This weekend I had a root around my stocks in the hope of discovering UK dupes for US-only, or just generally hard to find, beauty supplies and I came up trumps. There are six swap-ins in total and all come in at less than a ticket across the Atlantic – score! Take note and know that next time to head overseas they’ll be even more space in your case for ‘I Heart NY’ t-shirts.
THE PRODUCT: Sephora Cream Lip Stain. THE ALTERNATIVE: Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet. You know what? I’m not sure I could actually tell the difference between these. Well, maybe the scent (the Sephora offering gives off more of a vanilla vibe). Both gloss over the lips with a coat of matte opaque colour that doesn’t budge. Check out 01 and 03 from the Sephora range and Hot Pepper and Olé Flamingo from the Bourjois.
THE PRODUCT: Lorac Pro Eye Palette. THE ALTERNATIVE: Urban Decay Naked Palette. I’ve wracked my brains on this one and I think that the reason why the Lorac Palette is so darn good is because it’s un-dupeable – in my stash anyway. There’s nothing else that offers so many neutral shades, both cool and warm in tone, along with the contrasting matte and shimmer textures. Now it’s my no means a dupe, but the Naked Palette does hold a few of the same shades and hey – everyone needs at least one Naked palette in their life, non?
THE PRODUCT: Oscar Blandi Texture and Volume Spray. THE ALTERNATIVE: Oribe Dry Texturising Spray. Big hair in a bottle – the both of them. Oscar’s version has a citrusy whiff to it, whereas the Oribe is more floral and perfumed but both give the hair lift and grit (in a good way). In fact, I prefer the one we can get over here. I heart Oribe forever (can I get that on a t-shirt?).
THE PRODUCT: Josie Maran Argan Oil. THE ALTERNATIVE: MV Organics Jojoba Oil. You can pick up the Josie Maran bestseller on these shores, but it’s an internet-only jobbie and pretty pricey, so a more purse-friendly yet still skin soothing and smoothing option comes from MV Organics. Yes, it’s a different genre of oil but it gives glow to the complexion and more importantly doesn’t leave your skin looking like you could fry an egg on it after application which is the main reason why Josie’s one rocks.
THE PRODUCT: Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Crayon. THE ALTERNATIVE: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil. Though Marc Jacobs is creeping to the UK slowly (apparently there’s a beauty section in their Mayfair boutique in London), it’s still a toughie to find and their eyeliner offering is by far the most impressive piece I’ve tried from their range. Long-lasting, with just the right amount of wearable glitter; it smudges, stays put and even has a nifty sharpener hidden in its length (Brown(Out) is my favourite). The next best thing is the Urban Decay liners. A little less longevity, but a great colour range and a similar consistency.
THE PRODUCT: Sephora Makeup Miniatures. THE ALTERNATIVE: Beauty Advent Calendars and Christmas Sets. One of the best bits of Sephora are the lines and lines of makeup miniatures that decorate the checkout queues. You can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll end up doubling the contents of your basket by the time you’ve actually made it to the till. We haven’t really cottoned on to the beauty and convenience of teeny tiny beauty bits over here yet, but Christmas is a fab time to pick up perfume rollerballs or sample sizes, especially in the flurry of cosmetic advent calendars that are due for release. Better than chocolate? Actually…
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