I do these from time to time because I know everyone loves the inside info (and money-saving), but I guess I made a big enough internet splash this week that I upset a handful of big beauty brands. So, to protect my work (and sanity!), we’re wording this very carefully.
These are dhoopsies, k? And we’ll move beyond just liners in a minute, but let’s start with those first.
The summary is that pretty much all the eyeliners, lip liners and eyebrow pencils on the planet are coming from a small number of manufacturers, and most of the major beauty brands are using Schwan and/or Faber-Castell to produce their pencils.
There are a handful of outliers coming from South Korea (ahem, Hourglass), China, etc—but the majority of the brands you know and love are popping out of the first two factories. And both of the European options have begun operating new facilities in additional countries to help protect the beauty brands they’re manufacturing for, because everyone’s scared out of their minds right now about schmucks like me sharing that formulas aren’t special—supply chains are.
Anywho, I’m going to dig into this (and other items like lipstick, not just pencils) at the bottom of the newsletter. But let’s save you some cash and start with pencils.
If you like Hourglass Voyeur Waterproof ($29): Try this Julep pencil with all the same attributes/same South Korean production facility. The Julep is cheaper thanks to a bit more silica filler, etc. but it really makes no difference with the finish or wear—just clever labeling, IMO.
If you like Lancome Liqui Pencil ($26): Try this $10 L’Oreal pencil. Same factory, same parent company, same ingredients library.
If you like Victoria Beckham eyeliner ($35): Try this $5 NYX formula (same production lines and delivery, slightly different pigment levels and fillers), or this Catrice cheapie (hard to find in the US right now in lots of colors, but excellent! Grab several if you travel to Europe this summer).
If you like Charlotte Tilbury Rock’n Kohl eyeliner ($32): Try this $12 Pixi pencil immediately. Almost the same exact color range. Slightly different wax bases, but performance is 100%, production, etc.
If you like Westman Atelier eyeliners ($34): Give this $12 Kiko bad boy a whirl and tell me how jazzed you are.
If you like Mac Eye Kohl in Teddy (specifically this shade!): Give this $5 Cover Girl pencil in Smokey Taupe, a try. Share your findings with the class :)
If you like Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On pencils ($23): Try the SC 12-hour lineup. Samesies.
If you like Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat ($28): Try this $13 Kiko formula (you’ll notice the packaging looks almost identical, same manufacturer and a clever renaming of waxes so the ingredients look different).
If you like MAC lip pencils ($17.50): Try this $6 NYX formula (matte finish). Some things to note: these formulas differ slightly in terms of slip, but they use the same pigment systems. NYX is slightly creamier. The user experience is very similar though (and packaging). Specific shade dhoopes include Mac Whirl for NYX Whipped Caviar and Mac Stone for NYX Los Angeles 2.0… and I can keep going if you want? Mac Chestnut (love!) for NYX Cold Brew.
If you like Make Up For Ever Artist Pencil ($25): You’ll be shocked by how this $7 Revlon liner performs. Try telling them apart. I dare you.
If you like Rare Beauty Kind Words ($18): You’ll be delighted by this NYX Line Loud pencil for less than $8. DELIGHTED.
If you like Hourglass Shape & Sculpt ($29): Try this budget-friendly Maybelline liner, currently on sale under $8.
If you like Anastasia BH Brow Wiz ($26): I want you to give this $11 NYX a whirl and report back :)
If you like Benefit Precisely, My Brow ($28): You’ll fawn over this $3 ELF pencil (OMG $3??!).
If you like Rare Beauty Brow Harmony ($21): The pencil part is also the same as the NYX micro, use whatever other gel you’re into separately.
If you like Ilia Full Micro Tip ($26): I want you to try this L’Oreal pencil (comes in a two-pack for about $15, so each one is well under $8).
If I missed any, obvi feel free to shout ‘em out in the comments here or on the videos themselves. I’ll do my best to get to everyone!
OMG! This list has grown so much and you all click on so many things that I’ve started asking the companies I’ve spoken about for discount codes. And some of ‘em came through because I’m nosy!
If there are other companies you want me to ask for codes from, just let me know in the comments or you can use the “reply” button here to email me. You know I’m nosy enough to do it.
My fave LED mask is expensive, but damn it, she’s worth it. Use code “BRYCEG” for 10% off literally anything on their website for the month of July. I love the series 2 face mask (I used it for post-grafting recovery and the plastic surgeon agreed it’s good!) and the neck/chest panel. The bundle offers more of a discount, btw, and the promo code stacks on top of it!
Turns out Tarte is running a major sale (a lot of items cheaper than drugstore). This concealer is $8! You can stack the clearance prices with code “BRYCE” at checkout for an additional 15% off! Not sponsored content, just good info.
The organic cotton underwear brand I mentioned in newsletter #58 was so pumped about how many people clicked on their undies that they’re offering you an additional 10% off literally ANY purchase from them this month with code “BYCEGRUBER10” at checkout. These are my faves, but the code works on anything and stacks on top of sale prices!
This Lands End Supima cotton towel bundle was my favorite overall value from newsletter #42 and is currently on sale under $84. Features 650 GSM, several pieces per set, loads of color options and excellent customer service/returns. And you can monogram!
The game-changing BK Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress (stays cool even if you’re sweating like a beast!) from newsletter #57 and the shockingly good Walmart Cotton-Linen Quilt that punches way above its price weight. And several of you wrote to me saying “THANKS!” for the tip on this mattress topper—worth every penny. (But really, go back and read the newsletter #57 if you want more details on the bedding stuff).
Here’s how you’re going to get super cheap tretinoin (click here) and then watch this explainer video. You can also use this system to ask for Tarazotene! (Do we want a whole explainer on that? Tarazotene is like the bolder big sister of tretinoin.
Newsletter #45 dove deep into vintage high-end jewelry sources & vintage designer bags. I’m here to remind you of this Hermes Kelly bracelet for $550 (free shipping) and this Bottega satchel bag for about $1k/free shipping (OMG it’s so pretty!). And this Tiffany Hardwear bracelet for the 2003 price of $390/free shipping. Reminder that only one of each piece exists, so if you like something, get it.
If you’re new here and missed my Aritzia/Old Navy and The Row/Eileen Fisher/Jenni Kayne/Quince pipeline content from a couple weeks ago, let me just put you on the tell you about the Reformation connection as well! The Doen dhoopes newsletter is also a good resource.
I keep newsletters open and free for the first month they’re published, but after about 4.5 weeks, they end up in the paid-access-only archives (this prevents bots and copycats from stealing my work, which, yes—has become a bit of an issue.)
Reminder: because I talk about bedding so much (and what’s actually worth spending on), the people at The Mattress Shop partnered with me to give everyone a free month of paid newsletter access. That means you can use it to go back in the archives/deep dive, or just enjoy what’s to come.
More bedding& fashion content next week. btw!
And I may turn some of these into videos next week or the following, but I wanted you to have the info. There’s going to be a lot here, so consider saving this newsletter in a little folder in your inbox to come back to later <3
100% cotton muslin throw blankets are on sale right now under $25—easy Pottery Barn dhoops. The throws come in lots of colors and measure 50” by 70” for an oversized natural fiber cuddle.
This Cremo cologne is about $22 and a direct dhoope for Viktor & Rolf Spice Bomb ($168). Is it for men? Yes, but honestly, this one is pretty gender-neutral if you like warm, spicy notes. And this $20 Cremo Palo Santo is a direct rip from Le Labo.
Sunday Riley Good Genes is $85 (this one was requested by one of my fave longtime subs here!) but can be dhooped two possible ways for the active ingredients (not 100% on texture or packaging). The money you’ll save makes it easy-peasy to smile. One option is this Good Molecules serum ($6!), which relies on the same mashup of AHAs (mostly lactic acid). Though, honestly, I think this $12 Amlactin bottle is the best overall value because it has 12% LA (slightly higher levels) and moisture built into a single formula. Nothing against the face-specific formula they recently came out with, I just think this one is a better value on a per-ounce basis, and the texture is nicer. Btw, nobody at Amlactin paid me—just genuinely an excellent product (also on heels and backs of arms!) which is why I keep talking about it.
Parachute Percale bedding sets are about $299+. I very much don’t want to get in trouble, so I’ll phrase this with TLC, but if you like this exact feel/texture and are ok with different colors/prints, this set is $80. Free shipping. Also, I should note that a lot of people think Brooklinen is the dhoop. It’s not! That’s a different fiber/stitching scenario—wonderful, but not the same.
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