Allesia Roxas

If you love high-end products but not the price (like me) this is the list. These are affordable dupes that give the same finish, vibe, or performance as luxury products without overspending. As a broke girl who still wants her makeup to look good, here are my favorite swaps that’ll actually save you a ton of money.

I really spent a lot of time trying to figure out Madeira because it is way more complicated than it looks on a map. I remember being so confused when I first started looking at places to stay since the weather is basically a gamble depending on where you are. I looked at so many photos that looked nice but the places were actually just old and super crowded once I got there. It was a lot to deal with. I finally went because I really needed to get away after working for years without a real break. I just wanted to go somewhere where I didn't have to check my phone or think about work at all. It was so nice to finally just sit on a balcony with a coffee and watch the clouds roll over the cliffs. It was probably the first time in forever that I actually felt relaxed. That’s exactly why I put this together. I wanted to create the list I wish I had before I went. I also added some notes on the things I actually used while I was there. This is just a simple breakdown of what worked for me and what made the trip easier. Basically a brain dump of my own experience for 2026. Hopefully it helps you skip the stress and just get to the fun part of the trip.

I’ve always believed that the right book, at the right time, can change everything. This list holds the stories that stayed with me long after I finished them. Especially The little Prince, which has been a personal favorite of mine for years. Whenever I need to escape or see the world a little differently, these are the ones I return to.