The first: Lip stains. I can't think of a better product for brides.
Splurge: Smashbox Limitless Lip Stain and Color Seal Balm, $23;
Steal: ELF lip stain, $3;
The Differance: Both last for about 8 hours and come in 6 shades.
The second: Long lash mascara. What's better for photo opps?
Splurge: Latisse kit, $76-$120 (requires a prescription);
Steal: Rimmel London Lash Accelerator Mascara, $10;
The Difference: Latisse is FDA-approved and shows results within 16-weeks. Rimmel isn't acknowledged by the FDA, but the company boasts a possible 117% growth in lashes after daily use for only one month.
The third: Teeth whiteners. I know every bride wants a radiant smile:
Splurge: GLO Brilliant, $275;
Steal: Crest 3D White 2-Hour Express Whitestrips, $54.99;
The Difference: Developed by a dentist, GLO makes teeth up to 5 shades lighter in just 3-5 days without causing added sensitivity; Crest removes stains and significantly brightens teeth after just one 2-hour treatment.
The fourth: Shampoo and Conditioner for color treated hair. You want to make sure your color looks great!
Splurge: Kiehl's Sunflower Color-Preserving Collection, $25-$30;
Steal: Burt's Bees Color Keeper Green Tea and Fennel Seed Shampoo and Conditioner, $8.00;
The Difference: Both products are paraben- and sulfate-free, with gentle cleansers that preserve color treatments and A and B vitamins to nourish and protect hair. Other key component? Both are free of silicone, a common ingredient in most inexpensive hair products.
And finally, for those of you who want to keep the frizzies away:
Splurge: Keratin Complex Intense Rx/Infusion Duo, $212;
Steal: John Frieda 3-Day Straight, $9.99;
The Difference: Both products use Keratin to keep hair sleek, smooth and frizz-free. Keratin's is a more powerful formula, but John Frieda's semi-permanent product's effects last for up to three days after treatment.
Be sure to post additional finds that help keep your budget on track.
Happy Planning.
Charlotte
