Welcome to a new style of post, you’ll be seeing much more of! …SPEND VS. SAVE
Where one chooses to spend versus save is simply personal preference. I’m in the beauty industry, and my favorite mascara is from the drugstore, but shampoo and conditioner? You’ll only find the finest in my shower. These are choices we make as consumers, and though I can’t make those choices for you, I’d love to provide you with some insight.
I use NARS bronzer and blush duo in “orgasm” and “laguna”. I love this team of definition and flirt, but for $41, I almost resent it every time I use it.
e.l.f. is a $3 knock off, with near identical packaging to prove it. Though the colors are NOT an exact replica, don’t be too quick to judge!
The NARS blush is a dewy pink, it’s sweet and feminine, but it’s undoubtably PINK. The e.l.f. blush is more peachy, but I think for many that makes it more wearable. The NARS bronzer is gorgeous, and the elf is a close match just a bit darker.
Ultimately, the choice is yours, but for almost a $40 difference, isn’t the e.l.f. worth trying?
XO
AJ
Click here to purchase NARS above.
Click here to purchase e.l.f. above.
(No compensation was received for this post, and it is only my opinion.)
We’ve all heard you get what you pay for, but when it comes to beauty products, price isn’t ALWAYS the best quality indicator.
One of the most requested posts has been a drugstore list. A list of products I think you can get away with purchasing at the drugstore. Yes, I admit, there are plenty of drugstore products that are totally fine, and affordable. That being said, there are also drugstore items you should always avoid, shampoo and conditioner for example.
Here’s the LIST!
- Psssssst! Dry shampoo is changing not only hair, but mornings of women everywhere. THIS dry shampoo has been around for decades, and is totally on my list. $3.29
- Walgreens Facial Moisturizer Believe it or not, I swear by this stuff. It’s a knock off off Neutrogena, which is already an inexpensive drugstore product. There are a few things I take seriously, and my face/ skincare is one of them. This product is a quality one when paired with Dermalogica face wash and eye cream. $5.99
- Degree I typically only wear Donna Karen Cashmere Mist deoderant, but this “fine fragrance” line in Degree is my favorite inexpensive alternative, with a higher percentage of active ingredient. $4.99
- Cetaphil Full body moisture, lasts forever, fragrance free. WIN. $8.29
- Sally Hansen Perfect for travel, these nail stickers are the perfect way to fake a mani, and last well over a week. (price varies on location)
- Modlash Nothing portrays “awake” like long lashes, and why splurge on something you use once? $3.49
- Revlon This “grow luscious” eyeliner actually assists in the growth of longer lashes, is creamy and bold, and affordable! $8.79
XO
AJ
Hi lovies!
Oh how I’ve missed you!
Been crazy busy transitioning from vacation mode to crazy busy work mode. But I’m BACK in action.
So many clients ask me what tools I use on them, or just inquire about my favorite hair tools in general. This post is dedicated to stocking your vanity with my best tool finds.
- FHI Heat Flat Iron is my hands down favorite flat iron! This puppy is less expensive than most on the market, and has amazing longevity. I’m on my second one in 6 years, and I admittedly broke the first one. If your flat iron doesn’t have head settings, get RID of it!
- Super Solano Dryer is the only blow dryer I’ll use. The link here is for the “light” version which is preferred by some stylists and recommended for at home use. It’s definitely more lightweight than the original. I love the heat settings on this dryer, but especially the speed settings on it. I prefer a dryer to have force rather than get too hot, for the sake of healthy hair.
- Hot Tools 1 1/4” Curling Iron is ridiculously cheap, with amazing quality. I purchase pretty much everything amazon has to offer on amazon, but this curling iron is also available at Sally Beauty Supply.
- Crocodile Clips mean business! These puppies can hold a ton of hair and are great for sectioning while styling.
As always if you guys have any questions, please reach out via the Contact page and I’ll be sure to help you out.
Have a fabulous Friday!
AJ
P.S. I cut Gavin DeGraw’s hair today! How cool is that!?
Sometimes staying polished, means removing yours.
Chipped tips are like bad brows, they can take you from classy to trashy in a glance! Keeping one of the above in close proximity is crucial if you have three more meetings before your next polish change!
Sephora’s Instant Polish Remover, $9. Perf for your desk drawer.
Deborah Lippmann The Stripper To Go, $12. THESE are uhmazing!! You can even keep this is a wallet, it’s that practical!
e.l.f. Professional Nail Polish Removing Pads, $1.49. I haven’t used these personally, but you can’t beat the price!
XO
AJ
