Latest Drugstore Beauty Favorites

I'm a self-professed product junkie. I love trying the latest and greatest. Needs and wants change and because of that, I am flexible with my beauty routine and the products I use and try. There are some items that I stick with, no matter what (like my Cle de Peau concealer).  Some new products disappoint but others are standouts. I thought I'd share some of my favorites with you.




Click the photos above for buying information.

 

1. Revlon Age Defying CC Cream - A favorite magazine raved about this CC cream. I love the coverage but it's not too heavy. I like CC creams in the summer because they are lighter than the traditional foundation I tend to use during the winter months. They are also one step with color, moisturizer and sunscreen, all in one. I've tried BB creams and CC creams. This is my favorite, so far.
2. Revlon Just Bitten Balm Stain - This isn't a new product but I love the bright pink of the color, Lovesick. It has staying power and is a perfect bright summer pink. If bright colors aren't you, there are some pretty neutrals and lighter pinks.
3. Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream - It's super moisturizing for my dry cuticles and it smells great.
4. Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover - I think this is the holy grail of drugstore eye makeup removers. It removes even the most stubborn waterproof mascara without pulling. Even though it's oil-free it's still moisturizing.
5. Goody Tanglefix Brush - My fine hair tangles easily. When I was a kid my Mom battled with the horrible tangles in my hair. There were always tears. Now, due to the medicines I take and coloring my hair (getting gray sucks), my hair breaks easily. This brush is amazing! It works on dry or wet hair, with very little tugging. A friend who is African American told me that it also works great for her.
6. Tea Tree Oil - I mostly use this for my dry scalp. I mix a little with my conditioner, massage it in and rinse. It's also great for dry skin, sun exposure and many other things. A little goes a long way.  My first bottle lasted forever.
7. John Frieda Full Repair Shampoo - Adding blonde into my hair is great but it is drying. This shampoo helps to tame the fly aways and keep my hair strong.
8. L'Oreal Total Repair Extreme Recovery Mask - This is the thickest conditioner I've ever used. After my latest ombre coloring, the ends of my hair looked fried. Instead of giving in and getting the damage cut off, I tried an old technique. When I was teen, on the swim team, I used to douse my hair in conditioner at night, wrap it in a bandanna and rinse it when I woke up in the morning. I tried this technique on just the ends of my hair, using this treatment. It's working. My hair is looking better. It's shiny again and doesn't look damaged.

The most expensive product on the list is the Revlon CC cream. It's $13.99 but a small amount does your entire face. All of the rest of the products are under $10. I love beauty at a bargain!

Do you have any favorite drugstore products?

Summer Beauty

During the warm summer months I switch up my makeup.  In the winter my skin needs more moisture.  In the summer, my former teenage skin kicks in and if my makeup is too heavy, I feel greasy. I also gravitate toward less eye makeup, unless I'm going out at night.  Liquid, winged eyeliner doesn't fly at the beach.

Click the photos above for information.

BB cream is my new buddy. I've tried several and this version by Maybelline is my favorite, so far. It's light, gives good coverage and strikes the right balance of moisture and non-greasy. I always wear eyeliner and Revlon's ColorStay pencil, stays put even in the heat. I'm a new fan of Revlon Lash Potion mascara. I received it to try out and it's great. When I'm swimming or at the beach, I use Maybelline Lash Stiletto Waterproof in brownish/black. It gives my lashes color without looking too made up. Revlon's Photo Ready cream blush in Flushed works great on my summer skin. It's a pretty pink (there are two other colors) that lasts.  No matter the time of year, I'm never without my Cle de Peau concealer.  It covers my dark circles and any other issues, it's also water resistant.  During warmer months, I ditch my colored polish in favor of nude and I use bright colors on my toes. I love colorful polish with my sandals.

We have a pool and we spend time at the beach, so I'm outside constantly. I always wear hats but I also add a much higher SPF sunscreen to my routine. Last but not least, I always start with a high level SPF.  Neutrogena is my all time favorite.  The Ultra Sheer Liquid in SPF 70 is light, gives great protection and my dermatologist swears by the brand.

Do you switch up your makeup routine during the summer?

Poolside and Oceanfront - Bargain Style Picks

We are hosting a backyard grad pool party next weekend and of course I'm already thinking about my outfit.  As one of the hosts, I want to look stylish, a little dressy but be comfortable.  We'll be hosting lots of parties this summer and we have our summer beach trip in July.  I wanted my selections to last through the summer and beyond.  Of course, I go for quality as well as a good price.

Poolside and Oceanfront Style

1. Cover-up -  I usually choose a sarong but I'd love to grab a fun new maxi cover up. This one is colorful and pretty but not too heavy. 
2. Earrings - Big earrings are a fun way to wear jewelry to the beach or pool without it weighing you down. These coral inspired gold earrings from Stella & Dot fit with the beach vibe.
3. Sun hat - I love large brimmed hats for the beach and pool. They look great, hide your beach hair, and keep the sun off of your face.  I have a had from the San Diego hat company that I've owned for more than 10 years.  I'd love to get one in another color.
4. Bracelet - I don't wear tons of jewelry to the beach or pool but this stretch version from Stella & Dot will slide off easily before you jump in the water.
5. Swimsuit - I've never been a bikini girl so this retro suit is perfect for me.  It's sexy but covers in a great way.  It's available is sizes 2 - 26!
6. Beach bag - I don't need a bag when I run out to the backyard pool but it's a must for our vacation.  I LOVE our LL Bean canvas bags.  They are affordable, stylish and indestructible.
7. Flip flops - I confess that rubber flip flops are one of my least favorite type of footwear.  I do wear them when I am running around the pool or going to beach. I don't have to worry about sand or dirt and I can rinse them off easily. The beading on this pair give them a bit of flair.
8. Sunscreen - I'm a bit pushy with my family and friends about using sunscreen. Nothing ruins a vacation faster than sunburn. I also know people who have had skin cancer scares.  Also, I wear it without fail.  I love being outside and in order to protect myself and ensure that I preserve the great skin I was born with, sunscreen is mandatory. Neutrogena products are some of my favorite. Last summer I also fell in love with Supergoop wipes. They are towelettes coated in sunscreen. Genius!
9. Sunglasses - I'm a bit of a slut when it comes to sunglasses. I love them and own way too many. My designer pairs are my favorites but they don't go to the beach with me.  I take a pair that I can wear into the water and not care if they get scratched in the sand.  This pair from GirlPROPS is only $4.99!

What are you picks for staying stylish in the sun and by the water?

And In My Heart You'll Always Stay Forever Young

Isn't it the goal of most women to age gracefully and look younger than we are?  Well it's definitely mine.  We have lots of options today. I joke about plastic surgery with my friends but frankly, it scares me and Botox really scares me. It's everyone's right to choose what they want for themselves but I don't think those things are for me. I prefer to work on prevention so that as I  get older people will always be guessing my age. I don't mind telling people how old I am.  I've earned every bit of these 44 years.  I used to think a tan made me look young and healthy.  Boy was I wrong.  Healthy skin makes me look young and healthy.  Some of you have asked what I do to take care of my skin and about the products I use.  Here are the details.

Lucky for me, I was given good genes. My mom has beautiful skin.  She has never worn much makeup and she's not one for sunning herself.  I made some bad choices in my teens and twenties and when I was growing up, we thought SPF 4 was mega sunscreen.  Because of that I've started to get some brown spots on my nose.  Those show up in your 30s and 40s because of the sunburns you got in your earlier years.  Those long days at the beach and the pool have caught up with me. I go to the dermatologist and am using products to even out those spots. Now I work constantly on prevention.  For the past 20 years, I've stuck to a simple philosophy,  wear sunscreen every day, take my make up off every night, moisturize and protect my skin when I'm in the sun.  Good genes are great but they don't replace taking care of your skin.

Wear Sunscreen
Every day before I apply my make-up (which also contains SPF), I apply moisturizer or a combo of moisturizer and foundation with an SPF of at least 25.  I sit in an office all day but I go out at lunch and drive in my car.  You'd be surprised at how much sun exposure you get on an average day.

Wash My Face Before Bed (Take off my make up)
Cleansing your skin is so important to it's health.  Even if you aren't a make-up junky like I am, your face collects dirt and oil during the day.  Washing your face nightly helps new cells to grow and your skin to look fresh.  Exfoliating every few days is also important. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, allowing your moisturizer to reach your dryer skin plump those cells. When I teach skin care classes, I use a jar just like this to demonstrate skin growth.

This jar is like the layers of your skin

Your firm new skin cells are like grapes. They are full of moisture and they are plump.  As they get older and more dry they start to look like raisins. When they die completely they become like cornflakes. If you apply moisturizer on top of the corn flake layer it may soak down a little between the flakes but it won't get to the dry skin cells (raisins) to help moisturize them. They will dry out faster and become like cornflakes.  When you exfoliate, the moisturizer goes directly on those dry skin cells. There are amazing products available like the Clarisonic Mia but you can also use something as simple as a regular wash cloth.  Using your regular cleanser, just scrub lightly in a circular motion.  You only need to exfoliate every few days.  If your skin is sensitive, doing it more often can cause irritation.

Moisturize
Now that you've washed your face and exfoliated, apply moisturizer.  I moisturize morning and evening.  If you're prone to breakouts, choose an oil free option.  For those with sensitive skin, you can select a moisturizer that is fragrance free and made for sensitive skin.  I use a moisturizer with SPF during the day and one without SPF at night.  I also moisturize my neck and décolleté (upper chest) area. These areas get a great deal of sun and they are often neglected.  Because of this your neck area can also show creases and wrinkles and lose elasticity early.

Protect My Skin
Even though I'm careful with my skin I still love the beach and being outdoors and we have a pool in our back yard. I take extra steps during these sun filled times. I wear a hat, either a ball cap or sun hat when I'm going to be outside without shade.  I wear higher SPF lotion on my face.  At the beach and pool I wear an SPF of  70+.  I also wear full body sunscreen.  If possible I stay in a shaded area like under an umbrella, awning or tree.  Reapplying sunscreen is key when you are in the water or being active. Sweat and water reduce the effectiveness of sunscreen.  You should also reapply every every 2 hours regardless of activity.  This ensures that you have the maximum protection.  I've had several friends that have had skin cancer scares and one even had to have surgery.  My blogger friend Alison (Long Distance Loving) and her friend Danielle started a group called Sun Savvy.  They both had skin cancer scares and are on a mission to educate others. They have some great information on their site.



There are so many great products available now for skin care, SPF and moisturizing.  I couldn't possibly name them all but I'm going to give you the lowdown on what I use daily.

Cleanse - Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser: Recently, my skin has been easily irritated.  I've used Cetaphil on and off for many years and now I'm back on.  I think this time for good. It has cleared up my skin and still removes my make up thoroughly  without drying.  I use it along with Mary Kay Oil Free Eye Make-Up remover (an Allure magazine beauty winner).

SPF - Neutrogena:  I love Neutrogena SPF lotions.  They work like a charm and don't irritate my skin.  I've been using the sensitive skin formula recently (along with my SPF foundation) for day.  Usually, I swear by the Healthy Defense Liquid Moisturizer.  It's light as a feather and isn't greasy.  Neutrogena has SPF lotions is a wide range of levels and for all types of skin.

Exfolliate - TimeWise® Microdermabrasion Set: This two step process removes all of the dead skin cells and makes my skin feel fresh and smooth without stripping it.  Step one uses dermatologist quality exfoliating particles and step two replenishes and soothes my skin. When my skin is irritated I just use a wash cloth and some Cetaphil cleanser to exfoliate. 

Moisturize - Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream (Fragrance Free):  I love the way this cream has started to smooth some of my deeper facial lines (like the ones on my forehead).  It's gentle but effective. I wear it at night to get the maximum benefit. This product has gotten raves from Allure magazine readers for quite a few years.

Protect - Sun Hats: My favorite hat is from the San Diego Hat company.  I bought it in Key West many years ago and I take it on every beach vacation.  It's flexible and easy to pack. I can fold it or stuff it with clothes. It doesn't take up much room in my suitcase. I've spotted similar San Diego Hat company hats at Marshalls and Loehmann's. My fedora is from Target (a few seasons ago). They have a great selection this year.  I'm always tempted to add to my collection. 

Doing right by your skin may seem like it takes a ton of time but really it doesn't.  It's a habit for me after all of these years and when someone is shocked at my age, I'm really glad I took that time.  Those 15 or 20 minutes you spend now will pay off in the future. 

The title of today's post is a line from the song, "Forever Young" by Rod Stewart.

Frugal Fashion Fridays - Drugstore Finds

This is the beauty edition of Frugal Fashion Friday.  You don't need to spend a fortune for great beauty products.  These items can be found at your local neighborhood drugstore. They will give you lots of value for your money. These are products I actually use myself. I'd never recommend something to you that I didn't love.  Some of them may surprise you a little.

$11

I've sung the praises of Neutrogena Liquid moisturizer with SPF before.  Many lotions only contain SPF of 15 or 25, even though most dermatologists recommend much higher.  Using SPF is key to slowing down those wrinkles even on days when you are in the office and not at the beach.  This one is lightweight and not greasy, even under makeup.

$4

I am the queen of polish smudging.  I have serious trouble sitting still long enough for my polish to dry. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri has saved me more times than I can count. They have a good range of colors from neutrals to brights and they only take a few minutes to dry!

$10

One of my hard and fast beauty rules is that I remove my makeup every night before bed.  These little beauties, RoC Daily Resurfacing Disks are in my arsenal.  They remove all of my makeup, moisturize and exfoliate. I love the little pocket for your fingers and the fact that the pad contains a two step process in one little applicator.

$6

I've tried lots of lipsticks, in fact, I'm a bit of lip color junkie.  If lipstick has a funny smell or taste then I don't care how great the color is, I won't wear it, ever.  Revlon Colorburst Lipstick has a pretty range of colors for all skin tones, color you can layer, creamy texture, and good smell and taste. Candy Pink is my favorite for spring and summer.

$2.99

I use Tea Tree Oil for everything from rough elbows and heels to cuticles and fly-aways. There are a ton of different brands but I get this one at CVS for less than $3.

$8

I've been using Just for Men Mustache & Beard hair color to touch up my roots and grays for years.  A great hairstylist turned me on to it before Clairol ever started selling root touch up. The reason I love this brand and still use it for touch ups is that you can mix just a small amount at a time to get only a few places.  It lasts through several applications, depending on how much you use and it fades gradually. The cost per application is only about $2.  I'm sure this one is a shocker to you. It's really the best product I've found for a super quick touch up on my temples or right at my part. I don't use it for full root application but it's so easy for instant color. I also love a product called Colormark but it washes out after one shampoo.

There are so many great beauty buys to be found at your local drugstore.  Do you have favorites?  Leave me comment and tell me about them.