Nice things are expensive, but they don’t always have to be. There are several products on the shelves that are just as good as the top brands, but at a fraction of the price. With summer in full swing, these are the dupes that we’re keeping in our makeup bag.
Primer
For stunning makeup, you need a good base to put it on. Considering how hot and sweaty we can get in summer, it’s important to use a primer that won’t give into the gods of grease. Tarte Clean Slate Blur Balm is an excellent choice, but at $35 our purses disagree. Luckily, e.l.f. Cosmetics Matte Putty Primer has the same effect for just under $9.
Mascara
You may consider wearing less makeup during the season, seeing as even mascara tends to misbehave. But don’t give in to the humidity! If you want to emphasize your lashes without the risk of smudging, it’s totally within your right. Although Thrive Causemetics makes an award-winning $32 Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara, we actually prefer Essence’s $5 Bye Bye Panda Eyes! Mascara.
Hair Care
Swimming pools can play havoc with hair as the chlorine changes the pH balance of our locks. The result is frizzy hair that is prone to breakage, and that does not form part of our hot girl summer. A citric-acid treatment like Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector can sort it out, but who has $30 to spend on hair products? We’re so happy that L’Oréal Paris EverPure Bond Strengthening Concentrate is just as good and costs around $10.
