Skimping v. Splurging - Part I

From the time I was little, I've been into all things girl. I was always playing around with my hair, makeup, and nails, and I'm pretty sure I begged for (and, of course, got) my first highlights when I was in the sixth grade. As a result, I've tried hundreds, probably even thousands, of beauty products over the years and have discovered that there are some things you can skimp on and some things that absolutely require a splurge.

So here are my thoughts on skimping v. splurging. Feel free to add in your own faves!

Mascara: SKIMP!

There is no question that Lancome's Definicils High Definition Mascara and Dior DiorShow Blackout Mascara are amazing (I've used them both). But at $25 a pop, I think I'll stick with my $6 Maybelline Volum Express Colossal Waterproof which I love almost as much as the pricier options.

Flat Iron/Blowdryer: SPLURGE!





I've said it before and I'll say it again - a girl needs good hairstyling tools. The CHI is pricey (and so was my T3 blowdryer), but I can't tell you how frustrated I've been when I've forgotten my stuff and had to borrow a cheap flat iron or (heaven forbid) a hotel blowdryer. If you have a lot of hair like I do, you know that the time you save, alone, by using decent tools justifies the splurge.

Lip Gloss: SKIMP!
My step-mom just happens to hook me up with my favorite Lancome lip glosses almost every Christmas, but if she didn't, I'd definitely be buying drugstore brands. There just isn't an appreciable difference between the two, and most of the time I forget to put it on, anyway.

Shampoo/Conditioner: TOSSUP!


I've admitted my problem with accumulating too many bottles of shampoo and conditioner, so you can feel confident that I'm an expert here. :) And, although I love Redken's All Soft line, in addition to all Kerastase products, I also really like John Frieda's Root Awakening Nourishing Moisture and Pantene Pro-V's Restore Beautiful Lengths line. Since I tend to rotate between different products each time I wash my hair, I just buy both salon brands and drugstore brands and switch them out so my hair doesn't get buildup from one kind of product.

Foundation/Powder: SPLURGE!
In my opinion, drugstore foundations and powders don't last as long as the more expensive brands, and the colors just tend to be either too orange-y or too pink-y. I'm a big fan of Bare Minerals and MAC foundations (which aren't all as heavy as the hype suggests). However, I will say that I tried a sample of CoverGirl's NatureLuxe foundation, and it felt and looked AMAZING. If I could find it in the right color, I really might consider switching over.

I'm realizing that I could go on and on about this, so how about I do a Part II post sometime in the next week or so? Feel free to shout out any requests! :)