Dupe? Tarte Exposed Blush Vs. Milani Romantic Rose

Y'all--I feel like it's been AGES since we've talked. I missed this space so much! Always do. I've been busy and I've not been busy. First up, lots of interviews happened--should be hearing answers this week! Crossing my fingers for my top pick. I had a fabulous time at Skyline Park at Ponce City Market, here in Atlanta. It's like a mini old-school carnival games space on the roof. I snapped (ellesees) it over the weekend. Amazing views and lots of fun. How have you been?

Now that we've gotten reacquainted, let's get into another fave subject of mine: DUPES! This is one of my most popular, and longest, series. I'm into dispelling dupe myths and save you some money, if possible! Today I'm comparing two blushes: Tarte Exposed and Milani Romantic Rose.

Tarte in Exposed is one of those blushes that looks good on so many people. It's a great natural-looking every day blush. I have talked about it on here numerous times as a must-have. But at $29, it might turn into a must NOT have for some of us! I decided to check the collection and that's where the gorgeous Milani blush in Romantic Rose comes in. Isn't it gorgeous? And it's only $7!

Tarte $29         Ulta, Sephora, online  

                                       
Milani $7 drugstores, Target, Walmart, Kmart, etc, online

Swatch time! Milani is on top and Tarte is on the bottom. I had to really work for the Milani swatch, as it was a little chalkier and a bit patchy.

Tarte is on your left, Milani on your right. Tarte is more pigmented and lasted longer. I'm wearing a BB cream, blush, lip cream, and I'd just awakened from a nap. Naps on Sundays are the best, am I right?

The breakdown:

Appearance in containers: not a dupe (Tarte looks darker)
Ingredients: not a dupe (Milani has synthetic wax, carmine, et al)

Finger swatches: not a dupe (Tarte looks darker)

Quality: not a dupe (Milani is a little chalky/patchy)

Pigmentation: not a dupe

Staying power: not a dupe (Tarte wins this easily)

Arm swatch: really close

Face application: not a dupe application-wise, but color wise, a dupe!

Do you own either of these blushes?

Do you think we have a dupe here?

DUPE? Chanel Soleil Bronzer Vs. Sonia Kashuk Creme Bronzer

Extra Elle: This was supposed to go up on Tuesday, but well, I accidentally overslept...as in I turned off the alarm and thought my natural alarm clock would wake me up. Nope! So you're getting the post today! 

Just because it's cold outside and dreary doesn't mean that I don't want to warm things up! I'm talking bronzers, y'all. And not just any bronzers, but cream bronzers. These are excellent for dry skin, whether you want to warm up your complexion or add contour. I'm testing out a $50 bronzer vs. one that's $10.99. Could there be a possible dupe to save lots of money?

See also: Chanel Vs. Sonia Kashuk video

CHANEL SOLEIL TAN DE CHANEL BRONZING MAKEUP BASE

$50

Chanel.com, online, stores where Chanel is sold

(I suggest Chanel so you can get the box)

1 ounce

They say, "The velvety finish of this light cream-gel bronzer leaves your skin with a beautiful sun-bathed look. Wear it on its own, or for a hint of outdoors radiance, over or under your favorite CHANEL foundation."

Slight bit of radiance that is undetectable on skin.

Slightly scented, but you don't notice it once applied.

Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Creme Bronzer

$10.99

Target, online and instores

.18 ounce

They say, "The innovative cream-to-powder formula melts into skin and delivers a buildable dose of natural translucent color, while minimizing imperfections using soft focus technology. The weightless cream glides easily over the skin, making the formula ideal to enhance and sculpt both the face and body for a lit-from-within glow."

Not scented

Random fact--if you've been reading Elle Sees long enough, you might remember me interviewing Sonia Kashuk! I was really sick and trying to sneakily take care of a newborn at the same time. I was going to link the video, but they took it down, haha. 

So now that we have the basics, let's compare them.

Here they are side by side, with Chanel on your left. They look sort of similar in the pan.

Chanel is on the top and Sonia Kashuk is the bottom swatch. They look pretty much exact, right?

This is it swatched on my skin--not how I do contour,  just demonstrating it other than my hand or arm. I generally use this as a bronzer as it is too warm for me to contour with. The Sonia Kashuk one blends out too much for my liking, but for the price, you can't beat it! I personally prefer the Chanel. Color-wise this is a dupe, but wear time, you gotta go with the Chanel...but price wise, Sonia Kashuk!

Check out my video--it's really quick--on the products mentioned above:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKQ2CJLFaIw

Have you tried either of these? What did you think of the video?

The New Lip Product You've Got To Try

This post brought to you by Burt’s Bees. The content and opinions expressed below are that of ellesees.net.

One of the best parts of blogging about beauty is when I can give helpful advice on products. It makes me happy knowing I've been able to help someone find a new product that they will fall in love with. So what kind of questions do I get asked about beauty? Lip products are definitely one of the top three beauty subjects I've often asked about.

I did a quick poll on my social media, asking for those burning lip questions that you wanted answered. And below are some of the most common questions that I get asked on lip products. How many of these can you relate to? Check out the lip questions below (and thanks for the submissions):

I want a lipgloss, but not one that's sticky. What would you recommend?

Do you know of anything that has just a little color and is easy to wear?

What would make a good daytime/work appropriate lip?

I'm not gonna pay $20 for lipstick or lipgloss. Got any ideas?

I'm a new mom, but I still want something to add a little color that I can keep in my diaper bag.

I'm looking for a natural lip gloss or lipstick. Can you help?

And those are just a few! Any of those sound familiar? Recognize your question? Well, I'm happy to announce that I've finally found a lip product that addresses each issue above. YES! It's the NEW Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Oils, and they are Available at Target. Trust me, you're going to want to add at least one to your cart the next time you're strolling down the aisles at Target, which would be weekly for me.

What are the Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Oils? They are lip oils that hydrate and smooth lips. Lips are moisturized with Coconut and Meadowfoam Seed Oils. The Tinted Lip Oils feel so light on the lips--not heavy at all. As someone who suffers from dry, chapped lips, these lip oils have been must-needed. 

Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Oils come in 6 shades. Think sheer wash of color, just a natural kiss of color. I like keeping mine in my bags for on-the-go, and with the 6 shades, there's something for everyone.

Here are the shades:

o Caramel Cloud

o Showering Sunset

o Whispering Orchid

o Rustling Rose

o Crimson Breeze

o Misted Plum

I really like the click and twist pen on the lip oils. It has a soft brush applicator making application easy. Instant shine with a hint of color--and they are so pretty and natural too. And did I mention they are sold at an affordable price?

This is just like a lip gloss but without ANY of the stickiness! This is the product we've been waiting for, y'all! You can wear them as they are, or on top of lipstick as a finishing touch.

Crimson Breeze and Whispering Orchid

And the best part? This product is made with 100% natural ingredients and the packaging is 100% recyclable! It's a purchase I can feel good about.

I'm wearing Rustling Rose.

Which of the Burt Bee's Tinted Lip Oils would you like to try?

NEW in Makeup PLUS Gift Ideas (Video)

I'm back! The fire alarm went off around 3 am Monday morning, and once I finally fell back asleep (it was a prank, so all is well), I ended up sleeping in too late to post, but I'm back with a post today! Here's a pic of Charlie to make up for it:

He's so cute! That was an outtake from my latest video, link below, that I'm really hoping you'll check out. Anyway, I wanted to share some NEW in beauty products that could possibly be gift ideas to give/receive. I was sent these and I loved them and thought you might, too! A two-in-one combo for a post! I tried to feature things you might not have heard of before. Don't worry, I'll have more gift ideas on Friday too for all budgets. But let's get into what's new:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBJK8KgPhGQ&t=0s

The Braid Book

• Smaller braids, city chic with an urban flair
• Over 20 braids
• $16.99

It Cosmetics Brush Set in All That Glitters:

• $58
• luxurious gift to ask for
• you GLITTERALLY need this since it has glitter handles and a cute clutch
• At ULTA

It Cosmetics Brush Set in City Chic

• $68 (you were good this year)
• Super soft face brushes with a clutch
• Only at ULTA

It  Cosmetics 

Your Je Ne Sais Quoi Complexion Perfection Face Palette

• $42
• four must-have, talc-free powder formulas that instantly enhance and brighten your features: new Sunshine in a Compact™ Matte Bronzer, new Perfect Lighting™ Luminizer, new Bye Bye Pores Blush™, and award-winning Bye Bye Pores Pressed™ Poreless Finish Airbrush Pressed Powder

Makeup Revolution Precision Contour Set and Makeup Revolution Precision Eye Set

• $30, $23
• Gorgeous, soft brushes that provide excellent blending, sculpting, and more
• These are my current faves. And they're in rose gold! SWOON!

 Pixi by Petra Pixi By Petra Ultimate Beauty Kit 3rd Edition 

• $34
• Makeup kit with eye shadows, blushes, contour, highlights and more in holiday packaging
• excellent travel kit

Pixi by Petra Fairy Dust Pigments

• Stackable pigments for intense glow
• $12

Also pictured: red lipstick and eye silk liners (still looking for link but they are at Target)

Pur Cosmetics Royalty 5-Piece Eye Polish Collection

• $42
• eye-popping liquid eye shadows--these are INCREDIBLE
• developed by makeup artist/Insta star Angel Merino

Pur Cosmetics Royalty 4-Piece Luxe Lip Collection

• $42
• four matte and glossy liquid lipsticks--the third shade is SO pretty and is my fave
• excellent staying power--as in all through Thanksgiving

swatches with the flash on so you can see the glow!

Want more? There are a few more items that are just in the video below. PLEASE watch and let me know what you think. It's around 7.5 minutes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBJK8KgPhGQ&t=0s

Which of these caught your eye?

PS: My blog hit 9 million all-time views! And it's all because of you, so THANK YOU!

Here's What's New At The Drugstore

Y'all, there have been some really GOOD releases from the drugstore lately! I got to try all of these new releases and can't wait to share you'll want and what to skip. Go ahead and get your Notes app open, take a screenshot, get out the pen and paper (me), or whatever ya need to get a list started. Since there's so much, I'll keep the info brief, but let me know if you'd like more info on something specific and I'll add it to this post!

Pixi By Petra
--Target and online--

-H20 Skindrink--Gel moisturizer that smoothes skin and hydrates, $22

-24k Eye Elixir--Cooling rollerball that smells like cucumber and raspberry that refreshes tired under eyes, $22

-Eye Zone Brighten--Illuminating eye gel that didn't really do anything for me, so I would skip, $14

-Glow Tonic To-Go--Obsessed with the Glow Tonic toner? Here it is in convenient pad form. YES! $18

-Hydrating Milky Mist--Rejuvenator and hydrator for skin and/or makeup, $15

-Black Lacquer Lash Primer-- Use before mascara as a base coat, after mascara to set, or by itself for a natural tinted look, $15

-Lower Lash Mascara--Does it what it says, and gets those lower lashes. *I was thinking of doing a lower lash mascara comparison, if you're interested* $11

-Lengthy Fiber Mascara--Straight up haven't tried this since my eyes, no matter how gentle the product claims, don't do well with fibers, but wanted to share this for those interested, $16

-Pixi Multibalm--Use these on lips and cheeks--very natural to pigmented--just choose the shade for you! $12

-Lift Lip Max--Define and plump lips with these sheer to your-lips-but-better shades. They're great for a natural look but didn't really plump my lips. Not sticky. $14

Max Factor
--Target, Walgreens, online--

This name means a lot to me, since I'm a beauty historian. It invokes old Hollywood and is a brand that is still sold internationally. It is now coming back to the U.S. for a limited time with an exclusive capsule collection including Masterpiece MAX Mascara, Masterpiece High Precision Liquid Eye Liner and two dynamic Max Factor Lipstick shades.

Max Factor is the original master of glamour and now, together with legendary Creative Design Director Pat McGrath, the brand will deliver an edit of essential products designed for a modern take on a classic glamour look: the sexy cat eye paired with a nude lip.

If you use Covergirl, you will be familiar with these products, albeit different names/packaging, and I love the gold packaging. $9.99 each for liner and mascara and $7.49 for lipsticks.

Maybelline
--Drugstores, online--

-Color Tattoo Eye Chrome--Metallic pigmented liquid shadows that dry quickly, $9.99

Here are swatches. Love these, and I tend to wear the lighter shades, but these are fun to play with and great for fall. They last!

-Lip Color Palette--For those who want several colors but not take up a lot of space, $13.99. I thought these were fine and loved them for travel

-FaceStudio Master Contour & Highlight V-Shape Duo Stick--One side is highlight, one side is contour--I tried to show that with the first two shades in the pic above. These are best for dry skin and make c&h easy, but they don't last all day unless you set with powder, $9.99

Physicians Formula

-I had to show this in the packaging because it's so sparkly, y'all!
-Drugstores, online--

--Super BB #InstaReady--SPF 30, comes in 2 shades, very light coverage, normal up to combo would like this, $14.99

Skipping the next two products, as they are in the pic down below.

--Super BB #InstaReady Filter Trio BB Powder SPF 30 comes with three powders:

#NudeFilter: sheer, translucent finishing powder captures and diffuses light delivering a soft nude glow
#HealthyGlow: blends warm and cool pigments that soften and diffuse light, instantly brightening complexion
#Sunset: universally flattering powder, blurs imperfections and enhances overall complexion with a subtle warmth, $14.99 but not very pigmented

--Super BB #InstaReady Filter BB Bronzer SPF 30--#SunkissedGlow: Physicians Formula Super BB #InstaReady Filter BB Bronzer SPF 30 is an ultra-lightweight, multi-colored bronzer that delivers a multi-dimensional glow that captures, diffuses and softens the reflection of light on your skin for the ultimate sunkissed glow. $14.99

--Super BB #InstaReady Contour Trio BB Stick SPF 30 in Bronze Trio and Blush Trio--I thought these would be hard to use, but they are great for beginners. $14.99

Which products caught your eye?

Best Cleansing Balms/Makeup Melters

Have you ever tried a cleansing balm? I *love* them and have been a fan for years--I even make my own. It sounds exactly like you think--a thick balm that melts once it makes contact with the skin and liquifies. It reminds me a little of vaseline but in a firmer consistency, like a salve.

• It's also called a Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm because many come with a cloth that you wet with hot water and place on the face to remove the makeup once the balm has been rubbed in.
• While it's usable for all skin types, dry and normal will really love it. 
• If you wear a lot of makeup, you'll love it. It does not leave the skin oily or with residue.
• I think of it as a mini spa treatment as well. Off and on the past couple of years, I've tested 10 cleansing balms (actually more) and am finally ready to share them with you!
• I am rating these 0-10, and tested them against all types of makeup, especially liquid lipsticks and waterproof mascaras.

1-Botanics Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm

• $8.49
• Target, online
• Hypoallergenic, gluten free, Mineral Oil-free, labeled paraben-free
• comes with cloth
• Overall: 7

2-Hemish All Clean Balm

• $18.50
• No paraben / No Synthetic perfume / No Artificial pigment
• This comes with a scoop, which I love, and it has THE cutest packaging
• Overall: 10 LOVE this

3--Banila All Clean Zero

• $16.70
• Comes in 3 scents
• Korean--referred to as a "sherbert cleanser"
• comes with a cloth
• Overall: 9

4--It Cosmetics Bye Bye Makeup 3-in-1 Makeup Melting Balm

• $38
• softens skin and can be used as a masque
• I bought one but then I also received one as a sample.
• Overall: 9.5

5--Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm

• $57
• Help to recondition dull, dry, dehydrated and mature skins
• Comes with AMAZING thick cloth. The other cloths are usually muslin.
• This was the one that was the highest-recommended by others.
• Overall: 9

6--Colleen Rothschild Radiant Cleansing Balm

• $65
• Loofah Seed and Moringa Oil
• One of my faves, and similar to the EH one.
• Comes with cloth
• PR sample
• Overall: 9

7--Pixi Nourishing Cleansing Balm

• $20
• sweet almond oil, shea butter, and vitamin E
• PR sample
• Did not do a good job of removing makeup
• Overall: 5

8--Clinique Take the Day Off

• $29
• Small for the price, but really good
• Overall: 9

9--The Balm Balms Away Eye Makeup Remover

• $18
• Fortified with vitamins A, C, and E and a blend of plant-derived sterols and lipids
• Technically just for eyes, but I have used it on my face in a pinch--just wanted to show an option for those who just do eye makeup.
• The only one that was unscented
• Overall: 8

10--Eve Lom Cleanser

• $14.99 for a tiny container
• Comes with a cloth
• Has a rougher texture, almost like tiny beads that instantly dissolve.
• Smells like apple
• Overall: 9

In Conclusion:

• Based on the prices for most of these, cleansing balms can definitely be a luxury item, but I love using them. 
• I know some of you will suggest coconut oil. This is kind of similar in texture and purpose, but coconut oil leaves the skin oily/moisturized, like you can tell you have product on afterwards. Cleansing balms leave you with soft, clean skin. Plus, none of these have ever broken me out, and coconut oil breaks out my skin every time it's on my face.
• I also reviewed a cleansing balm from ELF back in January and thought it was ok.

Have you ever tried a cleansing balm?

Extra Elle:

• Thanks everyone who read this post yesterday!! Your support has been amazing!
• Big news: I'm going to be a speaker for the Social Media Panel for the General Assembly next week in Atlanta. It's free if you'd like to go. Let me know and I'll give you all the details.

DUPE? Benefit Gimme Brow Vs. Essence Make Me Brow

This is one of those posts I have sworn up and down that I've already done. I was looking it up for a commenter via email a couple of months ago, and couldn't find it. I realized I took the pics LAST YEAR and never uploaded them. Luckily, Benefit recently revamped their brow line a couple of months ago, so I was able to compare the new vs the old Gimme Brow and see if Essence Make Me Brow is a dupe for it.

What is a brow gel?

• Also called a brow mascara
• Used to set brows
• Great for tinting brows (lighter brow hair or for greys)
• Sets powder or pencil
• For full/natural brows
• For no-fuss brows (me!)

First, the old Gimme Brow packaging next to Essence.

And now the new! Much cuter, right?

To test these, I tried 2 shades of each and wore them in different climates/situations. I used it on brows set with powder, with pencil, and just using the gel mascara. I compared brand new tubes and used ones. I compared the new Benefit packaging and the old to see if there was a difference.

Let's get into info on each:

Essence Make Me Brow
$2.99
ULTA, Target, online
.01 oz
3 shades (med-deep is pictured)

Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel
$24
.013oz
ULTA, Sephora, online
3 shades (deep is pictured)

 Wand size
-Wand-wise these are not a dupe
-Benefit is smaller, which I like. My fave brow brush of any brand.
-Essence is slightly larger, but still a nice size. Not too big.

Swatches:
-Shade-wise, these are not a dupe.
-Benefit is on your left, Essence on your right
-Both are very pigmented and don't melt away easily.
-The both hold well, aren't too crunchy, or hard to work with.
-Both remove easily and last through hot and humid temps.

Surprise! For the past couple of months, I've been wearing Essence on your left and Benefit on your right in every pic I've posted, including this one. Can you tell a difference?

To me, Benefit looks a little more natural, and not as thick as Essence. But to everyone else I've asked, they can never tell a difference, so I'm calling this one pretty much a dupe.

To see a demo and more, I made a REALLY quick video (3 minutes) below--watch and let me know what you think!

https://youtu.be/1_t_J0tXp5I

Do you think it's a dupe?

What would you like to see duped next?

Extra Elle:

I was featured on the Apartment Therapy website yesterday! I'm a huge fan of their site, so it made my day!!
Happy National Lipstick Day! and Have a great weekend!