TheMakeupGirl

Steal This: Suave Beauty Stimulus...

Obama is trying to get the new stimulus package pushed through congress to ease the fiancial crisis.  Well how about a stimulus that can help your wallet for your beauty fixes?? 

On January 14, Suave is offering free full size products to Americans with the Suave Beauty Stimulus.  It’s all about injecting some beauty into a dismal economy and to encourage Americans to live beautifully for less – what they are calling Suavenomics (LOVE it hehehe).

The one-day Suave Beauty Stimulus on Jan. 14th is meant to encourage women everywhere not to give up on their beauty - just stop overpaying for it.  You can go to suave.com on the 14th and enter your info for coupon for a FREE full size hair, skin or deodorant product.

Save Pretty!!

Drugtore Diva: CoverGirl Outlast Lipstains...

If you are a regular reader, you KNOW I adore any kind of lip stain.  The best kind to have (in my opinion) are the marker types because you have more control in the way that they are applied.  In the summer (or if you are on vacation somewhere sunny), I usually only wear a lip stain topped with lipgloss and that's it.  When the gloss wears off you still have color on your lips....PLUS waterproof.  Brilliant....

So imagine my shock & awe while I was in CVS the other day and I saw these new lip stains called Cover Girl’s Outlast Lipstain!  They were designed by legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath in 10 jawdropping shades (most of the time you only see 4 at the most even from higher end lines). So I grabbed a couple.  Here are the shades available:

• Everbloom Kiss
• Plum Pout
• Bit of Blossom
• Coy Coral
• Berry Smooch
• Wild Berry Wink
• Teasing Blush
• Flirty Nude
• Sassy Mauve
• Cinnamon Smile

I wore Cinnamon Smile (applied at 10 am) all day yesterday and still had color on after lunch and up to around 4 pm.  Cover Girl’s Outlast Lipstains are available now in  drugstore retailing at around $7.99.

Stain Pretty!!

 

Drugstore Diva: John Frieda Straight Answer..

Okay so last week, it was raining SO MUCH that I thought I would wash away.  In addition, on Friday...it was just misting which is even worse because no matter what I do that means I will look like a chia-pet.  Well not this time dang it!  On Friday, I decided I would try a new product by John Frieda called Straight Answer.  It's a blow-dry spray that you apply when you hair is wet for de-frizzing, and the best part of all??  It's under $7. 

What I noticed the most about it was the fact that it had virtually no crunch factor which I loved!  My hair was soft and actually pretty shiny which is unusual because most blow dry/no frizz sprays dry your hair out (alcohol...).  Now since I had already washed my hair,  I used i on my hair dry.  I just sprayed it section by section and got out the big round brush and blew each section out.

Please believe me when I tell you that my hair was basically smooth all day.  Now since it was windy I didn't escape all of the water/humidity damage but It wasn't for lack of trying or that the product failed.  I am quite confident that if it weren't windy I would have been just fine.  Can't wait to try it out in the summer.  You can pick up John Frieda's Straight Answer at major drugstore retailers nationwide.

Smooth Pretty!!

Drugstore Diva: L'Oreal Vive Pro...

Have you noticed that all of a sudden L'Oreal Vive Pro has a whole mess of shampoos and conditioners out now??  Well I have, and I have managed to try just about all of them.  I love a good bargain just as much as the next girl, especially when they really do the job like a pricey one.  Five different lines to choose from (even one for men!) you are bound to find one that will work for you.

The Rundown:

Hydra Gloss - Dry hair is infused with Omega-Moisture Complex containing Omega 3 & 6, Royal Jelly and Olive Oil, adds advanced moisturizers and essential nutrients to condition hair. (My new fave....)

Nutri Gloss - Mirror shine, cashmere touch.  New Pearl Protein Complex captures and reflects light and softens every strand.

Color Vive - New and improved formulation of Color VIVE uses UV filters and breakthrough anti-oxidant technology to lock in color and keep damage out. Said to protect your color-treated hair longer and protect it from fading.  The specially designed formula deeply moisturizes every strand and gently cleanses without stripping, fading or dulling color. 

Glossy Volume - Fine, limp hair is transformed into lush and voluminous.  Gives you body and glossy shine without weighing down hair. Glossy Volume with Weightless Plumping Complex adds airy volume and glossy shine.

Smooth Intense - Dual action technology keeps moisture in and locks humidity out.  Smooth Intense is for Dry, Frizzy Hair with Medium Texture, it smooths the hair shaft for silky, sleek hair that is nourished and easier to manage.

If you are curious, get out there and try one at under $4.00 for each you can afford to try a few. I am alternating between Hydra Gloss and Smooth Intense at the moment and my hair is shiny and soft.  After I color my hair I will switch to the Color Vive to test that out.

Stay Pretty (and shiny!)

Drugstore Diva: Nivea Kiss of Shine Lip Gloss...

Trolling the aisles of the drugstore is what I do best and on my latest trip, I found a new glossy lippie!  Nivea's A Kiss of Shine...everyone is coming out with lip gloss these days.  This one is shimmery, sheer and contains Vitamin E, Grapeseed Oil and Shea Butter to keep lips soft.

The gloss is shiny, but not sticky and moisturizes really well with just enough color.  I wore Natural over lip liner on Friday and was very pleased with how well it kept my lips moisturized.  This would be perfect for weekends or if you are a no lipstick kinda gal and want a little color and shine without going overboard.  Available at major drugstore retailers nationwide in the coming weeks in Natural, Pink and Red (all three are very nice) this retails for around $4.

Gloss Pretty!!

Drugstore Diva: Alberto VO5 Extreme Style Heat Defense Conditioning Spray...

Greetings from HOTlanta baby!  The weather here is nice...not a cloud in the sky but boy is it humid!!!  This is more humidity than I have seen in a while!  Let me break it down for you...I got off the plane...stepped outside and my hair was almost instantly reduced to that of a chia pet (say it with me...ch ch ch chia!!)  So last night I washed my hair (it was really the only solution y'all) and I brought something that I have has hanging around for a while to use in just such an emergency.

So far, Alberto VO5 Extreme Style Heat Defense Conditioning Spray is my new buddy for humidity.  This baby will not only protect your hair from heat styling, it claims to give you 24 hour frizz control which I plan on putting to the test today.

I really like the trigger spray as it gives you more even distribution of the product than with the other spray bottles (they are always slipping out of my hands!)  It left my hair feeling softer than usual and after I have blow it dry, it is holding it's shape and guess what??  I have already been ouitside and so far, no frizz people which is a big deal for me.  As soon as the air hits my hair, it will rise up in the air NO JOKE.  Normally in this situation, I have to put something heavier on my hair before I even THINK about going outside like a smoothing cream to "hold it down", with this...my hair feels lightweight, soft and dare I say....bouncy! Trust me, my hair NEVER does this in any type of humidity so I am looking forward to see how it reacts as the day goes on.  I will be back with updates!!

VO5 Extreme Style Heat Defense Conditioning Spray is available at major drugstore retailers nationwide and drugstore.com.

Un-Frizz Pretty!!

Drugstore Diva: L'Oreal Skin Genesis...

As you know, I am a huge proponent of skin care.  Especially effective skincare that is affordable (we all can't be running around spending $200 on a jar of cream now can we?)  In recent years, drugstore brands have stepped up their game and began producing products that not only rival the high end department store brands, sometimes they surpass them.

L'Oreal's latest inventions Skin Genesis Oil-Free Moisturizer  - $25.99 &  Skin Genesis Serum Concentrate - $19.99 are definitely receiving high marks from even the most toughest of critics.  I have been using both of these for the past two weeks and for the most part, my skin feels extremely toned .  What I noticed immediately was that both products were absorbed almost immediately by my skin, most facial products sit on top for a while before they gradually sink in.  This was gone in about 20 seconds - HUGE plus.  Also it smelled great, nothing like having something you can't stand right near your nose so chalk up another point.  Now onto the science...

Technological Innovation: Pro - Xylane + Hyaluronic Spheres
L'Oreal Research has developed patented Pro - Xylane™, a superior naturally - derived molecule so small it can penetrate skin's surface layers. Combined with Hyaluronic Spheres, this complex boosts cell activity layer by layer to strengthen skin.

Pro - Xylane™: A Unique Ingredient

• 100% naturally - derived from an environmentally friendly process called "Green Chemistry"
• Bio - assimilable, bio - degradable
• Delivered in an airless pump to protect its purity.

What does that mean??  It is definitley a breakthrough when it comes to innovation in skincare BUT if you are dry in any way shape or form I would use this sparingly.  The serum lists alcohol as it's third ingredient and the moisturizer lists glycerine as it's fourth.  Now this isn't a HUGE deal for me as I tend to be oilier in the summer so this is an excellent summertime regimen for me.  For the price, these are definitely keepers.

L'Oreal's Skin Genesis line can be purchased at Drugstore.com or through major drugstore retailers nationwide.

Stay Pretty!!

Drugstore Diva: Schick Quattro...

Happy Independence Day!!!  I am sitting here in my living room trying to make a list of what I will need for my little trip to ATL in two weeks.  And although I won't be near any water, I still want to have smooth legs, underarms and ahem bikini line.  I have been experimenting with SEVERAL hair removal options over the past month or so and one of them is the new Schick Quattro razor for women.  Now if you are like me, you are thinking 4 blades??  Good god!  Yes I know this is strange for me too and this is the second 4 blade razor I have tested and I see why they are in such high favor.

For years, men have had the advantage of a 4 blade razor (why should we suffer??) so the whole four blade things is a no brainer for me.  Now on to the razor itself...I like that this razor had some weight to it, it's not all plastic-y feeling.  The blades glide along very easily and just to be tough on it, I shaved on a Sunday and shaved again on Tuesday, it got EVERY hair AND I didn't slice up my skin either...FAB.  I would recommend using some kind of shave gel/cream instead of just soap.  The blades do have a little moisture strip but that is pretty much useless (as it is with most razors because it just dried out too fast.)  Overall a VERY nice razor, it feels professional, almost like I am borrowing a boyfriends!  But guess what...this one is pink so it's definitely mine.

Shave Pretty!!

Diamond vs Rhinestone: Covergirl WETslicks Amazemint Lipgloss vs CE Bigelow Mentha Tint Lipshine

Hey ya'll. So I just got the phone with Lianne...(had been waay to long btw) and as we drooled over the latest Sephora catalog and all our "wants" she goes, "Have you the tried the new Covergirl WETslicks Amazemint Lip Gloss?"..I was like, "Um yeah..I've been meaning to post on it..." LOVE, LOVE it!

We both agreed that this yummy minty gloss reminds us of another favorite...CE Bigelow Mentha Tint Lipshine.  Now, granted they are around the same price BUT you have to go to the mall for the Mentha Tint so let's just say the extra gas to get there puts it in the Diamond category, K??? LOL!

Now the cons...Lianne thought that the only difference formulation-wise between the two was that the Amazemint doesn't quite last as long (I think I would agree...)  Pros: CG Wetslicks teamed up with Crest for the mint-flavor and even better, several shades of the 13 colored glosses are specially formulated to make your teeth look whiter (probably blue based shades).  Nice, right???

But the real reason why I love it is because of the packaging.  I love wand glosses and this one is really easy to apply.  ALSO, Just like the Mentha Tint the CG Amazemint is TOTALLY ADDICTIVE so watch out!!!  I've found myself taking it with me IN MY POCKETS so I can re-apply...

Be Beautiful Y'all!

Drugstore Diva: Cover Girl LashBlast Mascara Now In Waterproof Ya'll!

Oh yeah girls...it has arrived. If you didn't get to check out Lianne's review of the ground-breaking formula/brush of this drugstore mascara you need to check it out...she posted before and after pictures that are amazing and really show what this baby can do...(btw Lianne discovered LashBlast before Oprah did..FOLLOWER..hee hee)..I swear if I could just invent one product and get it on her Favorite Things list we would be set!....

So anyways...it isn't often that I actually PREFER a drugstore brand mascara to department store brands but Covergirl's LashBlast Volume Blasting Mascara is the exception - and now it comes in waterproof just in time for summer...

Tip: In the summer use regular mascara on the top lashes and try waterproof mascara on your lower..any easy way to avoid the dreaded raccoon eyed look.....and it isn't such a pain to remove your eye makeup at night!

Of course you can find Covergirl Lashblast just about anywhere and it's under $7 bucks.....

Be Beautiful....