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This Not That: Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Shop the post here . If you’ve been here a while, you know I love a good BHA. Paula’s Choice basically set the standard — smooth skin, fewer blackheads, smaller-looking pores. It still performs and is a total texture‑smoothing powerhouse. Then Walgreens dropped their own 2% BHA, and they weren’t subtle about the inspiration. Same 2% salicylic acid, similar pH, lightweight, fragrance‑free, alcohol‑free — the formulas even share several core ingredients. The overlap is real. Th


My Hair Care Routine
Shop the post here. I like to think I follow a lazy girl version of the Abby Yung method. I love her hair, but I just can’t commit to a 12 step routine. Full disclosure: I only wash my hair twice a week. Pre Wash: Once a week, I apply Epres Bond Repair all over my hair. I’ve found it works best when I section my hair to make sure everything is fully saturated. After that, I add the Olaplex bonding oil to my ends and let the whole thing sit for about 20 minutes. Wash Routine:


This Not That: Westman Atelier Lit Up Glassy Gel Highlighter Stick
Shop the post here. The Westman Atelier highlighter entered my life during a weak moment at Sephora — you know the kind. I was getting shade‑matched, minding my own business, when the beauty advisor casually pulled out her ride‑or‑die favorites. And of course… it was disappointingly perfect. Smooth, glowy, luxe — everything a highlight stick dreams of being. But here’s the reality: as much as I loved it, I just couldn’t justify dropping $50 every time I needed a new one. The


This Not That: Revisions Brightening Facial Wash
Shop the post here. One thing about me is I'll admit when I'm wrong. I decided to redo this post after 1.) the previous product I suggested started burning my face and 2.) the second I tried this product I knew it was a better fit for this. Enjoy! As we’ve established, I’m easily swayed when shopping online, especially by enticing keywords like “brightening” in skincare. When I saw an influencer promoting a big bundle for Revisions products, I couldn’t resist and ordered the


This Not That: Rare Beauty Shadow Stick
Shop the post here. I’ve tried a lot of cream shadow sticks, and Rare Beauty’s All of the Above Weightless Eyeshadow Stick was the first one that really hooked me. It’s smooth, pigmented, and blends like a dream before setting down for the day. It even beats out classics like Bobbi Brown and Laura Mercier for me in glide, payoff, and that soft shimmer that doesn’t look chunky, though it can feel a little heavier on the lids if you build it up. The downside is the price — it’s


This Not That: ColorWow Dream Coat
Shop the post here. ColorWow Dream Coat is famous for its humidity-blocking magic, and yes—it does give that sleek, glossy finish. But honestly? The results feel a little short-lived. It’s great for a big event, but for everyday shine, the price tag feels hard to justify. I liked it, don’t get me wrong, but I didn’t feel like I needed it, ya know? So off I went in search of an alternative! I literally typed “ColorWow Dream Coat dupe” into Amazon and stumbled on Hair Chemist


This Not That: Top Sellers
Shop the post here. These were your top-loved finds of 2025, and honestly…none of them are shocking because you all raved about these all year. Willet Casual Joggers (Amazon) The ultimate wardrobe workhorse: comfy enough for couch days, polished enough for the office, and perfect for errands in between. Nature Republic Sun Stick A swipe-and-go SPF that makes reapplication actually doable—especially on kids. No more wrestling matches with sunscreen. Scent Theory Hand Sanitize


This Not That: 2025 Skips
See the full list here. It wouldn’t be this and that if I didn’t share the products that flopped hard for me this year. Some were victims of overhype, others personally attacked me with hives, eczema, or tried to get my reviews taken down. Here’s the hall of shame: 1. D’Alba Spray Serum Everyone raved about this, but for me? Instant eczema flare-ups. A hard pass. 2. Gold Bond Retinol Body Lotion Full-body hives. That’s it. That’s the review. 3. Koari Sunglaze Sheer Setting M


This Not That: 2025 Top Picks
Shop the full list here. As 2025 winds down, I’ve been thinking about the products that truly earned their spot in my routine this year. From skincare breakthroughs to haircare heroes (and even a few wellness staples), these are the items that made a lasting impact. If you’re looking for game-changing additions to your beauty and wellness lineup, here are my top picks—no particular order, just pure love. Honestly, if you've been following me for awhile, none of these should b


This Not That: ONE/SIZE Powder Melt Glass Setting Spray
Shop the post here. I'm sad to share that I've fallen in love with the ONE/SIZE Powder Melt Glass Setting Spray — that glow? Unreal. It gives your skin that glass-like, luminous finish without feeling greasy, and it made every makeup look melt together perfectly. But after using a full bottle way too quickly, I knew I needed a more budget-friendly backup.That’s when I found the Hard Candy Glow On Lock Setting Spray — and honestly, she’s the understudy I didn’t know I needed..


This Not That: Skims Soft Lounge Rib Sleep Set
Shop the post here. Another day, another SKIMS dupe — because let’s be honest, I love everything they make, but my wallet needs balance too. When the cold months hit, I fully commit to cozy mode: matching sets, pajamas, and loungewear on repeat. Comfort is the only vibe this season. I’d been hearing that the SKIMS pajamas were top tier , and the rumors were 100% true. The fabric feels incredible on the skin — not going to call it “buttery soft” (can we officially retire th


This Not That: Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush
Shop the post. When you asked me to find a dupe for the Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush, I knew it wouldn’t be easy. Hourglass is known for luxury tools that deliver flawless results, and this brush is no exception. It’s sleek, weighted, and blends foundation seamlessly for that soft, airbrushed finish. But at $47, it’s definitely an investment. So, I went on a mission to find an alternative that could deliver similar results without the hefty price tag. After te


This Not That: Epicutis Lipid Serum
Shop the post. I’ve been getting so many requests to review the Epicutis Lipid Serum, so I finally decided to splurge and grab it—especially since I had a laser treatment coming up. It’s marketed as a holy grail for repairing damaged skin barriers, so I figured it was the perfect time to test it out. Turns out, I didn’t even need the laser to wreck my skin. I managed to burn my face using the Medicube Zero Pore Pads (yes, the ones that promise glass-like skin). So perfect opp


This Not That: Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo
Shop the post! Another user request! I’ve been really enjoy the Patrick Ta Major Headlines Blush Duo—it’s gorgeous, luxe, and gives that perfect layered flush. But let’s be real… it’s a splurge. So I went on the hunt for a budget-friendly alternative and found it: Morphe’s Cheek Thrills Multi-Finish Face Trio. Here’s the tea: Patrick Ta is all about that cream + powder combo, rich pigment, and high-end packaging. It lasts all day and feels like a little luxury every time you


This Not That: Skims Long-Sleeve Crewneck T-Shirt
Shop the post here. I know Skims alternatives have been covered to death on this app, but I had to give my opinion—because that’s why I’m here, baby! Here’s the thing: so many influencers will try to sell you a $100 t-shirt with the promise that it’s THE PERFECT ONE, Y’ALL. But let me tell you, I don’t care if it’s $5 or $250—an “elevated” t-shirt always comes down to how you style it. Period. Now, let’s talk about this Trendy Queen long sleeve. Honestly? It’s a win. The


This Not That: Hoka Bondi Slip Tennis Shoes
I’ll admit it—I love a good platform sneaker. They’re stylish and give that extra height boost, but let’s be real: they’re not ideal for lifting. And spending hundreds on a walking shoe? That’s just not in my budget. That’s why I was excited to find the NORTIV ActiveFloat on Amazon—a budget-friendly option that doesn’t just copy the look, but delivers real comfort and performance. It’s the kind of shoe that makes you question whether paying top dollar is really worth it. Firs


This Not That: Beauty Blender
Shop the post here. I’ve used both the Beauty Blender and the Paw Paw Wonder Blender, and honestly, the difference is night and day. When I first started using the Beauty Blender, I liked it—it did the job, but I always felt like I was going through my foundation way too fast. It gave a nice finish, but I couldn’t ignore how much product it seemed to soak up. I’d find myself restocking my foundation more often than I wanted to, and that adds up quickly. Then I tried the Paw P


This Not That: Nest New York Holiday Candle
Shop the post here. The Nest Holiday Candle is Christmas to me 🎄I’m on my fifth year of burning it, and honestly, I can’t start the season without it. It’s become a tradition—and one of my go-to gifts for “favorite things” exchanges. But let’s be real: a $90 candle isn’t what we’re doing here. So I went on a mission to find a more affordable alternative. I tried a bunch (shoutout to Quince, love you!), but nothing quite captured that Nest magic… until I stumbled on Bath & B


This Not That: Saie Sun Melt Natural Cream Bronzer
Shop the post here. Let’s be real—makeup that worked in your 20s doesn’t always hit the same in your 30s. Bronzer included. As I’ve gotten older (and drier-skinned), I’ve found that cream bronzer just melts into my skin in a way powder never could. Powder tends to cling to dry patches, while cream gives me that smooth, radiant finish I’m after. When I first tried cream bronzer, I went for the aesthetic favorite: Saie Sun Melt. It’s clean, pretty, and feels luxe—but honestly?


This Not That: October Best Sellers
Shop the post here. Here's what you guys were loving in October. Most of these are on major sale! Use code TNT20 for the Epres.
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