Daily Beauty Tools

I'm a product junkie. Trying the latest and greatest is a priority.  So when I stick with a specific product or type of product for a long time, I know it's crucial and I'm in love. I've had questions about my beauty and skin care and thought I'd share my daily go to routine and products.

Cle de Peau Beaute concealer / Maybelline Mascara / Mary Kay eye shadow /Liquid eye liner / L'Oreal Paris Elnett hairspray/ Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain

I've mentioned before that I'm anal about my skin care routine.  I wash my face and moisturize every night.  I use eye cream and I use sunscreen daily. My sunscreen, moisturizer and eye cream vary because I need more help at different times of the year.  I use Cetaphil to wash my face. It's gentle and cleanses thoroughly without stripping oil from my skin. Clean, moisturized skin helps your makeup look great and last.

FACE
My favorite foundations are those that give good coverage without feeling heavy.  This spring I discovered Revlon Photo Ready Airbrush Foundation.  It's super light but gives great buildable coverage. Dark under eye circles have been an issue for me my entire life.  I tried every product imaginable until I read about Cle de Peau concealer and took the expensive plunge.  I've been using it ever since.  It's hands down the best concealer for dark circles.  It gives amazing coverage and the tube lasts forever. I apply both my foundation and concealer with a brush.

EYES
Most days, I'm pretty consistent with my eye makeup.  I save the bold eyes for evening.  I use neutral colors on my eyes, cream on my entire lid, highlighter on the brow and in the inner corner and granite on the crease. Mary Kay Granite is my all time favorite eye shadow. It's dark enough to give dimension but doesn't over power my eyes and make them look too dark (an issue for someone with dark circles).  I even use it for a lighter version of a smokey eye. I add black liquid liner.  Liquid works best for me because of the great staying power.  I finish with two types of mascara. I learned this from a make up artist. The two types compliment each other. First I layer volumizing mascara. Then I add lengthening mascara.

LIPS
I love a bold lip. Fuchsias, plums, and reds are my friends.  Revlon Kissable lip stain is great. It lasts but doesn't feel stiff or chalk like. It comes it some fantastic bold colors. Crush is my new favorite, it's a pretty plum, for fall.

HAIR
My hair is fine and straight. I use several products to give it volume and texture.  Even when I'm just doing a simple style, like curls, long and straight or a pony tail, I add a blast of  L'Oreal Elnett.  It's a bit on the pricey side for drugstore hairspray but it's the best.  It has staying power and holds my style but never feels stiff. It's easy to redo my hair with a just a quick run of the brush or comb.  Even when I apply it more heavily for an updo, I don't have trouble brushing my hair out at the end of the night.

Those are my must have beauty tools.  What are yours?

Frugal Fashion Friday - Not So Cheap Bargains

You all know I love a great bargain. Most times I will choose the bargain option over quality if it's a trendy item. However, there are things (products and services) that I choose to spend more money on because the quality is worth it to me.  These items perform better, last longer and provide a better value in the long term than the cheap version. For me that makes them "Not So Cheap Bargains".  They weren't inexpensive initially but their quality gives them value and makes them a bargain for the money.

#1 - Professional Hair Styling - Cut and Color
The best outfit in the world can take a down turn if your hair doesn't look good too.  A good haircut can last much longer than a sloppy cut or no cut at all.  I've believe that my hair is my best accessory. I'm adventurous with my hair. I don't hesitate to change it up. It's been half way down my back and Halle Berry short and every length in between.  When my hair is shaped and trimmed it takes less time to style and looks better. I've been almost every color, except black.  I'd love to dye streaks in my hair a crazy color like bright blue but it wouldn't work at my paying job. For many years I've colored my own hair and helped friends color theirs but I have made a few mistakes.  That drugstore savings doesn't compare to the value I get from good salon color.  The dyes are better, the application is done by a profesional and the results can't be equaled. Some hairdressers charge less, some more and color charges vary depending on the process.  If you don't color your hair. That's fantastic!  I've paid over $100 for a pair of shoes I wear occasionally.  Why wouldn't I spend that and more on my hair?  I wear my hair every day.

#2 - Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer
It's hard to explain my devotion to this product. It's amazing. I've battled under eye dark circles my entire life and tried every product that claims to help, hide or cure them.  They don't exist due to lack of sleep. They are hereditary. Even if I'm incredibly well rested, I still have them. I hate them so much that I never leave the house without concealer. This is the only product I've ever found that makes them seemingly disappear. One tube costs about $70.  Everytime I spend that money I cringe. However, I know I will only have to do that about every 10 - 12 months and I use it every day.  I purchased my current tube in April.  I still have about 1/2 of it left. 19¢ a day is a small price to pay to erase my dark circles.

I can't even believe that I'm posting this picture. This is my before Clé de Peau  picture. I must really want to share with you guys. I don't have any concealer under my eyes in this picture. None, nothing, zip, nada.

With Clé de Peau you don't even know I have those dark circles. It's my miracle product.

 


#3 - Foot Petals Tip Toes and Strappy Strips
You can buy high heel shoe cusions in every drug store today.  Ten years ago, that wasn't the case.  They had big clunkly soles but cushions for your stilettos and strappy sandals were much harder to find. I heard about Foot Petals and placed my first order. Since then I've tried other brands but for me, these are the best.  The material they are made from stays put, doesn't cause my feet to sweat (more than they already do) and they make uncomfortable shoes more confortable. They let me stand all night in shoes that used to be relegated to sitting only.  They wear very well and don't leave a gummy residue when you want to remove them. One pair of Tip Toes in shoes that you wear about once a week can last for years. That's a great cost per wear in my book. A pair of Tip Toes and a set of Strappy Strips cost $6.95 each or you can get multi packs for a discount.  I usually buy the three pack of Tip Toes for $10.95.  Also, you can sign up for their newsletter to get discounts or Google a discount code.  I found several 20% off coupons in one search. I don't think I've ever paid full price for an order from Foot Petals. If I did, they would be worth every penny.

#4 Dry Cleaning
The amazing blouse that you purchase at the thrift store for $3 isn't a bargain if it just sits in a bag waiting to be cleaned.  I can say this becuase I know.  I'm a dry clean procrastinator.  Until a one price dry cleaner opened in my neighborhood, I had a bag of clothes sitting in my closet waiting to be cleaned.  In reality I should have never bought those items in the first place if I wasn't prepared to pay for dry cleaning.  Wearing an item a couple times a year isn't a value no matter how much of a bargain it was.  If I want dry clean only items I have to be willing to spend the money or I leave them at the store.

#5 Eyebrow Maintenance
I subscribe to the same philosphy as Elle Woods. "Why let someone else do for you what you can do yourself -- except in the case of eyebrow maintenance."  There are lots of home products you can use to shape your brows.  They make it look fool proof. However, when you are doing them yourself, you don't have the same view as a professional.  You also don't have the same skill set.  For many years I only lightly plucked my brows on the edges to get rid of stray hairs. My mom gave me great brows.  Finally, I decided to have them shaped.  Pardon the pun but it was an eye opening experience.  I couldn't believe how great this simple procedure made my face look.  The shaping made my eyes look bigger and framed my face.  Depending on your body and how quickly your hair grows you can go months between shapings.  Occasionaly plucking can help extend your shape but for me, nothing compares to a professional. If you hate waxing there are other options, such as sugaring and threading.  I think checking for recommendations is important. It's worth your time. Years ago I had my brows done on a whim, by as woman I'd never used before.  They turned out looking like this...

They were much too thin for my face and they took forever to grow back.  It's worth it to me to spend the money and get them done professionally.

What do you think is worth the extra money?

Beauty Favorites - December 2015

I've confessed many times, to my love of beauty products. I have some tried and true favorites that I will never give up but I'm always willing to try something new. Our tastes, skin and hair change as we age and finding new products that work for those changes can be key. Here are some of my recent favorite purchases.

Clockwise from top left: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

Mizon Multi Function Formula All in One Snail Repair Cream
Ok, after you stop saying ewww or gross or whatever you're feeling, I will tell you about this amazing product. Last spring, I began reading about the Korean skincare revolution and how it was sweeping the U.S. I started doing research. Most articles recommend a 10 step routine. I'm diligent about my skin but I knew that 10 steps would not happen daily in my world. I decided to pick some key items to try. One of the items that was recommended was an All in One cream. This article called out this cream by Mizon, specifically. By the way, the author is incorrect. Snail mucin is actually, the secretion from the snail (not their guts). The cream is more of a gel and you don't need much. A little goes a long way. Hands down, it's the made more difference in my skin than anything I've ever used. I have tiny bumps (a form a cystic acne) that form on my skin, no matter how much I wash. They never get red but at times, they darken a bit. This cream has eliminated them! It's also faded many of my dark spots and it's a great light weight moisturizer (I apply it morning and night). I'm on my second jar and I don't see it ever leaving my beauty regime. Friends have even asked what I've been using. Which I always take as a great sign.

Nexxus Therappe Rebalancing Shampoo
I was offered this shampoo and the other two Nexxus products to try. I was a bit skeptical because I've tried moisturizing shampoos in the past and they left my hair lifeless and limp. They added too much residue. This shampoo is fantastic! It doesn't add that weight or residue. It leaves my hair clean and shiny. It's highly concentrated, so I only need a small amount. I'm sure I will be buying more when the bottle is finished.

Nexxus Humetress Restoring Conditioner
When you have fine, dry hair, conditioning is like walking a tight rope. You need the conditioner or your hair will look like straw but if you use too much or the wrong kind your hair will look flat and a bit greasy. This conditioner is great. I still can't use too much but when I use it, my hair has body and it's moisturized. It has a thick consistency but it's not too greasy for my fine hair. My hair has bounce and shine. I'm impressed.

Nexxus Humectress Luxe Lightweight Conditioning Mist
You wouldn't think this super light, water like mist would be moisturizing, but it is! I spray it on after I wash my hair, before I blow dry. I also sometimes mist my hair with it in the morning before I curl it. I don't know what little miracles they use to make this mist but it's great. I love that even though it's a leave in, that it's not heavy. I really love that it gives my hair sheen without oil.

BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium 1" Curling Iron
My curling iron died and I went in search of a new one. I had read that BaByliss curling irons were great and curled even the most hard to curl hair. My hair curls but the curl would never last. This model got some great reviews, so I decided to give it a try. My curl now lasts two days! In fact, I love my second day curl even better. It looks like a natural wave and it's perfect. My hair doesn't look fried after I use the iron. In combination with the Nexxus Conditioning Mist, my curls look even better.

Paula Dorf Special Camouflage
A beauty blogger recommended peach/orange concealer for dark circles. Sometimes even my holy grail Cle de Peau concealer doesn't totally cover my dark circles, without being too heavy. I decided to give the peach option a try. You wouldn't believe how hard it is to find peach concealer. I looked at tons of brands and places. Only a few even make that color and the ones that do, were no where to be found. I came upon this Paula Dorf version. It also contains a yellow concealer, which I thought would be great. The yellow is much too dry to be used alone. I mix it with the peach at times or with an eye cream. The peach has a creamy consistency that I like and add to my dark circle cover, when I need extra help.

Maybelline the Blushed Nudes eyeshadow palette
Usually I purchase an eyeshadow palette, loving the concept of combining different colors and end up only using 4 or 5 colors. With the exception or two colors, I use all of the colors in the palette regularly. The colors are neutral and have great color but they aren't too dark. They compliment my fair skin well. I love mixing the pinkish tones with the browns and grays.

Missha M Magic Cushion No. 23
One of the other Korean beauty products that gets rave reviews are their foundation cushion compacts. I'm super picky when it comes to foundation. I can't stand anything that is heavy, greasy or cakey but it has to have good coverage and look natural. It seems that every time I find a foundation I love, it's discontinued. For years I was a fan or Urban Decay foundation but their formulas have completely changed and I don't love their current options. Reviews were great for the Missha cushion. I love it. It gives me great coverage and looks natural. There are only two colors and they are both very fair. If you don't have super fair skin, you will need to look at other brands. The compact is refillable and comes with an applicator sponge.

Those are my current beauty picks. Let me know if you have any questions.

InstaNatural Eye Gel and More - A Review

Each time I try a new InstaNatural product, I wonder why I've only recently discovered this fantastic company and their products. This time I got the opportunity to InstaNatural's Youth Express Eye Gel. In addition, I was also able to try their Youth Express Eye Serum and Advance Action Retinol Moisturizer.

I have been using Youth Express Eye Gel each morning and I've been very happy with the product and results. The cooling feeling is great to depuff my eyes and it has helped to diminish the fine lines around my eyes. I've noticed a slight diminishing of my dark circles. To be fair, my dark circles are chronic, I have yet to find an eye product that lessens them drastically.

I've been using the Retinol Moisturizer every night after washing my face, along with the Youth Express Eye Serum.

All of these products have been fantastic and would be great additions to anyone's beauty regime. Both products can be used morning and evening. I've been using the Youth Express Eye Gel in the morning and the Youth Express Serum in the evening. This has worked really well for me. I used the Retinol Moisturizer both morning and night. I've noticed a evening effect in my skin tone and my skin feels smoother, overall.

I love that InstaNatural's products are made in the USA and are not tested on animals. Their products are also free of alcohols, sulfates or parabens. Being the product junkie that I am, it's wonderful to find a company and products that I feel good about using and they actually work well, if not better than some of the more expensive products I've tried over the years. Their products are available exclusively online either via their website, or on Amazon.com.


Note: I received these products in exchange for my review. The thoughts I've expressed here are my own. In fact, you'll remember that a few weeks ago I published this post about their Argan Oil hair mask and Pure Argan Oil and Vitamin C Serum. I loved the Vitamin C Serum so much (and so did {msL}) that it's empty and I ordered a new bottle.

Makeup - Layering Isn't Just for Clothes

One of the best lessons I've learned, in the many years I've been applying my makeup, layering.  To get the best results you need to layer products.  We are constantly taught to layer clothing but layering makeup products is rarely taught.  All sorts of companies claim that their products are "All in One".  They say, you can save time and you only need this one step.  Well, that's a great pipe dream but I've rarely found one product that does it all.  My eyes are the place I do the most layering, on my lashes and under my eyes.

Layering - Concealer

I have chronic dark circles. I've mentioned them before. The battle to cover them has been raging ever since I started wearing makeup. Sleep helps a little but they are never completely gone.  My sister shares this same struggle and my mom has a hint of them, so I know they're hereditary. I could live without blush, eyeshadow and even lipstick but I can't live without concealer. The first step is a depuffing roller and serum.  I use Garnier. I follow with a rich eye cream, like Physicians Formula Intensive Wrinkle Corrector Eye Cream. Moisturizing is crucial for concealer. Then I add Benefit Lemon Aid on the darkest areas.  It neutralizes the bluish tones.  Then I add Cle de Peau concealer, with a brush. It's my miracle product. It covers better than any concealer I've ever used. It's pricey but a tube lasts me almost a year and it's worth every penny. I follow with a long wearing creamy concealer (like Revlon ColorStay concealer).  Then I finish with a light dusting of powder to set it all. This multilayer combination virtually eliminates my chronic and very dark circles, which is an amazing accomplishment.

Layering - Mascara

Mascara is another layering trick.  I heard this tip from a makeup artist and I never gone back to just one mascara.  A few months ago I started using Physicians Formula Eye Booster Eyeliner + Serum.  I was skeptical that it would really grow my lashes.  I'd tried drugstore serums before but to be honest, I wasn't consistent with use.  I use eyeliner daily and got it on sale.  It gets fantastic reviews.  I have to say, it lives up to the reviews and the hype.  My short stubby lashes really are longer and fuller.  I love this product!  I apply my liner first then I begin layering mascara.  I start with Maybelline Lash Stiletto.  It lengthens my lashes and defines them.  Then I add Cover Girl Lash Blast Volume mascara (or another volume type mascara).  Last I use Clinique Bottom Lash mascara to get the inner and outer corners of my eyes.  I know it's for lower lashes but the tiny brush is perfect for the tight corners of my eyes and my lower lashes too. This layering process gives me thick, long lashes without false lashes or extensions. It works great. I love many of the expensive mascaras but frankly, I've found great economical options at the drugstore that work just as well for me as the pricey brands.  I get three different mascaras for the price of one high end brand.  Clinique is a department store brand but the lower lash mascara is only $10 at Sephora.

Do you layer any of your products?

All About the Eyes

The quotations about eyes are endless.

"The eyes shout what the lips fear to say." - William Henry

"The eyes are the window to the soul." - traditional proverb

"I see my future when I look in your eyes." - KISS

 

For me, if my eyes don't look finished, I don't feel good. Some days that just means concealer and mascara. As many of your know I have been plagued with dark, under eye circles. I also have pale lashes. If I only chose a couple of make up products, after SPF, concealer and mascara would be on the top of my list. But there are other items that I've come to love recently and most days I do the whole eye (eyeshadow, mascara, liner, and concealer). I had to share some of old and new faves.

 

 

 

• Physicians Formula Sexy Booster Volume Mascara - The dense brush makes for long separate lashes. They don't feel clumpy and I love that the tube dispenses just the right amount.

• Cle de Peau Concealer (beige) - This is my holy grail. I could live without anything but this. It's the priciest item a buy but one tube lasts me a year and I use it every day, sometimes more than once a day. It's the only concealer I've ever found that covers my dark circles and I've tried them all. It'd very dense but it covers anything.

• Revlon Colorstay Skinny Eyeliner (black) - The tiny brush is perfect for a barely there line or to do a great cat eye, without ending up with terrible smudges. It stays on all day.

• Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion (anti - aging) - I'm a huge fan of Urban Decay and especially the Eyeshadow Primer. I have oily eyelids and it's the only thing that makes my eyeshadow stay put all day. Without it my eyeshadow is history in a few hours.

• ROC Rentinol Correxion Sensitive Eye Cream - I apply eye cream day and night. This one really works and it's still gentle. It also provides a great base for my concealer.

• Maybelline The NUDES palette - I debated about buying this palette because I didn't love all of the colors. I've surprised myself. I use most of them on a regular basis. Because I love bright lipstick so much, I always lean toward a more neutral eye. It even has a guide on the back that illustrates different shadow combinations.

Most of these products can be found at your local drugstore. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer is available at Ulta and Sephora and Cle de Peau is available at high-end department stores like Nordstrom and Saks.

 

photo credit (back of package) - Nouveau Cheap



Frugal Fashion Friday - Good To the Last Drop

Today's Frugal Fashion Friday is really Frugal Beauty Friday. Isn't your beauty routine part of your overall fashion look? I've told you many times about my obsession with trying new beauty products. I decided this weekend that I need to do a clean out soon. My bathroom is full of partially used products. A purge is in order. There are however, products that I use to the very end. They are my tried and true products that if I run out of them, panic may set in. I have been known to cut a bottle open or scrape out the last bit from a tube.

clockwise from top left - 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9

John Frieda Full Repair Shampoo - My fine hair is dry but because it's so fine, I have to be careful with conditioner. This shampoo has been a lifesaver, it moisturizes my hair without weighing it down, before I even condition.

Wet n' Wild Brow & Eye Liner - I have thin brows. I've tried lots of options but this pencil is my best tool. I lightly run it across my brows so that the hairs pick up the pigment and then smudge it with a small brush. It helps to keep my brows from looking drawn on or cakey. Bonus it comes in four different shades of brown and black and it only costs, 99 cents!

L'Oreal Elnet Satin Hairspray - This is the first hairspray I've ever used that doesn't make my hair feel like a helmet. It brushes out easily for restyling but miraculously it has a strong hold. It rarely goes on sale but you can find $3 off coupons in the paper every few months.

Drugstore Mascara - Right now I'm loving Maybelline Lash Sensational mascara. You may have seen my post on instagram. Frankly, I'm not loyal to one mascara but there is one sure thing, I always grab it at the drugstore. I've tried expensive mascaras but have never found any that are worth the price. My favorites have always come from the drugstore. Plus if you don't like it, take it back! CVS, Duane Reed/Walgreens, and Ulta all have great return policies.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser - This cleanser is gentle and thorough. It will take off stubborn make up but isn't harsh on my sensitive skin. It's also great for your body if you have an irritations or dry patches.

Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick - This lipstick has been called the universal shade and praised by makeup artists for looking great on everyone. I just know it looks good on me, no matter my skin tone (winter or summer). It's been a never fail beauty bag staple since I bought my first tube in the mid 90's.

Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer - If I was only allowed to keep one items in my makeup arsenal, this would be it. I have chronic dark circles and this concealer is my holy grail. Everyone I know says it's way too expensive. For me, it's worth every penny. One tube lasts me almost a year. I only use a tiny bit each day. The coverage is amazing.

Curel Daily Moisture Lotion - My favorite lotion. The scent isn't heavy. It's a great inexpensive moisturizer and it's never greasy. I always have a back up bottle ready.

Clio Kill Black Waterproof Eyeliner - This liner is a new favorite. As you know, a nude eye and black liner are my every day eye staples. It's a classic look that I love. I've tried tons of eyeliners, pencils, gel, and brushes. I like pen liners the most because of their precision. I read about Clio Kill Black a month or so ago. A beauty editor said she can't live without it for her signature cat eye. I tracked it down on Amazon and have used it every day since. My first pen is going strong but I already ordered a second one, to ensure I don't run out.

 

Some of these items may seem on the pricey side. For me, it's worth it to pay a bit more for some items because for me there is no substitute. I know I will use every last drop. It won't be another half used tube in my drawer or a product that I'm tired of using. I believe using a product to the last drop is a frugal trait and economical. I'm sure I've spent thousands over the years on products that I never finished using. In my efforts to streamline my life a little, these tried and true items are rising to the top. I will still look for the latest and greatest but these staples will always be by my side. 

What are your good to the last drop beauty items? 

Happy Friday Real Girls!

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?

Late Summer Beauty Wishes

As a self-professed product junky, I'm always trying out the latest products or products that I haven't tried yet. Maybe it's my ADD or just the fact that I get bored easily.  I'm always looking for the newest thing. Luckily, I'm not like that with {msL}. Seven years and still going strong. Because of this beauty fickleness (is that a word?), I have a constant running list of products I want to try. These are on my current list.

Click photos above for buying information.

From top left...

Urban Decay Naked Basics eyeshadow - My daily eye shadow is very neutral. I pale cream, tan or pink on my lid and brown in the crease.  I may be the only blogger who doesn't own this shadow but when my friend Alison of Wardrobe Oxygen said she was a new fan, I added it to my list. She favors a natural make up look (like I do) with a bold lip.  I'll be trying it out on my next trip to Sephora or Ulta.

Gelous Advance Nail Gel Coat - I've read quite a few reviews on this base/top coat that can give you a gel like manicure at home, without the lengthy removal process. You can use it with any polish.  I've heard tales of it wearing anywhere from one week to two weeks. At only about $6 per bottle (from Sally Beauty) it's worth a try. It will have to be stellar to surpass my love of Revlon ColorStay.

Yes to Grapefruit CC Cream - I'm a big fan of BB and CC creams. They give great moisture to my over 40 skin and nice coverage (in most cases).  Lara of The Glossarie (one of my fave beauty blogs) listed this CC cream on her new drugstore faves. She tests out tons of products and if she is giving it raves, I have to try it.

Murad Instant Radience Eye Cream - Another recommended product from Lara. She had me at "blurs dark circles" and "I don't leave home without it."

Avon Mega Effects Mascara - There has been tons of buzz about this mascara and it's quirky brush. It's gotten some great reviews and I'm dying to try it. Lucky for me my college roomie is an Avon representative! Stay tuned!

If I was Stranded

While watching Survivor the other night (yes I still watch Survivor), I started thinking about my essentials.

My essentials are the five beauty items that if I couldn't have anything else, would be enough. I'm a product junkie. I love to try new products, new colors and new formulas. The thought of only using five products forever, is a bit scary. Double or even triple duty products would be key.

My five are:

• Face lotion with spf 50 - I like Neutrogena Healthy Defense because it's not too thick, chalky and greasy. I wear lotion with spf every day. It can do triple duty as tinted moisturizer (see below) and as a makeup remover. A small amount rubbed in with your fingers and a wet cloth can remove eye makeup.
• Eye cream - Mary Kay Age Fighting Eye Cream is my pick because it sinks in quickly but it rich.
• Concealer  - I can't live without Cle de Peau Beute concealer. I have very dark circles (heredity) and it is the best concealer I've ever used. It's pricey but lasts forever. Thinned with a bit of lotion, it could also be used as a tinted moisturizer.
• Mascara - Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara is lengthens and thickens but isn't clumpy. I could do double duty as eyeliner.
• Tinted lip balm - Mary Kay tinted lip balm has spf 15 and comes it great colors (Blush is shown in the picture below). It could do triple duty as lip, cheek and eye color.

Enter the Swag Bag Giveaway for a chance to win some of these products.