Beauty's Best Bets....UNDER $20


When it comes to beauty, the items that treat your skin so well are often not so gentle on your budget.  With summer about to begin, I thought what better time than now to introduce some of beauty's best bets that will give you the look and results you're seeking minus the high price tag.

1} A loofah sponge ~ your skin can take a beating all year round and summer is certainly no exception.  I love to use a soft, cushionsy loofah sponge like this one.  It holds lather so well and really lets you give your skin the all over exfoliation it needs. Use daily!

2} philosophy 3-in-1s ~ I must admit, I'm in love with this brand.  Started by Cristina Carlino as a medi-skincare line, philosophy has blossomed into a world of calming and nurturing fragrance-based lovelies.  Their bath gels serve as body cleansers, bubble baths and shampoos and all three beautifully.  With a seemingly endless array of fragrance choices (from the delicious cinnamon buns seen here to the ultra feminine amazing grace) this brand has it covered.  Lather, rinse, enjoy!

3} Neutrogena sunscreen ~ the spf value and price point on this one are amazing.   For less than twenty dollars, it delivers full UVA/UVB protection via Helioplex and is designed specifically for delicate facial skin.

4} Too Faced waterproof liner ~ what's the point of heading to the beach or pool if you're afraid to take a dip in the water?  This waterproof eyeliner will keep your eyes perfectly lined splash after splash.  I am a big fan of these little inkwell style liners.  They draw with precision and last you several months.  All the more reason to take advantage of this well-priced beauty bargain.

5} Mally mascara ~ As Ms. Roncal loves to state, "This stuff is bullet-proof".  She's not kidding.  Not only does this mascara withstand the rigors of the day, it also lets you effortlessly craft those full, lush, feathery lashes I know I covet.

6} Benefit waterproof pencil liner ~ I love the look of full thick lashes and there's a secret to acquiring them with ease - inner rim liner.  Simply line the inner rim of the upper lashline with a black or dark brown liner to immediately see your lashes come to life.  Since the eyes are so susceptible to tears, I always like to use a waterproof version.  This one by Benefit does not disappoint.

7} MAC eyeshadow ~ It's incredible what a simple swipe of neutral shadow can do for your eyes.  MAC is especially good at providing high pigment colors that blend to natural look while staying put and never melting away.  The price point is fantastic...why not stock up on a few?

8} Laura Geller Shine & Shield with SPF ~ the sun's rays are at their strongest during the summer months. Be sure to protect your lips with an SPF gloss like this pigmented choice from Laura Geller.

9} Josie Maran lip stain marker ~ have you ever noticed how the most precisely applied pout can sometimes disappear before you've even finished enjoying your morning coffee? Try using a lip stain. Josie Maran gets it right using natural ingredients (including her famous argan oil!) to help nourish your lips while providing a long-lasting, natural-looking flush.

10} MAC lip liner ~ on days when you just want a natural, defined look on your lips, try Spice lip liner by MAC. This neutral pencil is creamy while packing staying power and works well on everyone. Swipe on a clear gloss and you're ready to go.

11} Stila custom color blush ~ a gentle sweep of this popping coral will leave you looking sunkissed-pretty. Easy to blend and flattering to multiple skin tones, this is a budget beauty girl's best friend.

12} bareMinerals Mineral Veil ~ if you are fond of your ability to photoshop away those pesky imperfections then this is your real life fix-it tool. Once all your makeup is applied and you're ready to head out the door, do this before you go. Tap, swirl and buff this gorgeous mineral finishing powder over your entire face and watch that soft-focus lens effect take place. One of my must-haves at any price, not to mention just $19.

13} Boscia blotting papers ~ no mirror, no time to reapply, no problem! Blotting papers are the perfect way to mattify shine and refresh your look without skipping a beat. Simply press, pat and go....fresh faced!

14} Evian facial spray ~ nothing feels more refreshing on a hot summer day than a cooling mist. Try this one by Evian. It'll keep you looking and feeling great all day long.

I hope these tips can help to keep you looking beautiful and your wallet a little fuller all summer long. Thanks for reading and enjoy!