I LOVE Sally Hansen!
I have been attempting to give myself manicures to save money on going to the nail salon. However, I am notorious for chipping and splitting my nails. Sally Hansen now has a staple that goes everywhere I go: the Insta-Fix Nail Repair Kit. It is a double-ended tube with your two instruments to keep your nails in one piece. On one end, there is a strong nail glue and on the other is salon-style acrylic powder. You just brush on the nail glue over the problem area, then sprinkle on the powder (make sure to clean off any excess) and voílá! The price is definitely right. At about $6, it’s an inexpensive insurance policy for your nails. 
Smooth, Close Shave for $1
No, I’m not crazy. You can get a smooth and close shave for just a buck. How, you ask? By using conditioner to shave instead of shave cream or gel. Here’s where that lovely price comes in. White Rain is a line of hair care products sold in drugstores for $ 1. They have a range of yummy smelling conditioners (I absolutely love Apple Blossom) that won’t put a dent in your wallet. The best part is that it doesn’t leave any residue and your skin is so supple and smooth. Gotta love it.
Luxe, Lush Lashes
I love to have bold, dramatic lashes that stand out. The problem? My lashes, although long, are pin-straight. That’s where
Maybelline’s Lash Stiletto™ Ultimate Length Mascara comes in. It creates beautifully defined and lush lashes. Pair this baby with an eyelash curler and your eyes will pop. Try it out and see for yourself.
How To: Reverse Frenchie
Not that kind of frenchie. I am talking about the reverse french manicure which I am in LOVE with but never had the guts to do…until now. As long as you have the right tools, you’ll be fine. Here’s how to do it:
1. Pick your colors (duh). Try to choose contrasting colors for extra pop. I chose Nicole by O.P.I. in Shop Around the Clock as my base and Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen in Silver Frost. I suggest nail pens for the crescent part of the nail. It’s so much easier than trying to paint it on perfectly.
2. Next, apply two coats of base color to your nails. Make sure you let them dry completely.
3. After nails are completely dry, take your nail pen and begin drawing a crescent shape at the base of your nail (it should mimic the natural crescent on your nails).
4. Let the nail pen dry, which should take about one minute. Apply a topcoat.
5. Enjoy!
Makeup Removal Just Got Better
I was perusing the aisles recently looking to replace my long-gone makeup removing towelettes. Before I grabbed my usual order of Ponds Towelettes, a flashy pink package with a sale sticker caught my eye (always guaranteed to get my attention). It was L’Oréal Skin Genesis Micro-Smoothing Towelettes. I figured I’d give it a try and I’m glad I did. Not only did it remove every last trace of my makeup, but it left my skin so soft. Like, baby-butt soft. Added bonus? They smell super-good. Using these wipes is supposed to bring about smoother, brighter skin. I’ll have to get back to you on that but so far, I am one happy camper.
Mineral Makeup: Recessionista Style
I will admit it openly: I love Bare Minerals. I have been using it for the past two years. However, the time came to switch makeup for the sake of saving money. That’s where Maybelline’s Mineral Power line came in and saved the day. I hate the look and feel of normal foundations and concealers (cakey skin? So not my thing) so this is the perfect alternative. This line does the trick by covering any flaws yet it looks and feels natural. It is also supposed to improve the look and feel of your skin (I’ll get back to you on that one).I also love the fact that Maybelline is offering most of the products that Bare Minerals has (powder, mineral veil, face illuminator, blush) and ones that they don’t (liquid foundation). I know that I will eventually go back to Bare Minerals but this is a great product to use in the meantime.
Cake is for baking, not for your face!
Watch this video to learn how to apply foundation flawlessly.
BoaB Feature: C.O. Bigelow
Alright, so I am a huge lip balm/gloss/stick addict. I have about 500 different lip products littering my purse and makeup bag. But my absolute faves are C.O. Bigelow’s Rose Salve, Ultra Mentha Lip Shine, and Bigelow Soothing Lip Buffer. I use the salve when my lips get super-dry (the bonus: it is great for dry or cracked skin). The lip buffer is also fantastic to slough off any dry skin on your lips. The Mentha Lip shine is perfect to use everyday and it is infused with peppermint oil so your kisser is left smelling so fresh and so clean. What is the cherry on top? All of these products are under $10 so it won’t cost you to have a soft pucker. You can find them at C.O. Bigelow stores or Bath and Body Works.
DIY Bubble Bath
Love to take a bubble bath but hate spending the money? Try this recipe out (courtesy of Bella Sugar, of course). Gather together: one quart of warmed water; two ounces of liquid glycerin, one four-ounce bar of castile soap, and several drops of your favorite essential oils to scent. Grate or chop up the soap and add to the warm water. Stir to melt. Add the essential oils and glycerin, store in an airtight container, and enjoy.
I <3 BellaSugar
They have made my life so much easier. They have picked the Best Drugstore Mascaras and the Best Drugstore Foundations for all of the recessionistas to pick from. Cake.
