Tuesday, August 27, 2013

What to Buy in the States: US Beauty Brands We Don't Have (*cries*)


Are you lucky enough to be heading Stateside? Wondering what you should be spending your hard earned dollits on? The USA really is the land of plenty when it comes to beauty products, so I thought a handy little heads up might help cut through some of the bewilderment and point out some gems when it comes to holiday buys. 

I've chosen a few brands that it's damn near impossible to get your mitts on in the UK and/or Ireland but if you have any to add to the list I'd love to hear 'em in the comments too, sharing is caring y'all...



The very lovely Fleur from FleurdeForce.com first alerted me to the gorgeousness that is the packaging on Physicians Formula bronzers and blushes. The entire range is peppered with gems, for as little as $11, as a first step into beautiful products, you should definitely check this brand out. You'll find it in Walgreen's, Ulta and most large drug stores. 


My first glimpse of cruelty free cosmetic brand Tarte came courtesy of Estée of EssieButton.com, her haul videos from home (her home, Canada) always leave me yearning for some (ALL) of Tarte's products. The cult favourite and multi award winning Amazonian Clay blushes will set you back around $25 but you just need to check out their reviews to make you wibbly with want. You'll find Tarte in Sephora, Ulta and most large department stores. 


The state side equivalent to our MUA, Wet n' Wild does budget beauty brilliantly. Classing itself as 'All Access Beauty', there's guaranteed to be something to catch your eye. Be sure to check out their Color Icon shadows that are causing a stir in the online community and try very hard not to buy a bajillion nail polishes for next to nathin' (not that I'd judge you for that). Again Wet n'Wild is widely available, drug stores being your best bet. 



Yep, I'm well aware that we have Maybelline on our shores but are we as spoiled for choice as our American sisters? Hells no! Be sure to check out mascaras, limited edition Color Tattoos and the full complement of Baby Lips when perusing the aisles of drug stores and supermarkets. You're guaranteed to spot something we just don't have and who doesn't want that? You're also pretty much guaranteed that it'll be a damn site cheaper too. 


While we're on the subject of cost, no US trip would be complete without a quick calculation of just how much you can save on brands that we do have. The likes of Clinique, MAC, Bobbi Brown and Benefit will cost decidedly less than here (mostly because we're woefully ripped off price wise) so now's the time to stock up on firm favourites. 

Tell me, have you been shopping Stateside or are you heading that way soon (you lucky sucker)? I'd love to hear what you've been buying and of course what you plan on picking up. 

To the comments!



12 comments:

Unknown said...

Another Brand is Lorac Ever since I got My hands on the Lorac Pro Palette I have been in Love Its taken over my love for my naked Palette and they have other palette in their range that look fantastic :( If anyone can get their hands on the Lorac Pro grab it now !!!!!!!

All the little things - Irish Beauty Blog said...

You can buy Physicians Formula on iherb.com! xxx

Unknown said...

I wanna go on my jollies with an empty suitcase :)

Sue Jordan said...

Sounds fantastic Nina! I'm so tempted to book an NY trip since the Aer Lingus sale is on!

Sue Jordan said...

GENIUS!!! I've just taken a peek and ordered two blushes - thank you very kindly lady. I've a discount code if you need it to buy, will include it in a review post when these babies get here x

Sue Jordan said...

Right? I wanna go with FOUR empty suitcases. It's an illness. :)

Aifs said...

Itsa10 leave in conditioner is AMAZING! Revlon is much cheaper over there too. Hard Candy is another nice drug store brand that falls into my shopping basket frequently as does Milani. Milani nail polishes are fantastic and great value.

SíleC said...

Bath and Body Works hand sanitisers, they smell so good! Sounds weird but I also stock up on dental floss sticks and ear plugs over there, you can get big bags of them for next to nothing. Sally Hansen nail stuff that we can't get here. Cheap painkillers by the hundreds. Oh Milani - their blushers especially are lovely. My Mam and I are talking about *maybe* going for a little pre-Christmas shopping trip to NY, Christmas 2014 that is. I'm already getting over excited, 16 months too early ;)

Icaria said...

We're lucky in Canada too but you also have sooo many brands we don't have access to! Brand envy is no fun!

Sue Jordan said...

No fun at all! *stomps foot*

Sue Jordan said...

Ah now Aifs, I WANT IT ALL!! Brilliant suggestions, thank you kindly x

Sue Jordan said...

Ahoooo, great choices! I've put aside some sheckles for our holiday and I'm trying to convince the lads that shopping in New York trumps a week in the sun. I'm going to have to start with subliminal messages - humming Frank Sinatra and what not hehehe :)