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!

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!

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?

Inspiration - Classic Makeup

Although the thought behind this post is wedding related, this one is something that anyone who loves the classic look of black eyeliner and a red lip could use.  My wedding dress is a being custom made for me by my Mom and it's a vintage Vogue pattern from the 1950's.  I don't want to look costumey, like I'm going for a 50's theme but the classic makeup of that time period is beautiful and timeless.  I wear black liner on a regular basis and I also love a bold lip.  Choosing this classic look but in an amped up version means I won't look overly made up but I'll just be a better version of my everyday self.

Over the weekend I caught a replay of the movie Burlesque on TV.  The scene where Christina is singing "Bound To You" is incredibly striking.  The song is beautiful but her look in that scene is stunning.  I love her makeup.  In this movie of over the top costumes and crazy makeup and hair, this scene is a stark contrast.  She looks sultry but also soft and beautiful. For more on my classic and retro inspired wedding makeup, including some great tutorials, read more after the jump.

Beauty Product Overload

Lately I've been feeling a bit stifled by the clutter in my life. I'm not exactly sure why it's hitting me now but it doesn't matter. My wonderful Dad was the king of clutter. He saved everything that could be useful. He was a handyman and used many of those old parts and things to do repairs later.  There were lots of other items that weren't useful and just took up space.  When my parents retired and moved out of the house where I grew up, truck loads of items were purged.  Because I have that "saving" gene, I have to force myself to clean out and purge on a regular basis.  I could start in almost any room but our bathroom drawers of  beauty products, makeup and nail polish are filled to overflowing.  It's nuts.  This weekend I'm going to start purging.

These are just a few of the idea I've collected on my Get Organized! Pinterest board. I could start almost anywhere in the house but because the bathroom is an important part to the start of my day, it's my first choice.  I'm also going to purge items I don't use or haven't used in a long time.  Makeup doesn't last forever and I'm sure that I have lots of products that are long past their expiration date. 

photo credit: her social network - Nicole Moulton

Once makeup is opened and used, it collects bacteria that can be harmful.  I know that I can toss lots of products, using this list as a guide. Deciding to purge has also made me think about the products that I use daily and can't live without.  There are items I use occasionally but when it comes to my daily items, I have my favorites. In November, I did a post about my daily beauty items.  I didn't outline all of them but these are my core. It makes me pause and think about what I really need and what I use regularly. 

It also made me consider hosting a beauty product swap.  I can't be the only one that has products I've only used once or twice but can't stand tossing.  I could come up with some rules and guidelines (things like no eye or lip products and that if opened, the item can't be more than six months old).  It's a thought. I'll have to ask my friends if they'd be interested. 

I'm sure it's a bit cliche to get organized at the start of a new year.  Maybe it is, but I think that anytime you make your life and home a better place, it's a good thing.  Are you planning to do similar thing to improve your quality of life?

My Search for a Good Long Wearing Lipstick

About a year ago I realized that I should start searching for a good long wearing lipstick.  I wanted one that would stand up to our wedding day of eating and drinking and wouldn't leave bright lipstick all over {msL} every time we kissed. I thought I'd have to go with a stain to get what I wanted. Frankly, I've always hated long wearing lipsticks.  I've tried a few but I've either returned them or tossed them.  They didn't live up to their claims, many left my lips feeling tight, flaky and gross.  Very few had no transfer when eating, drinking or kissing. If they did, I had to constantly apply a second step balm or gloss and then my lips got this weird texture as the day went on. My hopes weren't high. I got suggestions from a few friends. I didn't love the ones I tried and most of them didn't have great color choices.  Spending a ton on a high end version didn't seem practical because I didn't think I'd wear it after our wedding day.  About a week ago I saw and pinned this article from Everyday with Rachel Ray.

Everyday with Rachel Ray isn't known for their beauty tips, however, I thought that a group of ladies who are constantly eating and drinking for their jobs might have some insight on lipstick that can stand up to lots of use.  They rated Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede lipstick, their best drugstore lipstick.  I checked out the Revlon color options. I prefer lipstick to a gloss for my wedding day. So I decided to try Revlon over their two other drugstore picks, L'Oreal Paris Colour Caresse Shine Stain and Wet n' Wild Megalast Liquid Lip Color. I'm not a fan of liquid lip color.

I started by scrubbing my lips with a wash cloth to remove any dry skin.  I decided not to use any balm or primer and just put the lipstick on my naked lips.

 

It took about thirty minutes for the lipstick to stop feeling tacky. It was still a little sticky when I pressed my lips together but that went away if I licked my lips. I tested transfer by drinking out of a can.  I was shocked, no transfer!  About an hour and half after applying the lipstick we had lunch.  I had a veggie burger with cheese.  No lipstick on the bun (which has happened before, if I forgot to wipe off my lipstick before eating) and no signs of lipstick on my straw.

This is what my lipstick looked like after eating and drinking.  Not perfect but still pretty impressive. There is some fade but it's presentable. I tried a couple of other tests.

I kissed {msL}on the cheek.  No sign of lipstick anywhere!  This looks promising for our wedding day.

I tried the napkin test.  I pressed pretty hard to see if there was any transfer. I didn't wipe or scrub but pressed.

Nothing!  No lipstick at all.  I couldn't even see a faint trace of color.  Even after a veggie cheese burger! Oil is usually the death of long wear lipsticks.

Color me sold on Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede lipstick!  It's pretty great for one step long wearing lipstick. Below are my pros and cons. I purchased Trendsetter which is a vivid red color. 


PROS

• One step application.
• No flaky or lumpy texture.
• Lasted through eating and drinking.
• No transfer onto a napkin, even after eating.
• No transfer onto my Honey when kissing.
• Can be used with lip liner. I would suggest clear if you want to avoid color transfer.
• Lasted all day with just minor deterioration.

CONS

• Takes about thirty minutes to set.
• Feels smooth and moisturizing going on but dries out like a matte lipstick.
• Dark colors last but I've read that the lighter colors don't last.  I haven't tried any light colors myself.
• Lips feel sticky when pressed together.

I'm going to keep trying long wearing options but I really like Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede lipstick as a possibility for my wedding makeup. Have you tried any long wearing lip colors that you love?

UPDATE:  I tried Muse, which is a bright pink.  It lasted just as well as Trendsetter did.  I've worn both shades to work and they've lasted most of the day.  I'm pretty sure this is going to be my wedding day lipstick.  Thanks Revlon!

Wedding Whirlwind

I can't believe that last Thursday marked the four month mark until our wedding! The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of planning and preparation. On April 13th we'll officially be married and there are so many things that still need to be done.  Everyone keeps telling me to stop worrying so much and that no matter what it will be great.  I know in my heart that just marrying the woman I love will be the best thing ever but the party girl and perfectionist in me is sweating the details.  I want everything to look and be amazing.  Even on our limited budget.  Here are a few of the wedding details that I know I want to include.

A Photo of Our Guests from the Balcony (I'd love one of them facing the camera too.)

Classic Make Up: Black Eye Liner and a Red Lip

Mini Champagne Bottles and Straws

Chinese Take Out Style Favor Boxes

Black Chandelier over the Dance Floor (DIY)

The details for me are very important.  I want those little things to stand out.  It's important to me that our wedding be unique and be totally us.  Hopefully, all of these details will make it memorable for our friends and family.

Halloween Costume Makeup

I'm all for the easy Halloween Costume. I love the ones where you can use clothing that you wear daily and add minor accessories and makeup to create your costume. Several years ago {msL} and I went to a Halloween party as a modern day version of Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf.  It's one of my favorites. The makeup for {msL} took some time, mostly because of the fur and the ears but the outfits were items we already had on hand.  We purchased a cape for me and wolf gloves and ear attachments for {msL}.  I added hair extensions, false eyelashes and red lips. I also wore a leather corset I'd purchased a few years before and laced it with a red ribbon.  We got lots of compliments and the costumes were so easy to wear to the outdoor party.

We aren't attending a party this year but I am really inspired by these fantastic Halloween makeup ideas.

I've linked to all of these great ideas on Pinterest.   I might just have to do my makeup on Halloween night to give away candy to the kids in the neighborhood.

What are you wearing for Halloween this year? 

M is for Makeup and Monday

It's supposed to rain for the entire week here in DC.  I guess I can't complain since we had a beautiful weekend and it's supposed to be beautiful next weekend.  Rain really makes me feel blah so I'm going to try to boost my mood this week with some fun and color.  Today I thought I'd share with you some of my new favorite products.

I've made my love of the (fairly) new Revlon ColorStay Longwear nail enamel well known. It's truly the longest wearing nail polish I have ever found. I love the colors they have. Unfortunately, I'm a bit of a nail polish slut and I need more options than just those provided in this line.  I have however, been using the base and the top coat with all of my nail polish and it helps them all last almost as long as the Revlon Colorstay nail colors.  It's amazing!  Right now CVS is selling this polish for $4.99 and you will get $3 in CVS Extra Care Bucks with your first bottle.  It's like getting the polish for $1.99!  If you can find an in store tear pad coupon then it will cost just 99 cents! If you don't live in the DC area, check your local ad for details.

Since I've been wearing Revlon Photoready Airbrush Mousse Makeup, I've had lots of people ask me about my makeup.  I need a little extra coverage to even my skin tone as I've gotten a little older.  But I hate foundation that feels thick and heavy, especially as the weather gets warmer.  It's so light and still covers amazingly well. It gives my skin a pretty finish and I only use a grape size amount. I apply it with a brush.  I got this amazing foundation through a huge deal, using two coupons and also got ECBs back. 

I've been using the Revlon Photoready foundation with L'Oreal Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer. I don't use it as an all over primer because I like it more as a highlighter.  I put a tiny drop on my finger and blend it on my upper cheek bone and above my brow.  It gives my skin a pretty glow without looking sparkly.
 

From top:  Show Me Some Skin and Jewelry Heist

Jewelry Heist over Show Me Some Skin - LOVE this combo

Back in the winter, Wet 'n Wild came out with a new line of polishes called Spoiled.  They are sold exclusively at CVS for $1.99.  For inexpensive polishes they are good quality and come in an amazing color selection (link to the selection on vampyvarnish.com).  CVS has had quite a few sales recently (Buy Two get One Free and 99 cents each, on different weeks).  I've tried out several colors and I'm loving them for the quality and price. When I apply them along with the Revlon ColorStay base and top coats, they have great staying power. Without Revlon, they tend to last about the same time as the average polish.

Those are just a few of my new favorites.  Which products are you loving right now?

Frugal Fashion Friday - Make It Last

I can't stand for anything to go to waste or for items to fall apart before they should.  Because of this, I employ a few strategies when it comes to my favorite beauty items.  They are all inexpensive ways to make your products go a little further or extend their life.

Makeup Brushes
You don't need to pay a fortune for brush cleaner to increase the life of your brushes and reduce bacteria.  Just use your favorite shampoo.  Place a drop of shampoo on your finger, wet the brush with warm water and gently massage until the water runs clear.  Gently wring as much water as possible from the brush and reshape it.  Dry the brush on it's side but elevate it.  I like to use a folded hand towel.  I fold the towel so it is high enough that the brushes hang off the end and don't touch the counter.  If you dry the brushes standing up with the bristles on top, the water will settle into the handle and metal casing and cause it to deteriorate faster and possibly rust. I usually wash my brushes in the evening and allow them to dry overnight.

Broken Eye Shadow and Blush
It's like some little gremlin lives in my makeup case.  Even if I never drop my case, at some point, my eye shadow or blush will break.  How is that possible?  How does that happen? It's not so tragic when there isn't much left. But sometimes there is a bunch left.  You don't want to trash it.  That's a waste of money.  To salvage those dollars you can turn it into cream blush, highlighter or cream shadow.  I like to use a pill case. They are readily available in every drugstore and discount store and even a local dollar store. I crush the eye shadow into a fine powder and mix it with eye cream.  Just a little at a time until I get the consistency I want.  I do the same with blush but I mix the blush with face cream or lotion. You can apply both with a brush or your finger.You can do the same with your favorite lipstick when it gets to the bottom of the tube. Just mix it with a little petroleum jelly.

I've also heard of a method that uses alcohol to bind the broken eye shadow back together. I've never tried it personally but here is a link to some instructions.

Nail Polish
When I get close to the bottom of my favorite polish and it starts to get thick, I get sad.  Some polish brands last longer than others. But of course it never happens with the polish you don't like because you never use that much. For a few dollars you can purchase a bottle of nail polish thinner.  It will last forever because you only use a few drops at a time.  Put a few drops into the bottle of your favorite polish and mix.  Check the consistency and add a few drops at a time until it is thin enough.  My favorite brand of thinner is sold at Sally Beauty Supply.  it's only $3.99. You can find it on line as well.

Do you have a favorite way to make your products last longer?  Please share it with me.

Happy Friday Real Girls!!!