Tag: budget

Bioré Baking Soda Cleansing Scrub

I’ve been complaining about it here on the regular, but I feel the need to say it again: my skin has been going nuts. I finally found a serum that has cleared up my skin within a week (keep an eye out for a review later this week or next). But I also think the Bioré Baking Soda Cleansing Scrub has been playing its own role.

Bioré has always been a favorite for drugstore beauty – I adore their charcoal collection. So this immediately had my attention. The formula is powder-to-foam (perfect for travel) and works as a deep skin cleanser. The scrub activates with water and turns into a surprisingly luscious foam. It gives skin a solid clean without being harsh and exfoliating without over-scrubbing. Because it is a deeper cleaning, I try to limit use to 2-3 times per week.

Available at Target and Amazon.

Carmex Moisture Plus Lip Balm

I realize Carmex can be a little divisive. But I am more than happy to admit I am a total devotee. I love the classic tub, especially in the cold winter months. But for those who don’t care for the medicinal taste, Carmex’s newest launch could be a perfect solution as the winter months start drying out our pout. And this option is adorably trendy!

Carmex Moisture Plus Lip Balm has new package designs inspired by prints, textures and even Pantone’s official color forecast. All four patterns house an ultra-hydrating formula with a soft vanilla flavor that provides beautiful shine. Plus a bonus dose of SPF 15. The slim stick uses aloe, vitamin E and shea butter to nourish chapped lips and moisturize will still offering a fashionable polish. These would also be adorable for those of you with young daughters – a totally appropriate beauty item for the start of school.

Carmex Moisture Plus is available for $2.49 at Walmart, Walgreens or Dollar General.

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Budget Beauty

Everyone loves a deal. And a beauty steal is even sweeter. Here are some of my favorite budget beauty buys I’ve discovered lately:

Hada Labo Tokyo Ultimate Anti-Aging Facial Mask – Sheet masks are all the rage and this one has a great price if you are ready to dip your toes in. For around $1.50 per mask, the 100% cotton adjustable facial boosts hydration, smooths fine lines and firms skin. The scent is refreshing but not overwhelming. And Hada Labo’s proprietary Super Hyaluronic Acid™ plumps skin and strengthens skin’s natural moisture levels.

Softlips Cube Lip Protectant – While my love of these cubes isn’t new, I did just discover my favorite new scent, Vanilla. This Shea Butter packed formula nourishes my lips and leaves just a bit of shine. And the cozy but still tropical scent is delicious. Bonus points for included SPF 15 protection.

CoverGirl Intensify Me! Liquid Liner – My eyeliner collection is borderline obsessive. It is probably the product I enjoy trying out most – it gives my bigger eyes much needed definition. My former favorites have always skewed luxury, so I was surprised to find my current favorite in the drugstore aisles. This paddle-shaped felt liner in Intense Black is inky, easy to apply and stays on like a champ.

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The Caress Forever Collection

My good friend, Gretchen, has raved about Caress body wash for ages. While I have loved the Caress Emerald Rush Body Wash (which is her favorite) I tend to get distracted by testing other body washes and soaps. But the new launches from Caress have made me sit up and pay attention. By that I mean I need to always have a bottle of Caress in my shower.

The new launch brings romance and fancy to the table. The Caress Forever Collection is the first of its kind with Fragrance Touch Technology. The Caress Fragrance Release Pearls™ releases bursts of perfume with each touch of your skin. Given, it is subtle effect, I love that little note that reemerges upon touch for about 12 hours after my shower.

Floral notes were designed by perfumer, Loc Dong who has close to two decades of experience crafting more than 40 renowned scents for major fashion and fragrances houses.

“Fragrance is emotion brought to Life. The Caress Forever Collection evokes love, passion, sensuality, and elegance.”- Loc Dong

Love Forever
- Top Note: Mandarin Orange and Peach
- Heart Note: Scarlet Red Rose, Peony and Freesia
- Base Note: Sandalwood and Vanilla Musk
Adore Forever
- Top Note: Raspberry and Cassis
- Heart Note: Angel Face Rose and Muguet
- Base Note: Amber, Honey and Vanilla

Available at your local drugstore or at drugstore.com.

Thank you, Caress, for sponsoring this post.

Budget Lip Balms for Winter

I am always reaching for a lip balm, but this time of the year I seemed to constantly have one at arm’s length. No wonder I fly through them in a jiff. So I always appreciate a good value. These three are my three recent favorite budget buys:

Softlips Cube Lip Protectant: My high school favorite reinvented. This little cube houses a dome of pure goodness. I keep Fresh Mint at my blog desk and Pomegranate Blueberry at my desk desk. They are chic but affordable and keep my lips hydrated but not sticky all day long.

Carmex Lip Balm Jar: I haven’t grabbed this classic in years but there was something that was so appealing about this throwback. And it works just as wonderfully as ever. I know the scent is unique, but if can get on board, this really is a workhorse healer for seriously chapped lips.

Burt’s Bees Lip Balm: These formulas are natural and paraben-free and feature nourishing beeswax. I love all the flavors but Vanilla Bean is especially cozy on winter days. And when I need a perk up, I grab Coconut & Pear for a tropical escape. Wild Cheery is actually clear and will please any lover of fruity scents.

Note: Don’t miss Burt’s Bees’ fun event now featuring original songs on Vine and Twitter – share yours with the tag #UnCapFlavor.

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AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Holiday Gifting: Affordable Beauty From FLOWER

I remember hearing about Drew Barrymore’s new makeup line when it first came out. Lucky for me, I had met the makeup artist who Drew worked with developing the line and was able to get info from her about the new products. One thing that resonated was that she truly believed and emphasized that this was luxury level formulas at Wal-Mart prices.

It was almost too good to believe. But low and behold… every product I’ve tried from FLOWER has been just that – luxury, functional, beautiful and effective. And at great prices. Goes without saying their gift lineup makes for perfect holiday gifts for those on your list (even if you are on a budget like me!).

I’ve tried out several of the gift sets and here are my favorites:

FLOWER Brushes: I particularly love the foundation brush, but each is made from soft, man-made hair. The hefty handles are a breeze to use. Offerings include:

Ultimate Powder Brush
Liquid Foundation Brush
Eyeliner Brush
Eye Shadow Brush
Ultimate Lip/Concealer Brush

FLOWER Cosmetic Bags: These new additions come in every size and are styled perfectly for travel. Offerings include:

Small Cosmetic Bag
Double Zip Foldover
Cosmetic Clutch
Train Case

FLOWER Fragrance Collection: This set of three is designed around moods and time of day. I have been wearing Cherished and the powdery musk is perfect for cozy winter days. The three scents:

Cherished (white bottle) – Lemon, Iris, Vanilla, Sandalwood and Musk
Radiant (pink bottle) – Fresh, green, Magnolia and Amber
Sultry (purple bottle) – Pepper, Jasmine, Musk and Patchouli

FLOWER COLOR IN THE LINES Mini Chubby Beauty Set: Drew does chubbies right. These lip and eye versions are self-sharpening and come in wearable and bold shades.

Available at Walmart.com