Even well before the blog, I have loved trying things. Well, I like trying SOME things, but not different food groups. I’m still working on that.
And as a beauty blogger, I get to try a lot of different beauty products. And some leave me disappointed, some are forgettable, and others blow me away.
The other day I thought up a new potential series on the blog called “battle for best”, in which I pit two items that are in a similar category against each other and choose the winner.
Like with so many things in life, determining what is best is truly subjective, so these are simply my opinions based on how it works for me!
So let’s get into it!
one, two, three, four, five, six
First up, high neck work out tanks. I’ve loved Athleta’s high neck chi tanks for years. I especially love the longer length they offer. I do a lot of burpees and push ups and general flying around at boot camp, and I prefer to have a high neck top so I don’t have to worry about anything gaping open. I feel suffocated in a thick and wide coverage sports bra (like this, for example) so I’d rather wear a thinner, lighter sports bra and make sure my coverage comes in the tank! I found a very similar tank at Target the other day and am VERY pleased to say that I may like it better than the Athlete Chi tank, but only for 1 reason: the price! Otherwise they are pretty darn similar. The backs are different, but the Champion tank has a great, longer length and is made of a really similar-feeling material. It doesn’t fly up during jumping jacks, and has a very flattering shape.
Second in line is shaving cream. Most days I skip this step, but I needed some shaving cream for my dry skin in Wisconsin and picked up the Cremo brand from Target. It has specific instructions to follow to make sure you get the best lather, but I didn’t find it to be particularly good. It was fine, but if I had to choose 1 shaving cream to use over the other, I’d choose the Eos brand I already have in my shower. It lathers a bit more and is easier to use with a pump.
Lastly, I compared St. Tropez gradual tanning lotion with Benefit’s Hoola Zero Tanlines lotion. Hoola is supposed to be an instant tan that washes off after 12 hours, while you have to use St. Tropez for a few days to start to see the color develop. I saw absolutely zero difference in my skin color after using Hoola Zero Tanlines. Like, nothing. So to compare that with the great results I’ve had with St. Tropez gradual tan, I have to choose St. Tropez as best!
So there you have it, a little battle round with 3 different categories! I hope this is helpful if you are ever deciding between two items! And again, what works for me may not work for you, so always hang onto your receipt so you can return what you don’t like!
Let me know what you think of this becoming a new series for the blog, and perhaps some items you’d like to see battle it out!
More products I’m loving recently here and here!
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I like this idea, since you often talk about similar products and I’m confused of which ones are actually good. I’d love if you’d compare drugstore mascaras…a LONG time ago, you suggested Cover Girl Lash Blast, which I got and HATED…totally dried my lashes out and flaked off super easy. Also, if you could compare the comfort of the shoes you talk about, especially as a mom of active littles.
I had a thought of a series for you, but I totally forgot what it was! Whoops!
I loved CoverGirl lash blast for YEARS! Right now I’m loving Benefit Roller Lash :). And the shoe comparison sounds like a good idea!!
Loved this! So fun.
Yes! I love this idea. I often care less about the price and focus more on the product value in the long term.
Great blog idea! Super helpful, looking forward to more in this series!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
I love this comparison idea! I really like that you give your honest opinions because I come to this blog when I’m thinking of trying something new. I’m going to get that Champion tank today!!! Thanks, Kate!
I like this! I do tend to go for things on the cheaper side because of our budget at the moment. So thank you for adding in some of those Target finds!😊
Love this series! I am always doing this in my personal life…trying out a new product at a different price point to see if the quality of the product truly equals the price. I love finding cheaper dupes, but I also appreciate when a more expensive product is worth the price in its value. It’s nice to have your opinion to consider!
This is such a fun series! Have you had any issues with the EOS cream clogging up your razor? I tried so many different things and so many issues with it. Such a bummer because otherwise it seems like a great product!
I had the same problem with it! Which was really sad because I loved how it felt. Sigh…
I have had the same issue with it clogging up my razor. I also had issues getting out of the container when it was about halfway empty.
Same experience here – I wanted to love it (especially since you can use it to shave dry) but it clogs the razor!
Love this new series idea!!! I don’t have a blog, but play this game by myself! 😉
With that said , I prefer the Cremo shaving cream! I feel like it doesn’t clog up my razor like the eos brand & the eos is impossible to get out with the pump when you come to the end. Just my opinion of course! 😊
I love this concept of a battle of goods.
Love this series! Helpful and to the point!
I love this kind of post! I’ve been reading your blog for YEARS and I always have a hard time deciding what to buy when you’ve positively reviewed multiple brands of the same type of product (example: Amika Un.Done Texture Spray and Bumble and Bumble Dryspun Finish). I think it would be very educational and interesting to pit two products you liked and explain why you choose using one over the other in different circumstances, i.e. humidity, etc. Thanks for always posting awesome content!
yes! I’ve been using the living proof dry volume but wonder how it compares directly with amika.
FYI Amina is the best texture spray out there!
Love it! I also like high vs low and knowing what is worth the money and what works just as well and you can save a few dollars.
Awesome idea Kate! I always enjoy reading your posts. We definitely have very similar style, so it’s nice to see what worked for you and what didn’t. I look forward to your future posts in this series! 🙂
Can you do this for curling irons? I know you have relationships with brands, but I’d be very curious to see your take on Babyliss/Hot Tools vs. a GHD or T3, for example.
I love this idea! On another note, can you tell me what journal it is that you use with your She Reads Truth Bible? are you enjoying the Bible? Would you recommend that particular one? I know I saw a photo of your journal somewhere, but I cant find it now. Thank you!
Journal is Cultivate what Matters (from that shop), and yes I like the bible!
I love this idea! Someone else said that they like the cheaper options but I am willing to pay more for a better product so your honest opinions on products would be great!!
Love this! I definitely trust your opinion and love your reviews! You’ve helped me find so many amazing products for my hair and skin so this is just perfect!
This is a super fun idea! Thanks for doing this!
This is such a fun new post! I’d definitely like to see more of this series in the future. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on products, it’s helpful!
Hillary
http://www.pinklaceandlemonade.com
I like this new series!!
I love this new series! In case your followers are interested, I’m having a Best of Sigma Brush Set giveaway! You can check it out at http://katielowry.com/best-sigma-brush-set-giveaway/ Thanks!!
Love your post!
Keep up the great work x
-Daria
https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/daria-edu-19010657
https://dariaed.com/
Would love for this series to continue!
Would love this as a series with make up and hair products!!
St. Tropez’s instant tanning foam is by far the best tanner I’ve ever used (minus going to an actual salon). It doesn’t get orangey and the “tanner” smell is minimal. I haven’t used the gradual tanner yet but I can’t rave about this stuff enough!
Have you tried the Calia line by Carrie Underwood?? I’m a huge Athleta fan but recently this is my go to brand!
Love those workout tops. Do you attend Burn Boot Camp (just wondering since you’ve always called it ‘boot camp’ and not just ‘the gym’)? There is one opening near me in MI and I’m wondering what it’s all about!
That’s the one!
Love this idea!! Keep ’em coming. It’s nice to read honest reviews!
Best shave lotion….use your conditioner! I went to a home party thing a few years ago & they raved about their shave cream & how it was just like conditioner. Worked great so when I ran out, I switched to a tiny bit of conditioner & loved it
i’ve been stepping outside my comfort zone and commenting on more blogs lately. i totally love this idea for a post! i appreciate that you include “real-life” items vs. super high-end, expensive, and unrelatable items. looking forward to more!
Would absolutely love to see more posts like this on the blog! I think it’s a great, effective post!