Drug Store Deals!

If you have ever wondered what the difference between drugstore and department store products are you aren't alone.  Navigating the cosmetic industry and aisles can be a daunting task!!!  I use mostly department store products because my experience has been, you get what you pay for.  With that said, there are plenty of good finds at the drugstore as well.  Below are a list of products I like and use that you can find at any local drugstore.

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer $9.49
This daily moisturizer gives you a subtle and natural tan
that builds as you use it.  It smells good too!  I have been
using this for 3 days and can already see a difference.
This is a great alternative to pricey self tanners, tanning
beds and laying out at the pool all day.

Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter $13.99
This is the best belly butter and I recommend it to anyone that is expecting.  Tried and true- I didn't get any stretch marks!

Sonia Kashuk Brushes prices vary
Great product for the price!!!  My favorite brush is the large contoured/angled blush brush.  I have had it for 5 years and it is in great condition still.  Check out some of the sets- they are great for travel.

Revlon eyeshadow in Peacock Lustre $4
A great trend is emerald eyeshadow, use this
along with a black eyeliner for a sultry look.
I also recommend using this eyeshadow as your
eyeliner for a more daytime appropriate look









Do you have a favorite drugstore find?  Let me know so I can try it out!

Melting Makeup

The warm summer months bring vacations, outdoor patios, glowing tans and inevitably a shiny forehead (so not cool).  If you are like most women minimizing shine is an endless task.  With a few of the right products and a cool attitude you can keep your skin glowing, not shining, and your makeup looking fresh all day.



First: re-evaluate the moisturizer you are using.  The lighter the better and preferably one with an SPF (to keep the wrinkles away too).  I like Philosophy's Hope in a Jar with SPF 25, it is light-weight, quick absorbing and protects.  Then use an oil free primer in your shine-prone areas (forehead, nose).  The absolute best primer on the market is by Laura Mercier, make sure to get the oil free primer.








Now you are ready for makeup!  I suggest two options: liquid or sheer powder.  If you use a liquid try something light weight, like a tinted moisturizer.  Bobbi Brown and Laura Mercier make great ones.  The other option is to use a sheer pressed powder that will help minimize shine but still give coverage.  Combat the mid-day shine by carrying with you blotting papers.  Shiseido makes the best!!!

Remember:  you don't want to be completely matte.  All skin has a natural shine and makes you look healthy, but you don't want that "just went running shine".  

Party Perfect Makeup

There are two typical party looks- smoky eyes or bold lips.  Both can be perfect for a special night out or party.  The trick is to keep the focus on one feature on the face.  With both looks it is important to have defined brows (they help frame the face like a picture) be careful not to have drawn on brows, just defined. 

Smoky Eyes

Dramatic eye makeup can be rock ‘n’ roll or refined.  This is a great option for nights when you are tired and want to look fresh because the eye makeup will help distract from the bags or shadows under your eyes.  I love the look of a sheer gold shadow all over the lid (just to the natural crease) and heavy dark black eye liner.  Keep the eyeliner thicker toward the outer corner of the eye on the top and bottom lash lines and smudge it.  The last step is at least two coats of mascara, minimum!  I like Hypnose mascara in deep black by Lancôme.

Keep the rest of your look simple, perhaps a soft shine nude lipstick.

Bold Lips

This look is great when you want to look dressed up but not made up.  Pick your signature color, if you don’t have one here are some color suggestions:

·         Red is great for holiday parties, try MAC Viva Glam I

·         Coral is a bright option for spring and summer, check out Clinique colour surge butter shine lipstick in Ambrosia

·         Bright Pink is fun for a night out with the girls, try NARS pure matte lipstick in Carthage

Line the lips with a lip liner that is a more natural shade of the lipstick color you choose.  Be sure to use the side of the lip liner, not the tip for a smoother outline and then blend in the color.  Then fill in lips with your choice lipstick.

As with the smoky eye you want to keep the rest of your look clean.  A bold lip is paired well with a simply lined eye and of course, two coats of mascara!

Try these looks out and tell me what your favorite is!  I love hearing about new colors and ideas.

Fabulous Feet

I am fairly certain it has been raining since it stopped snowing, and if the rain ever stops it will be time for open toe shoes and shorter hemlines.  I have this amazing pair of wedge sandals I have been lusting after for 2 years and I finally bought them, but I haven't been able to wear them yet.  So yesterday I gave myself a pedicure in hopes that it would stop the rain and bring the warmer weather.  Here is a step by step:






Step 1:  Soak your feet in warm water for 3 minutes.
Step 2:  Scrub and rub. Massage a handful of scrub onto the skin.
TIP- use an oil based product that will help moisturize while exfoliating.
Step 3:  Shape nails.  Trim nails with clippers and file with emery board to desired shape.
Step 4:  Moisturize. Rub a nourishing cream on your feet, focusing on dry areas (heels and cuticles).
Step 5:  Polish.  Remove moisturizer from nails first with nail polish remover.  Using a base coat, 2 coats of color and a topcoat will help your color last longer.
TIP- Allow nails to dry for at least 15 minutes (it can take up to 2 hours for them to fully dry).

Here are some of my favorite colors for your fabulous feet this spring and summer:

       It's Raining Men                         Super Bossa Nova