The Life of A Ladybug: Affordable Alternatives

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I received the Bella il Fiore palette in Smashing in Soho and tried it today. For all you ladies out there who are looking for beauty on a budget, I think this palette (and the others like it) are a great way to get several products for a low price.

The palette includes a peach blush, four eyeshadows in shades ranging from a pearlescent cream to a shimmery brown, and three glosses in peach, brown and red. I was surprised at how well the blush worked on my skin - it is pigmented enough that the peach really showed up. The shadows apply smoothly and evenly and are a great set of neutral shades that can be used for day or night. The three glosses range from creamy to sheer. The red is the sheerest of the bunch and actually looked really nice layered over the creamy brown.

This palette is quite cutely packaged and includes a good-sized mirror, as well as two double-sided mini-brushes: sponge-tipped eyeshadow applicators and lip brushes.

You can get this palette at www.bellabeauty.net for only $22. A great buy!

Christina sent me an e-mail asking if I could find cheaper option for her faves, BeneFit High Beam and Shea Terra Organic E. Africa Pure Shea Butter. Well, Christina, I may have found a couple things you'd like to try.

Revlon has some limited edition items out right now and one is called Bare It All Lustrous Lotion. It's a product designed to be used over your foundation (or alone, if you don't wear foundation) to add a touch of luminescence to the skin. I'm sure it's more economical than BeneFit and you can find Revlon products at your nearest drugstore, like Walgreen's or CVS.

As for your love of shea butter moisturizers, I hear you! I am a dry-skinned gal (on my body - my face is oily ... go figure) and I love shea butter, too. I've found a new love - Boots Body Butters. As you probably already know, the popular UK line, Boots, is now being sold in Target stores. I have fallen in love with the body butters, which go on creamy smooth and offer great moisturization without leaving you all greasy. I particularly love the Olive Oil and Honey/Almond scents. I suggest you give them a try and I think you'll love 'em!

Are any of you guys looking for Affordable Alternatives to your favorite products or do you have cheaper options you'd like to share with the rest of us? Hit me up in the comments or shoot me an e-mail!