This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Gustavus chapter.
1. Clarisonic vs. Olay Pro X
Investing in a Clarisonic can be a risky choice, especially when there is a wildly similar option for about half of the price. Although Clarisonic revolutionized skincare with its magical, oscillating facial brush, let’s look at it from a realistic, financial point of view: You’re investing in a brush for your face. Why pay nearly $100 for the Clarisonic when the Olay Pro X is a much more affordable price? Clarisonic is more expensive so naturally it is probably better quality, but the cheapest product we could find was $99. The only difference in our opinion is that the Pro X primarily runs on disposable batteries while the Clarisonic is rechargeable. If that changes things for you, Olay actually offers rechargeable versions of the Pro X. Sounds to me like we have a winner! You can buy a Pro X system at Ulta for $49.99.
2. M.A.C “What I Fancy” blush vs. Sonia Kashuk “Flamingo” blush
Looking for the perfect pink blush? M.A.C sells a gorgeous shade named “What I Fancy” for $22. It’s a fabulous addition to any makeup collection and is suitable for all skin-tones. However, the brand Sonia Kashuk, sells something eerily similar—just look for the blush named “Flamingo”. Not only are you spending $12 dollars LESS by buying Sonia Kashuk’s “Flamingo” (just under $10!), but Sonia Kashuk is also a cruelty-free brand whereas M.A.C does test on animals. I think the choice is clear here! You can pick some up at Target for $9.79.
3. Birkenstock Arizona sandal vs. Betula by Birkenstock sandal
Summer is the perfect time to whip out your cutest sandals and if you’re in the market for some new Birkenstocks, consider this advice. You might want to opt for the Betula sandal, which is licensed by Birkenstock and has the EXACT SAME LOOK. The Betula sandal will cost you around $49.99, whereas the Arizona Birkenstock sandal can cost around $120. There is virtually no difference in the sandal. Plus, if you use your .edu email, you can get 6 months of free Amazon Prime. That means free two-day shipping! Say hello to those new sandals faster than you thought! You can get a pair of two strap Betulas on Amazon for $32.95.
4. ENO Hammock vs. Neolite Double Camping Hammock
We can all appreciate this next find. Hammocking is a popular activity here on campus, but not all of us can drop a hundo on a hammock. ENO is a popular brand and the quality sure matches the price but you don’t have to spend a pretty penny to lounge in the trees. The Neolite Double Camping Hammock is the same quality for about half the price. It also comes in a vast array of colors to choose from. Now you can sway in the trees and save a few bucks! The Neolite Hammock will cost about $59.99 WITH straps. The ENO hammock does NOT include straps and once you add those in, you will be up over $100 for the same double nested hammock. You can get a Neolite Double Camping Hammock on Amazon for $39.99.
5. Beats Wireless Headphones vs. Sound Intone P6 Bluetooth Headphones
We all know Beats headphones are all the rage and now they’re even wireless. However, who wants to spend up to $400 on a pair of headphones? Yes, they are cute. They come in trendy color combos and the quality is great but after all you’re really just paying for that little “b” on the side of your ear. Check out Sound Intone P6 Bluetooth Headphones. They look eerily similar to Beats in both style and color and the sound quality is just about the same. Even better, these headphones will only set you back about $40. How’s that for a great find?! You can find these gold and white ones below on Amazon for $35.98.
6. Benefit Porefessional Face Primer vs. Maybelline Pore Eraser
One of the most annoying things about putting your makeup on is when it sinks into your pores and Benefit Porefessional costs a crazy $30. Maybelline just released their awesome “Baby Lips” line a few years ago and they just recently shelved their “Baby Skin” line. This line includes the product “Baby Skin Pore Eraser” which does the exact same thing as the Benefit Porefessional but for only $7! It works like a charm and is so smooth on the skin. It’s definitely worth a try. You can pick up a tube at Ulta for $6.99.
7. NuMe 4-in-1 Curling Wand vs. Fahrenheit 4-in-1 Curling Wand
There is a craze out there over the NuMe 4-in-1 Curling Wand which does some amazing things for your hair. This curling iron comes with 4 detachable wand heads to curl your hair in a multitude of ways. However, curly hair just isn’t worth $170. Amazon sells a similar product—just without the NuMe name. The Fahrenheit Curling Iron Set heats up just as fast and delivers the same results for only $65. You can find the set on Amazon for $63.76.
Topshop Bodysuit vs. Forever 21 Bodysuit
This last find deals with the latest trend: bodysuits. Top Shop is notorious for being on top of the fashion market—but they are just a tad bit too spend-y. They’ve got a simple black bodysuit for $35 and I am sure it’s great! Check Forever 21 for the same bodysuit for only $9.90! We’re talking $25 in difference for a simple black body suit. At that price, you can buy two more in other colors and still have some change left over.
Check out www.forever21.com for cheaper fashion finds for all trends!
Stop wasting your money on brands that are over-priced. Be fashionably frugal. Be trendy, not spend-y. Have any fashionably frugal finds of your own? Leave a note in the comment section telling us at HC Gustavus about where you’ve saved on the current trends!