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Find out what products to splurge on and when to save your hard-earned dollars |
 You don't have to spend half your paycheck on skincare products to stay wrinkle and pimple-free. Dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban and P&G scientist Mary Begovic Johnson helped us compare products with similar ingredients that are very different in cost to see which are really worth the price. Here's what we found. |
... reps from BeautyBank, which is behind all the beauty lines featured in Kohl's stores: American Beauty, Grassroots Research Labs, Good Skin Pharmacy, Daisy Fuentes Beauty and Flirt! I'll have more specific information on products and product reviews coming for you in the next several days, but as a teaser, I just want you to know that I am really pleased with the level and wide array of products currently being offered in Kohl's stores. If you're looking for Beauty for a Bargain or Affordable Alternatives, Kohl's may just be the place for you!
Well, Cover Girl doesn't necessarily have the most glamorous image, but I've always thought of the brand as having that kind of every woman, all-American flair, and lately, with the addition of the TruBlend and Queen lines, the brand has really branched into the more multi-racial, diverse market, which I greatly appreciate. I encourage all women to purchase products from whatever line meets their needs. While trailing down the Cover Girl display at my local Walgreen's, I came across the Cheekers Blush in Golden Pink. The shade looked interesting in the package, so I picked it up.
I have been quite impressed with the product. I still don't love that Cover Girl's blushes all seem to have the same mentholated smell (What is up with that?), but I found the color of the product to be wonderful - it is actually quite similar to NARS' Orgasm, if you ask me, but even better on my medium brown skin. The color is true and long-lasting and, if you can get past the smell, I think you'll be pleased. And at around $4, it is a great budget beauty buy.
In keeping with my "Affordable Alternatives" series:
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See how to get the look of your favorite Nars, Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent lipsticks at drugstore prices |
 Why spend $30 on a lipstick when you can spend $3 and get the exact same look? We asked celebrity makeup artists Molly Stern and Fiona Stiles to share their favorite lipstick look-a-likes -- and they delivered exact shade and texture matches (no one will be able to tell the difference). Now you can get the look of a Chanel lipstick and still afford a night out. |
If you're a true beautynista, but you're a beauty booty lover on a budget, allow me to recommend NYX Cosmetics. NYX is a budget brand that can be found at large beauty supply stores, often the ones in the 'hood. If youre unable to find it in any of your local beauty supply stores, NYX Cosmetics are also available for purchase on Cherry Culture.com (where one of my favorite beauty bloggers, Vanessa, is a beauty expert). According to many beauty bloggers and beauty lovers, NYX products are comparable to higher-priced beauty brands. I particularly love the NYX Round Lipsticks, the Rouge Cream Blush and, the product I'm reviewing here - the NYX Mosaic Powder Blush.
Continue reading "NYX Mosaic Blush in Love (Affordable Alternative to NARS Blush in Taj Mahal)" »
Supermodel Josie Maran has started her own beauty and makeup line, devoted to products that not only make you look beautiful, but are good for you, as well. I found myself intrigued by her concept and, when I saw her recently on QVC's Saturday Night Beauty, I decided to try her line's mascara.
Available in black only, this mascara is great for every day wear. It is paraben and fragrance free and contains organic ingredients like jojoba oil and beeswax, which supposedly condition and srengthen your lashes. I do like how smoothly the mascara applies and it did leave me with lush lashes all day - they were lengthened and curled, not dramatically, but they were naturally pretty. It was a fresh look that I liked.
I have to say, though, for $22, I'm not sure this mascara was worth the pricetag. For a better bargain, you can get the same fresh, naturally pretty lashes from Maybelline's Full 'n Soft Mascara. Get the look you want, and save your money!
Maybelline Full 'n Soft is a great Affordable Alternative to Josie Maran Mascara!
Proud member of Total Beauty, Glam, and The Beauty Blog Network!
I've stated here before that I don't believe in spending exorbitant amounts for a mascara, when there are those at the drugstore that can achieve the same result. Thank God I received the new Chanel Exceptionnel as a free sample as an Allure Beauty Insider, because I've found that it holds true again.
Chanel Exceptionnel mascara is a good mascara. It is. But, for the price ($28 per tube), I expect it to give me ri-damn-diculous length and volume and, honestly, it doesn't. I was happy with how really long and separated my lashes looked, but volume? Uh, no. I didn't think they looked thick at all and I was disappointed that I wasn't able to achieve the sooty inkyness I was going for.
If you have naturally thick lashes and an equally thick wallet, okay, go for Exceptionnel. But if you want volume as well as length, and you'd like to save some coin, look elsewhere. Go to your local Walgreen's (or whatever other drugstore you like) and pick up a tube of Cover Girl Lash Blast or L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black. I am happier with those formulations than with this one. They're not only affordable ... they're better!
Proud member of Total Beauty, Glam, and The Beauty Blog Network!
It seems that all us bloggers are abuzz over the new L'Oreal H.I.P. Jelly Balm. I have to join in with the crowd. I picked it up in Savory, which is a juicy coral and I really, really like it. It leaves a sheer swipe of color on your lips, giving you what I called "popsicle lips". Luscious color and you can use it without a separate balm - it's quite moisturizing and leaves the lips smooth. This product is very comparable to MAC's Tendertones, though the shade selection is a bit smaller. If you don't want to shell out for a Tendertones, run to your nearest Walgreen's or other drug store and pick up a L'Oreal H.I.P. Jelly Balm!
I received the Bella il Fiore palette in Smashing in Soho and tried it today. For all you ladies out there who are looking for beauty on a budget, I think this palette (and the others like it) are a great way to get several products for a low price.
The palette includes a peach blush, four eyeshadows in shades ranging from a pearlescent cream to a shimmery brown, and three glosses in peach, brown and red. I was surprised at how well the blush worked on my skin - it is pigmented enough that the peach really showed up. The shadows apply smoothly and evenly and are a great set of neutral shades that can be used for day or night. The three glosses range from creamy to sheer. The red is the sheerest of the bunch and actually looked really nice layered over the creamy brown.
This palette is quite cutely packaged and includes a good-sized mirror, as well as two double-sided mini-brushes: sponge-tipped eyeshadow applicators and lip brushes.
You can get this palette at www.bellabeauty.net for only $22. A great buy!
Christina sent me an e-mail asking if I could find cheaper option for her faves, BeneFit High Beam and Shea Terra Organic E. Africa Pure Shea Butter. Well, Christina, I may have found a couple things you'd like to try.
Revlon has some limited edition items out right now and one is called Bare It All Lustrous Lotion. It's a product designed to be used over your foundation (or alone, if you don't wear foundation) to add a touch of luminescence to the skin. I'm sure it's more economical than BeneFit and you can find Revlon products at your nearest drugstore, like Walgreen's or CVS.
As for your love of shea butter moisturizers, I hear you! I am a dry-skinned gal (on my body - my face is oily ... go figure) and I love shea butter, too. I've found a new love - Boots Body Butters. As you probably already know, the popular UK line, Boots, is now being sold in Target stores. I have fallen in love with the body butters, which go on creamy smooth and offer great moisturization without leaving you all greasy. I particularly love the Olive Oil and Honey/Almond scents. I suggest you give them a try and I think you'll love 'em!
Are any of you guys looking for Affordable Alternatives to your favorite products or do you have cheaper options you'd like to share with the rest of us? Hit me up in the comments or shoot me an e-mail!
