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

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

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!

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