When it comes to beauty, sometimes it’s difficult to know what to splurge on and what you should be saving on — especially when it comes to products that you use on the regular. Great for university students or anyone on a budget, Walmart is here to help you save some of your hard-earned dollars with this season’s best beauty dupes.
You’ll be incorporating these five staples into your routine in no time! Keep reading to start saving now:
1. Mascara
You should be replacing your mascara every 3-6 month to prevent bacteria buildup, so finding a good (yet affordable) mascara is absolutely KEY. Too Faced’s Better Than Sex is a cult-classic, thanks to its inky black pigment and intense volume. This mascara dupe will have people asking you if you’re wearing false lashes — no lie! The brush is almost identical to Too Faced’s “Better Than Sex” mascara, whose name says it all.
SPLURGE: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, $31
STEAL: L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara, $10.96
Available at Walmart and Walmart.ca
2. Cleansing Water
Cleansing water is STILL trending and I’m all about it. After using makeup removing wipes for years, I finally found a non-harsh way to remove all that mascara you can never get rid of (even waterproof!). I have used both of these cleansing waters, and they both achieve the same end result. Your wallet and skin will thank you.
SPLURGE: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution Cleansing Water, $19.90 for 500mL
STEAL: Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Cleanser & Waterproof Makeup Remover, $8.47 for 400 mL
Available at Walmart and Walmart.ca
3. Moisturizer
Both of these moisturizers boast the same *star* ingredient – hyaluronic acid, which can absorb over 1000 times its weight in water, helping to restore dry, depleted skin’s moisture barrier. The gel-cream texture goes on super-smoothly and provides a lightweight feel. Bonus? They won’t clog pores or make skin greasy. However, the variation in pricing makes quite the difference.
SPLURGE: GLAMGLOW Waterburst™ Hydrated Glow Moisturizer, $62
STEAL: Neutrogena Hydroboost Facial Gel Cream, $19.95
Available at Walmart and Walmart.ca
4. Lipstick
The popular 90’s beauty brand, Hard Candy, is back in action at Walmart. These moisturizing lip balms are just as nourishing and even identical in colour. You’ll want to keep this ultra sleek lipstick in your purse at all times.
SPLURGE: Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Whole Lotta Honey, $22
STEAL: Hard Candy All Glossed Up Hydrating Lip Stain in Sand Castle, $5.68
Available at Walmart and Walmart.ca
5. Cleanser
Make your life easier with this all-in-one facial cleansing stick. Both are made for sensitive skin and can be used for makeup removal, deep facial cleansing, and is extremely travel-friendly. This helps reduce shine, purifies pores, removes dullness, and thoroughly cleans all skin types. The only difference is in the price!
SPLURGE: Tarte FRXXXTION Stick Exfoliating Cleanser, $29
STEAL: Yes to Charcoal 2-in-1 Scrub & Cleanser Stick, $12.98
Available at Walmart and Walmart.ca
6. Setting Spray
The final step to perfecting your face is making sure it stays on all night long. Hello, setting spray. I’m never sure if this stuff really works but I’d like to think so, considering I practically bathe my face in it post foundation. I’ve used both products and there are no noticeable differences in their performance. The one thing I did notice was how I went through my NYX bottle significantly quicker than Urban Decay’s “De Slick”, but if you were to purchase two bottles of NYX, you’d still be saving!
SPLURGE: Urban Decay De-Slick Oil-Control Setting Spray, $40
STEAL: NYX Matte Makeup Setting Spray, $10 at NYX Cosmetics
7. Face Mask
Everyone is going nuts over the restorative benefits of gold fused masks. If you’re looking for something fancy but not willing to spend a chunk of your paycheck, the Soo’AE Revive Gold Peel Off Mask, is the perfect alternative filled with essential oils to nourish and remove dead skin cells.
SPLURGE: Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Mask Pure Luxury Lift and Firm Mask, $99
STEAL: Soo’AE Revive Gold Peel Off Mask, $3.47
Available at Walmart and Walmart.ca
