacks natural skin oil but dehydrated skin lacks hydration. Once I learned that I made sure to add hydrating products to my skincare routine. Every now and then my skin needs a little extra hydration, so I use an overnight mask. I've been alternating between Lumene and Laneige gel masks. Both products are similar so I've used them both, but I can't seem to pick between the two. See the details and tell us what you think, SAVE or SPLURGE.

Save: Lumene LAHDE Hydration Recovery Aerating Gel Mask $15

Lumene Hydra-technology combines oxygen-rich Pure Arctic Spring Water with Nordic Birch Sap that’s bursting with minerals, on application the innovative light-weight aerating complex indulges your skin's surface with moisture to provide intense hydration. Working in harmony these thirst-quenching elements rescue skin to leave it smooth and even for an instantly fresh and radiant glow.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Propanediol, Betula Alba (Birch) Juice, Glycerin, Methyl Gluceth-20, Phenoxyethanol, Rubus Chamaemorus (Cloudberry) Seed Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Allantoin, Sodium Hydroxide, Trehalose, Urea, Eriophorum Spissum Flower/Stem Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium Edta, Copper Gluconate, Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, Pentylene Glycol, Serine, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Algin, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium Phosphate, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Pullulan, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sorbic Acid, Potassium Phosphate, Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene, Citronellol, Parfum (Fragrance), (Ci 42090) Blue 1, (Ci 60730) Ext. Violet 2

Splurge: Laneige Water Sleeping Mask $25

Recharge your dehydrated skin while you sleep with this innovative mask. It’s formulated with highly concentrated Hydro Ionized Mineral Water to deliver high doses of moisture to stressed, parched skin. Calming Sleepscent™, infused with orange flower, rose, and sandalwood, and it relaxes and comforts while apricot and evening primrose extracts to brighten and purify fatigued skin. The result: skin looks and feels radiant, refreshed, and soft so you wake up with soft, glowing skin.

Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, Trehalose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Root Extract, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Fruit Extract, Beta-Glucan, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Chloride, Potassium Alginate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate / VP Copolymer, Polysorbate 20, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Dimethicone / Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Propanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Stearyl Behenate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide MEA, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, Blue 1 (Ci 42090)

Have you tried these two products? Which do you prefer? I actually like them both but Laneige leaves my skin a little more supple. The Lumene doubles as an instant and overnight mask, sometimes I need an instant hydration boost. The one thing that I don't like about the Lumene is the fragrance. I have super sensitive skin and it can irritate my skin.  So for that reason I will stick to the Laneige.  

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Save $ or Splurge $$$ Cover FX Liquid Highlighter

 

I don't know about you but I want you to be able to see my highlight from across the room. Before highlighting was extremely popular, I would add MAC's lustre drops into my foundation to give me that glow. I didn't know of many liquid highlighting drops back then but now every company from drugstore to high-end make them. My current fave liquid highlighter is from Makeup Revolution in rose gold. 

Makeup Revolution is known for there quality dupes of high-end and luxury beauty products(stay tuned to our IG story for a full list). I can do a Save or Splurge post every month for the rest of the year with dupes from them. MR's liquid highlighter is a spot on dupe for the Cover FX Enhancer Drops. Both brands have an array of colors and similar ingredients. Cover FX is a little more pigmented but for $42 I can buy like 5 from Makeup Revolution. 

You be the judge. See the details and tell us what you think, SAVE or SPLURGE.

Save: Makeup Revolution Liquid Highlighter $9

The liquid highlighter drops have a variety of uses! The highly concentrated pigmented highlighter is a must have for all lovers of glow! Can be used alone as a liquid highlighter, simply apply to the high points of the face and blend with a synthetic brush or sponge for dimension and glow. Mix into your favorite foundation for a more dewy and luminous finish. Mix into your body lotion and creams for a gorgeous all-over glow, or use alone with your everyday skincare for a natural glow from within on even bare skin days. Available in 12 shades with 0.61 fl oz each. 

Splurge: Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops $42

These customizable drops can be used to create a buildable highlight or sunkissed tint. Use them alone for a light reflective strobing or bronzing effect even on top of powder, or add them to your favorite liquid foundation or skincare product for an all-over glow. Formulated with a high concentration of ultra-refined pearls, the bronzing drops offer a natural matte finish and the illuminating drops produce a liquid metal finish. The more drops you use, the more luminosity or bronze you’ll get, allowing you to customize your glow. Available in nine universal shades with 0.5 fl oz each.

Have you tried these two products? Which do you prefer? For the price point alone, I'm going to SAVE! Here are swatches of a few shades. 

P.S. Ulta has buy 2  get 1 free on all Makeup Revolution products. Click here to sign up for Ebates or Dosh and get cash back and coupons when you shop!

Frugal Finds: Miss A

Why pay more when you can pay less is our motto. Anytime I can find a new store or website to purchase frugal finds I got a try it. I came across this website about a year ago on Twitter from @heyaprill and put it on my list of stores to try but I forgot. So no I haven’t been keeping this place from you all, we’re not stingy with our frugal finds. Anyway, Miss A is a website that sells makeup, beauty tools skincare and accessories for just $1, yes you read that correctly. They have everything from face primer to makeup brushes and more. Now everybody isn’t a fan of budget-friendly makeup if it isn’t from Sephora they don’t want it. Me myself personally am not tied to high-end cosmetic brands I like whatever is good. All cheap products aren’t bad and all luxury products good. This is a perfect store to purchase from if you are a newbie in makeup and want to practice with something inexpensive items. I recently placed an order with a few of the things pictured below but it hasn’t arrived yet so stay tuned to our Instagram for a preview. For just $1 an item, what do you have to lose? Check out shopmissa.com today and let us know what you think. Leave us a comment below if you’ve purchased something from them before. 

AOA- Go Brow Mascara $1

AOA Sculpting Brow Pencil $1

AOA Wonder Cover Concealer $1

AOA Perfect Setting Powder $1

AOA Wonder Baked Highlighter $1

AOA Wonder Matte Liquid Lipstick $1

AOA Wonder Lipliner $1

AOA Wonder Liplock $1

AOA 12-Piece PM Brush Set $10

Wonder Blender $1 

Wonder Blender Holder $1

AOA Canvas Pouch $1 

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Save $ or Splurge $$$ MAC Prep + Prime Highlighter

I love trying out beauty dupes. Every opportunity I get to possibly replace a higher end product with a something a little cheaper I do. Sometimes they are good, sometimes not. I suffer from hyper-pigmentation so when I'm doing my makeup color correcting is a must for me. I've done alot of trial and error to find what works the best for me. Orange concealers have me looking like an oompa loompa and yellow concealers make me look ashy. When I discovered MAC Prep + Prime Highlighter in Peach Lustre it was perfect the perfect shade. It's not too orange but just enough to cover my dark spots so I'm not giving oompa loompa vibes. It doubles as a highlighter and color corrector for medium to dark skin tones which is a plus. Recently E.L.F dropped a new color correcting product that is somewhat similar to MAC's. It claims to conceal dark circles and hide imperfections on deeper complexions with the orange corrector. I tested it out and it was cool but a little too sheer for me. The color was good however it is very light.  I don't have dark circle so I cant test out that claim, but from my trial, I think this product is better suited for dark circles and light imperfections. If that is it what you have, give the E.L.F. Flawless Color Correcting Pen a try. For only $6 what could hurt. 

See the following specs and details and tell us what you think, SAVE or SPLURGE?!

Save: E.L.F. Flawless Color Correcting Pen

Perfect for on the go, this Flawless Color Correcting Pen neutralizes imperfections leaving you with a flawless complexion. Enjoy a brighter and even skin tone with the convenient and easy to use correcting formula.

Splurge: MAC Prep + Prime Highlighter

A pen-style highlighter that efficiently brings a soft, sheer wash of color to the skin. With its precision application, it adds radiance just where you want it. Goes on smoothly for cushion-soft wear. Use over makeup for highlights, touch-ups, or under makeup to brighten, prime and correct. Benefits: Provides instant radiance, lightweight, long-wearing, and non-drying, 

Have you tried these? If so, which do you prefer? I've tried both and MAC wins hands down for me. E.L.F isn't terrible but it doesn't provide the coverage I need.  So on this item, I'll take the SPLURGE!

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Save $ or Splurge $$$ Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

I love a good dupe, especially when it's spot on. So when I heard that the Wet n Wild Photo Focus Concealer was an exact dupe for the Tarte Shape Tape and it was only $4, I had to see what all the hype was about. I tried out both concealers and loved them both. I tend to use Wet n Wild for everyday looks and Tarte occasionally. Tarte has a better applicator and a larger shade range, but if you are able to find a Wet n Wild shade that works for you.....GET IT! 

See the details and tell us what you think, SAVE or SPLURGE.

Save: Wet n Wild Photo Focus Concealer

Let your natural beauty shine with our selfie-tested creamy and luminous concealer. Tested to be white cast-free under seven different photo lighting conditions, this high coverage concealer allows only your best features to get noticed.  It instantly brightens and perfects appearance of skin; conceals imperfections, dark spot, and blemishes; delivers lightweight, buildable coverage and conceals and minimizes imperfections to achieve a flawless look good bye photo flashback

Splurge: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

Sculpt and highlight as you mask imperfections with this 2-in-1 full coverage concealer. The hydrating, long wearing formula delivers natural, radiant coverage across all skin types so you can instantly brighten and cover acne, dark circles, and redness while softening the look of pores and fine lines. Wear it 1-2 shades lighter or darker, and it works as a creamy highlighter or contouring stick with a lightweight, blendable formula and tapered wand applicator ideal for precise strobing and sculpting. Powered by Amazonian clay and conditioning mango seed and shea butter, the nutrient-rich concealer helps promote skin elasticity and illumination with each crease-free application. 

Have you tried these concealers? Which do you prefer?  I like both equally. You can't go wrong with either. 

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Get Amazon Products Discounted or Free

I love Amazon....I love Amazon more than Oprah loves bread. A few weeks ago while reading one of my fav blogs, I came across a deal club for Amazon, Elite Deal Club. It seemed too good to be true, so I ordered a few things and it's legit. Elite Deal Club (EDC) is an exclusive club that provides its members with the best deals possible on Amazon products. Brands looking to promote their products share discounts through this exclusive club and offer highly discounted with prices marked down between 50% off all the way to FREE! The best part is that Elite Deal Club is a completely free service. 

EDC posts new products every day at 10 am (don't judge me, I set an alarm it's that real) and the best items sell out within minutes. You can only claim one discount code in the morning slot until 2 pm, then you can get as many codes as you want. After you secure the promo code, you head over to Amazon to redeem the code and get your discounted products. I've been buying stuff almost every day since I discovered the deal club. I am hooked. My Amazon addiction is even worse than before now. Join the Elite Deal Club today and catch some great deals.

See all the items I purchased below.

Fractionated Coconut Oil

Amazon: $11.95

Elite Deal Club: $1.90

100% Natural Arabica Coffee Scrub

Amazon: $14.95

Elite Deal Club: $0.48

Foxbrim Vitamin C Serum

Amazon: $11.95

Elite Deal Club: $1.59

Brooklyn Botany Vitamin C Serum

Amazon: $16.95

Elite Deal Club: $0.51

SKEDERM Snail Jelly Mask 10pk

Amazon: $16.99

Elite Deal Club: $1.99

Zen Menstrual Cup

Amazon: $14.97

Elite Deal Club: $1.05

ScionBeauty Premium 5-Piece Make Up Sponge Set 

Amazon: $10.95

Elite Deal Club: $1.16

Radha Beauty Essential Oil Diffuser

Amazon: $19.95

Elite Deal Club: $0.20

Radha Essential Oil Blends Set

Amazon: $19.95

Elite Deal Club: $0.20

My grand total for all these items was $9.08. That is cheaper than the lowest price item at full price. Join the Elite Deal Club today and get crazy discounts on Amazon deals everyday.

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Save $ or Splurge $$$ Josie Maran Argan Oil

I am a product junkie, which isn't always a good thing cause you can't really find out what works if you are always switching up products. Well, I've been on a skincare journey for a while now, and I've been trying to settle on a regimen. One thing I've learned is that oils work great on my face, more specifically argan oil. As someone with combination-acne prone skin, I've always steered clear of using oils on my face, but it works for me. Being the product junkie that I am, I've tried several brands of argan oil. Josie Maran and Radha Beauty were two brands that I tried and both worked well. However, one major difference is the price point.

See the details and tell us what you think, SAVE or SPLURGE. 

Save: Radha Beauty Moroccan Argan Oil

100% pure Argan Oil is first cold pressed to ensure the best quality, highest-grade oil. Unscented, lightweight & pure for the ultimate healthy glow. No preservatives, chemicals, water or other oils added. Radha Argan oil is made organically in small batches and imported directly from Morocco to ensure premium quality. Radha 100% Argan Oil is your best choice for moisturize and condition. It naturally freshens, hydrates and softens dry skin better than any other moisturizer on the market. Repairs and beautifies hair, from roots to split-ends

Splurge: Josie Maran Pure Argan Oil

This legendary, 100 % pure Argan Oil is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids to deeply hydrate and nourish skin. Grown organically in Morocco, the multitasking formula contains astonishing healing, conditioning, and anti-aging properties to create a nourished, youthful-looking complexion. It easily absorbs into skin, delivering a fresh, dewy glow, and keeps you looking beautiful from head to toe. Especially great for sensitive and acne-prone skin, it may also be used to treat split ends and soften cuticles.

Have you tried these oils? If so, which oil would you prefer? I've tried both and there isn't much of a difference, other than the price. So on this item, I'll take the SAVE!

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Save $ or Splurge $$$ Beautyblender

There are hundreds, maybe even thousands off makeup sponges on the market. However, the originator is the beautyblender®. The beautyblender is a staple in many makeup kits, but for $20 some are hesitant to purchase. I was one of those people. I bought the Real Techniques Sponge and many other dupes over the years (probably more than $20 worth). The Real Techniques sponge works well and I love the flat side of the sponge. If you want to spend less, this is for you. My only problem with the dupe is that it absorbs too much product. I have also recently purchased a Beautyblender on Groupon for $12 (we shared this deal on Twitter), and after my first use I apologized for all the slander I had once shared. Now, I see what all the hype is about. 

See the details and tell us what you think, SAVE or SPLURGE. 

Save: Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

It's a 3-in-1 multi-functional makeup sponge by Real Techniques. The rounded side blends larger areas of the face. The precision tip covers blemishes/imperfections and the flat edge contours around the eyes and the nose, leaving you with a complexion that's smooth, enhanced and gorgeous!

Splurge: The Original Beautyblender® (Pink/Black)

The unique shape and exclusive material available only with beautyblender® ensures impeccable, streak-free application with minimum product waste. Use it with primers, foundations, powders, cream blushes, and any other complexion product. It features an open cell structure that fills with small amounts of water when wet. This allows the sponge to be “full” so that the makeup product sits on top of the sponge rather than being absorbed, allowing you to use less product every time. When wet, beautyblender doubles in size and becomes even softer, returning to its original size when it air dries. 

Have you tried these sponges? Which do you prefer? On this item, I’ll go with the SPLURGE!

Get the Original Beautyblender® (Pro) on Groupon for $12. Sign up for ebates and get 6% cashback!

- Christen