Budget-Friendly Beauty - Product Swapping from Expensive to Economical

Beauty products are some of the most coveted items in which women adore! From skin care to make up, the beauty industry makes billions of dollars a year -- and YOU contribute to that. Though you may not be spending billions personally, if you add up all the money you spend on beauty yearly, you may be shocked to learn you're spending hundreds, if not thousands! What if you could still get the same results by spending less on your favorite beauty products? Well, I started transitioning from some of my favorite expensive products to less expensive items, and I was happy to find out that most of them created the same results. The plus was savings in my pocket and more product options in which to choose.
​Check out some of my favorite beauty swaps after the break!

Boscia Detoxifying Black Cleanser ($30) vs. Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser ($5.99)

When I first tried Boscia's Detoxifying Black Cleanser, I was in love! From the consistency and its warming properties (when you rub in in your hands, it becomes warm), to its cleansing power, this charcoal cleanser was my go-to. When I ran out one day and needed something quick, I found a cleanser which I thought would be similar at my local Target, Biore's Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser. The best part about this cleanser is that it's $24 CHEAPER than Boscia's brand and still got the job done! Though this one did not have the warming properties, it lathered better, and to me, had a better deep clean. Charcoal is all the rage right now, so I'd definitely suggest trying Biore's brand if you're trying to save your coins but want the "expensive-like" face clean.

Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil ($53) vs. Trader Joe's Rose Facial Oil ($5.99)

Fresh's Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil was, and actually still is, a favorite of mine because of its deep moisturizing properties and it smells amazing. At $53 a bottle, though, I honestly got tired of spending that amount of money on a product I used daily. While in Trader Joe's, I decided to try a beauty product, their Rose Facial Oil. After the first few days of using it, I knew this would become a staple in my beauty routine. It's suggested to use morning and night on a damp face: I use this under my makeup and at night after I wash my face. At $5.99, you cannot beat the price and the bottle lasts a while. With daily use, my first bottle lasted me 4 months. I like this because it doesn't feel as greasy at Fresh's oil, is super light-weight, and definitely lasts longer. This is worth the beauty switch if you're on a budget.

Make Up Forever Pro Light Fusion Highlighter ($39) vs. Wet 'n' Wild Megaglo Highlighting Powder ($.3.99)

A good highlighter is everything, especially during the Summer, so I was truly satisfied when I first tried Make Up Forever's Pro Light Fusion Highlighter. It's super shimmery glow gave me the perfect look...until I dropped the compact on the floor and ruined it. Instead of going to spend another $39 on highlighter, I picked up Wet 'n' Wild's Megaglo Highlighting Powder from Target and hoped for the best. To my surprise, it had almost the same effect as Make Up Forever's highlighter. The only difference is this Wet 'n' Wild brand is a little more mattefying while MUF's is a little more glittery. Either way, they both get the job done, but for $35 less...I'd definitely stick with Wet 'n' Wild!

First Aid Facial Radiance Pads ($32) vs. Trader Joe's Natural Facial Cleansing Pads ($4)

First Aid's Facial Radiance Pads are so light and refreshing, but I had a hard time rationalizing $32 for 60 facial cleansing pads. Though they were good, I felt like I could find some much cheaper...and I did. For $4.00, the Natural Facial Cleansing Pads from Trader Joe's were a hit. The best part about these pads is that you can truly FEEL your face getting clean since they're infused with tea tree oil. That tingly feeling of tea tree makes my face look and feel super clean, and with a SAVINGS of $28 for 50 pads, I have no problem using 2-3 of these a day. This is definitely worth the beauty swap!

Lancome Hypnose Custom Volume Mascara ($27.50) vs. L'Oreal Unlimited Mascara ($8.69)

 Mascara can make your eyes look bright and beautiful or clumpy and spiker-like. When I first bought Lancome's Hynose Custom Volume Mascara, I loved the way it extended by real lashes and made them look super full. At $27.50, though--and with mascara often drying out so quickly--I knew I could find something similar and fairly cheaper. I heard about L'Oreal's Unlimited Mascara and decided to give it a try. I wasn't really a fan of its bendable wand; however, the consistency and the lengthening it gave my lashes was very similar to Lancome's, yet $18 cheaper. I definitely think it's great to invest in a good mascara; however, if you're trying to save on your splurges, this one is a close second and worth the beauty swap!