Thursday, July 30, 2009
Promo Card
Monday, July 13, 2009
My Summer Beauty Bargains
Now that we're into the hot summer months, I wanted to share my favorite drug-store essentials for looking and feeling great without breaking the bank. When the weather is warm and we're running around to barbecues, hikes, and street fairs, the last thing we want to think about is packing on a ton of makeup. We want things that save us time and money and don't require much maintenance.
1. Psssssst Instant Spray Shampoo
This is my secret weapon in the summer and all year long. Psssssst removes excess oil and dirt from the hair and extends time in between washings. I know that I don't like washing my hair every day and when we're sweating and reapplying sunscreen all day, our tresses can start to look a little less than fresh a lot more quickly. A little spray of this and brush through, and your hair looks newly washed. Now that I have bangs, this is a life saver. My bangs get greasy so much faster than the rest of my hair, and I use this to revitalize them instantly. The best part is that it runs about $6 a can and can be bought at your local drugstore. I always get mine at Walgreens.
2. Face Secrets Blotting Papers
By now, we all know about blotting papers. Those thin little sheets that soak up any excess shine. A definite summer essential. I don't like powdered blotting papers because of the mess they leave. Constantly applying powder to absorb shine results in gunky build-up. These blotting papers from Face Secrets found at Sally Beauty are budget-friendly at $2.99 and such a good value. They are a bigger size than most, so you use less and you get 150 per pack. They also come in a convenient pouch that fits right in your purse or pocket.
My lips get dry all year round, but they especially need extra moisture during the summer. Aquaphor Healing Ointment keeps my lips soft and moisturized without leaving a greasy or waxy residue. It absorbs quickly and comes in small travel tubes for less than $2. If you don't see it in the travel size section of your drug store, it will be located by the lotions. This is a must that I keep in my purse, pocket, and makeup kit at all times. It is the first thing I apply to models when they sit in my chair. It also serves triple duty since it is great for any dry patches of skin, and can also work on a Q-tip to remove any mascara run off when you get out of the pool. Just be sure to also use a lip balm with SPF if you are out in the sun!
4. Revlon ColorStay Mineral LipGlaze
This is a soft, highly pigmented gloss that really lasts without that drying or sticky feeling of other long-wearing lip products. I swiped it on in Neverending Nude and I really liked that it gave enough color and shine without looking pasted on. Unlimited Nectar is more a shimmery peach color that looks great on its own, and also works layered over another color. For $8.99 it is a good deal, and remember to keep an eye out for sales on cosmetics at your local drugstore. Especially on newer products like this, you can usually find it for cheaper than its regular price.
5. Cover Girl Outlast Lipstains
If you want a lip color that is more matte than gloss, try these Lipstains. They are felt-tip pens that impart a liquid stain of color that instantly absorbs onto your lip. It feels like you're wearing nothing at all and looks like you've just finished eating a popsicle. The color lasts and you can layer your favorite gloss over the top. If you're not used to bright lips, try these out. A beautiful look for Summer is to leave the eye clean other than a couple of coats of mascara and pop on a bright lip. I love Wild Berry Wink for a bright berry pout, and Flirty Nude for more of subtle kiss of color. I picked up both when they were buy one get one free. Regularly they are $7.49-$7.99
6. Cover Girl Eye Enhancer's Trio
Another fun look for Summer is to try out a brighter, bolder color on your lids and keep your lips more tame. If you are trying out a new shade for the first time, I always suggest trying out the drugstore brand first. The bright blues in Cover Girl's Eye Enhancers Trio in Blazing Blues look beautiful on brown, green and hazel eyes. Since you may never wear the color again, you can feel better about trying it out if you're only spending $4.99 for three shades. Any easy way to break into bold hues is to try it out as your liner first. Use the darkest color blended into your lash line and soften the line. It will give you a feel of how the shade looks with your coloring and you won't feel like a clown. Then you can venture out to doing a soft wash of the lighter shade of blue across your lid. Have fun and play around. You will be surprised at how many bright colors will look great.
7. Banana Boat Sun Wear Faces Oil-Free daily sunscreen lotion with SPF 30
Of course, sunscreen is an essential for maintaining a beautiful face now, and 20 years from now. I'm always looking for high SPF face sunscreens that don't make me feel like I'm going to break out in five minutes. This summer I have been using Banana Boat's Sun Wear Faces Oil-Free daily sunscreen lotion with SPF 30. It is lightweight and absorbs quickly. I reapply it every couple of hours on a regular day. If I'm out in direct sun, I reapply it every 30-60 minutes or whenever I get out of the water. This one runs about $8. If you want to invest a little more into a wonderful sunscreen moisturizer, try out Mario Badescu's Suncare which is $22, but it provides both UVA and UVB protection and contains aloe vera gel and eucalyptus oil for their soothing properties. Mario Badescu products can be found at http://mariobadescu.com or locally at Dolce Vita in the Pearl District or Blush Beauty Bar on NW 23rd.
9. Paula Dorf Special Camouflage
This is my absolutely favorite must-have not only for summertime, but all year. I won't leave the house without it tucked in my purse, and it works on just about anyone who has very fair to a darker medium skin tone. I would only not recommend it for the darkest skin tones. It does so many different jobs and you could easily just use this one product and look refreshed and bright-eyed. The salmon color cancels out the dark blue and green tones that cause darkness around the eyes. Instead of using a lighter concealer which can end up looking gray, I mix a little of the yellow and the salmon together and place it right at the inside corner of the eye against the nose and just into the darkest area under the eye. It is a thick formula, so only use a tiny bit and blend it with the warmth of your finger. The yellow alone can be used to brighten and highlight. The two colors can also be blended to create the perfect shade for spot covering as well. At $23, this is definitely the highest tagged item on the list, but it will be your new favorite product and will really last since you don't need much. When we're saving money on all of our other products, this would be the one place to splurge. It can be purchased at http://www.pauladorf.com/p-52-special-camouflage.aspx or locally at Dolce Vita in the Pearl District.
Ok, so these are my must-have items to keep you fresh and flirty all Summer. Enjoy!
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