save or splurge: volumizing hair powder

Psssst Volumuzing Powder - $6.99 vs Big Sexy Hair - $16.95

You know what they say, the higher the hair the closer to God. If that’s true, I’m doomed. My fine hair falls flat so quickly that I’m always on the hunt for a new volumizing anything just to be saved. (Kidding, this good Catholic girl knows I need to go to church for that.)

After reading great reviews about Big Sexy Hair Powder Play, I figured I would give it a shot despite its $16.95 price tag*. It is pretty darn good; a little sticky but long lasting and easy to use. I wasn’t in lurve but it did the trick. Fast forward a few months to a recent trip to NY when I was at a Duane Reade (the best drug store on earth) for Swedish fish and an US Weekly to read on the train, naturally. I found this Psssst Volumizing Powder for $6.99. Psssst is hands down the best drug store dry shampoo and assumed (rightly so) their volumizing powder was no different. The powder is so light you can hardly feel it and it is so easy to use. Just sprinkle a bit out on your hands and run your hands through your roots. If you need extra umph, like on day 2 without washing, sprinkle it directly on your roots. It’s not as long lasting as the Big Sexy Hair alternative but it’s so light you can carry it with you in your purse for touch ups if need be. The only downside is that it’s not readily available at local drugstores. Thank goodness for online shopping :)


*Don’t want to pay 16.95? Check out your local TJ Maxx or Nordstrom Rack— the sometimes carry the Big Sexy Hair line at a discounted price.

benefit drug store dupes

high beam vs Elf

they're real vs maybelline

dandelion vs l'oreal

Ulta is pretty much my happy place. I love the variety, I love the prices, I love the lines they carry, I love the reward program, I love their return policy, I love that there isn't one in DC so I wouldn't spend more money there...

What I especially love is being able to shop some of my favorite higher end lines, like benefit (one of my all time favs), and pick up some of my favorite drugstore lines all.in.the.same.place. which lends itself to another favorite thing of mine-- scoping out drugstore dupes. Some people swear by high end make up but my bank account thanks for me for finding a balance of both. I prefer higher end mascara and bronzers because I like the staying power but like experimenting with drug store lipsticks and blushes.  They're real is one of my favorite mascaras, only second to DiorShow, so I pick it over maybelline Volum'Express even though it has very similarly shaped wand. And while I love dandelion, I think the l'oreal true match does the job just as well. But its totally up to you and what your make up preferences are!

xo