Splurge v. Steal Throwdown: Sport Support

I was recently discussing my Lululemon addiction with a friend. Said friend is more responsible than I am when it comes to workout clothes. She pointed out that generally, she'd like to spend money on clothes she wears out and about, and not clothes she'll sweat in. While I agree with that sentiment in general, I do love good workout clothes. I spend quite a bit of time in my running clothes, and I want to like wearing them. 

Sports bras are key to a good workout. They need to be supportive and comfortable. If you buy them from Lululemon you can end up spending quite a bit, so lets compare to a cheaper option: 

SPLUGE: 

V. 

STEAL: 

The Lowdown: 

Lululemon: Comfortable and supportive. Does the job perfectly. Enough said. It will cost you over 50 dollars. 

Champion: Almost as perfect. Slightly less breathable, but still supportive. 8- 16 dollars at Target. 

Winner: 

Champion! You can't beat the price, and the level of quality isn't enough to justify splurge. 

I will say, this top IS worth the splurge. It feels like you are running naked - highly recommend. 

Money saving tip: Don't wash your workout clothes with any other type of clothes. Don't wash them with cotton. Do wash them in cold water, tumble dry low, and don't use any kind of fabric softener. All of the above don'ts will ruin the porous wicking that makes your workout gear so nice.

Splurge v. Steal Throwdown: Tinted Moisturizer

Studying calls, so I'll make this short and sweet. Tinted moisturizer is my favorite in the summer. Your skin gets a little color, so you don't need as much coverage. I've been using Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer for years now, but I thought I'd try something else a bit less expensive: 

SPLURGE: 

V. 

STEAL: 

The Lowdown: 

Laura Mercier: I'm just going to say it: this stuff is awesome. You only need to use a little, so even though it's price tag is hefty, it can last you several months. It is light, but still offers great coverage. It's the only make-up I generally use in the summer, along with a little pressed powder. available at Sephora.

Bonus Points: Simple to use, no mess. 

Negatives: $43.00 a tube is just a bit cray cray. Let's be honest. 

Garnier: This will give you coverage, but more than I'd expect from a tinted moisturizer or BB Cream. You should be able to see your summer freckles through this stuff, but if you use even a tad too much, it's way too much. However, if applied with a very light hand it does make for a good summer make-up. Available at any local drug store or online at Target.

Bonus points: $11.99. Long lasting. 

Negatives: You'll need to be very careful not to use too much. 

And the winner is: 

Garnier! It is not as good a product, but with a little patience and experimenting, you'll learn the right amount to use for your skin, you'll also save $31.00. The difference isn't enough to justify the cost. 

Splurge v. Steal Throwndown: Summer Nail Polish

I love nail polish. I even like the smell (I'm aware this is strange). I like experimenting with different color combinations and textures. If you buy nail polish often, it can be expensive. OPI and Essie run about $8.50 a bottle (still a lot less expensive than a spa manicure). I decided I'd try an inexpensive brand to see if it worked as well. Here are today's contenders:

SPLURGE: 

v. 

STEAL: 

The Lowdown: 

Essie Mint Candy Apple: This is one of my favorite Essie colors. It goes on smoothly, and you only need two coats to get the color pictured. If you use a good topcoat, you should be chip free for a reasonable time period. 

Benefits: The nail polish will last you upwards of a year, no goop! 

Negative: $8.50 a bottle 


Sinful Colors Mint Apple: The sheen in this polish is nice, and adds a little dimension. However, It took me 4 coats to get the opaque color that you see in the bottle. Of course, that means the polish is more prone to chipping. 

Benefits: $2.00. 

Negative: You'll have to basically dump the whole bottle on your nails to get the desired color. 

This round goes to the splurge! 

Splurge v. Steal Throwdown: Mascara

Let me first say that I love Sephora. I could spend hours sampling and sniffing. The problem of course is that designer makeup is expensive. Sometimes, it's worth it. Other times, you've just wasted gobs of cash on a product that will end up at the bottom of your makeup tray, drawer, bag etc. You know of what I speak - that moment a year from now when you get around to cleaning your makeup bag and you discover a twenty dollar eyeshadow you used once covered in the remains of all the other crap makeup you don't use. Don't have a makeup graveyard. Don't be like me. Only buy things you'll use. In the interests of promoting your fiscal health, I'm having a weekly throwdown: Splurge v. Steal. 

SPLURGE: 

V. 

STEAL:

The Lowdown: 

Benefit: This is my favorite mascara in Sephora. While I'm also a fan of Diorshow, Too Faced, and YSL, Benefit Bad Gal Lash is the perfect combination of volume and length without the dreaded tarantula effect. For me at least, this is the mecca of Sephora mascara. 

Bonus Points: It comes in plum! If you have green eyes, trust me on the plum. 

Negatives: $19.00 at Sephora. 

GreatLash Big: This will give you great big eyelashes with lots of length. The brush is sometimes slightly too big to get the little lashes, but is great overall. 

Bonus Points: $5.oo- $7.00 dollars at your local drug store. Or here on Amazon. 

Negatives: It does tend to run if you get it the teensiest bit wet. I know all mascara runs, but you have to be extra careful with this guy.  Also...does not come in plum. 

And the winner is (DUN DUN DUN): 

It's a really great mascara, and at less than a third of the price. Considering that Mascara needs to be replaced fairly often (every two months or so - although I will go longer) to avoid goopiness, the benefits of Benefit just don't outweigh the costs.