Who doesn't love a good bargain? I'm always on the hunt to save money so I love a good dupe. But like most people, I like what I like. I find myself drawn to similar shades over and over again.

So it's not that surprising that I've found two very similar lipsticks within my collection. These two nudes are alike in every way except the price. One costs a massive £25 and the other costs £5.49. A difference of £19.51.

Spend: The NARS Audacious lipstick in Barbara is such an amazing lipstick. Everything about it feels premium. The packaging has the NARS logo all around the edge of the bullet and the lid snaps shut with a very satisfying magnetic click. The lipstick itself has the NARS logo embossed into the bullet. It's almost too pretty to use. NARS describe the colour as a 'tan rose' which is certainly true. It's definitely a  nude that would suit a lot of people as it's not too pink or too brown but somewhere in the middle. The velvet finish is neither a true matte nor a glossy texture and stays on all day with minimal need to touch up after eating and drinking. Overall I get a lot of wear out of this as it is ideal for work.

Top: Rimmel London Kate Lasting Finish 003. Bottom: NARS Audacious Lipstick in Barbara.

Save: The Rimmel London Kate Lasting Finish in shade 003 does pretty much all of the above but for a fraction of the price. The packaging is the classic black Rimmel bullet with Kate's name on the lid in red. While not as glamorous as the NARS one I really like the packaging for the price; it's nice to look at and keeps the lid on securely. The lipstick is also scented, but quickly fades after application. The colour is ever so slightly lighter than the NARS one as you can see from the swatch but when actually applied the colour difference is negligible. The finish is incredibly similar and while not quite as long lasting, it does stay put for several hours and is equally suitable for even the strictest of office environments. 

Overall Verdict: Save

I do love the NARS version and there is no denying that it feels premium enough to justify the price. However, if I had known how similar the Rimmel one I already had was, I wouldn't have bought it. The two lipsticks are so similar once applied, that for the sake of touching up my lipstick up occasionally, I think it's worth saving yourself nearly £20 and going for the Rimmel one. 

18 ways to save money on buying high end brands

1. Make the most of offers. Brands often try to tempt you by offering free gifts when you buy certain products or spent a certain amount. Take advantage of this and only buy products when you're going to get a little extra for free. Its also a great way to try things and then you know if a product is really worth the money.

2. Get savvy with the sales and sign up for email alerts to your favourite brands. Then you'll be the first to know about them and should be able to pick up some bargains. Also they often send emails with special offers and discounts so its a really easy way to stay up to date with any potential deals.

3. Make good use of sites like Pinterest. It helps you develop your personal style which saves you money long term. If you know what you actually like then you waste less money on buying stuff you aren't really that fussed about. That leaves you more money to spend on that really nice coat you wanted instead of buying five really average T shirts you'll never wear.

4. Get comfortable with the idea of second hand. Sites like eBay and Vinted are great ways to pick up a bargain. People often sell on high end brands at significantly discounted prices.

5. Make good use of blog sales as people often sell virtually untouched or new clothes and make up at massively reduced rates. A good way to find them is to search 'blog sale' on twitter.

6. And blogs in general. Look at swatches and make certain it is what you want. Read reviews and see what other peoples experience with a product was. Doing your research on an expensive purchase is essential because you need to know if its right for you before you part with your cash.

7. If possible try to look at it in person/try it on in the shop before taking advantage of a better deal online. Particularly with perfume as its impossible to tell what something smells like just from a description.

8. Always check if you can earn cashback on purchases with sites such as Topcashback and Quidco. In the past year I've made over £200 from doing this so its well worth doing.

9. Make good use of comparison sites if you can. If you really want the latest iPhone then make sure you are getting the best deal for your money. Also take a look at your current bills and see how much of your current package you are actually using. You might be able to cut back and save yourself loads of money.

10. Sounds obvious but if you really want something but can't justify the money then ask for it as gifts. If its really pricey then you could ask for a gift voucher or cash towards it instead.

11. If you really really want something but its just too expensive then a dupe is a great way of trying it and seeing if you actually get on with it. For example you really want MAC's Ruby Woo lipstick but you decide to get a Rimmel dupe instead. If after a few months the lipstick has been hardly used or you're not too sure if the colour suits you then you'll know not to bother investing in the real thing.

12. Always be on the look out for any loyalty or reward schemes and save your points up for luxury items.

13. Learn what you can save money on. So if you don't find there to be any real difference between Maybellines Lash Sensational Mascara and Benefits Roller Lash then stick with what's better value. Then use your extra cash for items that are worth the splurge.

14. Always check sites like FragrenceDirect.com to see if they have your desired product for less.

15. Choose your most used brand as your favourite on feelunique.com and then you always get 10% off. They also offer free shipping on orders over £10 so its a great way of ordering your staples. I also recommend choosing a high value brand e.g. Chanel because you hardly ever find discounts elsewhere for brands such as these. Then if you choose to invest you'll save quite a bit of money.

16. If you're a student buy makeup from ASOS as you get 10% off. They stock some really big brands such as NARS and Benefit so the savings can really add up. If you're no longer a student then persuade a student friend to order if for you and give them the money.

17. Sites like wowcher and groupon often have really good deals on make up. For example reduced MAC lipsticks, heavily discounted fragrences and gift sets. I've saved considerable money buying feelunique.com vouchers and on my BirchBox subscription.

18. Outlet shops are often full of bargains and always have a good look in TK Maxx. You'll never know what you might find if you have a good rummage in there. For every ten smashed up eyeshadows there is a hidden gem lurking at the bottom of the pile.

If you have any other tips or tricks I would absolutely love to hear them!

New Beauty Buys all under £10

So ok I might have gone a little mental in Boots and Superdrug last week. I only went in there to return a nail varnish I wasn't happy with and before I knew it the three for two offer had sucked me in...

Anyway I'm actually really pleased and impressed with all of these products so wanted to share them as I feel they are really good value for money. Just goes to show you need not spend a fortune to get good quality products providing you make an informed choice.

First off I got myself three new Rimmel lipsticks. I am a big fan of their lipsticks (and Maybellines but I've already got most of theirs) as they last a long time and give a great buildable colour. I got two from the Kate Moss range in shades 01 (far right) and 30 (far left) which are a bright red and a berry colour. My favourite though is from the standard line and is shade 016 called Heart Breaker (centre) and is a lovely rose pink.

I always end up with nail varnishes and I am really loving Barry M ones at the moment. I picked up two from their new Speedy Quick Dry range in Pole Position (far right) and In a Heart Beat (far left) as well as an iridescent shade called Pacific (centre). This looks amazing over my Gelly Hi Shine in Blueberry.

As an extra nail varnish I got an Essie one in Bikini So Teeny which I've been waiting all winter to get. Its such a lovely pastel blue and is perfect for Spring. I've had my eye on the Bourjois cream blushes for ages now so got one in Rose Tender and it comes in the cutest little pot! I'm currently wearing it at work and it just gives the most natural looking flush I've ever seen which is perfect for Spring. The second blush I got was the Max Factor Creme Powder blush in Seductive Pink. I am loving this so much and I've worn it to work twice this week.

In addition to make up I also got some more Nivea extra gentle eye make up remover as its such good value for money and a Boots essentials 3 minute clay mask. At only £1.50 this is a bargain for anyone with oily skin. I also decided it was time to lose my waxing virginity to got some wax strips (not pictured) and sweet jesus does it hurt! Won't be doing that again in a hurry.

Thank to a combination of Boots Points and the Three for Two offer I got the Essie Nail Varnish, 1 Barry M Nail Varnish, 1 Rimmel Lipstick, the Make up remover and the wax strips for free. Boots, you really are the best.

I also dropped into Superdrug to pick up some blackhead removing strips after trying one for the first time last week (soooooo satisfying!) and to grab the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer as they had ran out of my shade in Boots. Have you tried any of these products? Do you have any favorites?