Wal-Mart’s Special Delivery

October 19, 2009 03:56 PM | Comments (2) | Posted in budget beauty, walmart, beauty products, Walmart

What: Who has the time to drive miles to their nearest discount store to pick up a new tube of mascara or lipstick? We certainly don’t. But now Wal-Mart is stepping in to help time-strapped and budget-conscious consumers by launching an all-new home delivery plan that brings beauty and health products to your front door. For the first time ever, Wal-Mart is letting its customers shop online for low-priced beauty products from name brands like Maybelline and Neutrogena, with shipping that costs just 97 cents per item.

What Wal-Mart Says:
“Customers have long trusted Walmart to provide the best values on health and beauty brands in our stores, and now customers can also access these savings online at Walmart.com with the convenience of home delivery,” said Kelly Thompson, Walmart.com’s chief merchant. “By offering savings on our customers’ favorite health and beauty items online and in our stores, we can better help our customers shop the way they want.” 

What We Say: We love shopping from home and we love cheap prices, so Wal-Mart’s new plan is right up our alley. However, the new home delivery would certainly be better if shipping was free. While 97 cents isn’t going to break the bank, it’s actually quite a lot considering how cheap and lightweight many beauty products are. Plus, who is the customer for this? Don’t most of the people who shop at Wal-mart live near a Wal-mart?

Dove Sensitive Skin Nourishing Body Wash: Product Review

October 6, 2009 04:00 PM | Comments (0) | Posted in budget beauty, product review, beauty products, dove, Product Review, Dove

What: Angela attempts to break the moisture barrier with Dove Sensitive Skin Nourishing Body Wash
The Lowdown: I’ve always been leery of body washes that claim to moisturize—I mean, clean and exfoliate? Sure. But, like moisturizing shampoos, I’ve never found that a cleanser can actually deliver enough lasting moisture to truly support the claim. Still, Dove claims their Sensitive Skin Nourishing Body Wash is fortified with “NutriumMoisture” a “breakthrough” formula of 100% natural moisturizers that can actually be absorbed completely to “nourish deep down.” That’s a lot of slightly-vague hype (but hey, what good beauty product marketing isn’t?)—but I’ll try to keep an open mind.
Created for sensitive skin, this particular body wash has no discernible fragrance which, admittedly, I kinda miss being a fan of such things to help clear the fog during my 6 a.m. shower, but for those with truly sensitive skin I’m sure this is a plus. The wash itself is pleasingly creamy—giving me hope that there’s actually some moisture benefit to be had in there somewhere—but doesn’t really lather up quite as much as I’d like (I’m sure this probably means it has less sulfates, which is a good thing, but still makes me feel like I have to use more to get a good result).
So what about the promised “nourishment”? Sure enough, after several days of use, I can’t say my skin is suddenly super-moisturized (not giving up my cocoa butter body lotions just yet) but overall it really does seem softer and, maybe more importantly, less apt to dry out quite as quickly.
Yea or Nay: Yea. I can’t say it’s my top body wash of all time, but for sensitive skin and long-term results, it does seem to do the job—for a price you can’t argue with.
Buy It: Around $6, at Target, Walmart, drugstore beauty aisles.

Natural Health Announces Beauty Awards Winners

October 3, 2009 08:37 PM | Comments (2) | Posted in budget beauty, beauty products, organic products

What: Natural Health magazine has announced the winners of its 5th Annual Beauty Awards, which polled thousands of readers and dermatologists to find 25 of the year’s best beauty products.

2009 Winners Include:
Facial Cleanser—Olay Definity Penetrating Mousse Cleanser
Eye Cream—Yes to Cucumbers Eye Love Cucumbers Soothing Eye Gel  
Lip Balm—Burt’s Bees Sun Protecting Lip Balm SPF 8 with Passionfruit
Body Scrub—Aura Cacia Nourishing Body Polishes Fair Trade Certified

For the Full List: Check out www.naturalhealthmag.com.

Some Estee Lauder Cosmetics May Get Real Cheap Soon

September 29, 2009 07:00 AM | Comments (5) | Posted in fashion news, beauty products, estee lauder, beauty news

What: Estee Lauder will be shuttering its Prescriptives beauty line by the time 2010 rolls around. The reason - clearly - is the recession, as Estee Lauder (wisely) has decided to reallocate funds to other more profitable lines. They’ll continue selling Prescriptives products until everything’s all gone, but the favored Calyx fragrance will still be sold at retailers for the foreseeable future. No one’s officially said it yet…but we’re guessing prices may go down because of all of this.

What Estee Lauder Says:

You may have recently heard that Prescriptives has made the difficult decision to close its retail counters globally, effective January 31, 2010. You can continue to purchase your favorite Prescriptives products here at www.prescriptives.com for US shipping while inventory lasts.

What We Say: If you’re a fan of Prescriptives, make sure to stock up on your favorite items before they’re gone. If you already buy Prescrives cosmetics, you may like this deal, which entitles you to five free products if you spend $32.50 or more. Although $32.50 is rather specific…guess they’re making you buy that extra lip stick just to make the grade.

Beauty Breakdown: What to Toss and Keep This Fall

September 28, 2009 07:00 AM | Comments (0) | Posted in budget beauty, beauty advice, beauty products, lipstick

What: You don’t wear the same shoes in the summer as you do in the fall, so why would you wear the same products on your face? As the season changes, so to should your beauty routine. NYU dermatology professor Dr. Elizabeth K. Hale advises tossing out any old bottles of sunless tanners, heavy-duty sunscreens, and old lipgloss this fall, and instead packing your beauty bag full of tinted moisturizer, oil-free sunscreen, and lip balm with SPF.

What Dr. Hale Says:
“If you want to sustain a healthy glow into fall, better to use a tinted moisturizer. Or, invest in a new bottle of sunless tanner for more intense color. With either choice, make sure you also apply sunscreen. Layer a lightweight SPF formula under your tint to ensure UV protection.”

What We Say: Protecting your skin from sun damage is important all year around, not just in the summer. So as you’re picking up tops and tees for back to school shopping this month, it’s worth also checking out the beauty aisle to update to your skincare arsenal at the same time.

Forever 21 Enters Beauty & Home Furnishings Market

July 31, 2009 06:07 PM | Comments (0) | Posted in forever21, budget beauty, beauty products

What: Following the recent launches of a swimwear collection and plus-size line known as Faith 21 earlier this year, Forever 21 has decided to expand some more. The frugally-focused retailer has just announced plans to enter the beauty and home markets, by introducing Forever 21-branded makeup and housewares into its largest stores around the country later this year. 

What WWD Says:
“According to a spokeswoman, beauty and home merchandise would be first rolled out to Forever 21’s largest stores, including 15 former Mervyn’s locations, before entering Forever 21’s XXI concept.”

What We Say: It’s one thing to pay $15 for a sweater that falls apart after one wash, but are customers really willing to shell out for bed sheets and comforter covers that may suffer the same fate? Unfortunately, the answer inevitable looks to be yes, since pretty much every bargain-based venture Forever 21 delves into somehow becomes a success. Nonetheless, we have to admit to being slightly excited that the company is finally coming out with its own brand of makeup, since we can’t seem to get enough of super-cheap eyeliners and lip glosses as of late.

Get More Bang for Your (Beauty) Buck

October 14, 2008 01:00 PM | Comments (0) | Posted in beauty advice, make up, beauty products

If you’ve had to cut down on spending on little luxuries like beauty products, your best bet is to make the most of what you’ve got. This is easier than it sounds—it’s simply a matter of learning how to prolong a product’s use. Here are a few tricks that work for us.

~ If you’ve opened your lipstick only to discover that the color no longer twists up above the tube’s edges, don’t junk it just yet. Instead, scoop out the rest of the lipstick and place it into a small pot. Then continue to apply it with a lip brush. You’d be surprised to discover just how much of your lipstick normally goes to waste! (Need something to scoop it with? Head to your nearest Baskin-Robbins and ask for a sample of something yummy. Enjoy your treat, then head home with the teeny spoon.)

~ We’ve heard experts recommend that nail polishes can be kept longer if they’re stored in a cool place—like the fridge. But we’ve been unsuccessful with this practice, as often, others we co-habitat with aren’t thrilled about finding Maybelline behind the Mayo. However, we have found that when polish gets a bit soupy, the best way to get it back to a normal consistency is to add a few drops of nail polish thinner, as a manicurist would do at a salon. Just a small amount of thinner ought to coax a couple of extra uses out of a bottle.

~ You could also save a bundle on shampoo and conditioner, by cutting down the amount you use. Unless you have really long or thick hair, you don’t need more than a dime-sized amount of shampoo and unless your hair is very damaged, you don’t have to dump on the conditioner. Distribute conditioner generously mainly at the ends, and if you have curly hair, leave a small amount in as a styling agent.

~ Many people think it’s time to replace compact make-up when the make-up has been worn off the center of the compact pan. This is understandable, since at this point it becomes harder to get the right amount of make-up onto the sponge. However, this problem can often be solved by just replacing the sponge. Sponges need be replaced periodically, anyway, since over time can become overly caked with make-up and dirt.

~ Thinking you need to replace those old make-up brushes? Think again. Regular cleaning of make-up brushes will keep them looking (and feeling) as good as new.

Free Clarins Beauty Gift at Nordstrom: Daily Deal

February 22, 2008 10:00 AM | | Posted in nordstrom, daily deal, beauty products, Nordstrom, online deal, Clarins, clarins

“THIS DEAL HAS ENDED”

The Deal: Free Clarins beauty gift with any two-item Clarins purchase, see details at NORDSTROM.com. The Lowdown: Fallen in love with Clarins beauty products? Now is the time to stock up on your favorites and get a free product with any two-item purchase. Just head over to Nordstrom online for the latest roundup of Hydra-Care masks, Toning Body Polisher, and more. Shop It: Nordstrom.com

Beauty Trends: The Top Cosmetic Brands

February 17, 2008 01:00 PM | Comments (3) | Posted in beauty trends, make up, beauty products, cosmetics

Brand Keys Inc just released their 2008 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index survey exclusively to WWD. Over 3,000 consumers were surveyed regarding their most recent cosmetic purchases. Of the top 12 brands, eight were mass market brands. The big surprise was Mary Kay, which came in at #2 and Avon which came in at #12. I would have thought the opposite, especially since Avon’s marketing is more visible than Mary Kay.
Top Cosmetic Brands
1. Maybelline
2. Mary Kay
3. Estee Lauder
4. Lancome
5. Clinique
6. L’Oreal
7. Chanel
8. Max Factor
9. Cover Girl
10. Neutrogena
11. Revlon
12. Avon

Sonia Kashuk “Sheer Magic” Minerals for Target

October 13, 2007 09:27 PM | Comments (7) | Posted in target, make up, beauty products, Target, Sonia Kashuk, mineral make up, sonia kashuk

What: Sonia Kashuk’s Sheer Magic Mineral Face Palette, set to launch in November at Target.

What the fashion heads say: This, from Women’s Wear Daily: “Despite a market saturated with mineral makeup lines, makeup artist Sonia Kashuk is entering the category this fall with a Sheer Magic Mineral Face Palette. Similar to last year’s Solid Fragrance Palette, Kashuk’s goal was to create something simple for consumers to use.”

What I say: Can’t wait. Mineral make-up lines may be everywhere, but we’re always open to a quality product that’s affordable, easy to use, and easy to find at one of our favorite budget haunts, Target. Good concealer, blush, and foundation are hard to come by, and - even better - the color coordinating has been done for us. For a trio retailing at $14.99, we say it’s worth a closer look.

~ Angela

Sudden Change All Day Under Eye Lift, $10.79

July 21, 2007 08:54 PM | Comments (0) | Posted in product review, beauty products, Product Review, under eye

What: Sabina reviews a serum that promises to make wrinkles and puffiness disappear instantly

The Lowdown: Okay, this product scares me just a wee bit, because it’s marketed as a regular beauty product when really it’s something far more heavy duty.

As someone who has always had under eye circles, I naturally couldn’t wait to try this stuff even though it seemed too good to be true. And well here’s how it works: You apply one drop of this serum under each eye with or without makeup on, smoothing it out around the area that tends to get puffy or has wrinkles and within oh, about 30 seconds, your skin completely smooths out like a shirt that’s just been ironed. In other words, yes it does do what it promises.

The catch? Crack a smile and any lines or wrinkles you have show up even more pronounced! Basically the All Day Under Eye Lift hardens into a protective but invisible sheet, but move your face too much and the beauty spell is broken. Personally I found the feeling of the serum so distracting I had to wash it off almost immediately. I just think that any product you “feel” on your face isn’t worth bothering with.

I don’t think I’ll ever try it again unless I need my skin to look perfectly smooth for a photo (and can remember to remind myself not to smile or squint.)

Yea or Nay: Nay. I’m guessing no product is any substitute for actually catching enough z’s.

Sephora FACE Exfoliator & Mask, $12

July 21, 2007 08:53 PM | Comments (0) | Posted in product review, sephora, beauty products, Product Review, Sephora, face mask

What: Sabina reviews Sephora’s Exfoliator & Mask for dry skin

The Low Down: This fruity-smelling goo can be used as a mask as well as an exfoliator, according to the label on the tube. However after trying it both ways I didn’t know what to make of the exfoliator/mask’s lack of scrubby, pumicey stuff that lets you know something has in fact been done to your skin—as in dead cells be gone. Supposedly the reason for the lack of granule texture is to make dry skin—which is what this product was intended for—especially smooth without “abrasive” exfoliation. Personally I just think it smacks of a lack of effort on Sephora’s part when creating a dual use item. To the company’s credit, my face did feel refreshed and slightly tingly (in a good way) after using the stuff, but I don’t know that it’s any better than any other scrub or mask that promises to do the same like Freeman’s Facial Masks, but cost much less.

Yea or Nay: Nay. Not sure it’s worth the price

Boots No7 Intensive Moisture Face Mask, $20

July 11, 2007 08:59 PM | Comments (0) | Posted in product review, beauty products, Product Review, face mask

What: A deceptively priced face mask that promises skin that is softer and smoother

The Low Down: I have to admit. When I first saw this product, I immediately looked online to find out how much it cost because surely a luxe-looking cream such as this would be too expensive to be of any use to this budget-conscious beauty junkie. I was wrong.

A 100 ml. bottle costs $20, not a bad for a product that delivers what it promises.
Here’s how it works: after using your regular cleansing products, massage the No7 onto your face and leave it for 3-10 minute.  Rinse the product off, leaving your skin feeling soft and refreshed. For those who worry about putting anything too creamy or heavy onto their skin, lest they break out, fear not. The mask is very light as well as being hypo-allergenic. Bonus: When used sparingly, it can also be used as a leave-on night moisturizer.

Where to Buy it:  At Target or CVS

Reviewed by Sabina

E.L.F Cosmetics: Yes or No?

September 19, 2006 08:55 PM | Comments (73) | Posted in product review, make up, beauty products, Product Review, elf cosmetics

I’ve been getting tons of questions about e.l.f. Cosmetics. It seems that most people, and I really can’t blame them, are a bit skeptical about beauty products for $1.

Well, I’ve tried the line and for the most part it’s good, not Wet n Wild good, but good enough. Channeling the spirit of my celebrity make-up artist/blogger friend Elke Von Freudenberg, I do know in regards to products like eyeliner, mascara, etc. there is little difference between the products in the higher priced lines and lower priced lines like e.l.f..  The star of the line, in my opinion, is the kohl eyeliner, which is as good as any kohl eyeliner I’ve ever tried. However, e.l.f does need to go back to the lab on the eyeshadows which looks like the eyeshadows you used to get with your Styling Head Barbie.

What do you think about e.l.f. Cosmetics?

Beauty Newsletter: Our Favorite Beauty Products

August 8, 2006 11:25 PM | Comments (0) | Posted in beauty products, beauty newsletter

 

 

 

 

     

TBF Reader’s Speak         Part II: Your Favorite Beauty Products Okay, I admit it. I’m a recovering beauty junkie. My addiction to beauty products was so bad that I literally had to ban myself from the beauty aisles of my local Target. At one point, I had over 25, yes 25, tubs of MAC eye shadow in colors in my beauty drawer, some in colors so wild (like orange) that even the most outrageous drag queen would think twice about wearing them. I also, had twelve lipsticks, including one that my niece eloquently described as the color of baby dookie. Fortunately, I was able to downside my beauty drawer (yes, I got rid of the baby poo colored lipstick) and focus only on the products I actually use. Here’s some of my favorites, as well as favorites that you guys have posted on the site. Taming the Shrew Citre Shine Anti-Frizz Serum has saved my fashionable life. Without it, my hair would have been one frizzy hot mess this summer. For those of you with thin or fine hair, my friend Nicola swears that Creme of Nature Shampoo adds much needed body and volume to her otherwise limpy hair. For those of us with thick, curly, hair, try Queen Helene Cholesterol Treatment . Don’t be confused by its placement in the ethnic hair care aisle. It works miracles on any thick, curly, dry head of hair. Readers Say: The best product I’ve found for curly hair is Elasta QP Feels Like Silk. It defines curls without the frizz. I use it mixed with a gel like Aussie Mega Hold Gel when I get out of the shower. From Deanna I could not live without my staple hair product - Mane & Tail conditioner. Designed for horses, it keeps my hair conditioned and healthy. From Krista Curls Rock curl booster - this is the only thing that tames my naturally curly hair. Makes the curls look quot;springy" and well-defined, and in humid Houston, that is a very good thing. From Amy "Nailing" it… I’ve always had a hard time making my manicures last—until I discovered the white pencil. This manicure tool, which looks like it came right out of a box of colored pencils, whitens the tips of your nails in two easy steps. Just dip the tip in water and glide the tips of the pencil underneath your nails to whiten your tips. Readers Say: N.Y.C’s nail polish is superb - great wear and only 99 cents…..If you’re nuts about nail polish like I am, Sally Hansen’s tools, polishes and mani/pedi products are a great value. From Dowdydiva I love Stickey (that’s what it’s called) base coat ($5.99 at your local drugstore). A coat or two of this and my polish lasts WAY longer. From Ronica Cetaphil Reigns Supreme The Olay Regenerist line may have been the big winner at the Cosmetic Women’s Executives Insider’s Choice Awards, but TBF readers put Cetaphil at the top of list of budget beauty products. Readers Say: Cetaphil is the best moisturizing cleanser out there. My dermatologist suggested it and I have never gone back. From MimiC I’m an all-natural kinda chick, but one thing I insist on buying is Cetaphil Daily Moisturizing Lotion with spf 15. I don’t use commercial products on my face, but sunscreen is something you just cannot get around! From Anonymous Pamela Anderson, Rupaul and TBF readers all agree, MAC make-up is the bomb…. MAC is my favorite, high-end make-up line and based on your comments it seems that it’s one of your favorite as well. I love MAC’s lipstick. I believe that every woman should have a signature lipstick color and my signature color is MAC Red. I love this color so much that I bought three tubes. MAC lipglass is my one beauty splurge. It’s the best lipgloss on the market today. It’s incredible shine lasts for hours, even through long cocktail parties. From Elizabeth If it (MAC make-up) works for Rupaul, then it works for me... From Anonymous Sistas now have a make-up foundation Black Opal makes one of the best drugstore brand foundation for women of color. It’s used by make-up artists like Sam Fine and I actually found out about the line from a make-up artist at MTV. I use it for all of my TV appearances to smooth out any blemishes. I mix the make-up stick with the liquid foundation to create my own custom blend for less than $10 bucks. Don’t think Black Opal just for women of color- the foundation is great for those of you rocking a summer tan. Reader’s Say: Black Opal make-up is not only cheap (less than $8 for foundation), but also a solid foundation at any price. I’m also a fan of the line’s lipsticks and eye shadows. From Beenie I’m broke and pretty much the only place I can afford to buy beauty products is at my local CVS. Black Opal works for me. From Lara P. Our Wallets Love Wet ‘n’ Wild. My dear friend Elke Von Freudenberg, who’s a big time celebrity make-up artist, swears by Wet ‘n’ Wild cosmetics. Elke and I both love the Wet ‘n" Wild MegaGlo Face Illuminators and blushes. Now, the company has just launched a new skincare line, with products in the $5 range. Be very afraid Clinique. Readers Say: I absolutely love Wet ‘n Wild eyeliner in Brown. For $0.99 you can’t beat the price. And why spend extra when it lasts just as long as the more expensive ones. And I think the pigments are just as good too. from Carmell Trader Joe’s is the new beauty spot. Apparently, budget friendly groceries aren’t the only things to buy at Trader Joe’s. Many readers love the wide selection of organic beauty products and great smelling moisturizers. Readers Say: My favorite non-colored lip balm is actually from Trader Joe’s (kind of like a health food/organic products store). I used to be a diehard Neutrogena fan before I found this, and then promptly converted. The lip balm is SPF 15, made with natural ingredients, and makes your lips feel moist, not waxy or sticky. And the best part? It comes in a pack of 3 for $2.       Help me continue to develop my list of the best beauty products. Submit your favorites!                 Join TBF on MySpace- http://www.myspace.com/thebudgetfashionista

Get the Book Everyone is Talking About!         17 Five Star Amazon Reviews         How to Be a Budget Fashionista: The Ultimate Guide to Looking Fabulous for Less is not only about fashion. I have a whole chapter dedicated to beauty- from how to make your own at home spa to interviews with celebrity make-up artists. Send me a picture of you with my book and enter to win a box full of goodies from some of my favorite beauty companies (contest ends: August 31st.) Get your copy of the book today!