Hello! It’s your skincare obsessed bestie. Thanks for inviting me to drop by, and I can’t wait to start sharing my recs with you. Here is what you can expect from me this week.

• ICYMI: News, trends, and things to chat about over brunch

• WAY TO GLO: Authentic skincare tips

• GLOSSIP: Sales events you won’t want to miss

ICYMI

• TRENDS🤟 

  - The fox cut is coming this fall

  - Give Europeans a break!

• BUSINESS🤝 

  - Virgin Galactic offers you…the ultimate trip

  - Credit card debt reaches $1 Trillion…but don’t worry

• RANDOM🙌 

  - If you are on the market for some new shoes

  - Did the intern fat finger this?

• FOR FUNSIES 😁💖 

  - Got talent? Enroll for Tik Tok’s first ever music competition!

  - Check out The New Yorker’s book recs for this week

WAY TO GLO!

Many have asked me about more affordable alternatives to luxury skincare brands.

Personally, I believe there are excellent, budget-friendly options that offer similar results to their pricier counterparts. Cosmetic companies often charge a significant markup above their manufacturing costs to fund extravagant marketing campaigns and hire expensive celebrities.

If you are not all about that, there is a very good chance you'll appreciate the recommendations featured in this issue. Drugstore formulas are not necessarily inferior to the ultra-luxurious ones. In fact, some are even owned by the same company, such as CeraVe and Skinceuticals, both of which are owned by L’Oréal.

Without any further delay, let’s dive in.

Cleanser:

🤨 $$$: La Mer The Cleansing Foam ($95)

😉 $: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser ($17.99)

Both La Mer's Cleansing Foam and CeraVe's Hydrating Cleanser contain gentle surfactants that effectively remove dirt and impurities without compromising the skin's natural moisture barrier. The CeraVe dupe contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid, just like the La Mer cleanser, ensuring hydration and nourishment as you cleanse.

Exfoliator:

🤨 $$$: Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum ($90)

😉 $: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution ($15.60)

Both products feature glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) known for its exfoliating properties. The Ordinary's dupe offers a similar glycolic acid concentration, promoting cell turnover and revealing a smoother, more radiant complexion, akin to the effects of the Drunk Elephant serum.

Toner:

🤨 $$$$: SK-II Facial Treatment Essence ($190)

😉 $: Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence ($28)

Both the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence and Missha's Time Revolution First Treatment Essence feature fermented ingredients that help balance the skin's pH, improve texture, and enhance overall radiance. The Missha dupe contains niacinamide and similar fermented components, making it a cost-effective alternative to achieve similar benefits as the SK-II essence.

Serum:

🤨 $$$$: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic ($182)

😉 $: Timeless Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum ($26.95)

Both serums are packed with vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid, which work synergistically to provide antioxidant protection and brighten the skin. The Timeless dupe contains the same key ingredients, ensuring comparable benefits at a significantly lower cost.

Moisturizer:

🤨 $$$$$: La Prairie Cellular Cream Platinum Rare ($1,460)

😉 $: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel ($19.97)

Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Water Gel is infused with hyaluronic acid, similar to the La Prairie cream. Both products provide hydration and help to lock in moisture, resulting in plump and moisturized skin, making the Neutrogena option an excellent budget-friendly alternative.

Eye Cream:

🤨 $$$$: La Mer The Eye Concentrate ($270)

😉 $: RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream ($21.99)

RoC's Retinol Correxion Eye Cream contains retinol, which is known for its anti-aging properties. Similarly, La Mer's Eye Concentrate targets signs of aging around the eyes. The RoC dupe offers retinol benefits at an affordable price point, making it a suitable alternative.

Sunscreen:

🤨 $$: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 ($43)

😉 $: CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM SPF 30 ($20.99)

Both products provide broad-spectrum sun protection and are formulated with ingredients like niacinamide to soothe and improve the skin's texture. The CeraVe dupe offers similar UV protection and additional skincare benefits, making it an effective and budget-friendly alternative.

Night Cream:

🤨 $$$$: La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream ($555)

😉 $: Olay Regenerist Night Recovery Cream ($29.94)

Olay's Regenerist Night Recovery Cream contains niacinamide and peptides, which contribute to skin hydration and rejuvenation, similar to the effects of the La Prairie cream. The Olay option provides a more affordable way to achieve nighttime skincare benefits.

Face Oil:

🤨 $$$: Sunday Riley Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil ($72)

😉 $ Dupe: The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil ($10.90)

Both oils are rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, contributing to skin nourishment and hydration. The Ordinary's Rose Hip Seed Oil offers similar benefits to the Sunday Riley face oil, making it a cost-effective alternative for promoting healthy and radiant skin.

Like this stuff? It would mean the world to me if you can share with your friends and family! Your support is the best kind of motivation 😃 😃 😃 😃

GLOSSIP

• CASHBACK

  Rakuten up to 6% cashback on Sephora, up to 4% off on Ulta, use my referral link to receive $30 when you sign up.

• SALES EVENTS

  DermStore 25% off The Anniversary Sale

  Murad 25% off Friends & Family Event

  Clarin’s Essentials Gift - get a 5-piece glow-getting routine (CODE: ESSENTIALS23)

That’s it for today friends! Will see you again next week!