In this weekly column, I’m bringing you my favorite budget-friendly beauty products - and their high-end equivalents. This week, we’re chatting tinted lip balms! Also make sure to check out my blog, HonestlyJamie.com for even more beauty product reviews and tips.

The Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm was definitely the first BIG, “chubby” crayon-like lip balm that I can remember; in fact, I remember when it launched and thinking “wow, I kind of love the idea of a big lip balm with some actual GOOD color to it” since other lip balms I’ve tried usually, how do we say it, lack? I’ve been testing out some good (cheaper) options over the past month or so and I am in LOVE with REVLON ColorBurst Matte Balm. For one, the color is velvet-like and two, it’s retractable, which means no sharpener required! The Clinique version doesn’t require sharpening either but, for some reason, the REVLON version just seems to last me longer! Plus, I love the fact that it’s also infused with combination of shea, mango and coconut butter, making it the perfect product for dry lips (like mine).

For even more beauty product reviews, tips and advice check out my blog, HonestlyJamie.com.

Today I got a letter from Ebates in the mail (like, actual snail mail) alerting me to their 15% Cash Back promotion in celebration of their 15th Birthday. The fact that they've been around so long should tell you something: Ebates really does pay you cash back for your purchases, and it really is one of the top money-saving websites.

So I see the Birkenstock style sandal popping up everywhere. I want to give it a try but on a budget. I'm afraid the feeling for this trend will pass quickly for me, so I would like to try the style for less. Any ideas where I can find a similar style in black or white? —Monica

I was really hoping we could avoid having this discussion, but I'm here to answer your questions, so here goes! Birkenstocks have become a hot shoe trend for spring, having officially made the transition from fashion "don't" to fashion "do". We've seen them on celebs with diverse fashion personas ranging from the Olsen twins to Christina Hendricks (shown above).

For those interested in the real thing, you can find Birkenstocks for under $100 on sites like AMAZON.COM, ZAPPOS.COM and 6PM.COM (this pair of Gizahs is unique and just $37, or the Kairo in white for $58.)

Now, on to some looks for less:

Mother's Day may have come and gone but the stylish gift ideas I'm sharing over on the Westfield Blog are still worth checking out for yourself or a friend! All affordably priced under $50. See them all HERE.

Disclosure: Westfield Style is a lovely sponsor of The Budget Babe.

In this weekly column, I’m bringing you my favorite budget-friendly beauty products (and their high-end equivalents!). This week, we’re chatting primers (!). Also make sure to check out my blog, HonestlyJamie.com for even more beauty product reviews and tips.

Up until a few years ago I thought primers were totally useless, but then I tried a few different versions (HERE) and realized that they’re actually pretty awesome; one, they make it so that you don’t have to use as much foundation and two, they make your foundation last longer. So what’s the gold standard? Ask any beauty girl and they’ll tell you that they love Smashbox Iconic Photo Finish Foundation Primer since it’s a silky blend of antioxidants and vitamins that instantly smooths and perfects skin…but at $36 I’m a little hesitant to buy it regularly. I recently tried out Sephora’s version, Sephora Collection Perfecting Ultra-Smoothing Primer and I absolutely love it! For one, the packaging is super similar (I’m a sucker for good packaging) and two, the results are almost identical to Smashbox’s version.

For even more beauty product reviews, tips and advice check out my blog, HonestlyJamie.com.