Beauty Blog » 2009 » June

Many of you may be Target freaks like myself.  They have everything you need for everything!  The price points are pretty cheap with the exception of the slowly rising prices of the GO collections that feature different designers.  That stuff is actually gettin’ pretty expensive which is unfortunate.   Upon a recent trip (the purpose of which was to return my very expensive dress that was part of the latest GO collection, designed by Tracy Fieth) I knew I wanted a store credit due to the fact that I was in need of some cheapie cosmetics including some liquid liner, blush and lip balm.  Target’s perfect for this stuff! So, I take my $30 credit and start browsing every aisle, not being discriminatory in the least.  After surveying my basket, which included $6 pillowcases which were 250 thread count, a $13 eco-friendly Blue Sage and Aloe candle–which smelled fantastic and looked pretty, I happened to check out the “pajama/sportswear” area and found what has now become my favorite bathrobe in the whole world.  Literally!!! Gilligan & O’Malley is a label that you’ve seen at Target for what seems like forever.  It also used to grace the racks at Mervyn’s when it still existed. An inexpensive, quality brand that sells pretty intimates and things.  I was drawn to a rack of white and baby blue cotton nighties and robes that were under 20 bucks.   The robe was super soft cotton, with long sleeves, and a perfectly short length for humid/hot summer mornings.  I was in love! I searched the Target website in search of the exact same one in order to share it with you, but only found one that looks almost exactly like it, except this one is a baby blue and white paisley instead of my baby blue and white floral.  Same price, same super soft cotton.

Gilligan O’Malley Woven Robe: $19.99

This robe also comes in white for all you purists out there.  I’ve been wearing mine every morning.  I feel so glamorous and girly in it, and its definitely made my beauty routine more fun.  One of the best parts about it I think is not only the softness and simplicity of it, but the fact that its so lightweight for warm mornings.  When it’s hot, and you’ve just gotten out of a warm shower, and then have to turn on a warm air blowing hair dryer…the last thing I wanna do is put on a heavy chenille or terrycloth robe–although these are awesome.  The print is a more mature floral too and not all bright pink with dogs and college logos.  When I wear my robe now, I don’t feel like I’m in a shared bathroom at a college dorm which is oh so nice…

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more robes.

If you follow celebrity fashion or keep in touch with the latest music videos, you might be wondering why the nails that the ladies are sporting look extra spunky these days.  It is thanks to a revolutionary new nail treatment called Minx made from flexible film strips applied to the nails using a heat lamp.  The high gloss, long wearing coating takes about 15-20 minutes for application and needs absolutely no drying time, therefore avoiding accidental smudging or denting.  They are supposed to last for 1-2 weeks without chipping.  To remove them at home you just warm up the film with a hair dryer and peel it off.

So, if you are tired of your run of the mill, timid polishes and can’t stand fake nails either, check out Minx’s stunning array of selection.  The solids are anything but boring (think gold metallic like Beyonce in “Single Ladies” or chrome silver) .

The patterns range from intricate, delicate bridal laces to bold and brash animal prints.  You could even custom design a favorite photo into a nail coating.  How is that for a choice?  If you are worried about any harsh chemicals in the formula, you can relax.  Since it requires only heat for application and removal, it contains no harmful substances and is totally eco-friendly.

This hot new trend sported by the likes of Beyonce, Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Pink, Fergie, Christina Aguilera, Victoria Bekham among others, can now be found at Spa Nordstorm Escape. Or, to find a Minx nail salon in your part of the country, try the spa finder at Minxnails.com.  At Nordstorm , getting a minx treatment would cost you $50 including manicure and just $30 without manicure.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more manicure supplies.

Not everyone likes the smell or taste of ginger.  The natural root though is so amazing and fantastic!  One of the purest sources for antioxidants, its great for your body and skin…well Origins thinks so at least, and I am in total agreement.  I would say for the last three, four, maybe even five years, Origins has been pushing their line of Ginger essences and infused products. The products are geared mostly towards body care with scrubs, body washes, and creams all infused with the scent and ingredient of ginger, lemon, lime, and bergamot. As a fan of stealing unwanted beauty products from my mother’s medicine cabinet and bathroom shelves, I happened to find a brand new tub of Origins Incredible Spreadable Scrub…

This scrub is a $26 value and my mom didn’t want it!  So, I took it and used it all…the results on my skin were awesome!  Not only did it leave my skin smelling fresh and sweet, but my skin was glowing, thanks to the sugar, salt and olive oil ingredients in the scrub.  So, now I knew I liked this line Origins has been offering for what seemed like forever.  I ventured out and picked up the Ginger Gloss, a smoothing body oil that comes in a small spray bottle.  This was $18.50 and worth every penny!

It smells wonderful and not only can I use it on my skin without getting oily hands, but I also spray it lightly in my hair for some extra sheen and fragrant locks.  If you are a fan of natural, aroma-therapeutic scents…this is the way to go.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more body scrubs and body oil.

Liquid eyeliner is fun.  I’ve always worn it (not on a daily basis) but when the occasion is right or the outfit calls for it, I will put it on.  The benefit of wearing it is that liquid eyeliner can be dramatic without all the fuss of smudging regular pencil liner onto your lids, putting it on the inner rim, etc.  Really, it should only be worn on the top lid, some may disagree.  There are many cosmetic companies that make liquid versions, but when it comes to this product in particular, I’ve always gone with the more inexpensive brands that I find at the drugstore.  I guess for a while I was using it so frequently that I felt it wouldn’t make sense to spend $20 on one tube that would be gone shortly.  So, I started trying out different types from the drugstore and found that Almay makes a great liquid liner at a great price of $7.49 roughly.

Almay Liquid Eyeliner in Black: $6.30

This liner is fantastic!  I used it for several months and found that it goes on easy and washes off with soap and water…come on..who doesn’t love that factor?!  When applying, just pull the eyelid taut and with a steady hand, slide a thin line of the liquid across the base of your eyelid, closest to your lashes as possible.  Let dry for a sec and your done.  Mistakes will almost always be made so have a q-tip handy to clean up.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more affordable liquid eyeliner.

I do love when cosmetic companies issue out some neatly packaged new color palette that basically has the right amount of everything you’ll need for three or four months, even longer sometimes.  I used to indulge frequently in seasonal beauty palettes because not only do they boast great new colors in one set, (along with fancy makeup brushes and pint size lip glosses) but they are also reasonably priced for getting all of that product.  Right now if I were to shell out for one, it would be this Tarte Spring Greening Reusable Straw Palette ($20).

The packaging on this is so cute and summery!  It is a sustainable and reusable straw palette that is filled with a bamboo eyeshadow brush, six new shades of mineral eyeshadow and three lip glosses.  The tray inside is made of post consumer waste and can either be recycled when you’re done using the shadows. The products themselves are all paraben free and the lip glosses are infused with acai, pomegranate, and gogi berry.

Use coupon code 3SJ9HQ at checkout at Sephora.com and get FREE SHIPPING on orders over $25.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more makeup and cosmetics.

There was a time where I wore liquid face makeup on a regular basis.  Then I would switch it up and wear powder, or an all-in-one type of cream.  I’ve tried many formulas and shades and more recently just gave up and stopped wearing any face makeup.  I guess I just got lazy, but when I do use it, I opt for liquid and I use it sparingly, only dabbing some on my cheeks and nose.  I was stuck on L’Oreal’s True Match with an SPF 15…I love this stuff, but now if I were to go back I would try something different.  The trick with foundation is of course finding a shade that matches your skin tone.  This can be difficult.  If you stock up on your goods at the beauty counter, then a makeup specialist can guide you in the proper direction.  If you are cruising the aisles at your local drugstore, you have to use your best judgment in choosing the best shade for yourself.  This summer, I would recommend going with a tinted moisturizer.  Stila makes a good one with sunscreen in it…

Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15: $34

By choosing a tinted moisturizer, you lower your chances of picking a shade that is way off since the pigmentation is less concentrated.  For those of you who need more coverage, there are of course a slew of other options, but as a former beauty consultant myself…this is my top recommendation.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more tinted moisturizers.
Discounts on Stila Cosmetics.

I really try not to buy “cheap” mascara.  I hate calling them cheap, but drugstore mascaras $10 and under fall into this category for me.  Of course, what girl doesn’t like buying the good stuff like Clinique, Dior, and Lancome?  But lately, I’ve not only needed to make a few sacrifices when it comes to splurges but taking the time to go to the make up counter at the mall is kind of a hassle.  So, I picked up a cheapie at my local drugstore the other night and I was totally impressed with what I found.  L’Oreal has created a new formula for the lashes, Bare Naturale Mascara…

The new mineral enriched formula is specifically geared towards lengthening and is made with 86% natural orgin-ingredients like jojoba oil, vitamin E and aloe vera.  This mascara is totally eco-friendly and paraben free, plus it only cost me about $10.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more mascara.
Discounts on L’Oreal cosmetics.

My next beauty buy will probably be an eco-friendly, natural sunscreen.  I’m opting for that over tanning oil this summer since I am not getting any younger and would love to save my skin!  Natural sunscreen isn’t any more expensive than your typical Coppertone and Banana Boat formulas, and they probably smell better and have less harsh chemically infused ingredients.  Here are a few that have a definite appeal factor…

Alba Botanica Facial Sunscreen: $5.24

This is made for sensitive skin and has ingredients like chamomile, green tea and aloe vera.

Soleo Organics All Natural Sunscreen: $16.31

This is great for adults and children and is 100% chemical free.

Don’t forget! You have to re-apply sunscreen every couple of hours while in the sun, it rubs off easily with sweat, clothing, water, etc.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more sunscreen.

“Less is more” is a pretty good motto to stick to when considering your summer wardrobe.  It should also be something to live by when it comes to your makeup products and what you’ll be using on your face in the warmer months.  My skin gets really dry during the summer, especially on my face.  It also needs some serious exfoliating almost every other day after being in the sun and slathering layers of sunscreen on for protection (this sometimes clogs the pores too.)  Picking a nutrient rich moisturizer is a good idea for the summer, if you have an oilier complexion then go for something lighter.  The regular face exfoliation will keep your skin glowing and moisturizer will glide on.  Many think and are used to heavier, grainy scrubs but a dermatologist informed me that these may actually end up causing damage to your skin and pores because they are too abrasive.  A great, natural exfoliating tool that has always worked wonders for me are these small little cellulose facial sponges.

Eco Tools Cellulose Facial Sponges: $5.99

Use these with your normal face cleanser for gentle exfoliation.  Your skin will feel extra fresh and soft afterward so don’t layer on heavy foundation, instead moisturize and keep it simple with blush.  Those with drier complexions may want to go for a cream blush for a dewier look, the opposite applies for oily girls…I would stick with powder.  If you do opt for cream, definitely go with the Stila Convertible Color Compact $25, sephora.com

This stuff is the ultimate all-in-one product.  Peony and Petunia were my favorite shades, and all I would ever need to do is dab a bit on my cheeks with my fingertips and also dab a little on my lips, sometimes topping with a clear lip gloss for extra shine.  I would finish with mascara and that’s the extent of my summer beauty routine…keeping it simple never felt so good!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more facial sponges.

Most of my beauty products last for a while, but when they do run out its usually all at once.  This means I have to go get everything that I am out of all at once, and that can get expensive.  I hadn’t been to Target in a while, but the trip was taken at the perfect time because that very morning I had run out of face wash.  Well, of course, once there I seemed to realize that I needed more of everything: moisturizer, mouthwash, shampoo and conditioner.  During the beauty product re-stocking bonanza I was on, my attention was suddenly diverted to a new line of natural face and skin care products that Target was now carrying. 

Boots, a UK based pharmacy and beauty retailer, has integrated a few of its skin care lines into the national superstore chain.  What drew me to Boots at first glance was its packaging.  Bottled up like old fashioned fancy bath products, I figured some of the stuff would be a little higher in price.  By that I’m thinking $14.99 for body wash, but prices were lower than I thought and even an extra 15% off.  When an entire line of products is being discounted I tend to become a little suspicious that the store is trying to get rid of those products quickly maybe because they were a bad batch of some sort, but I didn’t let my mind go there.  Instead, I couldn’t decide between the Bergamont and Clary Sage Bath Foam and the Geranium Cleansing Face Milk.  Both were packaged so nicely and at a good price, I decided on the bath foam which smells fantastic.

I haven’t used it yet, but I have set the pretty glass bottle it comes in on my bathtub and get happy just looking at it!

Boots Original Beauty Formula Bath Foam: $12.99 for 8.4 ounces

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more bath foams.
Discounts on bath products.