Tag Archives: beauty on a shoestring

Beauty on a Shoestring: Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse

I’ve gushed long and often about my love of Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. But for all its greatness, it does have one fatal flaw: the price. Thanks to a lifetime of dental drama that had another flame-up last year, 2013 may see a record number of “Beauty on a Shoestring” posts as I tighten the belt on my beauty budget.

When my bottle of Luminous Silk dried up late last year, I was forced to find an affordable alternative for a daily foundation. Sad, I know. But this beauty tale has a happy ending. I’m ecstatic to report that I have found an outstanding drugstore brand foundation that has exceeded all my expectations. Let me tell you about Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation. Continue reading →

Beauty on a Shoestring: Boots Expert Sensitive Gentle Smoothing Scrub

Beauty on a Shoestring: Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick, Lipgloss, and Lip Butter

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As I’ve told you before (see Babe on a Budget), my local grocery store, H-E-B, is one of my favorite places to shop for make-up products. Especially, when I want to be adventurous and try new stuff. Lately, I’ve been really into the Revlon ColorBurst lip line-up. Thanks to strategic coupon usage, all three of these products cost me less than $15. TOTAL.

First up is Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick. I had read good things about this lipstick, so I thought I’d give it a try. I first bought the lipsticks in Coral and Fuchsia and later purchased Raspberry. Fuchsia is my favorite. The ColorBurst lipstick comes in a black tube with what I’ve learned is the signature diamond-patterned embossed casing. It’s a very bright … well, fuchsia color. The formula is creamy and smooth with good pigmentation. When I wear it, I get lots of compliments. (I’m telling y’all, bright lipstick is something everyone should try.) This lipstick was selling at H-E-B for $6.48, and at the time there was a $2 off coupon, so it cost me a grand total of $4.48. Continue reading →

Beauty on a Shoestring: Babe on a Budget

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Last Friday, I was a bridesmaid for the first time in my dear friend Katy’s wedding. It was a BEAUTIFUL wedding, and I’m fairly certain we were the hottest bridal party ever.

Jessica Alba Revlon ad

During the course of bridesmaid-hood, fellow bridesmaid Lindsey A. (not to be confused with bridesmaid Lindsey H.) asked if I could help her with her wedding day make-up. Like me, she was on a tight budget and looking to economize. However, since I’d be doing my own hair and make-up, I knew I wouldn’t have time to also do her make-up day of. What I did do was help her plan out a make-up strategy and aid in a make-up shopping extravaganza.

As with any event prep, I told Lindsey to start by pulling make-up looks for inspiration. She tore out various magazine ads, and the one that emerged as the top candidate was this Revlon ad with Jessica Alba. We were all wearing floor-length gowns, so it was totally appropriate to wear a more evening make-up look. Lindsey especially liked the eye make-up in this ad. It was a great choice, because Lindsey has similar skin and hair coloring as Jessica.

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Judicial Review: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer

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Some might recall my dalliance with Almay’s foundation that ended in disappointment. I’m thrilled to report that I have a new love and I think this time it’s the real thing: Neutrogena’s Healthy Skin Enhancer foundation.

When I first saw the color selection I wasn’t going to bother: even their lightest shade looked way too dark for me. But for under $10 what did I really have to lose by trying it? I am SO glad I gave it a chance!

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