Dear Beauty Junkies-
I wish I hadn't waited so long to try Olay Definity's Color Recapture. It is amazing! You probably have seen it Walgreens or CVS or Target. It looks very space-age in its spherical outer packaging and the product itself is swirled in a tall tube. But it doesn't just look cool on your bathroom shelf. It looks great on your skin. The first day I put it on, three different people commented on how nice my complexion looked!
Olay Definity's swirl comes from a blend of anti-aging UV moisturizer and sheer illuminating coverage. It comes in three shades so you can choose which will blend with your skin. And of course, it has an SPF of 15, which is a MUST for any product I put on my face for daytime.
If you don't know about Olay Definity products, the first of their creams in the line came out a year or two ago. They are formulated with glucosamine to lessen the appearance of age spots. Most anti-aging products just work on wrinkles, but Olay Definity attacks both wrinkles and brown spots which makes it twice as good in my book!
With Olay Definity's Color Recapture, the sheer illuminating coverage immediately evens out skin tone giving a glowy appearance. The moisturizer part with the UV protection works on wrinkles and brown spots over time. It's a win-win combination!
I hope you'll try Olay Definity Color Recapture and then let me know what you think!
Best in Beauty,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Rusk Products at Target!
Hi Beauty Junkies-
Sorry I haven't posted in the last couple of weeks. I've been busy working on a new site called www.bettyconfidential.com. You should check it out! It has loads of fun stuff including celebrity gossip, entertaining tips and of course beauty and style!
Now onto my cheap but awesome product of the week! I just discovered that Rusk products are sold at Target. I bought their Brilliance Leave-In conditioner for under ten bucks. That's less than half the price of my former salon brand! Rusk is a great product for summer because it also has a color protectant. If you put it on your wet hair, you can get that cool slicked-back look for the beach or pool and keep your hair safe from the sun at the same time!
Rusk Brilliance Conditioner also smells nice with its grapefruit and honey fragrance. Last but not least, its a great detangler if you're lucky enough to have thick hair that's hard to comb.
So, next time you're in Target, go check out all the Rusk products and save, save, save and still get salon quality for your hair!
Best Regards,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
Sorry I haven't posted in the last couple of weeks. I've been busy working on a new site called www.bettyconfidential.com. You should check it out! It has loads of fun stuff including celebrity gossip, entertaining tips and of course beauty and style!
Now onto my cheap but awesome product of the week! I just discovered that Rusk products are sold at Target. I bought their Brilliance Leave-In conditioner for under ten bucks. That's less than half the price of my former salon brand! Rusk is a great product for summer because it also has a color protectant. If you put it on your wet hair, you can get that cool slicked-back look for the beach or pool and keep your hair safe from the sun at the same time!
Rusk Brilliance Conditioner also smells nice with its grapefruit and honey fragrance. Last but not least, its a great detangler if you're lucky enough to have thick hair that's hard to comb.
So, next time you're in Target, go check out all the Rusk products and save, save, save and still get salon quality for your hair!
Best Regards,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
Monday, June 8, 2009
Foaming Face Wash by Bliss is Fabulous!
Dear Beauty Junkies:
Last month, I got an email from my favorite beauty mecca, Ross Cosmetics, in Highland Park, Illinois about a big promotion they were having on Bliss products.The timing couldn't have been better because I had run out of the sudsy face wash I had bought in Minnesota at a swanky spa. I didn't want to drop $35 to reorder, so I visited the beauty experts at Ross for a recommendation. Plus, there's something to be said for instant gratification. It's so hard to wait for a package to arrive in the mail!
All of the products at Ross Cosmetics are sold at 10% off so you'll always get a deal vs. the department stores. In addition to Bliss, they have several other lines to consider but I went with the Fabulous Foaming Face Wash from Bliss for a few reasons.
First of all, I wanted a sudsy cleanser that would work well with my miracle skin brush from Sephora. The pump top on the bottle makes it easy for me to dispense just the right amount. Even though I wanted a foaming cleanser, it needed to leave my skin clean and soft but not dry. Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash is made with rose hips, chamomile and passion flower to help calm the skin. As an extra bonus, the cleanser also has a gentle exfoliator so you can skip a step in your morning routine and save money too.
Of course, price is always important to this Beauty Reporter. With the 10% discount, the 6.6 oz bottle cost just under $20. Considering some of the prices on skincare at the drugstore these days, this isn't too much higher. Plus, it comes in a cute clear polka-dot bottle that shows off the pretty aqua-colored product.
Next time you visit Highland Park, be sure to stop by Ross Cosmetics to see their entire Bliss line. And tell them Beauty on the Cheap sent you!
Best Regards,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
Last month, I got an email from my favorite beauty mecca, Ross Cosmetics, in Highland Park, Illinois about a big promotion they were having on Bliss products.The timing couldn't have been better because I had run out of the sudsy face wash I had bought in Minnesota at a swanky spa. I didn't want to drop $35 to reorder, so I visited the beauty experts at Ross for a recommendation. Plus, there's something to be said for instant gratification. It's so hard to wait for a package to arrive in the mail!
All of the products at Ross Cosmetics are sold at 10% off so you'll always get a deal vs. the department stores. In addition to Bliss, they have several other lines to consider but I went with the Fabulous Foaming Face Wash from Bliss for a few reasons.
First of all, I wanted a sudsy cleanser that would work well with my miracle skin brush from Sephora. The pump top on the bottle makes it easy for me to dispense just the right amount. Even though I wanted a foaming cleanser, it needed to leave my skin clean and soft but not dry. Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash is made with rose hips, chamomile and passion flower to help calm the skin. As an extra bonus, the cleanser also has a gentle exfoliator so you can skip a step in your morning routine and save money too.
Of course, price is always important to this Beauty Reporter. With the 10% discount, the 6.6 oz bottle cost just under $20. Considering some of the prices on skincare at the drugstore these days, this isn't too much higher. Plus, it comes in a cute clear polka-dot bottle that shows off the pretty aqua-colored product.
Next time you visit Highland Park, be sure to stop by Ross Cosmetics to see their entire Bliss line. And tell them Beauty on the Cheap sent you!
Best Regards,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Rooting for Clairol Nice 'n Easy Root Touch-Up
Hi Beauty Junkies-
As you all know, for the past several months I have been on a quest to find awesome beauty products that are priced sensibly. One of the big ways I cut back on my beauty spending has been hair color. I used to spend over $100 (easily) at the salon every 6 weeks or so to keep my locks a shiny golden blonde (i.e. cover up my gray and "dirty dishwater" blonde hair.)
Now, I am back to the box. Not the wine box (that's not a bad idea either) but the Clairol box. Now, don't go freaking out on me! If I can color my own hair, you can! It's fast, easy and dirt-cheap. Most brands are about $7.99 at Target or Walgreen's or CVS.
I may write about some of my fave all-over color brands (Clairol, Garnier, L'Oreal) in future blogs but for now I want to tell you about Clairol's Nice 'n Easy Root Touch Up. Even if you still go to the salon for color, you'll LOVE this product to stretch out the weeks between visits which will also save you time and money.
Clairol's Root Touch-Up is not only cheap, its fast and easy. (Sounds like a few girls I knew in high school.) It only takes 10 minutes to touch up the roots at your part and the hairline around your face. There's enough product to cover a few other roots too if you're so inclined. Clairol provides a little blue application brush which makes it super easy and fast. I actually did this Saturday night right before I was going to jump in the shower to get ready for a wedding. The product rinsed out easily and the color turned out beautifully! There was no tell-tale line of demarcation where my darker roots had been. In fact, Clairol guarantees Root Touch-Up to match any brand including salon colors.
Even if I win the lottery, I'm not sure I'll go back to salon color. Clairol makes touch ups at home so easy and convenient. It's like having a 24 hour hair dresser at your house!
I hope you like Clairol's Root Touch Up. Let me know what you think!
Best,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
As you all know, for the past several months I have been on a quest to find awesome beauty products that are priced sensibly. One of the big ways I cut back on my beauty spending has been hair color. I used to spend over $100 (easily) at the salon every 6 weeks or so to keep my locks a shiny golden blonde (i.e. cover up my gray and "dirty dishwater" blonde hair.)
Now, I am back to the box. Not the wine box (that's not a bad idea either) but the Clairol box. Now, don't go freaking out on me! If I can color my own hair, you can! It's fast, easy and dirt-cheap. Most brands are about $7.99 at Target or Walgreen's or CVS.
I may write about some of my fave all-over color brands (Clairol, Garnier, L'Oreal) in future blogs but for now I want to tell you about Clairol's Nice 'n Easy Root Touch Up. Even if you still go to the salon for color, you'll LOVE this product to stretch out the weeks between visits which will also save you time and money.
Clairol's Root Touch-Up is not only cheap, its fast and easy. (Sounds like a few girls I knew in high school.) It only takes 10 minutes to touch up the roots at your part and the hairline around your face. There's enough product to cover a few other roots too if you're so inclined. Clairol provides a little blue application brush which makes it super easy and fast. I actually did this Saturday night right before I was going to jump in the shower to get ready for a wedding. The product rinsed out easily and the color turned out beautifully! There was no tell-tale line of demarcation where my darker roots had been. In fact, Clairol guarantees Root Touch-Up to match any brand including salon colors.
Even if I win the lottery, I'm not sure I'll go back to salon color. Clairol makes touch ups at home so easy and convenient. It's like having a 24 hour hair dresser at your house!
I hope you like Clairol's Root Touch Up. Let me know what you think!
Best,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Jergens Natural Glow - The Best of Both Worlds
Dear Beauty Junkies-
Over this past holiday weekend, I discovered a fabulous new product from Jergens Natural Glow line called Healthy Complexion Daily Facial Moisturizer. Its a self-tanner that gradually creates natural-looking color AND it has a UVA/UVB SPF 20!
I've tried a few nice self-tanners designed specifically for the face, but most of them make my skin too dark and none of them have included an SPF. After using it two days, I found my skin to have a natural, not fakey, glow. Because the product smooths on quickly and evenly, it only took a pea size amount to cover my face, ears and neck.
When you add in the fact that this tanner has an SPF of 20, it's a no-brainer! If you're lucky enough to find a moisturizer with SPF at all, you're doing better than most. But to find a self-tanner with SPF 20 that's been recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation is like finding twenty bucks on the street. It's the best of both worlds...tan and protection. Or like having your cake and eating it too. Only less fattening.
I promise this could be the best $7.99 you'll ever spend. If it's not, then next time I see you, I'll buy you a piece of cake. Just don't blame me for the 500 calories.
Best,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
Over this past holiday weekend, I discovered a fabulous new product from Jergens Natural Glow line called Healthy Complexion Daily Facial Moisturizer. Its a self-tanner that gradually creates natural-looking color AND it has a UVA/UVB SPF 20!
I've tried a few nice self-tanners designed specifically for the face, but most of them make my skin too dark and none of them have included an SPF. After using it two days, I found my skin to have a natural, not fakey, glow. Because the product smooths on quickly and evenly, it only took a pea size amount to cover my face, ears and neck.
When you add in the fact that this tanner has an SPF of 20, it's a no-brainer! If you're lucky enough to find a moisturizer with SPF at all, you're doing better than most. But to find a self-tanner with SPF 20 that's been recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation is like finding twenty bucks on the street. It's the best of both worlds...tan and protection. Or like having your cake and eating it too. Only less fattening.
I promise this could be the best $7.99 you'll ever spend. If it's not, then next time I see you, I'll buy you a piece of cake. Just don't blame me for the 500 calories.
Best,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
Monday, May 18, 2009
An Oldie but a Goodie
Dear Fellow Beauty Junkies-
A month or so ago I was at Walgreen's checking out the rows and rows of body lotions. The skin on my arms and legs was dry and tight but my wallet was tighter. I just couldn't bear to spend $10 or more on a body lotion. It's not like face creams. I mean, most of those body parts are covered up all the time anyway. I just didn't want to be dry and itchy anymore.
I decided on Jergen's Original Scent Cherry-Almond Moisturizer. It came in a 26.5 ounce bottle and cost less than $8. Smelling this lotion was like a trip down memory lane. I instantly recalled the first time I tried this lotion back in the early 70's at my friend's house. Her older, cooler sister had a bottle in her bedroom and we snuck a squirt. I just loved the fragrance and how soft it made my hands.
Years went by and I had forgotten about this classic forsaking it for many other brands throughout the decades. I'm now about two-thirds through the bottle and am still enjoying that unique cherry-almond fragrance. In addition, my skin is soft and silky. The itchy dry patches have been eliminated too!
Jergen's Original Scent probably costs tons more than it did in 1972 but I still think it's a great value. I'd love to hear about some of your favorite old brands that have never let you down! Maybe I will report on them in an upcoming post of Beauty on the Cheap.
Til then,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
A month or so ago I was at Walgreen's checking out the rows and rows of body lotions. The skin on my arms and legs was dry and tight but my wallet was tighter. I just couldn't bear to spend $10 or more on a body lotion. It's not like face creams. I mean, most of those body parts are covered up all the time anyway. I just didn't want to be dry and itchy anymore.
I decided on Jergen's Original Scent Cherry-Almond Moisturizer. It came in a 26.5 ounce bottle and cost less than $8. Smelling this lotion was like a trip down memory lane. I instantly recalled the first time I tried this lotion back in the early 70's at my friend's house. Her older, cooler sister had a bottle in her bedroom and we snuck a squirt. I just loved the fragrance and how soft it made my hands.
Years went by and I had forgotten about this classic forsaking it for many other brands throughout the decades. I'm now about two-thirds through the bottle and am still enjoying that unique cherry-almond fragrance. In addition, my skin is soft and silky. The itchy dry patches have been eliminated too!
Jergen's Original Scent probably costs tons more than it did in 1972 but I still think it's a great value. I'd love to hear about some of your favorite old brands that have never let you down! Maybe I will report on them in an upcoming post of Beauty on the Cheap.
Til then,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
How to Get Healthy Color-Treated Hair
Dear Beauty Junkies-
Did you know that most shampoos are made with sulfates and harsh salts? Sulfates were first added to shampoos to produce lather. Unfortunately, sulfates are bad for you and for the environment. However there's good news! It's 2009 and shampoos don't need sulfates anymore to give you those luxurious suds.
Those ingenious beauty product developers at L'Oreal have come out with a new line of haircare products called EverPure. Its a sulfate-free color system that is 100% Vegan and uses natural botanicals (Just like that expensive salon brand. You know which one I'm talking about.) Neither the shampoo or conditioner use drying salts either. To be honest, I didn't know this was an issue but its important to those with color-treated hair. Think about it. When you use a salt scrub on your skin, it strips away dead cells. Do you really want your shampoo or conditioner to strip away that nice color you just got? L'Oreal promises this line will keep your hair-color shiny and true through 32 washes. And remember, if you do have color-treated hair, you shouldn't wash it every day! I promise you it's not as gross as it sounds. That's why the pony-tail was invented.
You know that I'm a sucker for a good fragrance. I mean I like something a bit more exotic than the smell of baby shampoo. Luckily, L'Oreal's EverPure System smells fabulous! It comes in a light rosemary mint scent. (Again, just like that expensive salon brand, but not as overpowering.)
Overall, the shampoo and conditioner provide a soothing (and smoothing) experience which reminds me of the spa. Except for the price. Both products come in an 8.5 FL OZ tube for $6.99 each. A great value for two superior products!
Did you know that most shampoos are made with sulfates and harsh salts? Sulfates were first added to shampoos to produce lather. Unfortunately, sulfates are bad for you and for the environment. However there's good news! It's 2009 and shampoos don't need sulfates anymore to give you those luxurious suds.
Those ingenious beauty product developers at L'Oreal have come out with a new line of haircare products called EverPure. Its a sulfate-free color system that is 100% Vegan and uses natural botanicals (Just like that expensive salon brand. You know which one I'm talking about.) Neither the shampoo or conditioner use drying salts either. To be honest, I didn't know this was an issue but its important to those with color-treated hair. Think about it. When you use a salt scrub on your skin, it strips away dead cells. Do you really want your shampoo or conditioner to strip away that nice color you just got? L'Oreal promises this line will keep your hair-color shiny and true through 32 washes. And remember, if you do have color-treated hair, you shouldn't wash it every day! I promise you it's not as gross as it sounds. That's why the pony-tail was invented.
You know that I'm a sucker for a good fragrance. I mean I like something a bit more exotic than the smell of baby shampoo. Luckily, L'Oreal's EverPure System smells fabulous! It comes in a light rosemary mint scent. (Again, just like that expensive salon brand, but not as overpowering.)
Overall, the shampoo and conditioner provide a soothing (and smoothing) experience which reminds me of the spa. Except for the price. Both products come in an 8.5 FL OZ tube for $6.99 each. A great value for two superior products!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Pamper your Feet!
Your feet are so important! They get you where you want to go and they keep you grounded. If your feet feel good, you'll feel good. So don't neglect them, pamper them! Now that sandal weather is here, you'll want your feet to look good too.
Yup, pedis are a must but they can be expensive! These days more and more women are trying to stretch out the time between professional pedicures in order to save a little cash. I'm right there with them! I find that my polish stays looking nice for weeks but the skin on my heels and around my toenails gets rough really quickly. (I think its the flip-flops but I'm not giving those up.)
Luckily, there is a simple solution to the dry, cracked skin problem at your local drugstore. Burt's Bees makes a Coconut Foot Creme that is super-thick and emollient. Some may find it a tad greasy but if you rub the extra from your hands onto your elbows, they'll look and feel great too!
But first back to your feet. You smooth it all over your heels and toes, put on some cotton socks and hit the hay. The next morning your tootsies will feel silky and soft. I noticed a big improvement after only one night. I can't wait to see how my feet look after a few more days!
In addition to being a fabulous product, Burt's Bees is 99.7% natural, doesn't test on animals, encourages recycling the aluminum tube and is only $8.99. Wow!
Need I say more? Go buy some...now. Your feet won't mind taking you to the store knowing they'll get a treat tonight!
Best,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
Yup, pedis are a must but they can be expensive! These days more and more women are trying to stretch out the time between professional pedicures in order to save a little cash. I'm right there with them! I find that my polish stays looking nice for weeks but the skin on my heels and around my toenails gets rough really quickly. (I think its the flip-flops but I'm not giving those up.)
Luckily, there is a simple solution to the dry, cracked skin problem at your local drugstore. Burt's Bees makes a Coconut Foot Creme that is super-thick and emollient. Some may find it a tad greasy but if you rub the extra from your hands onto your elbows, they'll look and feel great too!
But first back to your feet. You smooth it all over your heels and toes, put on some cotton socks and hit the hay. The next morning your tootsies will feel silky and soft. I noticed a big improvement after only one night. I can't wait to see how my feet look after a few more days!
In addition to being a fabulous product, Burt's Bees is 99.7% natural, doesn't test on animals, encourages recycling the aluminum tube and is only $8.99. Wow!
Need I say more? Go buy some...now. Your feet won't mind taking you to the store knowing they'll get a treat tonight!
Best,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Bye Bye Pimples!
You'd think I'd be a wee bit on the old side to be writing about getting rid of pimples since I'm usually writing about getting rid of wrinkles. Life isn't fair! How can I possibly be cursed with both?
Actually, the occasional hormonal pimple isn't much of a problem anymore now that I've found Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion. This stuff is an amazing concoction of some magical pink sediment and a liquid of salicylic acid and isopropyl alcohol. You just dip a Q-Tip in the pink part and dab it on the offending zit. Then you go to bed (preferably in the dark so that your bed-partner doesn't see the pink dots on your face.) The next morning you wash off the remaining product and voila! you have obliterated the red bump. The drying lotion works particularly well if you catch the pimple as soon as it begins. If its been around a day or two, it might take more than one night to reduce it completely.
You can find Mario Badescu at Ross Cosmetics in Highland Park, Illinois for a discounted price of $17. Their website is www.rosscosmetic.com. Mario Badescu products are also available direct from NY by phone order. That number is (800)BADESCU.
I hope you like this product even if you don't feel like a teenager again!
Best,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
Actually, the occasional hormonal pimple isn't much of a problem anymore now that I've found Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion. This stuff is an amazing concoction of some magical pink sediment and a liquid of salicylic acid and isopropyl alcohol. You just dip a Q-Tip in the pink part and dab it on the offending zit. Then you go to bed (preferably in the dark so that your bed-partner doesn't see the pink dots on your face.) The next morning you wash off the remaining product and voila! you have obliterated the red bump. The drying lotion works particularly well if you catch the pimple as soon as it begins. If its been around a day or two, it might take more than one night to reduce it completely.
You can find Mario Badescu at Ross Cosmetics in Highland Park, Illinois for a discounted price of $17. Their website is www.rosscosmetic.com. Mario Badescu products are also available direct from NY by phone order. That number is (800)BADESCU.
I hope you like this product even if you don't feel like a teenager again!
Best,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Roll Away Wrinkles!
Hello fellow Beauty Junkies:
I'm sure you've probably seen the commercials for two Garnier products that include a built-in roller to apply the product. Well, since I am a sucker for gimmicks such as this, I decided to try them out. Besides, CVS had a "Buy One, Get One Free" sale on all Garnier a few weeks ago.
The first is the smaller lime green roller. It is called Skin Renew and is for under the eyes. The ball is metal so it feels nice and cold upon application. It is great for depuffing the eyes. Unfortunately, I have found that it doesn't work on my dark circles. However, if you tend to wake up with swollen eyes, then you will love this product. It is also handy to carry in your purse if allergies (or a tear-jerker movie) make you swell up.
The second is the Ultra-Lift Pro Deep Wrinkle Roller. It comes in a red bottle with a white, plastic roller. I have to say that I was disappointed it wasn't produced with the cold, metal roller as I think that would have been better. However, I am really loving this product so far. I've only used it for about ten days but I have noticed a little bit of improvement around my jaw line. This is my new area of consternation so I'm pleased to see some results.
The packaging for the Ultra Lift Pro says that you will feel your face and neck tightened and toned instantly. That seems a bit of an exaggeration to me, but like I said, I do see and feel a little something. Its just not instant. But what do you want for $8.99? You can't get face-lift miracles without a doctor. The box also says that your face will look firmer, more defined and have reduced deep wrinkles in four weeks. I'm buying the firmer and defined part due to the slight improvement I've seen in my aforementioned chin and neck area. I can't speak for the reduced deep wrinkles and truthfully I'm a bit skeptical.
Just remember to keep wearing your SPF products after any treatment and you will prevent new wrinkles!
Best Regards,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
I'm sure you've probably seen the commercials for two Garnier products that include a built-in roller to apply the product. Well, since I am a sucker for gimmicks such as this, I decided to try them out. Besides, CVS had a "Buy One, Get One Free" sale on all Garnier a few weeks ago.
The first is the smaller lime green roller. It is called Skin Renew and is for under the eyes. The ball is metal so it feels nice and cold upon application. It is great for depuffing the eyes. Unfortunately, I have found that it doesn't work on my dark circles. However, if you tend to wake up with swollen eyes, then you will love this product. It is also handy to carry in your purse if allergies (or a tear-jerker movie) make you swell up.
The second is the Ultra-Lift Pro Deep Wrinkle Roller. It comes in a red bottle with a white, plastic roller. I have to say that I was disappointed it wasn't produced with the cold, metal roller as I think that would have been better. However, I am really loving this product so far. I've only used it for about ten days but I have noticed a little bit of improvement around my jaw line. This is my new area of consternation so I'm pleased to see some results.
The packaging for the Ultra Lift Pro says that you will feel your face and neck tightened and toned instantly. That seems a bit of an exaggeration to me, but like I said, I do see and feel a little something. Its just not instant. But what do you want for $8.99? You can't get face-lift miracles without a doctor. The box also says that your face will look firmer, more defined and have reduced deep wrinkles in four weeks. I'm buying the firmer and defined part due to the slight improvement I've seen in my aforementioned chin and neck area. I can't speak for the reduced deep wrinkles and truthfully I'm a bit skeptical.
Just remember to keep wearing your SPF products after any treatment and you will prevent new wrinkles!
Best Regards,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Quick and Easy Eyeliner from L'Oreal
Dear Beauty Junkies-
As the area around my eyes keep looking older and older, I decided I needed a good eyeliner to really make them pop. Problem is, I'm not much of a makeup artist. I find brushes too difficult to use. And pencils are worse. They tug and drag that delicate skin way too much. I certainly don't want my beauty products to make my eyes look worse!
So, I was very happy to find L'Oreal's Voluminous Eyeliner. They say it is "mistake-proof." I'm not sure I would say it is 100% mistake proof as it took me a day or two to get used to the slanted tip applicator. But once I got the hang of it, it really was great! With the tip, you can either make a thick, sultry line or a thin, softer line. Either way, the product stays on all day with smudging or fading. L'Oreal Voluminous comes in a few shades and is only $8.99.
I give it the thumbs up even though I'm all thumbs when it comes to makeup application!
Best Regards,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
As the area around my eyes keep looking older and older, I decided I needed a good eyeliner to really make them pop. Problem is, I'm not much of a makeup artist. I find brushes too difficult to use. And pencils are worse. They tug and drag that delicate skin way too much. I certainly don't want my beauty products to make my eyes look worse!
So, I was very happy to find L'Oreal's Voluminous Eyeliner. They say it is "mistake-proof." I'm not sure I would say it is 100% mistake proof as it took me a day or two to get used to the slanted tip applicator. But once I got the hang of it, it really was great! With the tip, you can either make a thick, sultry line or a thin, softer line. Either way, the product stays on all day with smudging or fading. L'Oreal Voluminous comes in a few shades and is only $8.99.
I give it the thumbs up even though I'm all thumbs when it comes to makeup application!
Best Regards,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
A Better Body Butter
Greetings from Las Vegas!
I'm loving the gorgeous weather here in the desert but it is definitely hard on my skin. Especially when you add in the chlorine and maybe a tad too many glasses of wine! Thank goodness I brought a jar of my body butter from home. I bought it at Bed, Bath & Beyond for only $5.99 but it works as well (if not better) than many other expensive brands I've tried. It is made by Nature 2 Nature and comes in many different "flavors." I am coo-coo for Coconut so that is what I am using. The scent isn't terribly strong but that is a good thing if you also like to wear perfume. Best of all, the product is super-moisturizing. I love the way it absorbs quickly while providing more oomph than a lotion. That's because this body butter is enriched with shea butter and soothing aloe vera; it is truly terrific after a day in the sun (or a harsh winter day, too.)
You can truly drench yourself in luxury (and pretend you are at the beach if using the Coconut scent) for only six bucks, so go for it!
Best,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
I'm loving the gorgeous weather here in the desert but it is definitely hard on my skin. Especially when you add in the chlorine and maybe a tad too many glasses of wine! Thank goodness I brought a jar of my body butter from home. I bought it at Bed, Bath & Beyond for only $5.99 but it works as well (if not better) than many other expensive brands I've tried. It is made by Nature 2 Nature and comes in many different "flavors." I am coo-coo for Coconut so that is what I am using. The scent isn't terribly strong but that is a good thing if you also like to wear perfume. Best of all, the product is super-moisturizing. I love the way it absorbs quickly while providing more oomph than a lotion. That's because this body butter is enriched with shea butter and soothing aloe vera; it is truly terrific after a day in the sun (or a harsh winter day, too.)
You can truly drench yourself in luxury (and pretend you are at the beach if using the Coconut scent) for only six bucks, so go for it!
Best,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
Thursday, April 2, 2009
You Make Me Blush
Hello Beauty Junkies-
If you could live with only one beauty product, what would it be? I know this is a tough one....especially for us fair-skinned types. I mean, really. How does one choose between lipstick and mascara and blush? Those are my top three. I've written about my new favorite mascara in an earlier posting. I still am not ready to talk about lipstick ever since Sarah Palin gave it a bad name. So, today, I want to tell you about a fabulous new blush I found at CVS.
I'd been wanting to try one of L'Oreal's mineral products; so I decided on the blush since my stick of NARS is getting a little tired. I've also tried (and loved) the Bare Minerals brand that is sold at Sephora, and thought it would be great to find out if the drugstore brand could compete.
Guess what? L'Oreal's Bare Naturale is a winner! First, of all the color (I chose Pinched Pink) lasts a full day. I think it stays on better than a cream or other powders because of the application technique. But who cares why. I'm just glad it does. I hate looking in the mirror at noon looking like I just rose from the dead.
Speaking of application, the mineral blush comes in its own container with a really decent, puffy brush. I find it a little less messy than the Bare Minerals because the top is really big and can catch all the extra product you tap out of the brush before applying. If you are a neat freak, you can then clean out the top if you like. If you are truly cheap, you can save that product to use again. Either way you are going to happy with this product, so give it a try. You will be blushing all day long with no touch ups!
Best,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
If you could live with only one beauty product, what would it be? I know this is a tough one....especially for us fair-skinned types. I mean, really. How does one choose between lipstick and mascara and blush? Those are my top three. I've written about my new favorite mascara in an earlier posting. I still am not ready to talk about lipstick ever since Sarah Palin gave it a bad name. So, today, I want to tell you about a fabulous new blush I found at CVS.
I'd been wanting to try one of L'Oreal's mineral products; so I decided on the blush since my stick of NARS is getting a little tired. I've also tried (and loved) the Bare Minerals brand that is sold at Sephora, and thought it would be great to find out if the drugstore brand could compete.
Guess what? L'Oreal's Bare Naturale is a winner! First, of all the color (I chose Pinched Pink) lasts a full day. I think it stays on better than a cream or other powders because of the application technique. But who cares why. I'm just glad it does. I hate looking in the mirror at noon looking like I just rose from the dead.
Speaking of application, the mineral blush comes in its own container with a really decent, puffy brush. I find it a little less messy than the Bare Minerals because the top is really big and can catch all the extra product you tap out of the brush before applying. If you are a neat freak, you can then clean out the top if you like. If you are truly cheap, you can save that product to use again. Either way you are going to happy with this product, so give it a try. You will be blushing all day long with no touch ups!
Best,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
Monday, March 30, 2009
Excellent Exfoliating Brush for $5
Hello Beauty Junkies-
Every morning when I get in the shower and squirt a few drops of my facial cleanser onto my handy dandy exfoliating brush, I say to myself that I must blog about how much I love this simple yet extraordinary item. Well, I have finally remembered!
I bought this small, clear handled brush at Sephora for only $5. The salesperson told me it will be the best $5 I've ever spent. After using it now for several weeks, I have to say that she was right. I have fewer blackheads and my skin seems rosier and healthier.
Who needs to buy expensive battery-operated gizmos or scratchy scrubs to clear off dead skin when this little wonder will give you the glow you need!?! The bristles are super soft and made of nylon so they dry very quickly. Beats the heck out of a yucky, old washcloth too.
So, head on down to Sephora and check out this brush. Just be careful of all the other fun products calling your name as you walk by. Don't blame me if you walk out of Sephora spending a heck of a lot more than $5. I warned you! :-)
Have a beautiful day,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
Every morning when I get in the shower and squirt a few drops of my facial cleanser onto my handy dandy exfoliating brush, I say to myself that I must blog about how much I love this simple yet extraordinary item. Well, I have finally remembered!
I bought this small, clear handled brush at Sephora for only $5. The salesperson told me it will be the best $5 I've ever spent. After using it now for several weeks, I have to say that she was right. I have fewer blackheads and my skin seems rosier and healthier.
Who needs to buy expensive battery-operated gizmos or scratchy scrubs to clear off dead skin when this little wonder will give you the glow you need!?! The bristles are super soft and made of nylon so they dry very quickly. Beats the heck out of a yucky, old washcloth too.
So, head on down to Sephora and check out this brush. Just be careful of all the other fun products calling your name as you walk by. Don't blame me if you walk out of Sephora spending a heck of a lot more than $5. I warned you! :-)
Have a beautiful day,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Luxe Hair Products 2-for-1
Hello Beauty Junkies-
Well, it has been three months or so since I lost my job and I've just run out of my styling lotion. I was using an expensive one from my salon but there is no way I'm going to pay those prices again. And, of course, I refuse to give up my styling lotion altogether. For those of you, who like me, have frizzy or dry ends and need your hair to keep its shape all day, styling lotion is a must.
So, I headed out to one of my fav drugstores and found an awesome deal on Schwarzkopf's new line of hair products. They were having a 2-for-1 sale on this entire new line which has been advertising in Allure and Marie Claire. I got both the got2b Smooth Operator hairspray and lustre lotion for only $7.99. Even, if they hadn't been 2-for-1, it would have been an amazing score because both products are fabulous!
First, of all, they come in a cute can/bottle that is mauvish/goldish with a few little trinkets hanging from the top. Not necessarily my thing, but it does make the products seem a little more glamourous. The got2B smoothing lustre lotion shapes, smooths, controls fly-aways and imparts a weightless lustre and softness. An extra bonus is the product contains a UV protector so it is ideal for you sun-worshippers. The hairspray has a slightly sweet scent and holds with a touchable finish. No crunchy hair here!
Lastly, all I can say, is my teenage daughter actually complemented my hair after I finished styling with these products. That is an amazing testimony on its own. And by the way, she now loves the products too!
Here's to finding your own beauty bargains!
HP Girl
Well, it has been three months or so since I lost my job and I've just run out of my styling lotion. I was using an expensive one from my salon but there is no way I'm going to pay those prices again. And, of course, I refuse to give up my styling lotion altogether. For those of you, who like me, have frizzy or dry ends and need your hair to keep its shape all day, styling lotion is a must.
So, I headed out to one of my fav drugstores and found an awesome deal on Schwarzkopf's new line of hair products. They were having a 2-for-1 sale on this entire new line which has been advertising in Allure and Marie Claire. I got both the got2b Smooth Operator hairspray and lustre lotion for only $7.99. Even, if they hadn't been 2-for-1, it would have been an amazing score because both products are fabulous!
First, of all, they come in a cute can/bottle that is mauvish/goldish with a few little trinkets hanging from the top. Not necessarily my thing, but it does make the products seem a little more glamourous. The got2B smoothing lustre lotion shapes, smooths, controls fly-aways and imparts a weightless lustre and softness. An extra bonus is the product contains a UV protector so it is ideal for you sun-worshippers. The hairspray has a slightly sweet scent and holds with a touchable finish. No crunchy hair here!
Lastly, all I can say, is my teenage daughter actually complemented my hair after I finished styling with these products. That is an amazing testimony on its own. And by the way, she now loves the products too!
Here's to finding your own beauty bargains!
HP Girl
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Mecca for Beauty Junkies
As you know, I usually single out just one or two products in my blog. But today I want to call out an awesome store and website for beauty junkies. It is called Ross Cosmetics and is located in Highland Park, Illinois on the North Shore of Chicago. The web address is www.rosscosmetic.com. The site is totally adorable so make sure you check it out!
There are several things that make Ross's (the store and the site) a Mecca. First of all, they have a HUGE selection of beauty products from mass brands like Maybelline and Revlon to high end skincare brands like Kinerase and Dermalogica. As the owner (and Beauty on the Cheap follower) Arden says, "If you can't find it here, you don't need it." Even better, all of their products are sold at a discount which, of course, appeals to the bargain hunter that I am.
And, if you prefer to spend your beauty dollars on your hair rather than your skin, Ross's can take care of you there too. They are known for their amazing selection of Curly Girl hair products which I'm told take you from frizzy to fabulous with one washing! All of their hair products are sold via special promotion which allows Ross's to pass along a great deal to their customers. You'll get the same product sold at your salon, but for less. Gotta love that!
So, next time you are surfing the web or cruising Highland Park, be sure to check out Ross Cosmetics. And stay tuned for more product reviews from other lines available there.
Till next time,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
There are several things that make Ross's (the store and the site) a Mecca. First of all, they have a HUGE selection of beauty products from mass brands like Maybelline and Revlon to high end skincare brands like Kinerase and Dermalogica. As the owner (and Beauty on the Cheap follower) Arden says, "If you can't find it here, you don't need it." Even better, all of their products are sold at a discount which, of course, appeals to the bargain hunter that I am.
And, if you prefer to spend your beauty dollars on your hair rather than your skin, Ross's can take care of you there too. They are known for their amazing selection of Curly Girl hair products which I'm told take you from frizzy to fabulous with one washing! All of their hair products are sold via special promotion which allows Ross's to pass along a great deal to their customers. You'll get the same product sold at your salon, but for less. Gotta love that!
So, next time you are surfing the web or cruising Highland Park, be sure to check out Ross Cosmetics. And stay tuned for more product reviews from other lines available there.
Till next time,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Get a Tan from a Can!
I haven't been able to stop thinking about how scary my white legs and arms are going to look in a swimsuit when I'm in Vegas in a couple of weeks. So, I decided the other day it was time to head to the drugstore to buy my favorite L'Oreal tanning towelettes. I couldn't find them anywhere on the shelf, so I asked the woman in the cosmetics department. Much to my dismay, she informed me that the product has been discontinued. How could they do that to me? Didn't EVERYBODY love those towelettes! They were easy to use: not messy, not stinky and left behind a nice even tan in a realistic color. Huge bummer. What is a pale girl to do?
Given my lack of success in the past with tanning foams, creams, lotions, I decided to try L'Oreal's new Sublime Bronze ProPerfect Airbruah Self-Tanning Mist. It came in different three different shades. Not being able to make such a monumental decision, I went with Medium. Sounds kind of boring, right? But, I have to say, the color actually gave my arms and legs a nice glow. I looked like I had some good color from the sun. I didn't look like a tanorexic either. Also a good thing.
The can is also easy to use. It has 360 degree continous spray providing "ultra even" application with no streaks. I can certainly vouch for that! At $8.99, it really is a good bargain....certainly cheaper than a spray tan at a salon or tanning salon. Most importantly, it is certainly more healthy than a tanning bed or a real tan. If I ever hear you are going to a tanning bed, my beauty junkie friends, I will have to come to your home and slap some sense into you! Since you don't want me to do that, please go buy this product and let me know how you like it!!
Given my lack of success in the past with tanning foams, creams, lotions, I decided to try L'Oreal's new Sublime Bronze ProPerfect Airbruah Self-Tanning Mist. It came in different three different shades. Not being able to make such a monumental decision, I went with Medium. Sounds kind of boring, right? But, I have to say, the color actually gave my arms and legs a nice glow. I looked like I had some good color from the sun. I didn't look like a tanorexic either. Also a good thing.
The can is also easy to use. It has 360 degree continous spray providing "ultra even" application with no streaks. I can certainly vouch for that! At $8.99, it really is a good bargain....certainly cheaper than a spray tan at a salon or tanning salon. Most importantly, it is certainly more healthy than a tanning bed or a real tan. If I ever hear you are going to a tanning bed, my beauty junkie friends, I will have to come to your home and slap some sense into you! Since you don't want me to do that, please go buy this product and let me know how you like it!!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Everybody Loves Parfait
Hello Beauty Junkies-
Remember that line from Shrek? Donkey says to Shrek that "Everybody loves Parfait."
Well, in the beauty product world everybody loves Votre Vu's Parfait Nuit (or Perfect Night, in English.) Parfait Nuit is a night creme for dry and aging skin. Badabing. That appeals to me on two counts! I bought it and loved it but just decided to write about it when my friend Julie called me to rave about it also.
Pafait Nuit is said to stimulate cell regeneration with Vitamins E and A, rosewood oil, jojoba oil and wheat germ oil. With all these oils, you might think the creme to be greasy. But, I promise you, it is not. In fact, what Julie and I liked about it was its light texture. Not heavy or thick like La Mer. And, of course, no where expensive as La Mer. The cost is $69 for 50 ml. Preferred members can save 10% to 50%.
You may think this price is still high for Beauty on the Cheap, but remember, that night cremes usually always cost more than day cremes because of the luxe and powerful ingredients found in them. Night cremes work especially well because your body warms up while sleeping, thus helping the product to absorb more deeply into your skin cells. And with Parfait Nuit, you wake up looking like a princess, not Shrek.
So, if you want to give it a try, you can find it on votrevu.com/productpeddler. The item number is 2035.
Enjoy this yummy, calorie-free parfait and have sweet dreams!
Remember that line from Shrek? Donkey says to Shrek that "Everybody loves Parfait."
Well, in the beauty product world everybody loves Votre Vu's Parfait Nuit (or Perfect Night, in English.) Parfait Nuit is a night creme for dry and aging skin. Badabing. That appeals to me on two counts! I bought it and loved it but just decided to write about it when my friend Julie called me to rave about it also.
Pafait Nuit is said to stimulate cell regeneration with Vitamins E and A, rosewood oil, jojoba oil and wheat germ oil. With all these oils, you might think the creme to be greasy. But, I promise you, it is not. In fact, what Julie and I liked about it was its light texture. Not heavy or thick like La Mer. And, of course, no where expensive as La Mer. The cost is $69 for 50 ml. Preferred members can save 10% to 50%.
You may think this price is still high for Beauty on the Cheap, but remember, that night cremes usually always cost more than day cremes because of the luxe and powerful ingredients found in them. Night cremes work especially well because your body warms up while sleeping, thus helping the product to absorb more deeply into your skin cells. And with Parfait Nuit, you wake up looking like a princess, not Shrek.
So, if you want to give it a try, you can find it on votrevu.com/productpeddler. The item number is 2035.
Enjoy this yummy, calorie-free parfait and have sweet dreams!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Eye Shadow that Lasts!
Hello Beauty Junkies-
It has been a while since I have written as I have been in search of a good, reasonably priced eye shadow. I finally found one on the Revlon rack at Walgreen's.
It is called ColorStay Mineral Eye Shadow. It comes in a bunch of different color combos, but I bought Tiger's Eye. It is a domed circle divided into three colors so that you can mix them all together or apply each separately. It doesn't come with a sponge applicator which is fine by me, because those usually stink anyway. And then they get all yucky and germy after using every day. I prefer just to apply with my finger or maybe you are good with brushes. The color does last a long time and because it is made with minerals, it is supposed to be better for your delicate eyelid skin. It was about $8.99 so it is definitely worth a try!
If you aren't one my followers getting email alerts to my updates, you can also follow me on Twitter.com.
It has been a while since I have written as I have been in search of a good, reasonably priced eye shadow. I finally found one on the Revlon rack at Walgreen's.
It is called ColorStay Mineral Eye Shadow. It comes in a bunch of different color combos, but I bought Tiger's Eye. It is a domed circle divided into three colors so that you can mix them all together or apply each separately. It doesn't come with a sponge applicator which is fine by me, because those usually stink anyway. And then they get all yucky and germy after using every day. I prefer just to apply with my finger or maybe you are good with brushes. The color does last a long time and because it is made with minerals, it is supposed to be better for your delicate eyelid skin. It was about $8.99 so it is definitely worth a try!
If you aren't one my followers getting email alerts to my updates, you can also follow me on Twitter.com.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
No More Raccoon Eyes!
Hello Beauty Junkies-
I can't believe it has taken me this long to write about one of the greatest inventions in the cosmetics world: "tube" mascara. I first tried tube mascara about three years ago. It was an English brand packaged in a gorgeous gold tube. If I remember correctly it was about $30 at Sephora. I loved it because it was the first mascara I had found in about 10 years (I am not exaggerating. I literally tried about 20 different brands/kinds of mascara!) that didn't give me raccoon circles under my eyes. It also didn't flake off and bother my very dry eyes. After a while that brand disappeared, but I found a new tube mascara at Sephora called Kiss. Unfortunately, it was still $27. I bought it because I knew the tube technology worked for me; but it still killed me to spend that much on a cosmetic you are supposed to throw away after three months.
Then, about three months ago, I found out Clinique was making a tube mascara. It is called "Lash Power Mascara" and is in a metallic grey tube. It has a tiny little brush that reaches all my tiny little lashes making them longer and fuller. It stays on all day (let's say 10 to 12 hours)and does not rub off. You just remove it (as you do with all tube mascaras) with warm water when you are washing your face. No eye makeup remover needed! Clinique's Lash Power Mascara costs $16.
That's still about $7 or $8 more than the drug store brands, so in the spirit of Beauty on the Cheap, I decided to check out the new L'Oreal brand I had seen on display at Walgreen's. It is called "Double Extend Beauty Tubes Technology." You will find it in a red and white package. What is really cool about the L'Oreal brand is it is basically two products-in-one. One side of the packaging holds a "nourishing basecoat" and the other side holds the "ultra-lengthening tube topcoat." According to the package, this combo gives you 80% longer lashes. I have to say my lashes were certainly thicker using this product vs. the Clinique. However, if you have tiny little lashes you may have a harder time applying the two coats of L'Oreal as the brush is much larger. If you like a larger brush, then L'Oreal's DoubleExtend Beauty Tubes Technology is definitely a winner! And what a great deal especially compared to the earlier tube mascaras priced at $30.
Now, go try some and bat those long beautiful lashes at your significant other this Valentine's Day!
I can't believe it has taken me this long to write about one of the greatest inventions in the cosmetics world: "tube" mascara. I first tried tube mascara about three years ago. It was an English brand packaged in a gorgeous gold tube. If I remember correctly it was about $30 at Sephora. I loved it because it was the first mascara I had found in about 10 years (I am not exaggerating. I literally tried about 20 different brands/kinds of mascara!) that didn't give me raccoon circles under my eyes. It also didn't flake off and bother my very dry eyes. After a while that brand disappeared, but I found a new tube mascara at Sephora called Kiss. Unfortunately, it was still $27. I bought it because I knew the tube technology worked for me; but it still killed me to spend that much on a cosmetic you are supposed to throw away after three months.
Then, about three months ago, I found out Clinique was making a tube mascara. It is called "Lash Power Mascara" and is in a metallic grey tube. It has a tiny little brush that reaches all my tiny little lashes making them longer and fuller. It stays on all day (let's say 10 to 12 hours)and does not rub off. You just remove it (as you do with all tube mascaras) with warm water when you are washing your face. No eye makeup remover needed! Clinique's Lash Power Mascara costs $16.
That's still about $7 or $8 more than the drug store brands, so in the spirit of Beauty on the Cheap, I decided to check out the new L'Oreal brand I had seen on display at Walgreen's. It is called "Double Extend Beauty Tubes Technology." You will find it in a red and white package. What is really cool about the L'Oreal brand is it is basically two products-in-one. One side of the packaging holds a "nourishing basecoat" and the other side holds the "ultra-lengthening tube topcoat." According to the package, this combo gives you 80% longer lashes. I have to say my lashes were certainly thicker using this product vs. the Clinique. However, if you have tiny little lashes you may have a harder time applying the two coats of L'Oreal as the brush is much larger. If you like a larger brush, then L'Oreal's DoubleExtend Beauty Tubes Technology is definitely a winner! And what a great deal especially compared to the earlier tube mascaras priced at $30.
Now, go try some and bat those long beautiful lashes at your significant other this Valentine's Day!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Parlez Vous Francais? Votre Vu Speaks It Beautifully
This past Thursday night, I attended a launch party for a fabulous new line of skincare, bodycare and haircare products called Votre Vu. The products are made in France but the company is based here in the good ole US of A. These products are made with the same fine, natural ingredients that you would find in other luxury products sold at high end department stores like Neiman's and Nordstrom.
However, mes amies, Votre Vu's products are priced at a fraction of the cost of those other French lines. The products range anywhere from $19 to $165...at least half the price of Sisley, La Mer and Clarins. Now, I will admit the base price of each item is higher than the other products I've reviewed so far in Beauty on the Cheap, however, there are some awesome deals to be had!
First of all, Preferred Members can take 10% off every retail priced purchase AND for every two items purchased at 10% off, you can choose a third item (even the most expensive one!) at 50% 0ff. There is a cost of $29.95 to become a Preferred Member but you can easily earn that money back in savings with your first order.
Here are a few of the best products I tried at the launch party:
Fleur Blanc Tonic - a moisturizing toner with gentle astringent properites of the White Lily. The scent and the feel of this product are heavenly. Retail cost (before any discounts) is $25.
Attentive Lait Pour Le Visage for Sensitive Skin - this creamy blue cleanser will remove makeup and other impurities while leaving your skin clean and fresh but not tight or red. This cleanser is $29 before discounts.
Luxee Yeux Eye Beauty Balm - this miracle worker promises to battle the three prominent signs of aging: moisture loss, collagen breakdown and free-radical damage. It is too early to tell if this indeed will help my aging orbitals, but I will tell you this balm soothed the fine lines under my eyes and over my lips immediately. (It is also great for cracking cuticles.) I love its consistency versus eye creams that are so heavy they migrate into the eyes and irritate them. Luxee Yeux costs $69 but if you are a Preferred Member, you could get it for half off as your third product!
Last but not least is Portrait Collar Restorative Neck Creme. Once you get to be on the back nine of your 40's, your neck starts to sag worse than the rest of your body. If you don't want to look like a turkey by next Thanksgiving, then I recommend you start using this product tout suite. The skin on your neck is thicker and heavier than the skin on your face, so you need a richer cream to do the heavy lifting. Don't worry though, it absorbs quickly so you won't have to worry about any residue on your turtleneck. This gem is $49 before the Preferred Member discount.
You can view the entire line and order products from this website: www.votrevu.com/productpeddler. If you really need cash to support your beauty habit, you can sign up to sell Votre Vu too.
Have no fear, Beauty Junkies, I will continue to review all the great, cheap products I find at the drugstore including cosmetics.
Please post your response or questions. I love to hear what you think or to hear what products you like!
However, mes amies, Votre Vu's products are priced at a fraction of the cost of those other French lines. The products range anywhere from $19 to $165...at least half the price of Sisley, La Mer and Clarins. Now, I will admit the base price of each item is higher than the other products I've reviewed so far in Beauty on the Cheap, however, there are some awesome deals to be had!
First of all, Preferred Members can take 10% off every retail priced purchase AND for every two items purchased at 10% off, you can choose a third item (even the most expensive one!) at 50% 0ff. There is a cost of $29.95 to become a Preferred Member but you can easily earn that money back in savings with your first order.
Here are a few of the best products I tried at the launch party:
Fleur Blanc Tonic - a moisturizing toner with gentle astringent properites of the White Lily. The scent and the feel of this product are heavenly. Retail cost (before any discounts) is $25.
Attentive Lait Pour Le Visage for Sensitive Skin - this creamy blue cleanser will remove makeup and other impurities while leaving your skin clean and fresh but not tight or red. This cleanser is $29 before discounts.
Luxee Yeux Eye Beauty Balm - this miracle worker promises to battle the three prominent signs of aging: moisture loss, collagen breakdown and free-radical damage. It is too early to tell if this indeed will help my aging orbitals, but I will tell you this balm soothed the fine lines under my eyes and over my lips immediately. (It is also great for cracking cuticles.) I love its consistency versus eye creams that are so heavy they migrate into the eyes and irritate them. Luxee Yeux costs $69 but if you are a Preferred Member, you could get it for half off as your third product!
Last but not least is Portrait Collar Restorative Neck Creme. Once you get to be on the back nine of your 40's, your neck starts to sag worse than the rest of your body. If you don't want to look like a turkey by next Thanksgiving, then I recommend you start using this product tout suite. The skin on your neck is thicker and heavier than the skin on your face, so you need a richer cream to do the heavy lifting. Don't worry though, it absorbs quickly so you won't have to worry about any residue on your turtleneck. This gem is $49 before the Preferred Member discount.
You can view the entire line and order products from this website: www.votrevu.com/productpeddler. If you really need cash to support your beauty habit, you can sign up to sell Votre Vu too.
Have no fear, Beauty Junkies, I will continue to review all the great, cheap products I find at the drugstore including cosmetics.
Please post your response or questions. I love to hear what you think or to hear what products you like!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Awesome Shampoo and Conditioner
Hello Again Fellow Beauty Junkies!
While flipping through a national beauty magazine earlier this week, I saw an ad from Organix for a line of shampoos and conditioners that are made without sulfates (I think I have the word correct.) Anyway, sulfates are added to provide more fluffy lather but it has been found that this chemical is a toxin. In addition, to not being good for you, it actually strips your hair of color. The product is also not tested on animals.
With all that being said, what really caught my attention was the yummy scents that Organix offers. So, I went to Walgreen's to check them out. First of all, I was pleasantly surprised to see the wide selection carried. Best of all, the shampoo and conditioner were $6.99 each. Certainly more than Suave but a heck of a lot less than my salon shampoo.
I chose the Pomegranate Green Tea Shampoo and the Shea Butter Conditioner. According to the shampoo bottle, the Pomegranate Green Tea will "Revitalize your senses with sensual and exotic antioxidant rich organic pomegranate extracts and green tea which target dry and brittle hair while awakening follicles to create a clean and rejuvenating experience, adding a brilliant and luminescent shine." Wow, that is a big promise!
The Shea Butter Conditioner promises to "Indulge your senses with this weightless creamy blend of shea butter and ultra whipped yogurt proteins to nourish and smooth your hair with avocado oils to crate somooth frizz-free shiny hairy." Holy cow!
I couldn't wait to find out if this was just marketing drivel or for real. Well, I'm here to tell you that I loved it! And so did my teenage daughter. First of all, the scents were amazing. Showering was like a mini-vacation to Hawaii. Ok...that is an exaggeration but the fruity and coconut smells were reminiscent of a trip to the islands. The fragrance lasted until the next day. Every time I swished my hair, I got a nice little lift. Best of all, my hair was smooth, shiny and manageable.
Bottom line: I highly recommend Organix Shampoo and Conditioner. Let me know if you try any of the other shampoos or conditioners in their line.
While flipping through a national beauty magazine earlier this week, I saw an ad from Organix for a line of shampoos and conditioners that are made without sulfates (I think I have the word correct.) Anyway, sulfates are added to provide more fluffy lather but it has been found that this chemical is a toxin. In addition, to not being good for you, it actually strips your hair of color. The product is also not tested on animals.
With all that being said, what really caught my attention was the yummy scents that Organix offers. So, I went to Walgreen's to check them out. First of all, I was pleasantly surprised to see the wide selection carried. Best of all, the shampoo and conditioner were $6.99 each. Certainly more than Suave but a heck of a lot less than my salon shampoo.
I chose the Pomegranate Green Tea Shampoo and the Shea Butter Conditioner. According to the shampoo bottle, the Pomegranate Green Tea will "Revitalize your senses with sensual and exotic antioxidant rich organic pomegranate extracts and green tea which target dry and brittle hair while awakening follicles to create a clean and rejuvenating experience, adding a brilliant and luminescent shine." Wow, that is a big promise!
The Shea Butter Conditioner promises to "Indulge your senses with this weightless creamy blend of shea butter and ultra whipped yogurt proteins to nourish and smooth your hair with avocado oils to crate somooth frizz-free shiny hairy." Holy cow!
I couldn't wait to find out if this was just marketing drivel or for real. Well, I'm here to tell you that I loved it! And so did my teenage daughter. First of all, the scents were amazing. Showering was like a mini-vacation to Hawaii. Ok...that is an exaggeration but the fruity and coconut smells were reminiscent of a trip to the islands. The fragrance lasted until the next day. Every time I swished my hair, I got a nice little lift. Best of all, my hair was smooth, shiny and manageable.
Bottom line: I highly recommend Organix Shampoo and Conditioner. Let me know if you try any of the other shampoos or conditioners in their line.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Cutting back on beauty products
Hello fellow beauty junkies:
Last month I lost my job. The upside is that I already look a little better now that I don't have work stress making my skin break out. However, there are some beauty problems that only a great product can solve. Unfortunately, given the lack of a paycheck, I know I am going to have to cut back on my beauty spending. Not so uncommon these days so maybe many of you can relate.
Here's how my beauty shopping used to work. I'd go troll the aisles of Bloomies or Sephora or if I were feeling really ritzy Neiman's. I'd go from counter to counter looking at all the gorgeous jars and bottles until some salesperson noticed that I was an easy (very easy) sell. Then I'd let them try anything on me and would end up spending anywhere from $50 to $300 for products that promised to erase wrinkes, diminish brown spots or add glow to my lackluster skin. Ahh, those were the days!
But fear not, beauty junkies, hope can also be found in the aisle of Walgreen's and CVS! It had only been about two weeks since I had lost my job when I felt the old familiar urge to buy some new product. Given the austerity program by which my husband and I now must live, I decided to check out what was available at the drugstore right in my own neighborhood.
Lucky for me, and now lucky for you, I found two great products from Aveeno. The first is Positively Ageless Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30. This is a great day creme: it smells nice, goes on smoothly and easily and it seems to be working on my skin! The SPF 30 is key! My dermatologist told me never to leave the house without a minimum of SPF 30...even if it is raining! That is what keeps the wrinkles and brown spots away! I got this product on sale for $14.99.
The second product from Aveeno is for night. It is called Positively Ageless Lifting and Firming Cream. It comes in a nice little jar and smells divine! Just a little bit goes along way. You will wake up in the morning looking like a new woman! The night creme was $19.99 but seems to be working just as well as any of those $100+ night cremes I used to buy at the department stores.
Try them and let me know what you think!!
Stay tuned for more beauty on the cheap.
Best in beauty,
HP Girl
Last month I lost my job. The upside is that I already look a little better now that I don't have work stress making my skin break out. However, there are some beauty problems that only a great product can solve. Unfortunately, given the lack of a paycheck, I know I am going to have to cut back on my beauty spending. Not so uncommon these days so maybe many of you can relate.
Here's how my beauty shopping used to work. I'd go troll the aisles of Bloomies or Sephora or if I were feeling really ritzy Neiman's. I'd go from counter to counter looking at all the gorgeous jars and bottles until some salesperson noticed that I was an easy (very easy) sell. Then I'd let them try anything on me and would end up spending anywhere from $50 to $300 for products that promised to erase wrinkes, diminish brown spots or add glow to my lackluster skin. Ahh, those were the days!
But fear not, beauty junkies, hope can also be found in the aisle of Walgreen's and CVS! It had only been about two weeks since I had lost my job when I felt the old familiar urge to buy some new product. Given the austerity program by which my husband and I now must live, I decided to check out what was available at the drugstore right in my own neighborhood.
Lucky for me, and now lucky for you, I found two great products from Aveeno. The first is Positively Ageless Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30. This is a great day creme: it smells nice, goes on smoothly and easily and it seems to be working on my skin! The SPF 30 is key! My dermatologist told me never to leave the house without a minimum of SPF 30...even if it is raining! That is what keeps the wrinkles and brown spots away! I got this product on sale for $14.99.
The second product from Aveeno is for night. It is called Positively Ageless Lifting and Firming Cream. It comes in a nice little jar and smells divine! Just a little bit goes along way. You will wake up in the morning looking like a new woman! The night creme was $19.99 but seems to be working just as well as any of those $100+ night cremes I used to buy at the department stores.
Try them and let me know what you think!!
Stay tuned for more beauty on the cheap.
Best in beauty,
HP Girl
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
